Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra specifications leaked via multiple sources this week, revealing significant upgrades that could make the current S25 Ultra obsolete. The successor phone reportedly features faster 60W charging, a redesigned camera system, and major AI improvements that respond to Google's Pixel 10 dominance.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra surfaced on the Federal Communications Commission as models SM-S948B and SM-S948U, according to Notebookcheck. China's CCC certification confirms 60W charging support at 20V/3A, a substantial jump from the S25 Ultra's 45W maximum. Samsung already sells the compatible EP-T6010NBEGWW charger for €52.90, though it likely won't ship with the phone.
For the first time since the Galaxy S22 Ultra, Samsung is redesigning its flagship's visual identity. The S26 Ultra may replace floating camera rings with a cleaner pill-shaped island, aligning it with the Galaxy Fold series design language. Gizmochina reports the phone will measure just 7.9mm thick with rounder corners and a slimmer frame.
Camera upgrades target Samsung's slipping zoom leadership. The S26 Ultra is rumored to feature a camera setup similar to the S25 Ultra, which includes a 200MP main sensor, 50MP periscope telephoto with 5x optical zoom, and a 10MP telephoto with 3x zoom, though some reports suggest the 3x telephoto could be upgraded. VietnamNet's analysis suggests Samsung should upgrade its 3x lens, noting that similar sensors have faced criticism for noisy low-light performance in previous models.
AI capabilities face pressure from Google's Pixel 10, which Tom's Guide calls the best AI phone tested this year. Samsung must respond with features like Google's Pro Res Zoom that enhances photos beyond 30x magnification. The Pixel 10's Ask Photos feature allows complex edits through voice commands, while Auto Best Take uses generative AI to fix group photos.
Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max introduces practical features Samsung should adopt, according to VietnamNet. The 18MP square-sensor selfie camera shoots wide-angle horizontal photos vertically, with AI expanding frames when more people appear. This technology currently exists only on Samsung's Z Flip rear cameras without video call support.
Battery life represents another competitive gap. CNET tests show the iPhone 17 Pro Max achieves the longest battery life among all smartphones, surpassing the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The S26 Ultra's 5,000mAh battery with 60W charging compares to Xiaomi 17 Ultra's rumored 6,000-7,500mAh capacity and 120W HyperCharge.
Display improvements include a 6.9-inch QHD+ AMOLED panel with 120Hz or 144Hz refresh rate, reaching 3,000 nits peak brightness for better outdoor visibility. Samsung reportedly uses next-gen Gorilla Armor glass with improved anti-reflection and a 15% larger vapor chamber for cooling during extended gaming sessions.
Performance comes from Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor globally, with numerous Qi2-compatible accessories confirmed. The Times Bull comparison shows both S26 Ultra and Xiaomi 17 Ultra will use the same chipset, though Xiaomi's larger battery may deliver better sustained performance.
Samsung's design refinements address ergonomic complaints about the S25 Ultra's flat edges. The iPhone 17 Pro Max's soft corners and curved back make it more comfortable despite weighing 231g versus the S25 Ultra's 218g. Samsung could adopt similar design philosophy while keeping the S26 Ultra under 220g.
The Ultra line's identity faces challenges after Samsung removed the 10x optical zoom in 2024 and Bluetooth S Pen support in 2025. Recent models feel too similar to predecessors, lacking standout features that defined earlier Ultra phones as "the most complete feature set."
Samsung's response to Google's AI advantage must include features like Call Screen, which uses Google Assistant to screen calls automatically. The Pixel 10's Voice Translate also uses a voice that sounds exactly like the user with proper inflections, while Samsung's Live Translate uses generic voices.
Industry analysts suggest Samsung needs a bolder design shift similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 transformation. With hardware upgrades appearing iterative, Galaxy AI features become the critical differentiator against Pixel 10 and iPhone 17 Pro Max competition.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to launch in early 2026, potentially making the S25 Ultra a transitional device. Consumers considering Samsung's current flagship may find waiting three months delivers substantially improved charging, cameras, AI, and design.
