Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra will launch in February 2026 with a redesigned camera module and faster charging, according to multiple industry leaks. The flagship smartphone shifts from Samsung's traditional January launch window to late February, with retail availability expected in March.
Reports from multiple sources including Yonhap News Agency indicate Samsung will hold its next Galaxy Unpacked event around February 25 in San Jose, California. This represents a strategic delay from the company's recent January launches, reportedly to accommodate 2nm chipset production and regional hardware preparation.
The S26 Ultra undergoes significant design changes, according to supply chain leaks. Samsung replaces individual floating camera rings with a unified pill-shaped housing similar to its foldable devices. Rounded corners replace sharp edges for improved ergonomics, while the device reportedly thins to approximately 7.9mm.
Display specifications show a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness reaching 3,000 nits. The S26 Plus may match this screen size, increasing from 6.7 to 6.9 inches according to Tech Informer leaks, while the base S26 grows from 6.2 to 6.3 inches.
Processor strategy diverges across the lineup. FCC filings indicate the S26 Ultra will use Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset globally, according to certification documents. The S26 and S26 Plus will employ either Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 or Samsung's Exynos 2600 depending on region, with the Exynos 2600 marking Samsung's first 2nm smartphone processor.
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Camera hardware receives substantial upgrades. The S26 Ultra retains its 200MP main sensor but may feature a wider f/1.4 aperture for improved low-light performance. It pairs with a 50MP ultra-wide lens, 50MP periscope telephoto offering 5x optical zoom, and a new 12MP 3x telephoto lens. The S26 and S26 Plus may upgrade from 10MP to 12MP 3x telephoto sensors, according to some leaks, though other reports suggest the 10MP sensor could be retained.
Charging speeds increase significantly. The S26 Ultra jumps from 45W to 60W wired fast charging while maintaining its 5,000mAh battery capacity. All models gain Qi2 magnetic wireless charging compatibility, matching Apple's MagSafe functionality. The S26 and S26 Plus retain 4,300mAh and 4,900mAh batteries respectively with 25W wireless charging.
Pricing remains in the premium segment with modest increases expected. The S26 Ultra is expected to start around $1,300 globally, with Indian pricing reportedly beginning around ₹1,59,999 for the 12GB/256GB variant, according to industry reports. Samsung maintains price stability despite component cost pressures, according to Bloomberg analysis of the company's high-end market strategy.
The S26 lineup simplifies after Samsung cancelled the Edge model due to disappointing S25 Edge sales. The company also dropped plans for a Pro variant amid concerns about price competitiveness against Apple's iPhone 17. This leaves the standard three-model structure: S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra.
Software features include One UI 8.5 based on Android 16 with enhanced Galaxy AI 2.0 capabilities. On-device AI processing addresses privacy concerns while predictive "Now nudges" and improved text-to-image editing tools debut. The S26 Ultra retains built-in S Pen support within its titanium frame, which maintains IP68 water and dust resistance.
Production reportedly began earlier this year to prevent shortages, with Indian metropolitan markets prioritized for initial availability. The delayed launch timeline allows Samsung to refine its chip strategy and hardware arrangements as competition intensifies in the premium smartphone segment.
Industry analysts note Samsung's focus shifts from radical redesigns to incremental improvements in camera performance, display quality, battery efficiency, and AI integration. The company prioritizes reliability and long-term software support as key differentiators against Apple and Chinese manufacturers in the high-end market.
