What Is the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to be the top model in Samsung’s S26 series. It’s the next big phone from Samsung, arriving in January 2026, or possibly late December 2025 . This model will be packed with high-end features, built for people who want the best in performance, cameras, and screen quality.
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When Will It Be Released?
Samsung tends to launch its Ultra models in January and release them in February . There is also talk of a late December 2025 release to compete with Apple’s holiday sales . A leaked listing from India hinted at a January 17, 2026 launch .
Expected Price
The S26 Ultra will likely start around $1,299 for the 256 GB version, matching past Ultra pricing . Higher storage options—512 GB and 1 TB—may cost around $1,419 and $1,659, respectively.
Display & Design Upgrades
- 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a super-smooth 165 Hz refresh rate .
- Peak brightness reaching up to 3,000 nits, making it bright even in sunlight .
- A new anti-reflective layer inside the display to reduce glare and improve colors .
- It may also come with a smaller camera bump, using a new inkjet printing process on lenses .
Battery & Charging
- The S26 Ultra could pack a 5,000 mAh battery, with some rumors suggesting up to 5,400 mAh.
- Charging could be 45W wired and possibly 50W wireless Qi 2.2 .
- Samsung may drop the S Pen silo to make room for a bigger battery and better charging tech .
Processor & Memory
- Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chip in most regions, built on 3 nm tech.
- In some areas, Samsung will use its own Exynos 2600 chip.
- RAM is expected to be 12 GB, maybe even 16 GB for top models.
Advanced Camera System
- A 200 MP main sensor, likely the same as S25, but with improved optics.
- Ultra-wide 50 MP, periscope 5× 50 MP, and telephoto 3× 10 MP lenses to complete a powerful quad camera .
- A possible variable aperture main lens to help in low light and reduce the need for extra telephoto sensors .
- There are rumors the phone may drop one camera sensor to make space for battery .
Will It Still Have S Pen?
Samsung might still bundle the pen, but it wouldn’t tuck inside the phone. This design change could allow a thinner phone and more internal space.
Conversely, some leaks hint there could be a new S Pen design that works without a digitizer, freeing up room inside the chassis.
AI & One UI 8 Software
- Ships with One UI 8, based on Android 16 .
- One UI 8 brings full integration with Galaxy AI, offering features like language translation, image editing, and smart text tools.
- The ProVisual Engine from S24-S25 will likely return—offering fast AI photo processing.
- Samsung promises 7 years of software updates, so S26 Ultra users get support until around 2033.
Why You Should Wait for It
FeatureBenefitBig, bright screenIdeal for gaming and videoLong battery & fast chargingLess time charging, more time usingPowerful chipSmooth multitasking, gaming, AI tasksCamera upgradesHigh-quality shots in different lightAI softwareSmart editing, translation, privacyLong software supportUpdates for years to come
If you’re looking for a top-tier phone with all the latest features, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is worth the wait.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra aims to be a true flagship: a massive, bright screen; powerful performance; long battery life; smart AI; and advanced cameras. If you’re after a top-tier mobile device that lasts for years and delivers top performance, this phone is an excellent choice—just hold out until its January 2026 release.