Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra – BIG Changes, New Features, Price & Release Date (2026)
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The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is shaping up to be the most exciting flagship in years, promising massive changes after the underwhelming S25 Ultra. If you’ve been waiting for a true Ultra comeback, the leaks and rumors around the S26 Ultra suggest Samsung is finally listening to its fans. Here’s a deep dive into the biggest upgrades, new features, price, release date, and everything you need to know about the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Full Specifications (Leaked/Expected)
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED, COE panel, 3000+ nits, 120Hz, ultra-slim bezels |
| Processor (Chipset) | Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 (3nm, 41% faster CPU vs previous gen) |
| RAM | 12GB / 16GB (expected) |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB UFS 4.0 (expected) |
| Rear Cameras | – Main: 200MP, variable aperture – Telephoto: 200MP, 4x optical zoom – Ultra-wide: 12MP (expected) – Laser AF, Super HDR, 8K video recording |
| Front Camera | 12MP punch-hole (under-display not expected yet) |
| S Pen | Built-in, Bluetooth support (rumored to return) |
| Battery | 5,500–6,000mAh silicon carbon battery (rumored) |
| Charging | 65W wired fast charging, 45W wireless charging (expected) |
| Operating System | Android 15 with One UI 8 (expected) |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Armor, Armor Aluminum frame, IP68 water/dust resistant |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C 4.0, NFC, UWB |
| Audio | Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, no 3.5mm jack |
| Biometrics | Ultrasonic in-display fingerprint, Face Unlock |
| Dimensions | To be announced (slimmer bezels, Ultra design) |
| Colors | Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, Burgundy, Green (expected) |
| Price | Starting at $1,299 (expected) |
| Release Date | Early 2026 (expected announcement) |
Notes:
Specs are based on leaks and early information. Final details may change at launch.
Highlighted features: COE display, Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, silicon carbon battery, 65W fast charging, 200MP variable aperture camera, possible return of Bluetooth S Pen.
Why the Galaxy S25 Ultra Disappointed
The Galaxy S25 Ultra, while a solid phone, left many fans and reviewers unimpressed. Rounded corners diluted the Ultra’s iconic look, major upgrades were missing, and the removal of Bluetooth from the S Pen drew criticism. As Chinese brands surged ahead in innovation, Samsung’s “safe” approach made the S25 Ultra feel stagnant.
What’s New in the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
1. Next-Gen COE Display: Brighter, Slimmer, More Efficient
Samsung is introducing a new COE panel for the S26 Ultra. This display is expected to break records with extreme brightness—potentially exceeding 3000 nits—while being more power efficient. Expect even slimmer bezels and a design that brings the Ultra identity back to the forefront. While under-display cameras are still not ready for prime time, the S26 Ultra’s screen will be one of the best on the market.
2. Snapdragon 8 Elite 2: A Massive Performance Leap
The S26 Ultra will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 processor. According to early An22 benchmarks, CPU performance could improve by up to 41% over the previous generation. Built on advanced 3nm architecture, this chip promises blazing speed for gaming, multitasking, and AI features.
3. Silicon Carbon Battery: Bigger Capacity, Longer Life
For the first time, Samsung is adopting silicon carbon battery technology in the S26 Ultra. This innovation allows for larger battery capacities in smaller sizes—rumors suggest up to 6,000mAh. Coupled with improved efficiency and a new 65W fast charging rate (up from 45W), the S26 Ultra could offer the best battery life ever seen in a Samsung flagship.
4. Camera Upgrades: 200MP Telephoto & Variable Aperture
Big changes are coming to the camera system. Instead of two separate zoom lenses, the S26 Ultra may feature a single 200MP telephoto camera with 4x optical zoom, inspired by recent Chinese flagships. The main camera is rumored to bring back variable aperture, offering more control and better image quality in all lighting conditions—an evolution of the tech first seen in the Galaxy S9.
5. S Pen Bluetooth: Will It Return?
After removing Bluetooth from the S Pen in the S25 Ultra, Samsung faced backlash from power users. While leaks suggest the company may bring back Bluetooth functionality in the S26 Ultra, this remains uncertain due to cost considerations. Stay tuned for updates as more information emerges.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs S25 Ultra: What’s Improved?
| Feature | S25 Ultra | S26 Ultra (Leaked) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Rounded corners, bright | COE panel, 3000+ nits, slimmer bezels |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, +41% CPU |
| Battery | 5,000mAh, 45W charging | 6,000mAh (rumored), 65W charging, silicon carbon |
| Camera | Dual zoom, no variable aperture | 200MP telephoto, variable aperture |
| S Pen | No Bluetooth | Bluetooth may return |
Expected Price and Release Date
Samsung is expected to announce the Galaxy S26 Ultra in early 2026, alongside the rest of the S26 series. The starting price is rumored to be $1,299. Before that, keep an eye out for the S25 Edge—a new, ultra-thin model with innovative features.
Final Thoughts
After a few years of playing it safe, Samsung appears ready to reclaim its Ultra crown with the Galaxy S26 Ultra. With a brighter display, next-gen processor, new battery tech, and major camera improvements, this could be the flagship Android fans have been waiting for.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra be released?
Expected announcement is early 2026.
What’s new in the S26 Ultra display?
A COE panel with over 3000 nits brightness and ultra-slim bezels.
Will the S Pen get Bluetooth back?
Leaks suggest it’s possible, but not confirmed.
How much will the S26 Ultra cost?
Rumored starting price is $1,299.
Is the battery better?
Yes, thanks to silicon carbon tech and 65W fast charging.
Ready for the next big thing? The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra could be the game-changer we’ve all been waiting for. Stay tuned for more updates and let us know in the comments what feature you’re most excited about!
Contributor
Nahid Alam, a passionate web developer and tech enthusiast dedicated to simplifying technology for users. As the founder of GadgetRanks.com, he specialize in writing in-depth gadget reviews, expert analysis, and insightful articles on the latest and most useful tech products. His goal is to help users make informed decisions when purchasing gadgets by providing well-researched, professional, and unbiased reviews.
With a strong background in web development and software engineering, He also work as a professional software developer at a leading tech company, where he build modern, high-performance websites for businesses across various industries.
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