Samsung is gearing up for its next major flagship release — the Galaxy S26 Ultra — and if the leaks are to be believed, it’s shaping up to be one of the brand’s most polished and powerful phones yet. From upgraded charging speeds and revamped displays to a major processor shift, the Galaxy S26 lineup looks to bring meaningful refinements rather than just minor yearly tweaks.
Let’s dive deep into everything we know so far about Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 series — including the Ultra, Plus, and possibly the return of the Edge variant.
Key Takeaways
- The S26 Plus is reportedly making a comeback after being skipped last year.
- The S26 Edge may not be canceled but could launch later in 2026.
- Exynos 2600 will likely power the S26 and S26 Plus globally.
- The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 will be exclusive to the S26 Ultra worldwide.
- Expect a more rounded display, refined design, and better color accuracy.
- Charging speeds could reach up to 60 watts — a major step up from the S25.
- Bluetooth 6.1 could debut with the S26 lineup.
The S26 Lineup: Return of the Plus Model
Samsung’s Galaxy S series has been a cornerstone of Android innovation for over a decade, and the S26 lineup appears to continue that legacy. According to multiple leaks, the Galaxy S26 Plus — which was notably absent in 2025 — will return in this generation.
This means Samsung might revert to its traditional three-device structure:
- Galaxy S26 (or S26 Pro)
- Galaxy S26 Plus
- Galaxy S26 Ultra
The potential wildcard is the S26 Edge. Early rumors suggested Samsung might have scrapped the Edge variant altogether, but new insider reports claim it’s still in the pipeline — just not launching alongside the main trio. It might instead debut later in the year, similar to how the S25 Edge followed the main release.
This move makes strategic sense for Samsung. By staggering releases, the company keeps media attention focused on its devices for a longer period. The Edge variant could serve as a stylish, curved-screen alternative aimed at users who prefer sleek aesthetics over the Ultra’s productivity focus.
Performance: Exynos 2600 vs. Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
Samsung’s choice of processor has always been a hot topic among tech fans. In some regions, Galaxy devices come with Samsung’s in-house Exynos chips, while others — especially in the U.S. — get Qualcomm Snapdragon processors.
For the Galaxy S26 lineup, this split will likely continue, but with a new twist. Leaks suggest Samsung could rebrand the base model as the S26 Pro, making the lineup feel more premium across the board.
Here’s what to expect under the hood:
Global Models
- Galaxy S26 Pro and S26 Plus:
This chip is rumored to bring major gains in efficiency, thermal management, and AI processing compared to the Exynos 2400 used in some S25 models.
🇺🇸 U.S. and Select Markets
- Galaxy S26 Ultra:
Early benchmarks of the Gen 5 chip show impressive CPU and GPU scores, with Qualcomm focusing heavily on AI acceleration and power efficiency — perfect for Samsung’s AI-driven photography and multitasking features.
This means global users will finally get the same performance tier in the Ultra model, regardless of where they live — something many Android fans have been requesting for years.
The Exynos 2600, meanwhile, shouldn’t be underestimated. If Samsung’s manufacturing improvements hold true, we could see performance that nearly matches or even rivals Qualcomm’s flagship chip. It’s a big step for Exynos, and it shows Samsung’s continued investment in regaining its reputation for powerful, energy-efficient silicon.
Display and Design: Refinement Over Reinvention
When it comes to design, Samsung is known for subtle evolution rather than drastic overhauls — and that seems to be the case with the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Display Upgrades
The S26 Ultra will reportedly feature an even brighter, more color-accurate display compared to its predecessor. Samsung’s OLED panels already lead the industry in contrast and color vibrancy, but this time, we could see a peak brightness beyond 3,000 nits, making it even easier to use outdoors under direct sunlight.
Slightly Rounded Corners
Leaked images of screen protectors hint at one of the most noticeable design tweaks — the corners of the Ultra’s display will be slightly more rounded. While it’s a small change, it could make the device feel more comfortable to hold and visually softer, especially for users who found the squared edges of the S25 Ultra too sharp.
This new curvature brings the design closer to what we saw with the Galaxy Note series, giving it a more premium and ergonomic feel without losing the boxy identity that defines Samsung’s Ultra line.
Camera Rumors: Subtle but Smart Improvements
Samsung’s camera systems have consistently pushed the boundaries of smartphone photography, and the S26 Ultra will likely continue that tradition — though maybe not in the way you expect.
Earlier rumors suggested Samsung would introduce a larger 3x telephoto sensor, but that now seems unlikely. Sources indicate the company will retain the same 3x telephoto setup from the S25 Ultra.
However, the real upgrade might come from software and AI enhancements rather than new hardware. Samsung’s recent emphasis on Galaxy AI — including features like automatic object recognition, scene optimization, and enhanced night photography — will likely play a huge role in the S26 series.
Expect:
- Better low-light photos thanks to improved noise reduction.
- Smarter zoom processing that sharpens images digitally.
- Enhanced portrait mode edge detection.
- Upgraded video stabilization using AI-powered frame interpolation.
So while the camera hardware might look familiar, the resulting image quality could be significantly better — especially for those who love shooting in challenging lighting conditions.
Charging and Battery: A Big Step Forward
If there’s one area where Samsung users have been asking for improvement, it’s charging speed. Compared to competitors like Xiaomi or OnePlus, Samsung has been relatively conservative. But that might finally change with the S26 Ultra.
Reports suggest the Ultra will support up to 60W PPS (Programmable Power Supply) charging, a huge jump from the current 45W limit. What’s impressive is how Samsung plans to sustain the power curve:
- The phone could start charging at around 55W.
- It may maintain up to 45W until roughly 70% battery.
This means faster overall charging times without compromising battery health — a major improvement for users who want to quickly top up before heading out.
Battery capacity is expected to stay around 5,000 mAh, but with better thermal management and more efficient chips, real-world endurance could improve. Add in Samsung’s adaptive power-saving features, and you’re looking at a phone that can easily last a full day of heavy use.
Connectivity: Enter Bluetooth 6.1
Another exciting development could be the debut of Bluetooth 6.1 — a new standard that’s still in testing but expected to roll out soon.
While it won’t drastically change file transfer speeds, Bluetooth 6.1 brings key benefits such as:
- Lower latency for wireless audio.
- Improved privacy and connection security.
- Better energy efficiency, meaning connected accessories like earbuds and watches will drain less battery.
If Samsung manages to ship the S26 lineup with Bluetooth 6.1, it could become the first smartphone brand to support the standard, putting it ahead of Apple and other Android rivals in wireless tech adoption.
Final Design: What Leaks Reveal
Accessory makers often reveal design details early, and that’s happening again with the S26 Ultra.
Leaked cases from Thinborn and other accessory brands show precise cutouts matching previously leaked CAD renders — including the camera bump layout and button placement. This consistency across multiple sources strongly suggests the final design is locked in.
The Ultra will likely retain its rectangular camera island, housing the signature quad-lens setup. The S Pen slot will remain on the lower left, and the build will continue to use a mix of armor aluminum and Gorilla Glass Armor for improved durability.
Color options haven’t been confirmed yet, but early renders hint at bold shades like Titanium Blue, Sandstone Gold, and Graphite Black — though these might just be placeholders until official launch colors are announced.
Expected Release Date and Launch Details
Samsung typically launches its Galaxy S series in January or February, and that’s likely to remain the same for 2026. Industry insiders expect the Galaxy S26 series to debut in early February 2026, with pre-orders opening shortly after the Unpacked event.
The Galaxy S26 Edge, if it exists, may arrive in mid or late 2026, giving Samsung a chance to extend the lineup’s media coverage.
Final Thoughts
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is shaping up to be a flagship that focuses on refinement and real-world improvements. While it might not revolutionize the smartphone world, it promises a smarter, faster, and more polished experience across the board.
With its upgraded Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, brighter display, faster charging, and AI-boosted photography, the S26 Ultra seems designed for power users who want both performance and reliability.
Meanwhile, the return of the Plus model and the possible Edge reintroduction show Samsung’s renewed focus on giving consumers more choices in size and design.
As the launch window approaches, we can expect more leaks — including official teaser videos, pre-order perks, and real-world camera samples. But one thing is clear: the Galaxy S26 Ultra could easily become one of 2026’s most well-rounded smartphones.