What we know so far
Quick TL;DR (the five most important points)
- The S26 Ultra appears to target a 200MP main sensor and big camera hardware upgrades. (Android Headlines)
- Expected chip options: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (global/favored variant) and a Samsung Exynos variant for some regions.
- Display: QHD+ 6.9″ (Ultra), adaptive 1–120Hz and reported new privacy-focused display features.
- Release window: Samsung’s S-series tradition points to an early-2026 Unpacked launch (Jan–Feb 2026). (PhoneArena)
- Design leaks show flatter frames, larger camera bumps on Ultra, and a possible return to a three-model lineup (Edge, Pro, Ultra, with a Plus also likely). (Tom’s Guide)
Full Specs Summary
- Models: S26 (base), S26 Edge, S26 Pro, S26 Ultra (reports also mention S26 Plus in development). (Tom’s Guide)
- Display (Ultra example): ~6.9″ QHD+ (3120×1440), 1–120Hz adaptive, rumored privacy display features (Auto Privacy).
- Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (likely in many markets) and Samsung Exynos counterpart in selected regions.
- RAM / Storage: 12GB / 16GB LPDDR5X RAM; storage tiers: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB UFS 4.0 (non-expandable for Ultra). (Android Headlines)
- Cameras (Ultra): Main 200MP (wide, large sensor, OIS), 50MP ultrawide, upgraded telephoto module(s) — telephoto details vary between sources.
- Battery: Expect a 5,000mAh class battery for Ultra (leaked ranges vary); charging improvements likely but official numbers unconfirmed.
- OS & software: One UI on Android (latest Android generation at launch), with expanding on-device AI photography/video features rumored. (Geeky Gadgets)
- Dimensions & weight (Ultra leak): ~163.4 x 77.9 x 7.9 mm (camera bump increases thickness to ~12.4 mm); weight ~217.
Design & Hardware notes
- Renders/leaks show a larger, more pronounced camera island (circular lenses) and flatter sides — similar aesthetic to recent Samsung flagships but tweaked for ergonomics. (Android Central)
- Materials: rumors point to premium frame materials for Ultra (titanium frames mentioned as possible for high-end models). (Cinco Días)
Camera & Imaging
- The 200MP sensor on the Ultra (if confirmed) will be a key selling point — larger sensor area + OIS + computational/improved AI processing promises significantly better detail and low-light performance. Multiple outlets highlight camera as S26 Ultra’s marquee upgrade. (Android Headlines)
Performance & AI features
- With Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 or Exynos flagship silicon plus LPDDR5X and UFS4.0 storage, expect top-tier performance for gaming, productivity, and AI workloads (on-device AI enhancements for photography/video editing are widely reported). (Android Headlines)
Release date & pricing expectations
- Release window: Most reliable reporting points to early 2026 (Samsung Unpacked, Jan–Feb historically). Preorders typically follow the reveal. (PhoneArena)
- Pricing: No confirmed retail prices yet; expect flagship pricing in the same ballpark as recent S-series flagships — Ultra will be premium priced. Watch official Samsung channels for exact figures. (Tech Advisor)
Who should consider upgrading?
- Photographers and videographers who want the cutting edge in mobile imaging (if the 200MP sensor and improved telephotos are real). (Android Headlines)
- Power users who need the fastest mobile SoC + lots of RAM and top storage tiers. (Geeky Gadgets)
- Samsung (official site — check at launch for specs and regional models). (bookmark Samsung’s Unpacked/phones page when the announcement lands.)
- In-depth leak rundowns & renders: Android Headlines, PhoneArena, Android Central, Tom’s Guide, TechAdvisor.
Conclusion
Conclusion: The Samsung Galaxy S26 series (especially the Ultra) is shaping up to be a major specs-and-camera refresh: leaked 200MP sensors, flagship silicon, and privacy/display innovations could make it one of the most compelling Android flagships of early 2026. Until Samsung’s official Unpacked announcement, treat these details as strong rumors — but keep an eye on official Samsung channels and the linked tech outlets for confirmations. (Android Headlines)