Anticipation is building for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, which is widely expected to launch globally early next year as the tech giant’s next premium smartphone. Recent findings in Samsung’s upcoming Android 16-based One UI 8.5 update code hint at an exciting new “Private Display” feature. Furthermore, new leaks have emerged, detailing key specifications that suggest the phone will boast superior thermal management and a lighter, more refined design compared to its predecessor. One tipster even indicated the device could support rapid 60W wired fast charging.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Expected Specifications and Features
Independent tech commentator Jason C. recently revealed several key specifications for the rumored Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. The device is expected to feature a stunning 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, promised to be both brighter and more power-efficient. Powering this futuristic phone will likely be the formidable Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset across most global markets, with certain regions potentially receiving an Exynos 2600 SoC variant.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
What to expect: Updated September 28th• 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED display with brighter, more efficient panel
• 200 MP main camera, upgraded aperture; 50 MP 5× telephoto + 50 MP ultra-wide
• Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (or Exynos 2600 regionally), ~16 GB…
Software-wise, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is anticipated to launch with Android 16, topped with Samsung’s One UI 8.5. Excitingly, Samsung might extend its commitment to software longevity, possibly offering seven years of major OS upgrades. Storage and memory are also expected to be generous, with rumors pointing to 16GB of RAM as standard and up to 1TB of internal storage.
Photography enthusiasts will be thrilled by the rumored camera setup. The phone is expected to boast a powerful 200-megapixel primary camera with an enhanced aperture. This would be complemented by a 50-megapixel 5x telephoto lens for impressive zoom capabilities and a 50-megapixel ultrawide-angle sensor, perfect for capturing expansive landscapes.
A robust 5,000mAh battery is expected to power the device, supporting both 60W wired and 15W wireless fast charging, leveraging the new Qi 2 standard. Beyond power, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is rumored to be remarkably sleek, measuring just 7.9mm thick, and will feature a lighter build, improved thermal management for sustained performance, and a more durable frame.
As the anticipated successor to this year’s Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, the S26 Ultra has already made waves with its appearance in early One UI 8.5 code. This leak revealed potential support for “Private Display” and “Privacy Display” features, hinting at enhanced user privacy. Furthermore, the handset is rumored to support 60W wired fast charging, a significant upgrade from the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 45W. However, it’s worth noting that a listing on China’s 3C certification website previously indicated a 45W wired fast charging capability, creating some debate around this particular specification.