Samsung is reportedly preparing a major refresh of its flagship lineup, with the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra emerging as the most feature-packed model in the upcoming S26 series. According to many industry leaks, the South Korean tech giant is changing its launch strategy, upgrading charging speeds, and refining its hardware approach to better compete in the premium smartphone market.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra launch timeline (2026)
Unlike the previous years, the company is expected to move away from its traditional January launch window. Moreover, Tipster Ice Universe and reports from South Korea suggest that the Galaxy S26 series will debut in mid-to-late February 2026. However, the Galaxy Unpacked event is likely around 25 February.
Retail availability is tipped for early March 2026, which would give Samsung additional time to stabilise next-generation chip production and finalise region-specific variants. Below is the list of potential lineups:
- Galaxy S26
- Galaxy S26+
- Galaxy S26 Ultra
Notably, the company is reportedly dropping the Edge variant after weak sales of the Galaxy S25 Edge. Instead of focusing on higher-margin Ultra models, S26 Edge could still arrive later in the year. However, it will not be part of the initial launch.
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Faster charging and battery upgrades
Faster charging is one of the major upgrades tipped for Galaxy S26 Ultra. Moreover, the company has long lagged behind Chinese rivals in this area, as it sticks to 45W charging while competitors offer 100W or more. Now, Samsung is taking a big step in this area. Below are the expected details about this sector of this phone:
- 60W wired fast charging
- Battery capacity between 5,000mAh and 5,200mAh
- Full charge in 35–45 minutes, a major improvement over the 65–70 minutes seen on older Ultra models
Similar to Apple’s MagSafe, Qi2 Magnetic wireless charging is also expected to add convenience for users who depend on docks and accessories.
Performance: Snapdragon and Exynos strategy
Depending on the market reports, the company could offer the S26 series with either Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3nm) or Exynos 2600 (2nm GAA). However, many reports indicate that the device could use Snapdragon throughout the world. Hence, it could address long-standing complaints about regional performance differences.
On the other hand, the Exynos 2600 is still expected to deliver major gains, including a 10-core CPU, a powerful Xclipse GPU, and improved thermal management for sustained performance in hot climates like the UAE.
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Design, display and camera improvements
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is tipped to feature a slimmer 7.9mm profile with more rounded corners for better ergonomics. Moreover, it may sport a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a peak brightness of up to 3,000 nits. Hence, it will be ideal for outdoor visibility in bright Middle Eastern conditions. The following are the expected upgrades in this upcoming smartphone:
- Brighter, slimmer OLED panels
- Improved build quality
- Enhanced camera hardware, with rumours even pointing to a next-gen ultra-high-resolution sensor
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra price expectations
Rising chipset costs and global supply constraints could also push prices higher. Therefore, leaks suggest a global price around $1,300. However, this figure could translate into AED 4774 based on configuration and taxes in the UAE.
Final outlook
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is shaping up to be a refined, performance-focused flagship with faster charging, better thermal management, and a smarter lineup strategy. Moreover, the upgrade could make it one of the most competitive Ultra phones of Samsung yet for 2026. However, the delayed launch might test patience. Still, the delay will ensure a perfect smartphone for you.
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