The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is stealing the spotlight this February 2026. With Galaxy Unpacked set for February 25 (likely in San Francisco, sales starting early March), leaks have poured in—official renders, spec confirmations, and even promotional posters. Samsung is teasing massive camera improvements, slimmer design, and advanced AI, but some fans are disappointed on battery and charging fronts.
If you’re eyeing a premium Android flagship (especially in India where pricing and availability matter), here’s the complete lowdown on the Galaxy S26 Ultra based on the most reliable leaks as of early February 2026.
Design & Build: Slimmer, Rounder, More Premium Feel
Samsung is refining the formula without a full redesign. Key changes:
- Slimmer profile: 7.9mm thick (down from 8.2mm on S25 Ultra)
- Lighter weight: 214 grams (4g less than predecessor)
- Rounder corners for better grip and modern look
- Flat 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display (1-120Hz adaptive refresh, up to 2600 nits peak brightness)
- New “Privacy Display” feature: Limits viewing angles to hide content from side peepers—great for public use
- Camera island: Unified module (no individual lens rings), slightly more protruding due to thinner body
- Colors: Black, Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue, White (more exclusive online options rumored)
- S Pen included: Full support for productivity and notes
The build feels more pocket-friendly and premium. No titanium frame mentioned—likely aluminum with Gorilla Glass.
Camera: Major Upgrades in Zoom & Low-Light
Samsung is heavily teasing “enhanced zoom and low-light video.” The Ultra’s quad setup leads the pack:
- Main: 200MP sensor (f/1.4 aperture—better light intake than before for superior night shots)
- Ultrawide: 50MP (upgraded from previous gens)
- Telephoto: 10MP 3x optical + 50MP periscope 5x optical (IMX854 sensor)
- Front: 12MP
Expect AI boosts like EdgeFusion (one-second AI image generation), better Nightography, and pro-level video. Leaks show zoom demos far beyond 10x with AI enhancements. If photography is your priority, this could dethrone current kings.
Performance & Software: Snapdragon Power + AI Focus
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (global; Exynos 2600 possible in some regions like India—performance should be close)
- RAM/Storage: Starts at 12GB RAM + 256GB (up to 1TB options)
- Software: Android 16 out-of-the-box with One UI 8.5
- Galaxy AI upgrades: Advanced agents, on-device processing, photo editing, and new features like quick AI image creation
This chip promises flagship-level speed, gaming, and efficiency—perfect for heavy multitasking and AI tasks.
Battery & Charging: Mixed Bag
- Battery: 5000mAh (no increase—disappointing for many expecting bigger)
- Wired: 60W (faster than before)
- Wireless: Up to 25W Qi2 support, but no built-in magnets (magnetic alignment via optional cases only—Samsung sticks with reverse Wireless Power Share)
Battery life should still be solid thanks to efficient chip and optimizations, but don’t expect revolutionary endurance.
Price & Availability in India (Expected)
- Global starting: Around $1299 (256GB)
- India expected: ₹1,20,000–₹1,35,000+ for base Ultra (depending on storage/variant)
- Launch: February 25 announcement; India sales likely early March via Samsung.com, Amazon, Flipkart, offline stores
Samsung often offers strong launch deals, trade-ins, and bank offers in India—watch for those.
Why the Galaxy S26 Ultra Matters in 2026
This isn’t a revolutionary jump, but refinements make it compelling: better cameras, slimmer design, privacy features, and top-tier AI/software support (7+ years promised). It competes hard against iPhone 17 series rumors and Pixel flagships.
If you’re upgrading from S23/S24 or want the best Android camera + S Pen, wait for February 25. But if battery size is key, mid-rangers like iQOO 15R (with bigger cells) might tempt.
What do you think—excited for the S26 Ultra, or waiting for something else? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe for hands-on previews, comparisons (S26 Ultra vs Pixel 10a, vs Vivo V70), and live Unpacked coverage!
