Fresh leaks are painting a clearer picture of Samsung’s upcoming flagship  -  the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

With its launch expected in January or February 2026, the Galaxy S26 series is just around the corner. Over the past few months, a steady stream of leaks has revealed new details, gradually completing the puzzle.

At the heart of the excitement is the Galaxy S26 Ultra  -  the most powerful and premium model in the lineup. It’s rumored to feature a brand-new design, a next-gen processor, and a range of advanced Galaxy AI features that will set it apart from its siblings.

Galaxy S26 Ultra to ship exclusively with Snapdragon chip

According to an FCC-related listing, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will likely feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip across all markets.

This is a significant shift, as the smaller models in the S26 lineup are expected to alternate between Exynos and Snapdragon depending on the region.

Samsung seems to have made a clear decision: the Ultra model  -  the most powerful and expensive  -  will rely solely on Qualcomm silicon.

This could ensure more consistent performance globally and eliminate discrepancies between markets that previously used different chips.

Significant boost in charging speed

Samsung has often lagged behind in the fast-charging race, but the S26 Ultra is finally expected to take a leap forward.

Based on multiple certifications and even a leaked 60W Samsung charger, the upcoming Ultra is rumored to support up to 60W wired charging.

This marks a clear improvement from the 45W limit of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, though it still trails behind Chinese rivals already offering 100W+ solutions.

Still, for Samsung users, this is a welcome change  -  a sign that the company is listening to real-world needs.

Wireless charging could also get a minor but meaningful upgrade, from 15W to 25W, improving daily convenience.

Qi2 wireless charging with built-in magnets

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to fully support the new Qi2 wireless charging standard. This means the device will include built-in magnets, enabling compatibility with a wide range of accessories  -  from power banks and magnetic cases to wireless docks and car mounts.

The previous Galaxy S25 models were only “Qi2-ready” and lacked internal magnets, making the experience feel incomplete. Samsung appears to be addressing that limitation with the S26 Ultra.

Subtle but smart design tweaks

Several S26 Ultra renders have leaked, and design changes now seem highly likely.

Corners are now more rounded, aligning with the aesthetics of the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus  -  a departure from the boxier Ultra designs of the past.

Another notable change is in the camera module. Instead of separate protruding lenses, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is rumored to have a true “camera island,” creating a more cohesive and modern design.

Galaxy AI features exclusive to the Ultra

A recent leak suggests the Galaxy S26 Ultra will come with new and more advanced Galaxy AI features, not found on the regular S26 or S26 Plus.

Even the S25 Ultra may need to wait several months after the S26 Ultra’s release to receive these features via a software update.

While details are scarce, these AI tools likely focus on advanced image processing, productivity, and intelligent assistants  -  further widening the gap between the Ultra and the more modest models.

Smart privacy display rumored

One of the most intriguing leaks hints at a new privacy-focused screen for the S26 Ultra.

The device could include a smart “privacy display” that automatically hides content from prying eyes nearby.

Reportedly, the screen's pixels would adapt to the environment. If AI detects someone trying to peek over the user’s shoulder, the display would blur or conceal the content.

If true, this would eliminate the need for traditional privacy screen protectors, which often reduce brightness and clarity.

Satellite connectivity expansion

A 3C certification for the Chinese version of the S26 Ultra confirms support for direct satellite communication.

In fact, the Galaxy S25 Ultra already had basic satellite messaging and emergency features. These capabilities are expected to return  -  and possibly expand  -  with the S26 Ultra.

As satellite features become increasingly important for safety and off-grid use, this enhancement will benefit users who often travel or work in remote areas.

Larger f/1.4 aperture for main camera

On the camera front, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is said to retain the 200MP ISOCELL HP2 sensor for its primary lens.

However, a key upgrade lies in the aperture, which may be bumped up to f/1.4.

A larger aperture allows more light intake, improving low-light photography and producing a more natural bokeh effect with shallower depth of field.

This will be especially valuable for users who prioritize photography in a premium smartphone.

When will the Galaxy S26 Ultra be released?

Unlike previous years, Samsung is expected to delay the Galaxy S26 series launch. This could be due to last-minute changes in the product roadmap.

Current sources suggest the S26 series  -  including the Ultra model  -  will be unveiled in February 2026, instead of the traditional January window.

If true, it would be a small but meaningful shift, heightening anticipation among global tech enthusiasts.

Hai Phong