The Galaxy S26 Ultra, along with two smaller variants in the S26 series, is expected to launch in the coming months. Buzz surrounding this heavyweight flagship continues to grow as new details emerge.

A recently leaked certification document has confirmed satellite connectivity for at least one version of the Galaxy S26. It also lends further credibility to one of the hottest rumors: the Ultra model’s enhanced fast-charging capabilities.

Clears two major certifications

Bearing model number SM-9480, the Galaxy S26 Ultra has officially passed the China Compulsory Certification (CCC) standard. This certification, required for the Chinese market, indicates that Samsung’s 2026 flagship will support direct satellite communication - at least in its domestic Chinese version.

This feature allows users to send messages or share locations with rescue teams even without cellular signals. While the documents don’t confirm whether voice calls via satellite will be supported, the Galaxy S25 Ultra previously offered satellite text messaging. This strongly suggests that the feature will return - at least in some markets.

More notably, the 3C certification confirms that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will support 60W wired fast charging. Rumors about Samsung increasing its charging speed have circulated for months, with even subtle hints dropped by the company during recent events. This latest certification virtually confirms the upgrade.

The documents also reveal a 5,000mAh battery - dashing hopes for a bigger power cell in this year’s Ultra model.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra’s hardware picture is becoming clearer

Alongside the 3C filing, the S26 Ultra also passed FCC certification in the U.S. According to the report, the device will run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip for both global and U.S. markets, continuing Samsung’s tradition of using Snapdragon in its Ultra models.

Meanwhile, PhoneArena reports that the standard Galaxy S26 and S26+ may use the Exynos 2600 chip in select markets, including Samsung’s home country of South Korea.

Beyond hardware, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is rumored to feature a brand-new design. Samsung is said to be unifying the design language across all three S26 models, opting for more rounded corners and an island-style camera module, replacing the individually raised lenses seen on previous models.

The new design has sparked mixed reactions. Some users worry that the S26 Ultra may resemble the more budget-friendly Galaxy A series, diminishing its premium look. Others support the shift, saying a unified design will make the Galaxy S line easier to identify at a glance.

Launch delayed, but upgrades aplenty

Reports suggest that the Galaxy S26 lineup might launch later than usual due to strategic changes within Samsung, with a likely unveiling in February. The flagship trio will go head-to-head with Apple’s iPhone 17 series, released in September.

In addition to the new design, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to support the Qi 2 wireless charging standard - similar to Apple’s MagSafe - enabling broader compatibility with magnetic accessories. Another potential addition is a “privacy display,” a screen that narrows the viewing angle to prevent onlookers from reading over your shoulder.

Overall, the sentiment around the Galaxy S26 Ultra remains mixed. On one hand, fans had hoped for more powerful upgrades - especially a larger battery, which remains a long-standing limitation.

On the other hand, Samsung still offers several noteworthy improvements: faster charging, the new Qi 2 standard with an expanded accessory ecosystem, and a refreshed, if divisive, design. While not every change may thrill die-hard users, the S26 Ultra is shaping up to be intriguing enough to keep tech enthusiasts watching closely.

In just a few months, the answers will be revealed as Samsung reenters the flagship battle with one of the most powerful Android phones in the world.

Hai Phong