If current leaks prove accurate, the Galaxy S26 Ultra might be the first in years to move beyond just “stronger specs and higher price” and offer a smartphone with a distinct identity.

Much like Apple’s evolving approach to flagship design, Samsung has grown bolder with each new generation. It began with the redesigned Galaxy S25 Ultra, followed by the well-received Galaxy Z Fold 7, then the polarizing Galaxy S25 Edge. Now, with the Galaxy S26 Ultra on the horizon, fans are being treated to truly meaningful upgrades one after another.

For years, the Ultra line has targeted users who wanted the “best of everything”: top-tier performance, the most advanced camera system, and little else beyond the S Pen. Recently, Samsung added an anti-reflective display coating, but the gap between the Ultra and standard or Plus versions still felt narrow.

That, according to insiders, is about to change.

Core upgrades that finally matter

At its foundation, the Galaxy S26 Ultra retains the usual Ultra-line improvements. But this time, Samsung appears to be pushing further - especially with the camera system, which is rumored to receive a significantly larger aperture.

This change isn’t just technical - it has a major impact on real-world photography, especially in low light.

With a wider aperture, the S26 Ultra’s main camera is expected to capture more light, resulting in brighter, more detailed night photos with reduced noise. Meanwhile, the selfie camera may get a wider field of view to better accommodate group shots.

On the design front, Samsung continues to refine the Ultra’s appearance. The S26 Ultra is said to feature even more rounded edges than the S25 Ultra, which had already moved away from the sharp, boxy look of previous models.

Though this design may resemble the iPhone 17 more closely, it improves comfort in hand. At the same time, a return to the “island-style” rear camera layout accommodates the larger aperture lenses.

Battery and charging: Modest but meaningful gains

Samsung has stubbornly stuck with a 5,000mAh battery for years across its Ultra line - so much so that many believed it would never change.

But the Galaxy S26 Ultra might finally break that tradition. Although the rumored increase to 5,200mAh isn’t huge on paper, it signals that Samsung is listening.

In today’s landscape - where phones demand more power for larger displays, powerful cameras, and advanced AI - even small boosts in battery life are welcome.

Charging is also expected to improve. Leaks suggest that the S26 Ultra could support 60W wired charging and 25W wireless charging - up from 45W and 15W on previous models. This would significantly cut down charging times, an upgrade many users will appreciate.

Features exclusive to the Ultra experience

According to PhoneArena, what really sets the Galaxy S26 Ultra apart isn’t just hardware - but exclusive software and features that won’t be available on other S26 models.

Among the most intriguing are AI-powered features unique to the Ultra. While AI isn’t yet a key buying factor for most users, these new tools could attract tech-savvy customers who crave the latest innovations.

Even for those less interested in AI, the S26 Ultra still brings a long list of standout perks: the S Pen, anti-glare screen, faster charging, larger aperture camera, and ultra-wide selfie lens.

But one feature may stand out above the rest - a smart privacy screen.

A privacy screen built for real-world use

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is rumored to include a display that uses AI to block prying eyes from seeing what's on your screen.

The smart screen protection adjusts dynamically, so while you see content clearly, others nearby will see a blank or blurred screen.

Crucially, this privacy screen isn’t just “on” or “off.” It can be set to activate in specific scenarios - like when using apps that contain sensitive information, such as banking or work communications.

In an era where smartphones store everything from personal messages to financial records, this kind of real-world security upgrade feels less like a gimmick and more like a necessity.

A return to true Ultra identity

At last, the Galaxy S26 Ultra seems ready to live up to its name.

It’s no longer just “a slightly better version” of the standard model. Instead, Samsung appears to be delivering a true Ultra experience - distinct, bold, and full of personality.

That’s the kind of ambition that made Samsung flagships exciting in the first place.

Hai Phong