Samsung is preparing to unveil its next flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, and early leaks suggest the company is continuing its premium early-year launch strategy. The upcoming model is expected to bring refined design changes, upgraded hardware, and deeper Galaxy AI integration. With anticipation building ahead of Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event, several key details about the device’s launch timeline, pricing, specifications, and features have already surfaced.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Expected Launch Date
Samsung is likely to introduce the Galaxy S26 Ultra in late February 2026, with industry leaks pointing toward February 25, 2026, as the expected announcement date. The device will likely launch alongside the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+ models during the Galaxy Unpacked event.
If Samsung follows its usual release pattern, the smartphone may become available for purchase globally by early to mid-March 2026. Some retailer leaks suggest that the device could reach stores around March 11, although official confirmation is still awaited.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Expected Price
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to remain in the ultra-premium smartphone category. According to early pricing leaks, Samsung may remove the entry-level 128GB storage option, shifting the starting price higher.
Expected pricing structure includes:
256GB variant: Around EUR 1,469
512GB variant: Higher pricing tier
1TB variant: Premium option aimed at heavy users and content creators
The increased starting price is likely to reflect improved internal hardware, higher base storage, and advanced AI-powered features designed for long-term usability.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Pre-Order Details
Pre-orders for the Galaxy S26 Ultra are expected to begin one day after the Galaxy Unpacked event, rather than during the keynote. Samsung may also introduce region-wise pre-order availability instead of launching globally at once.
Typical Samsung pre-order benefits may include:
Enhanced trade-in offers for older devices
Complimentary or discounted subscriptions for AI and cloud services
Possible free storage upgrade offers on select variants
However, reports suggest that Samsung’s popular “double storage” promotional offer may not return this year due to increasing component and production costs.
Galaxy Unpacked 2026 Event Highlights
The Galaxy Unpacked event scheduled for February 2026 is expected to showcase multiple new products, including:
Galaxy S26 Ultra
Galaxy S26+
Galaxy S26
Potential new Galaxy Buds
Samsung is expected to highlight its advancements in Galaxy AI, software enhancements, and One UI upgrades during the keynote presentation
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Design Leaks
Leaked 3D renders indicate that Samsung is planning subtle but noticeable design refinements. The Galaxy S26 Ultra may feature a compact camera island, replacing the individually protruding camera lenses seen in previous models.
Other expected design improvements include:
Slightly more rounded corners for improved comfort
Centre-aligned hole-punch display
Slimmer bezels offering a more immersive screen experience
These changes suggest Samsung is focusing on a more polished and ergonomic design while maintaining flagship-level durability and performance.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Expected Specifications
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, which could make it one of the fastest Android smartphones of 2026. The device is also expected to run One UI 8.5, based on the latest Android version, with strong integration of AI-driven features.
Key expected specifications include:
6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display
Peak brightness of up to 2,600 nits
5,000mAh battery with 60W fast charging support
Quad rear camera system led by a 200MP primary sensor
Advanced display privacy features exclusive to the Ultra variant
These upgrades aim to deliver improved performance, enhanced photography capabilities, and better multitasking experiences.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Expected Specifications
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, which could make it one of the fastest Android smartphones of 2026. The device is also expected to run One UI 8.5, based on the latest Android version, with strong integration of AI-driven features.
Key expected specifications include:
6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display
Peak brightness of up to 2,600 nits
5,000mAh battery with 60W fast charging support
Quad rear camera system led by a 200MP primary sensor
Advanced display privacy features exclusive to the Ultra variant
These upgrades aim to deliver improved performance, enhanced photography capabilities, and better multitasking experiences.
Storage Options and Market Positioning
Samsung is expected to eliminate the 128GB storage option, positioning the Galaxy S26 Ultra as a premium and future-ready device. The smartphone will likely offer 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage variants, catering to users who rely heavily on high-resolution photography, video recording, and AI-based applications.
Market Availability and Early Reviews Timeline
Based on Samsung’s previous release patterns, early reviews of the Galaxy S26 Ultra are expected to appear in early March 2026, roughly a week after the Unpacked event. Retail sales may begin shortly after, with reports suggesting Samsung is prioritising production of the Ultra model due to strong consumer demand.
What Galaxy S26 Ultra Means for Samsung in 2026
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to represent Samsung’s next step in premium smartphone innovation. With a refined design, powerful hardware upgrades, and deeper AI integration, the device aims to strengthen Samsung’s leadership in the flagship Android segment. By focusing on storage expansion, camera performance, and intelligent software features, Samsung is positioning the Galaxy S26 Ultra as a central device in its 2026 ecosystem.