Excitement is building for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, with leaks revealing cutting-edge AI features, camera enhancements, and a projected starting price of $1,299 for the 256GB base model, as reported by Times Now. Expected to launch in January 2026, the flagship promises significant upgrades, though uncertainty surrounds the broader Galaxy S26 lineup, including the potential discontinuation of the Plus model, per NotebookCheck.net. These details, shared by tipsters like PandaFlashPro and UniverseIce, highlight Samsung’s focus on AI-driven innovation and refined design for U.S. consumers.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra will feature a 6.9-inch QHD+ AMOLED display with slimmer bezels, boosting the screen-to-body ratio for a more immersive viewing experience, according to SamMobile. It incorporates COE depolarizer technology and third-generation anti-reflective glass for better visibility in sunlight. The device retains a non-Bluetooth S Pen and a titanium frame, slimmed to under 8mm and lighter than the S25 Ultra’s 8.2mm, per Android Central. A 1.2x larger vapor cooling chamber enhances thermal performance for gaming and multitasking, as noted by India Today.
The camera system is a standout, with a 200MP ISOCELL HP2 sensor featuring an upgraded lens for superior low-light performance, paired with a 50MP ultra-wide, a 50MP 5x periscope, and a 12MP 3x telephoto lens, up from 10MP, per GSMArena.com. A laser autofocus system improves focusing speed, and the ProVisual Engine enhances AI-powered photography, supporting 4K120 slow-motion and 8K30 video recording. “The larger aperture will significantly improve dim light quality,” said UniverseIce on X, marking it as the biggest camera upgrade since the S20 Ultra.
Performance-wise, the device will likely feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 chipset globally, with no Exynos variant, offering a “For Galaxy” overclock for enhanced AI and multitasking, per PhoneArena. It includes 16GB RAM across all models, with storage options up to 1TB. The 5,000mAh battery supports 60W fast charging, up from 45W, reducing charge time to about 15 minutes for 50%, per SammyFans.
Key leaked features include:
- AI Enhancements: ProVisual Engine for advanced photo processing.
- Camera Upgrades: 200MP main sensor, 12MP 3x telephoto, laser autofocus.
- Pricing: Starts at $1,299 for 256GB, with trade-in deals up to $900.
While the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s specs and $1,299 price point signal a premium offering, rumors of an S26 Edge replacing the Plus model add uncertainty, per SamMobile. As Samsung gears up for its 2026 Unpacked event, these leaks showcase a flagship designed to lead the smartphone market with AI and performance innovations.
Sources: NotebookCheck.net, PhoneArena, SamMobile, India Today, Android Central, GSMArena.com, Times Now, SammyFans, X posts
