Samsung is gearing up to redefine its flagship Galaxy S series with the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra, and it’s already generating buzz. Reports suggest that this premium smartphone will borrow design cues from the ultra-slim Galaxy S25 Edge, promising a sleeker look and feel. If you’re a Samsung fan or just curious about the next big thing in smartphones, here’s everything we know so far about the Galaxy S26 Ultra and its siblings.
A Fresh Look for the Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is set to sport a bold new design, with a larger, more prominent camera module inspired by the Galaxy S25 Edge and Galaxy Z Fold 7. According to a report by 9To5Google, the Ultra will feature a “floating island” camera layout, where three vertically aligned sensors sit on a raised platform, while the remaining two sensors and flash blend seamlessly into the phone’s frame. This aesthetic shift not only elevates the phone’s premium vibe but also aligns with Samsung’s goal to make the Ultra slimmer.
At just 7.9mm thick—down from 8.2mm on the Galaxy S25 Ultra—the S26 Ultra will feel noticeably sleeker in your hand. However, don’t expect major camera hardware upgrades. The focus here is on cosmetics, with the same powerful 200MP primary sensor, 50MP periscope, 50MP ultrawide, and 12MP telephoto lenses as its predecessor, though with a slightly wider aperture for better low-light shots.
Galaxy S26 Series: What’s Changing?
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 lineup is expected to include three models: the Galaxy S26 Pro, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. Interestingly, the base model might be replaced by a “Pro” variant, while the Edge could take over from the traditional “Plus” model. This reshuffling signals Samsung’s intent to shake things up and compete head-on with rivals like Apple’s iPhone 17 series.
The Galaxy S26 Edge is rumored to undergo the most dramatic redesign. Unlike its predecessor, it may feature a horizontal camera bar stretching across the back panel, with a dual-lens setup (200MP primary + 12MP ultrawide) clustered on the left. This design echoes the sleek aesthetic of Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro, making the Edge a standout in the lineup.
Expected Specifications at a Glance
Here’s a quick breakdown of the anticipated specs for the Galaxy S26 series:
| Model | Display | Processor | RAM/Storage | Rear Camera | Battery | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S26 Pro | 6.27-inch, 120Hz | Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 / Exynos 2600 | Up to 12GB/512GB | 50MP + 12MP + 10MP | 4300mAh | 6.7mm |
| Galaxy S26 Edge | 6.7-inch AMOLED, QHD+, 120Hz | Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 | Up to 12GB/512GB | 200MP + 12MP | 4300mAh | 5.5mm (10.8mm at camera bump) |
| Galaxy S26 Ultra | 6.9-inch AMOLED, CoE, 120Hz | Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 | Up to 16GB/1TB | 200MP + 50MP + 50MP + 12MP | 5000mAh | 7.9mm |
Slimmer, Smarter, and Magnetic
Samsung is also jumping on the Qi2 magnetic wireless charging bandwagon, following in the footsteps of Google’s Pixel 10 series. This feature will make wireless charging faster and more convenient, especially for users who love magnetic accessories like wallets or car mounts. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to support 60W wired charging, while the Pro and Edge models will stick to 45W.
The S26 Ultra’s 6.9-inch AMOLED display will feature a Color-on-Emitter (CoE) depolarizer and third-gen anti-reflective glass, ensuring vibrant visuals and reduced glare. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 for Galaxy (or Exynos 2600 in some regions), the series promises top-tier performance, with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage on the Ultra.
How Does It Compare to the Competition?
Samsung’s design overhaul comes at a time when Apple is also refreshing its iPhone 17 lineup. The Galaxy S26 Edge’s horizontal camera bar and slim 5.5mm profile (excluding the camera bump) draw parallels to the iPhone 17 Pro’s sleek aesthetic. Meanwhile, the S26 Ultra’s floating island camera module and premium specs position it as a direct rival to Apple’s top-tier models.
Samsung’s focus on slimmer designs and cosmetic upgrades shows its commitment to staying competitive in the premium smartphone market. While the camera hardware may not see major changes, the refined design and new features like Qi2 charging make the S26 series a compelling upgrade.
Why This Matters for Samsung Fans
For Samsung loyalists, the Galaxy S26 series represents a bold step forward in design and functionality. The slimmer profiles, modern camera layouts, and magnetic charging support make these devices feel fresh and future-ready. Whether you’re eyeing the compact S26 Pro, the stylish S26 Edge, or the powerhouse S26 Ultra, there’s something for everyone in this lineup.
As we await the official launch, early renders from sources like Smartprix are already giving us a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come. Stay tuned for more updates as Samsung prepares to unveil its next flagship series!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the release date for the Samsung Galaxy S26 series?
While Samsung hasn’t confirmed an official release date, the Galaxy S26 series is expected to launch in early 2026, likely around January or February, based on Samsung’s typical schedule.
Will the Galaxy S26 Ultra have a better camera than the S25 Ultra?
The Galaxy S26 Ultra’s camera hardware is largely the same as the S25 Ultra, but it may feature a wider aperture for improved low-light performance. The main upgrade is the redesigned floating island camera module.
Does the Galaxy S26 series support wireless charging?
Yes, all models in the Galaxy S26 series are expected to support Qi2 magnetic wireless charging, making them compatible with magnetic accessories and offering faster wireless charging.
How thin is the Galaxy S26 Edge?
The Galaxy S26 Edge is rumored to be 5.5mm thick, though the camera bump extends to 10.8mm. This makes it one of the slimmest smartphones in Samsung’s lineup.
What processor will the Galaxy S26 series use?
The Galaxy S26 series is expected to use the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 for Galaxy in most regions, with some markets potentially getting the Exynos 2600 (2nm) chipset.