Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra only hit shelves in January this year, but attention is already shifting to what the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra might bring to the table in 2026. While the official launch is still months away, leaks and early predictions have started painting a picture of Samsung’s next flagship. And if the rumors are true, we’re looking at some bold changes—especially in the camera department.
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Camera
According to tipster God (@Vhsss_God) on X, Samsung is currently testing a Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra prototype that carries just three rear cameras instead of the usual four. That’s a surprising move, especially given the current S25 Ultra’s quad camera setup.
Here’s what the prototype reportedly includes:
- 200-megapixel main camera
- 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera
- 200-megapixel telephoto sensor with 4x optical zoom
If true, this would mean Samsung is ditching both of the telephoto sensors used in the S25 Ultra—one with 3x zoom and another with 5x zoom—in favor of a single powerful telephoto lens. There’s also speculation that Samsung might reintroduce variable aperture on the main sensor, allowing better control over depth and lighting conditions in photos.
This move could simplify the camera array while enhancing performance, especially if the new sensors are supported by stronger AI image processing. Still, longtime Galaxy Ultra fans might miss having multiple zoom lenses for different photography scenarios.
S Pen
Another interesting rumor is that Samsung may bring back Bluetooth support to the S Pen. While the S25 Ultra’s stylus dropped Bluetooth features, the S26 Ultra prototype reportedly includes it again. That could mean a return of remote features like camera shutter control, air gestures, and media playback navigation through the stylus.
It’s a small but meaningful feature that adds a touch of convenience—and reintroducing it could be a crowd-pleaser for Galaxy Note series loyalists who migrated to the Ultra line.
Battery
One of the most exciting leaks is about the battery. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is said to be testing stacked battery technology, a design that allows for more capacity without increasing physical size. Rumours suggest the new battery has already surpassed the 5,500mAh mark, a notable jump from the 5,000mAh unit in the S25 Ultra.
This could lead to longer usage times, better thermal efficiency, and quicker charging cycles. And speaking of charging, Samsung is also tipped to bump up wired charging speeds to 65W across the Galaxy S26 lineup—a long overdue upgrade considering the competition.
Display and UDC
Samsung is reportedly testing an Under Display Camera (UDC) for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. If it makes it into the final product, this would be Samsung’s first “bar-type” smartphone with the tech. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra might also use Colour Filter on Encapsulation (CoE) technology to improve light transmittance and reduce power usage. In other words, better selfies and more efficient screen performance.
The display itself is expected to stay top-notch—think super-bright AMOLED, likely with a 120Hz refresh rate and quad-curved edges, just like the S25 Ultra.
Chipset
While the Ultra variant will likely be powered by Qualcomm’s next-gen Snapdragon flagship processor, the base Galaxy S26 and S26+ models are rumored to ship with Samsung’s in-house Exynos chips.
This mixed chipset strategy is something Samsung has done in the past, though it’s usually not a fan favorite among users who prefer Snapdragon’s consistent performance.
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs S26 Ultra (Expected)
| Feature | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Galaxy S26 Ultra (Leaked) |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Cameras | 200MP + 50MP + 20MP + 50MP | 200MP + 50MP + 200MP (3 total) |
| S Pen | No Bluetooth | Bluetooth-enabled |
| Battery | 5,000mAh | >5,500mAh (stacked tech) |
| Charging | 45W wired | 65W wired |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (expected) |
| UDC Support | No | Under testing |
While it’s still early, the Galaxy S26 Ultra sounds like a bold evolution of Samsung’s top-tier phone. The focus seems to be on streamlining the camera system, extending battery life, and improving display and stylus functionality. With a launch still many months away, we’ll likely hear more leaks soon. But as of now, things are looking promising for Samsung’s 2026 flagship.
FAQs
When will the Galaxy S26 Ultra launch?
It is expected to launch in January 2026, like previous models.
How many rear cameras will the S26 Ultra have?
Leaks suggest it may have three rear cameras instead of four.
Will the S26 Ultra have a better battery?
Yes, it may use stacked tech with over 5,500mAh capacity.
Is Bluetooth returning to the S Pen?
Yes, rumors suggest the S26 Ultra S Pen will support Bluetooth.
Will Galaxy S26 Ultra use UDC?
Samsung is testing Under Display Camera tech for the S26 Ultra.
