10 Must-Know Features, Specs, Release Date, Price and Upgrades

Samsung Electronics is set to reveal its latest flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, at its Galaxy Unpacked event on February 25, 2026, in San Francisco, as the company doubles down on artificial intelligence enhancements while delivering incremental hardware improvements amid industry-wide component cost pressures.

The premium device, expected to hit shelves in early March, builds on the Galaxy S25 Ultra with refinements in design, performance and privacy-focused features. Leaks and official teasers point to a focus on practical upgrades rather than revolutionary changes, with Samsung emphasizing seamless Galaxy AI integration to “simplify everyday interactions” and make intelligence “truly personal and adaptive,” according to the company’s event invitation.

Here are 10 essential things to know about the Galaxy S26 Ultra based on the latest reports and confirmed details:

1. Launch Timeline and Availability Samsung has officially scheduled the Galaxy Unpacked event for February 25, 2026, with pre-orders likely starting shortly after and general availability around March 11. The event will stream live on Samsung’s website, Newsroom and YouTube channels starting at 10 a.m. PT.
2. Sleeker, More Pocketable Design The device measures approximately 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm and weighs around 214 grams, making it thinner (down from 8.2 mm) and slightly lighter than its predecessor. It retains the S Pen stylus for productivity, with a refined camera island layout and smoother curves for better ergonomics.
3. Advanced Display with Privacy Mode A 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED panel offers peak brightness up to 2,600 nits and a 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Samsung has teased a new “Privacy Display” or “Zero-Peeking Privacy” feature in promotional videos, using pixel-level control (likely Flex Magic Pixel technology) to restrict viewing angles and prevent shoulder-surfing on public transport or in crowds.
4. Flagship Processor for All Markets The Galaxy S26 Ultra will exclusively use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset globally, a 3nm processor promising better efficiency and AI performance. This avoids regional Exynos variants seen in lower-tier models, delivering consistent top-tier speeds.
5. Camera System Refinements The rear setup includes a 200-megapixel main sensor (potentially with a wider f/1.4 aperture for improved low-light performance), a 50-megapixel ultrawide, a 10-megapixel 3x telephoto and a 50-megapixel 5x periscope telephoto. A Sony-made sensor may replace Samsung’s ISOCELL in the main camera for enhanced quality. The 12-megapixel front camera gains a wider field of view but no major resolution bump.
6. Battery and Charging Upgrades It sticks with a 5,000 mAh battery — the same capacity for seven generations — but benefits from the efficient chipset and power-saving display for better endurance. Wired charging jumps to 60W (from 45W or 50W), enabling faster top-ups, such as 0-75% in under 30 minutes. Wireless charging may add Qi2 magnetic support in some configurations.
7. Memory and Storage Options Configurations include up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM (12GB standard in most markets) and storage variants from 256GB to 1TB using UFS 4.0 or newer. No microSD expansion is expected.
8. Software and AI Focus The phone launches with Android 16 and One UI 8.5, promising up to seven major OS upgrades. Galaxy AI receives deeper integration, with on-device “agentic” features to reduce reliance on cloud processing, combat AI fatigue and boost user trust through more adaptive, privacy-centric tools.
9. Pricing Strategy Amid Cost Pressures U.S. pricing is expected to start around the previous generation’s level (approximately $1,299 for base models), though European prices may rise to €1,469 due to memory chip shortages and tariffs. Pre-order perks include trade-in savings up to $900 and registration credits, though some offers appear reduced compared to prior years.
10. Additional Standout Features The device incorporates Gorilla Glass Armor 2 for durability, new color options like cobalt violet and sky blue, and potential satellite connectivity enhancements. It avoids built-in magnets in some leaks, but overall prioritizes reliability over experimental risks.

Samsung’s approach with the Galaxy S26 Ultra reflects a strategy of measured evolution, prioritizing AI-driven usability and efficiency gains over bold hardware leaps. While some fans express disappointment over stagnant battery capacity and incremental camera changes, the privacy display and consistent Snapdragon performance could set it apart in a competitive market.

The company has not yet detailed final pricing or exact bundles, but pre-registration is open on Samsung’s site for potential perks and event updates. The February 25 unveiling will provide official confirmation on these features and more.