Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Set for February 25 Unveiling at Galaxy Unpacked, With March 11 Global Release

Samsung Electronics is preparing to unveil its flagship Galaxy S26 series, including the premium Galaxy S26 Ultra, at a Galaxy Unpacked event on February 25, 2026, in San Francisco, according to multiple reliable leaks and industry reports. The high-end model will hit global markets starting March 11, marking a later-than-usual launch window for the South Korean tech giant’s annual flagship lineup.

The February 25 date, a Wednesday, aligns with Samsung’s preference for mid-week Unpacked events and has been corroborated by prominent leakers such as Evan Blass (@evleaks), who shared what appears to be an official event invite on X. The invitation confirms the timeline, though specifics on the exact start time and full agenda remain under wraps. Pre-orders are expected to open immediately following the announcement, with in-store availability commencing on March 11—a Wednesday Samsung reportedly selected to avoid the superstitious connotations of Friday the 13th.

This schedule represents a shift from recent years, when Samsung typically revealed its Galaxy S series in January. The delay to late February stems from production adjustments, including mass production timelines for components and a strategic push to refine features amid intense competition from Apple, Google, and emerging Chinese brands. South Korean outlet The Elec previously reported that mass production for the S26 Ultra began in December 2025, while base models followed in January, contributing to the extended runway.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra, positioned as Samsung’s top-tier offering, is expected to retain a familiar design language while introducing targeted upgrades. Leaks from Android Headlines and other sources have surfaced official-looking renders showing a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with QHD+ resolution (likely 3120 x 1440 pixels) and a variable 1-120Hz refresh rate. The panel reportedly incorporates Samsung’s new “Privacy Display” technology, which limits visibility from side angles to enhance user privacy—a feature teased in recent company announcements.

Dimensions are projected at approximately 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9mm and 214 grams, nearly identical to the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s profile, suggesting incremental refinements rather than a radical redesign. The device will support the built-in S Pen stylus, with rumors of a curvier tip for improved ergonomics and precision.

Under the hood, the S26 Ultra is widely expected to feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset globally, though some markets may see a variant with Samsung’s in-house Exynos 2600 processor. The chip promises enhanced AI capabilities, improved power efficiency, and superior performance for gaming and multitasking. RAM is tipped to reach 16GB across configurations—up from 12GB in recent models—while storage options start at 256GB and extend to 1TB, with no microSD expansion.

Camera upgrades remain a focal point for the Ultra model. Leaks indicate a quad rear setup headlined by a 200MP main sensor (ISOCELL HP2 or similar) with an f/1.4 aperture for better low-light performance and light gathering. It will be joined by a 50MP ultrawide (Samsung JN3), a 50MP periscope telephoto with 5x optical zoom (IMX854 sensor), and a 10MP or 12MP 3x telephoto lens. The front camera is expected to be a 12MP unit. A redesigned camera island and potential improvements in processing via the new chipset aim to address past criticisms of over-processing in Samsung’s flagship photography.

Battery life has drawn mixed reactions from leaks. The S26 Ultra is rumored to retain a 5,000mAh capacity—unchanged from predecessors—with 45W wired charging, though some reports suggest a jump to 60W in certain configurations. Reverse wireless charging support continues, but no major capacity increase appears imminent, disappointing some analysts who anticipated a stacked battery design for better endurance.

Other anticipated features include Android 16 out of the box with One UI 8, seven years of major OS updates and security patches, enhanced Galaxy AI tools for photo editing, real-time translation, and productivity, and improved water and dust resistance (likely IP68). Color options may include Cobalt Violet, Black, and additional shades teased in renders.

Pricing remains speculative but is expected to start around $1,299 for the base 256GB model in the U.S., with potential increases due to component costs and inflation. In other markets, including South Korea and Europe, equivalents could see slight adjustments. Samsung’s trade-in program and carrier promotions are likely to soften the entry price for upgraders.

The S26 series launch arrives amid a fiercely competitive smartphone market. Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup is rumored for September 2026, while Google’s Pixel 11 series could debut earlier. Samsung aims to differentiate through its ecosystem integration, including seamless connectivity with Galaxy Watches, Buds, and tablets, plus advanced AI features powered by on-device processing.

Industry observers view the February timing as strategic, allowing Samsung to showcase innovations ahead of Mobile World Congress in early March and capitalize on early-year consumer interest. The company has ramped up reservations on its U.S. website, offering early access perks for those who sign up.

While leaks provide a detailed picture, official confirmation will come at the February 25 Unpacked event, where Samsung is also expected to reveal the Galaxy Buds 4 series and possibly other wearables or accessories.

As anticipation builds, the Galaxy S26 Ultra represents Samsung’s latest bid to maintain dominance in the premium Android segment, blending incremental hardware evolution with software-driven AI advancements.