With the expected launch of the Samsung Galaxy S26 series just a few months away, the rumor mill is shifting into high gear. The spotlight is firmly on the flagship Ultra model, with two major leaks surfacing on December 12, 2025, that paint a clearer picture of its potential upgrades and one significant change that is proving controversial among enthusiasts.
Regulatory Listing Confirms Major Charging Upgrade
A significant development came via a certification listing on China's 3C regulatory website, discovered on December 12. The listing for the device with model number SM-S948, widely believed to be the Galaxy S26 Ultra, confirms support for 60W wired charging (20V/3A). This marks a substantial leap from the 45W charging offered on recent Ultra models and represents the first meaningful wired charging speed upgrade for Samsung's top-tier phone since the Galaxy S20 Ultra in 2020. The certification also mentions satellite connectivity, a feature carried over from the S25 Ultra, suggesting it will remain a staple for emergency communications.
Key Specifications from Leaks (Galaxy S26 Ultra)
- Model Number: SM-S948
- Wired Charging: 60W (20V/3A) - Confirmed via 3C certification
- Wireless Charging: Qi2 support (Rumored)
- Connectivity: Satellite connectivity (Confirmed via certification)
- Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (Rumored, global)
- Software: One UI 8.5 (Rumored)
- Design: Rounded corners, unified camera island (Based on leaked renders)
A Controversial New Design Emerges
Parallel to the hardware leak, the anticipated redesign of the Galaxy S26 Ultra has moved from speculation to near-certainty based on multiple leaked renders. The new look abandons the sharper, more angular "Note-like" silhouette of previous Ultras in favor of softer, more rounded corners. Furthermore, the camera array is now housed within a distinct raised island, aligning its aesthetic more closely with the standard Galaxy S26 and S26+ models. This move towards a unified design language across the series is a deliberate shift from Samsung.
Poll Reveals a Deeply Divided Audience
The reaction to this design overhaul has been far from unanimous. A poll conducted by a major tech publication asked readers for their opinion on the new Galaxy S26 Ultra look. The results, with over 869 votes at the time of writing, reveal a stark divide. While 30.26% of voters liked the change, a nearly equal 34.18% actively disliked it, describing it as looking "cheap." The largest group, at 35.56%, fell into the middle ground, selecting "It’s okay, I don’t mind it." This tepid reception suggests the redesign is not a crowd-pleaser and could indicate a risk for Samsung if the aesthetic change is not backed by compelling functional upgrades.
Design Poll Results (Total Votes: 869)
| Opinion | Percentage of Votes |
|---|---|
| I like it, Samsung is making a good choice | 30.26% |
| It’s okay, I don’t mind it | 35.56% |
| I don’t like it, it looks cheap | 34.18% |
| Poll conducted by a tech publication following the leak of Galaxy S26 Ultra renders. |
What Else to Expect from the Galaxy S26 Ultra
Beyond charging and design, the leaks and rumors point to a series of incremental but welcome improvements. The device is expected to feature the next-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset across all global markets, ensuring top-tier performance. Support for the newer Qi2 wireless charging standard is also anticipated, which would offer faster, more efficient charging and better compatibility with MagSafe-style accessories. The software will likely debut with One UI 8.5, potentially featuring an upgraded version of Samsung's Bixby assistant.
A Calculated Strategy or a Missed Opportunity?
The emerging profile of the Galaxy S26 Ultra presents a fascinating case. On one hand, Samsung is addressing a long-standing criticism by significantly boosting wired charging speeds, a tangible upgrade that users will appreciate daily. On the other hand, the controversial design change and the otherwise expected suite of upgrades—a new chip, latest software, and carried-over features like satellite connectivity—paint a picture of evolution, not revolution. The company appears to be betting that a unified design and solid, across-the-board improvements will be enough to satisfy its flagship audience. However, the polarized reaction to the new look serves as a clear reminder that in the competitive premium smartphone market, even calculated changes can alienate a portion of a loyal fanbase. All eyes will now be on the official launch, expected in early 2026, to see if the complete package justifies Samsung's design gamble.