As the anticipated launch of Samsung's Galaxy S26 series draws closer, a flurry of leaks and certifications is painting a detailed picture of the flagship Ultra model. The emerging narrative suggests Samsung is preparing a significant strategy shift, reserving its most compelling hardware and software advancements exclusively for the top-tier S26 Ultra. This move could create a more pronounced gap between the Ultra and its standard siblings, potentially reshaping consumer choices in the high-end smartphone market. Recent certifications and insider reports point to major upgrades in charging technology, AI capabilities, and display innovation that may be unique to the Ultra variant.
Charging Technology Sees a Long-Awaited Leap Forward
One of the most concrete and welcomed upgrades for the Galaxy S26 Ultra appears in the realm of charging speed. A listing on the China 3C certification website for a device with model number SM-S9480, widely believed to be the S26 Ultra, confirms support for 60W wired fast charging. This represents a meaningful increase from the 45W charging found on the current S25 Ultra. Furthermore, reports from prominent leakers indicate the device will also support 25W wireless charging, a step up from the previous 15W. Interestingly, these enhancements are rumored to be exclusive to the Ultra model, with the standard Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus potentially retaining their older, slower charging specifications. This bifurcation in a fundamental feature like charging could be a key differentiator for power users.
Reported Galaxy S26 Ultra Exclusive Features:
- 60W Wired Fast Charging (Up from 45W on S25 Ultra)
- 25W Wireless Charging (Up from 15W on S25 Ultra)
- Advanced AI Features (Unavailable at launch on other S26 models; S25 Ultra to receive them months later via update)
- AI-Powered "Private Screen" Anti-Peek Display
Certified Specifications (via FCC & 3C):
- Model Number: SM-S9480
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5
- Connectivity: Tri-band Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth, NFC, UWB, Satellite Connectivity (variant)
- Charging: 60W fast charging confirmed (3C certification)
- Battery: Expected to be 5,000mAh (per certification data, contradicting earlier 5,200mAh rumors)
AI Capabilities Become a Tiered Experience
Perhaps the most strategic exclusive feature involves artificial intelligence. According to leaks, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will debut with "the latest, most advanced AI features" that will not be available on other S26 models at launch. More notably, even last year's flagship, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, is expected to wait several months before receiving these same AI capabilities via a software update. This establishes a new precedent for Samsung, creating an artificial tiering of software features based on hardware generation and model tier. While the specific AI functions remain undisclosed, this approach incentivizes purchasing the latest Ultra model for early access to cutting-edge software, a tactic that may influence buyers who prioritize having the most current technology.
Innovative "Private Screen" Display Technology
The S26 Ultra is also tipped to include an industry-first "private screen" or AI-powered anti-peek display. This technology uses AI to detect when someone other than the phone's owner is looking at the screen. Upon detecting a potential snooper, the display automatically obscures its contents from the side angles while remaining perfectly visible to the primary user directly in front of the device. Reports suggest users will be able to configure this feature to activate automatically with specific sensitive applications, such as banking or messaging apps. Like the charging and AI features, this privacy-focused display innovation is currently rumored to be exclusive to the S26 Ultra, positioning it as not just more powerful, but also more secure in public settings.
Camera and Connectivity Refinements Round Out the Package
Beyond the headline exclusives, the S26 Ultra is expected to receive meaningful upgrades across its camera system and connectivity suite. Photographic improvements may include larger camera apertures, potentially as wide as F1.4, for better low-light performance and enhanced background blur in portrait mode. The telephoto lens is also rumored for an upgrade, possibly incorporating AI-assisted algorithms similar to Google's computational methods to improve clarity. For videographers, the introduction of APV (Advanced Pixel Vision) technology is anticipated to boost overall image quality. On the front, the selfie camera is getting a wider field of view, making it easier to fit multiple people into a frame. From a connectivity standpoint, the device, which has already passed through FCC certification in the United States, is confirmed to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, tri-band Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth, NFC, UWB, and a variant with satellite connectivity support.
A New Ultra-Exclusive Strategy and Its Implications
The collective leaks point to a deliberate strategy by Samsung to make the Galaxy S26 Ultra a distinctly more advanced product than the rest of the S26 lineup. By gating major improvements in charging, AI software, and display technology behind the Ultra model, Samsung is creating stronger incentives for consumers to opt for the most expensive device. This could be a response to market saturation and a need to drive higher average selling prices. While this may frustrate some consumers hoping for trickle-down features, it clearly defines the Ultra as the true vanguard of Samsung's mobile technology. As the rumored late January 2026 launch window approaches, it will be crucial to see if these exclusive features justify the expected premium and how the broader S26 series is positioned in comparison.