As the year draws to a close, the tech world's gaze is already fixed on the next generation of flagship smartphones. With the first quarter of 2026 fast approaching, Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S26 series is taking center stage, fueled by a fresh wave of leaks. Newly surfaced images and details, particularly concerning the top-tier Galaxy S26 Ultra, are painting a clearer picture of Samsung's design philosophy and hardware strategy for its next "Ultra" contender, suggesting significant changes are on the horizon.
A New Camera Island Design Takes Center Stage
The most visually striking change for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, as revealed in leaked dummy unit photos, is a complete overhaul of its rear camera array. Unlike the current Galaxy S25 Ultra, which features individual, flush-mounted lenses, the S26 Ultra is shown consolidating its multiple camera sensors onto a distinct, raised elliptical camera island. This design shift, reminiscent of the approach seen on the Galaxy Z Fold 7, marks a significant departure from recent models. While potentially offering a more unified aesthetic, this raised platform could introduce a noticeable wobble when the phone is placed flat on a table, a trade-off that power users will need to consider.
Key Specifications & Details (Based on Leaks):
- Model: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 (exclusive to Ultra model)
- Other Models: Galaxy S26 & S26+ to have Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 or Exynos 2600 variants.
- Design Change: New raised, elliptical camera island (vs. individual lenses on S25 Ultra).
- Build: Flat metallic frame.
- Features: Includes S Pen.
- Status: Reported to be in mass production.
- Expected Launch: February 2026.
Confirmed Specifications Point to Peak Performance
Beyond the exterior, the leaks provide concrete details on the internal powerhouse expected to drive the Galaxy S26 Ultra. According to the information, the device has reportedly entered mass production and will be equipped exclusively with Qualcomm's top-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 platform. This ensures the Ultra model will deliver the absolute peak Android performance available at its launch. For the standard Galaxy S26 and S26+ models, Samsung is expected to continue its dual-chipset strategy, offering variants powered by either the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 or Samsung's in-house Exynos 2600 chipset, depending on the market region.
Premium Build and a Steep Price Tag
The leaked images also confirm the continuation of a premium design language, with the Galaxy S26 Ultra sporting a flat, metallic frame. Practical elements like the S Pen silo, USB-C port, and SIM card tray remain in their familiar positions. However, this flagship experience comes with a flagship price. Building on the Galaxy S25 Ultra's starting price of CNY 9,699 for the 12GB+256GB model, early estimates suggest the Galaxy S26 Ultra could break the CNY 10,000 (approximately USD 1,400) barrier for its entry-level configuration. The top-tier 1TB storage variant is projected to command a price exceeding CNY 13,000 (approximately USD 1,850), positioning it firmly in the ultra-premium segment of the market.
Estimated Pricing (China Market Reference):
| Model / Configuration | Estimated Price (CNY) | Approx. USD Equivalent* |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S26 Ultra (12GB+256GB) | ~CNY 10,000 | ~$1,400 |
| Galaxy S26 Ultra (1TB variant) | >CNY 13,000 | >$1,850 |
| Note: USD conversions are approximate based on the CNY reference prices. Actual global pricing will vary by region. |
Anticipated Launch and Market Context
The Samsung Galaxy S26 series is widely anticipated to make its official debut in February 2026, following the company's established release cadence. The leaks also hint at the potential return of a "Plus" model in the lineup, which may feature a similar raised camera island design. As these pre-release details solidify, they set the stage for the first major smartphone battle of 2026, with Samsung aiming to defend its position at the very top of the Android market with a device that promises cutting-edge performance wrapped in a bold new design, albeit at a cost that reflects its premium status.