As the anticipated launch of Samsung's next flagship series draws closer, a steady stream of leaks is painting a detailed picture of what to expect from the top-tier Galaxy S26 Ultra. While not a complete overhaul, the device is shaping up to be a meaningful iterative update, refining core aspects like display technology, camera hardware, and charging speeds. The latest information consolidates numerous rumors into a comprehensive list of ten expected upgrades, while a separate leak offers a first look at a new software feature designed to protect user privacy in public spaces.
A More Efficient and Private Display
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is tipped to receive a significant display upgrade with the adoption of the latest M14 OLED panel technology. This new screen is reported to be 20-30% more power-efficient than the M13 OLED used in its predecessor, the S25 Ultra, which could translate to meaningful battery life improvements. Alongside efficiency gains, the display is also expected to reach higher peak brightness levels. Perhaps more intriguing is the introduction of a new "Privacy Display" feature. Code discovered in Samsung's software and a newly surfaced animation from the Tips app reveal this function will make the screen content difficult to view from side angles, effectively preventing visual eavesdropping in crowded areas. Users will reportedly be able to toggle it on manually or set it to activate automatically based on location.
Expected Galaxy S26 Ultra Upgrades vs. S25 Ultra
| Feature | Galaxy S26 Ultra (Rumored) | Galaxy S25 Ultra (Previous) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | M14 OLED (20-30% more efficient, brighter) | M13 OLED |
| Privacy Feature | New Privacy Display (angle-based dimming) | Not Available |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.7 |
| 5x Telephoto Aperture | f/2.9 | f/3.4 |
| Selfie Camera Lens | 22mm (wider) | Not specified |
| Wired Charging | 60W | 45W |
| Wireless Charging | 25W (Qi2.2 with magnets) | 15W |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (global) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 / Exynos |
| RAM Speed | LPDDR5X @ 10.7Gbps | LPDDR5X |
| Thickness | 7.9mm | 8.1mm (S24 Ultra) |
Camera Hardware Gets Meaningful Refinements
Samsung appears to be focusing on lens quality and capability for the S26 Ultra's camera system. A new anti-reflective lens coating is expected to better combat lens flare and ghosting in challenging lighting conditions. More substantial are the rumored changes to aperture sizes. The main camera is said to be getting a wider f/1.4 aperture, a notable jump from the f/1.7 aperture on the S25 Ultra, which should allow for better low-light performance and more background blur. The 5x periscope telephoto lens is also rumored to be getting a boost to an f/2.9 aperture from f/3.4, promising brighter and clearer zoomed-in shots. Even the front-facing camera is getting attention, with a wider 22mm lens that will allow more people or scenery to fit into selfies and video calls.
Performance and Charging See Welcome Boosts
Under the hood, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset across all global markets, a departure from the regional chipset splits of the past. This top-tier Qualcomm processor, potentially with a "for Galaxy" optimization, will be paired with faster LPDDR5X RAM running at 10.7Gbps. One of the most user-friendly upgrades could be in charging speed. Wired charging is rumored to increase from 45W to 60W, while wireless charging gets a substantial bump from 15W to 25W, facilitated by the new Qi2.2 standard which also brings built-in magnets for easier accessory alignment. These improvements address long-standing points of comparison with competitors.
Enhanced Software for Video Creators
Beyond hardware, Samsung is also adding new professional-grade video controls to the camera software. A new "Autofocus Transition Speed" setting will give videographers precise control over how quickly the camera refocuses between subjects. Users will be able to choose between a "Fast Transition" for an instant snap-focus effect and a "Slow Transition" for a cinematic rack-focus pull, adding a new layer of creative flexibility directly within the native camera app.
Key Leak Sources & Timeline
- January 2, 2026 (12:35 UTC): Tipster reveals consolidated list of 10 expected upgrades for the S26 Ultra.
- January 2, 2026 (17:16 UTC): Leak from Samsung's Tips app shows animation and UI for the new "Privacy Display" feature.
- October 2025: Potential user interface for Privacy Display feature leaked.
- September 2025: Code within an alleged One UI 8.5 build first hinted at the Privacy Display feature.
- Rumored Launch: February 25, 2026 (Unveiling), Early March 2026 (Availability).
Launch Timeline and Final Design Touches
The entire Samsung Galaxy S26 series, including the Ultra model, is widely rumored to be unveiled in late February 2026, with a specific date of February 25 being circulated. Market availability is expected to follow in early March. The final design is suggested to be slightly sleeker, with the S26 Ultra potentially measuring 7.9mm thick, making it a touch slimmer than the model it replaces. While the collective upgrades may not represent a revolutionary leap, they demonstrate a focused effort by Samsung to refine the flagship experience in areas that matter most to power users and content creators.