Samsung is preparing to introduce the Galaxy S26 Ultra as the flagship of its 2026 smartphone lineup. Early leaks point to a sharper premium positioning, with higher base storage, AI-driven performance upgrades, and a more refined design language tailored to power users.
As part of its annual early-year flagship cycle, Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S26 Ultra alongside the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+, continuing its three-tier launch strategy.
Together, the lineup will likely reflect Samsung’s broader push toward on-device AI, performance efficiency, and camera innovation, reinforcing the Ultra model’s role as the series’ technology showcase.
Galaxy Unpacked and Launch Timeline
Multiple reports indicate that Samsung could host the Galaxy Unpacked event on February 25, 2026, likely in San Francisco, with a global livestream scheduled for around 10 am Pacific Time.
Following the launch, Samsung is expected to open pre-orders the next day. Retail availability will likely follow on March 11, with production prioritised for the Galaxy S26 Ultra amid stronger demand compared to the S26 and S26+ models.
Meanwhile, early reviews are anticipated to emerge in early March, roughly a week after the unveiling, offering the first detailed look at performance, camera upgrades, and real-world usability.
Pricing Leaks and Storage Changes
As reported by Forbes, retailers in Sweden and Finland have leaked pricing details indicating that Samsung has removed the 128GB storage option across the Galaxy S26 lineup. Instead, entry-level variants will now begin at 256GB, effectively resetting the base storage threshold for the series.
This shift also removes Samsung’s long-running double-storage pre-order promotion, which previously upgraded 128GB buyers to 256GB at no extra cost.
Amid rising component costs, the strategy appears financially driven. Rather than offering aggressive hardware upgrade deals, Samsung is expected to pivot toward value-based incentives, such as bundled services, trade-in boosts, or ecosystem perks, to maintain pre-order momentum.
Likely Pre-Order Benefits
- Enhanced trade-in values
- Complimentary or discounted AI and cloud service subscriptions
- Possible storage upgrades on select configurations
The pricing is expected to be slightly higher than the 2025 128GB variants, reflecting the new 256GB base tier.
Design Updates: Sleeker and More Refined
Leaked 360-degree renders suggest a more polished and cohesive design:
- A compact, raised camera island replacing individually protruding lenses
- Rounded corners for a softer, refined silhouette
- Centre-aligned hole-punch display
- Slimmer bezels for a cleaner front appearance
The device appears thinner while maintaining Samsung’s premium Ultra identity.
Hardware and Performance Upgrades
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, paired with One UI 8.5 and deeper Galaxy AI integration.
Key expected specifications include:
- 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display
- Peak brightness up to 2,600 nits
- 5,000mAh battery with 60W fast charging
- Quad rear camera system led by a 200MP main sensor
- Possible display privacy enhancements exclusive to the Ultra model
AI-driven features are expected to play a central role, particularly in productivity tools, imaging, and device-level intelligence.
Premium Positioning Strategy
By removing the 128GB variant, Samsung is positioning the Galaxy S26 Ultra as a future-ready Latest phone designed to handle high-resolution photography, advanced video capture, and AI-intensive workloads.
This strategic shift further strengthens its ultra-premium positioning. The device is being targeted at power users who prioritise storage capacity, sustained performance, and long-term device relevance.
Looking ahead, more clarity is expected at Galaxy Unpacked. However, early signals suggest Samsung is doubling down on deeper AI integration, refined premium hardware, and higher baseline specifications as it shapes its 2026 Best model narrative.
What the latest leaks reveal about Samsung’s top‑end phone in 2026
Forbes/X
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