The upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra promises only modest upgrades over the Galaxy S25 Ultra, according to reputed leaker Ice Universe. In fact, one aspect of the phone could represent a slight downgrade. Let’s dive into the enhancements and drawbacks that prospective buyers should consider before upgrading.
Minimal Incentive to Switch from Galaxy S25 Ultra
The Galaxy S26 Ultra reportedly retains the same 6.9-inch Quad High Definition (QHD) display as the current Galaxy S25 Ultra, but now made with Samsung’s latest M14 OLED material. Powering the device is the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, joining other next-gen Android flagships.
Memory and storage options remain consistent at 12GB or 16GB RAM and 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage. The camera specs don’t show radical changes either, though Samsung might opt for a smaller sensor on the 10MP 3x telephoto lens. Battery capacity holds steady at 5,000mAh, while there is potential for faster charging—from 45W up to 65W. Additionally, the device will be slightly slimmer and lighter, trimming thickness from 8.2mm to 7.9mm and weight from 218g to 214g.
Upgrades Hidden in Subtle Details
While on paper the Galaxy S26 Ultra looks similar to its predecessor, the real improvements lie in the nuanced enhancements:
- The M14 OLED material is Samsung’s most advanced to date, promising higher brightness levels, lower power consumption, and longer screen lifespan.
- Incorporation of Color Filter on Encapsulation (CoE) technology allows for a thinner and perceptibly brighter display.
- Retention of the same RAM count is offset by the use of faster, low-power LPDDR5X memory reaching up to 10.7 Gbps speeds, enhancing general responsiveness and even improving camera processing.
- The primary 200MP and 50MP cameras could sport larger apertures, letting in more light for better photos, backed by software optimizations to maximize sensor performance.
The overall leaner, more slender design will make the phone feel lighter and easier to handle. However, this slimmer profile could be the reason Samsung chose not to increase battery capacity or enhance sensor sizes.
If you currently own the Galaxy S25 Ultra, would you upgrade to the S26 Ultra?
The Price Tag Might Outweigh The Upgrades
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is rumored to carry a higher price point than the already premium Galaxy S25 Ultra, which starts at $1,299.99. Rising component costs have affected the entire smartphone industry, leading to price increases across flagship models.
While some users may accept this hike because of Samsung’s constant innovation, many might hesitate to pay more for what appears to be a largely incremental update.
