Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra is already generating massive buzz months before its official debut, with early leaks hinting at a smartphone engineered to push the boundaries of mobile AI, next-gen camera capabilities and performance efficiency. Expected to launch globally in late January or early February 2026, the S26 Ultra could mark one of Samsung’s most ambitious attempts to merge on-device AI with cutting-edge hardware.
According to industry insiders, the S26 Ultra may be powered by the Exynos 2500 chipset in India, built on Samsung’s advanced 3nm GAA process, aimed at delivering more power, lower heat and significantly improved battery life. Select markets may receive the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, which is expected to be tuned specifically for Galaxy phones with deeper AI optimisation. With Samsung heavily promoting Galaxy AI across its ecosystem, the S26 Ultra is expected to feature upgraded tools like AI-assisted image editing, voice-to-text translation, intelligent camera framing and faster real-time search.
The design, as suggested by leaked renders, will refine the floating-camera aesthetic while maintaining the Ultra’s signature boxy silhouette and S-Pen integration. The display could be a 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a boosted 3,000-nit brightness and ultra-smooth refresh rates. Samsung may also introduce a more durable version of Gorilla Glass, optimized for scratch resistance.
Camera upgrades are the highlight this year. Rumours suggest a 200MP primary sensor (Gen 3) paired with improved low-light computation through AI, a high-resolution 50MP periscope lens, enhanced 8K video recording and faster autofocus speeds. If accurate, Samsung may attempt to reclaim the crown for long-range zoom photography, competing directly with upcoming flagship launches from Apple and Chinese OEMs.
Battery expectations hover around a 5,500mAh unit, supported by 45W wired and improved wireless charging. Samsung may also introduce AI-regulated battery health management, designed to extend long-term performance.
As for pricing, analysts predict the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra may start between ₹1,29,999 and ₹1,39,999 in India, depending on storage variants and chipset distribution. Early offers and bank discounts could bring the effective price slightly lower during launch week.
If the leaks hold true, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is positioning itself not just as a smartphone upgrade but a bold statement on the future of AI-powered mobile experiences, making it one of 2026’s most anticipated flagship releases.
