Samsung Electronics has announced it will unveil its highly anticipated Galaxy S26 Ultra smartphone on February 25, 2026, marking a departure from the companys traditional January launch schedule. The Galaxy Unpacked event in San Francisco will introduce three models: the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra, alongside redesigned Galaxy Buds 4 Pro earbuds.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra features a refined design with curvier corners compared to the S25 Ultros sharp edges, addressing ergonomic concerns. The phone measures just 7.9mm thick while maintaining a premium feel. A standout feature is the new M14 OLED display incorporating Samsungs Privacy Display technology, designed to protect on-screen information from prying eyes.
The camera system receives substantial upgrades. Samsung retains the same 200MP ISOCELL HP2 sensor while improving the main cameras aperture to f/1.4, allowing 47% more light for enhanced low-light photography. The ultrawide-angle camera upgrades from 12MP to 50MP for improved wide-angle shots.
Performance options vary by region: US and Chinese markets receive Qualcomms Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, while other regions may see Samsungs Exynos 2600 variants. Storage starts at 256GB with 512GB and 1TB options as Samsung phases out the 128GB model.
The S26 Ultra runs Android 16 with One UI 8.5, bringing enhanced AI features including an improved notification summary system. Samsung faces intensified competition from Apples iPhone 17 Pro and Googles Pixel 10 Pro, making camera innovations and privacy features key differentiators in the premium segment.