Home
News
You are here

Galaxy S26 Ultra could offer four and a half reasons to upgrade and one reason to steer clear

Leaker posts a detailed comparison of the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy S26 Ultra.

0comments

By Anam Hamid

Published: Nov 30, 2025, 5:00 PM

Add as a preferred source on Google

A render showing how the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra compares to the S25 Ultra | Image Credit - Ice Universe

The Galaxy S26 Ultra will feature only minor improvements over the Galaxy S25 Ultra, according to Ice Universe, the go-to leaker for unreleased Samsung products. In one department, the phone might take a step back.

Hardly any reason to upgrade from the Galaxy S25 Ultra

Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Galaxy S26 Ultra specs. | Image Credit - Ice Universe

The Galaxy S26 Ultra will reportedly have a 6.9-inch Quad High Definition (QHD) display just like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, but the screen will be made of the newer M14 material.

Like other next-gen Android flagships, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will be fueled by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, but RAM and storage options will stay the same at 12GB and 16GB, and 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, respectively.

Camera resolution isn't going to change, and Samsung might use a smaller sensor for the 10MP 3x telephoto camera.

Battery capacity remains 5,000mAh, though charging speed could increase from 45W to 65W.

The thickness is expected to be trimmed from 8.2mm to 7.9mm, and the weight will also go down from 218 grams to 214 grams.

Obvious specs aren't everything?

While the leaked spec sheet suggests the Galaxy S26 Ultra will be much like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, the full picture is in the hidden, seemingly unimportant details.

For instance, while the handset will have a 6.9-inch screen, its M14 material is the most advanced OLED material. It will result in increased brightness, decreased power consumption, and longer lifespan.

According to previous leaks, the device will likely feature the Color Filter on Encapsulation (CoE) technology to make the screen thinner and perceptibly brighter.

Similarly, while the RAM count will remain unchanged, Samsung is rumored to use low-power double data rate 5X (LPDDR5X) memory with a speed of up to 10.7 gigabits per second (Gbps). This will not just make the device feel speedy but also improve camera performance.

As for the cameras, the primary 200MP camera and the 50MP 5x camera may feature bigger apertures to capture more light. The hardware will be paired with software-side changes to get the most out of the sensors.

The device's slender profile will make it feel lighter in your hands, and the leaner dimensions might be why Samsung couldn't fit a bigger battery or better sensors.

If you owned the Galaxy S25 Ultra, would you upgrade to the S26 Ultra?

The incremental upgrade may come at a higher cost

Despite not being a dramatic upgrade, the Galaxy S26 Ultra may cost more than the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which is already outrageously expensive at a starting price of $1,299.99. With component prices rising, Samsung won't be the only smartphone company raising the price of its flagship phone, though. While this may make consumers more receptive, the increase could still hamper the phone's success, given the largely incremental nature of the upgrades.

25% off eSIM data-only plans & global coverage - enter code IPHONE25, sign up required

Check Out The Offer

View Full Bio

Anam Hamid is a computer scientist turned tech journalist who has a keen interest in the tech world, with a particular focus on smartphones and tablets. She has previously written for Android Headlines and has also been a ghostwriter for several tech and car publications. Anam is not a tech hoarder and believes in using her gadgets for as long as possible. She is concerned about smartphone addiction and its impact on future generations, but she also appreciates the convenience that phones have brought into our lives. Anam is excited about technological advancements like folding screens and under-display sensors, and she often wonders about the future of technology. She values the overall experience of a device more than its individual specs and admires companies that deliver durable, high-quality products. In her free time, Anam enjoys reading, scrolling through Reddit and Instagram, and occasionally refreshing her programming skills through tutorials.

Read the latest from Anam Hamid