Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra appears in recent leaks with a renewed design for the front camera. The change aims to expand the field of view to 85 degrees, allowing for wider selfies. The prototype, captured in renders and dummies, maintains straight sides, but adopts more rounded corners than the predecessor Galaxy S25 Ultra.
The launch is scheduled for January 2026, during the Unpacked event in San Francisco. South Korean manufacturers test the model with a focus on ergonomics and photographic performance.
The rear camera has a pill-shaped island, inspired by the Galaxy Z Fold 7, with a 10 mm protrusion.
- Oval module groups three main lenses, with flash and sensors on the side.
- Lens rims become less prominent for cleaner look.
- Total thickness reaches 7.9 mm, a reduction of 0.3 mm compared to the S25 Ultra.
Back design changes
Protective cover leaks show the Galaxy S26 Ultra with a raised camera module. Samsung opts for a vertical configuration, unlike the floating lenses of previous models. This structure integrates block sensors, facilitating alignment with magnetic accessories.
The intense orange prototype, similar to the iPhone 17 Pro, was discarded after internal tests. Final options include silver, champagne and matte black, prioritizing durability.
Front camera details
The selfie camera maintains 12 MP with autofocus, but has a larger hole in the screen. The IMX874 sensor takes up more space to capture 85 degrees of field of view, versus 80 degrees on the S25 Ultra.
Initial tests indicate reduced distortions at the edges of group photos. Samsung integrates software for automatic front lighting correction.
This update aligns the device with demands for more inclusive video calls.
Specifications expected in the S26 line
The Galaxy S26 Ultra adopts Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy in a global version. The 5,000 mAh battery supports 60 W charging, with an optimized debug curve.
Other models, such as S26 and S26+, follow a similar pattern on the 12 MP front.
- Main: 200 MP with improved stabilization.
- Ultrawide: 50 MP for wide angles.
- 3x telephoto: 12 MP, focus at 120 mm.
- Periscope 5x: 50 MP, optical zoom maintained.
The line arrives with a 6.9-inch M14 OLED screen, uniform 1.5 mm edges.
Innovations in charging and connectivity
Debugs reveal support for CHI2, a magnetic standard similar to MagSafe. Internal ring on the covers allows quick attachment of accessories. The maximum rate reaches 15 W wirelessly, compatible with the Galaxy ecosystem.
The processor manages multitasking with 20% greater efficiency than its predecessor. RAM memory varies from 12 GB to 16 GB, depending on the variant.
Software updates include One UI 8 with AI capabilities for photo editing.
Rumors about release schedule
Samsung adjusts dates after canceling the S26 Edge, prioritizing Ultra as the top. Production begins in December 2025, with global shipping in February.
Markets such as Brazil receive units in March, with prices starting at an estimated R$7,999.
Durability tests confirm IP68 and Gorilla Glass Victus 3 protection.
Regional prices reflect inflation in components, but promotional packages include Galaxy Buds headphones.
Comparison with competitors
The Galaxy S26 Ultra competes with the iPhone 17 Pro in compact design. Samsung emphasizes periscope zoom, absent in direct rivals.
Google Pixel 11 focuses on AI, but loses on raw hardware.
- Samsung advantage: S Pen integration without Bluetooth in the base model.
- Challenge: Battery without silicon-carbon, maintaining standard 5,000 mAh.
The strategy prioritizes balance between innovation and production costs.
