Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Everything We Know Ahead of the February Unpacked Event
PARIS, 07 February 2026 – As the global tech community looks toward the end of the month, leaks surrounding Samsung’s next flagship, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, have reached a fever pitch. With an expected unveiling at the Galaxy Unpacked event on 25 February 2026, the device promises significant internal upgrades despite a familiar silhouette.
Design and Display: Refinement Over Revolution
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is anticipated to retain its premium titanium frame, though reports suggest a slight shift in ergonomics. Leaked dimensions indicate a chassis measuring 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm, weighing approximately 214 grams. While the device remains substantial, softened corners are expected to improve handling compared to previous iterations.
The display is set to be a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED panel featuring QHD+ resolution and a variable refresh rate of 1-120Hz. Notably, the screen will likely utilise Corning Gorilla Armor 2, aimed at reducing reflections and enhancing durability. In terms of aesthetics, a new “Cobalt Violet” colourway has been spotted in recent renders, alongside a redesigned “pill-shaped” camera island that replaces the individual floating lenses of the previous generation.
Performance and Technical Specifications
Under the bonnet, the S26 Ultra is expected to debut the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 “for Galaxy” chipset, built on a 3nm process. This processor is rumoured to offer significant gains in AI processing and power efficiency. Memory configurations will likely include 12GB or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, with storage options ranging from 256GB to a massive 1TB.
| Feature | Expected Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3nm) |
| Display | 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED (1-120Hz) |
| Main Camera | 200MP Wide-angle Sensor |
| Battery | 5,000mAh with 60W Wired Charging |
| Weight | 214 grams |
| Operating System | Android 16 (One UI 8.0) |
The French Market: Pricing and Availability
For consumers in France, the news is bittersweet. Leaks from reliable European sources suggest a price hike across the entire S26 range. The base model Galaxy S26 is expected to start at €999, largely due to the removal of the 128GB entry-level storage option. The Ultra variant is projected to command a significant premium, likely starting well above €1,450.
While the hardware is impressive, some enthusiasts have expressed disappointment regarding the lack of integrated Qi2 magnetic alignment. Despite the standard becoming more common, Samsung appears to be sticking with traditional wireless charging, requiring specific cases for magnetic accessory compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra release date?
The device is expected to be announced at Galaxy Unpacked on 25 February 2026. Following the announcement, the official release and first sales are anticipated to begin on 11 March 2026.
Will the S26 Ultra have a better camera?
Yes, while it retains a 200MP main sensor, the S26 Ultra is rumoured to feature a 47% improvement in low-light performance and a new 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom for sharper long-range photography.
What is the expected price in France?
Current leaks suggest a price increase for the 2026 lineup. While exact figures for the Ultra are not yet finalised, the series is expected to start at €999 for the standard model, with the Ultra positioned as the most expensive flagship in the range.