The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra will redefine flagship smartphones in 2026
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra features 6.9-inch M14 display, 6000-nit brightness, and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, setting new benchmarks for 2026. Find out where it stands in terms of comparison to iPhone 17 pro.
After Apple, it’s now Samsung’s turn with the upcoming Galaxy S26 lineup. Launching in January 2026, the spotlight will be on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Based on the official CAD files and renders, here’s what we can expect from Samsung’s next flagship.
Design Changes and First Impressions
You can now see what the Samsung S26 Ultra looks like from the CAD renders. After the hype surrounding the Galaxy Fold 7, changes to the S26 Ultra were expected.Samsung decided to move away from its old, repetitive design to something more refined and comfortable.
Samsung seems inspired by the Fold 7’s subtle camera design, introducing a camera platform with a slightly raised bump.
In the triple rear camera setup, the main three cameras may feature a rounded design, while the other two secondary cameras will have a different look.
This year, Samsung has slightly rounded the corners to improve comfort. The previous S24 and S25 models were quite boxy, but this time the grip will feel smoother and easier to hold.
Display Upgrades
It is rumored that the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra will feature with a 6.9-inch Samsung M14 display panel, which is one of Samsung’s latest technologies, it is improvised. The bezels are slimmer, giving a more immersive look.Samsung is also introducing a third-generation anti-reflective coating, an upgrade from Apple’s version.
Samsung’s coatings generally handle harsh lighting better, ensuring visibility even outdoors.
The display supports 10-bit color, delivering over a billion colors for more vibrant visuals. Color distortion, often seen on 8-bit displays, will now be eliminated.
Peak Brightness and Visual Experience
Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max has a peak brightness of 3000 nits, but Samsung is going further with a peak brightness of 6000 nits.While this level won’t always be active, it will automatically adjust in certain lighting conditions.
This upgrade positions the S26 Ultra as one of the brightest smartphones on the market ideal for HDR content and outdoor visibility.
Design Comparison with Apple iPhone 17 Pro
When it comes to looks, the S26 Ultra carries a boxy yet premium aesthetic, similar to both the Fold 7 and iPhone 17 Pro Max.The triple rear camera with additional 2 camera setup may be include in this premium segment smartphone, and the overall finish gives a professional look.
Although Samsung’s layout slightly resembles Apple’s, the signature Ultra identity remains intact.
Full specs comparison with iphone 17 pro
| Specification | iPhone 17 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (Leaked) |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | September 2025 | Expected January 2026 |
| Display | 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR Display, 120 Hz | 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED, 120 Hz |
| Resolution | 1206 × 2622 px | 3120 × 1440 px (QHD+) |
| Peak Brightness | Up to 3000 nits | Up to 6000 nits |
| Processor | Apple A19 Pro chip, 6 Core Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
| RAM | 12 GB LPDDR5 | Up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM |
| Storage Options | 256 GB to 1 TB | 256 to 1 TB (UFS 4.1) |
| Rear Cameras | Triple 48 MP setup | 200 MP + 50 MP ultrawide + 10 telephoto MP + 50 MP + 12 MP + |
| Front Camera | 18 MP | 12 MP |
| Video Recording | 4K @ upto 60 fps | 8K @30 fps / 4K @120 fps (HDR10+) |
| Battery | Up to 37 hours video playback | ~5,400 mAh |
| Charging | Up to 50% charge in 20 minutes with 40W adapter | 60 W wired / 35 W wireless |
| Operating System | iOS 26 | Android 15 with One UI 8 |
| Build | Aluminium unibody/ Ceramic Shield 2 | Titanium frame/Gorilla Glass Armor |
| S Pen Support | No | Yes (built-in slot) |
| Price (India) | ₹ 1,34,900 onwards | ₹ 1 49 990 onwards (speculative) |
*The specs, features and Price mentioned above for Galaxy Ultra S26 are based on leaks and early reports and may differ from the official launch details. Readers are advised to wait for official release from Samsung for confirmed information.
Display Superiority
In terms of display performance, Samsung continues to lead the market. From anti-reflective coatings to brightness and color accuracy, Samsung panels are industry benchmarks.The M14 display panel ensures smoother motion, better contrast, and superior visibility. Watching content, gaming, or editing photos will feel seamless thanks to the upgraded display technology.
Performance and Hardware
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra may powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.The end-to-end score reportedly crosses 4.2 million, placing it slightly ahead of Apple’s A19 Pro in benchmark comparisons.
It may also feature up to 16GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and lag-free gaming.
Earlier leaks suggested that India might receive the Exynos variant, but recent reports confirm that Snapdragon will power the Indian version as well great news for performance enthusiasts.
OS Optimization and Real-World Use
When comparing Samsung and Apple, both use high-end chips, but the operating system optimization plays a crucial role in performance.Samsung’s One UI, based on Android, has seen major improvements in stability, animation fluidity, and battery efficiency.
This time, with the optimized Snapdragon chip and better cooling system, the S26 Ultra promises smoother long-term performance, even during heavy usage.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is shaping up to be a massive upgrade over the S25 Ultra, not just in design but also in display and performance.
From the rounded edges for better comfort to the stunning 6000-nit display and Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, Samsung is clearly aiming to set new benchmarks in 2026.
With the official launch expected in January, 2026, all eyes are on Samsung to see how the S26 Ultra performs against the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max in real-world tests.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on leaks, reports, and early buzz of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. Official details may vary upon official product launch by Samsung.