Galaxy S26 Ultra Rumor Roundup: The Return of Exynos?

Samsung’s next powerhouse smartphone — the Galaxy S26 Ultra — is shaping up to be one of 2026’s biggest launches. Now that the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 are out, all eyes are on the S-series once again.
But this time, the buzz isn’t just about cameras or design — it’s about the chipset.

According to multiple reports, Samsung may bring back the Exynos 2600 for its top-tier flagship lineup — marking a major comeback after years of Snapdragon dominance. However, leaks suggest that the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 (or Gen 5) will still be available in select regions such as the U.S., while Europe and Asia may see the Exynos variant.

Galaxy S26 Ultra Display: Bigger, Brighter, and More Private

The Galaxy S26 Ultra will reportedly feature a 6.9-inch AMOLED panel, but this year’s screen rumors are particularly interesting.
Insiders hint at the introduction of CoE depolarizer technology and third-generation anti-reflective glass, making the display clearer under bright sunlight and reducing glare.

Another major rumor is a new privacy feature called Flex Magic — a display technology designed to limit viewing angles, preventing nearby onlookers from seeing your screen. This could be a major privacy advantage for professionals and frequent travelers.

Samsung might also be testing an under-display front camera, which could finally eliminate the punch-hole design that has been a staple since the Galaxy S10. However, this remains unconfirmed for the production model.

Galaxy S26 Ultra Cameras: Smarter, Faster, and Sharper

The Galaxy S26 Ultra continues Samsung’s focus on powerful photography, combining advanced optics with improved AI processing.
According to credible leaks, the setup will include:

200MP Main Sensor (f/1.4 aperture) – improved low-light performance with 47% more light intake.
50MP Ultra-Wide – for detailed landscape and macro shots.
12MP 3x Telephoto – upgraded from 10MP on the previous generation.
50MP 5x Periscope Telephoto – delivering crisp long-range shots.
12MP Front Camera – possibly under-screen (unconfirmed).

The laser autofocus sensor and upgraded ProVisual Engine are expected to enhance motion capture, focus speed, and dynamic range. The f/1.4 aperture alone could mark a substantial improvement in night photography.

Performance and Battery: The Powerhouse Continues

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is rumored to ship with two potential chipsets:

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 / Gen 5 (for the U.S. and select markets)
Exynos 2600 (for Europe and Asia)

Both chipsets are expected to deliver top-tier performance, with early benchmark leaks suggesting scores exceeding 4 million on AnTuTu. While pre-release numbers often vary, this indicates a substantial leap in performance, AI efficiency, and graphics rendering.

Memory and Battery Specifications

RAM: 12GB base, with possible 16GB configuration.
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB options.
Battery: 5,000 mAh, unchanged from previous generations.
Charging: Upgraded to 60W fast charging.

Samsung may use silicon-carbon battery technology to maintain the same capacity while reducing the physical size of the cell, enabling a thinner body design.

Design: Slimmer Profile, Curvier Frame, and S Pen Uncertainty

Leaked prototypes suggest that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will be slimmer, measuring around 7–8mm thick, with more rounded edges and a slightly taller profile. The design evolution gives the phone a softer, more modern aesthetic similar to the iPhone’s contour, while retaining Samsung’s signature camera array.

However, the thinner chassis may come at a cost. Some early reports claim Samsung could remove the S Pen digitizer, which enables pressure sensitivity and hover gestures. If true, the S Pen may still work for basic input but lose advanced functionality.

The camera island appears slightly more pronounced, adding visual emphasis while keeping the sleek titanium-inspired look of its predecessor.Suggested Image

Galaxy S26 Ultra Release Date and Price Predictions

Samsung’s release patterns have been consistent over the past few years, with major Galaxy S launches taking place in late January or early February.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra launched on February 7, 2025, so it’s likely that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will arrive by mid-February 2026, with official unveiling roughly two weeks prior.

Expected Price Range

256GB: Ksh 130,000
512GB: Ksh 150,000
1TB: Ksh 170,000

Price stability is expected since Qualcomm’s next-generation chipset is reportedly similar in cost to its predecessor. Unless material or manufacturing expenses rise, Samsung may keep pricing steady for another year.

Tip: Pre-orders often include trade-in discounts or accessory bundles, making it worthwhile to wait for official offers before buying.

Should You Wait for the Galaxy S26 Ultra?

For current S25 Ultra owners, the upgrades may seem evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Improvements in brightness, charging, and image processing are incremental but refined.
However, for users upgrading from the S22 Ultra or older, the Galaxy S26 Ultra represents a meaningful leap in performance, efficiency, and display technology.

If Samsung manages to retain full S Pen functionality and deliver the rumored privacy display technology, the S26 Ultra could redefine what a premium Android phone offers.

Final Thoughts

The Galaxy S26 Ultra looks set to be a refined evolution of Samsung’s flagship formula — not a complete redesign, but a focused upgrade in the areas that matter: display brightness, performance efficiency, and camera processing.
With strong rumors of a dual-chip strategy (Snapdragon for some, Exynos for others) and faster charging, the Galaxy S26 Ultra may emerge as one of the most balanced high-end smartphones of 2026.

Bookmark this article for updates as more details and official confirmations emerge.