As the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra nears in 2025, early rumors and leaks are already starting to surface, giving us a glimpse of what to expect from the next flagship in the Galaxy S series. Although we are still several months away from the official announcement, tipsters have revealed crucial information about the upcoming device, including changes to the camera system, battery technology, and new features such as an upgraded S Pen.
Galaxy S26 Ultra Rear Camera Changes: Ditching One Telephoto Sensor?
According to tipster God (@Vhsss_God), Samsung is testing the Galaxy S26 Ultra with a new rear camera configuration that departs from the quad-camera setup used in the current Galaxy S25 Ultra. The prototype is said to feature a triple-camera system, consisting of a 200-megapixel primary sensor, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide sensor, and another 200-megapixel telephoto lens with 4x optical zoom.
If these rumors are true, it would mean that Samsung is removing two telephoto sensors from the upcoming model, one with 3x optical zoom and another with 5x optical zoom. This change suggests that Samsung may be refining its camera system, potentially bringing back the variable aperture functionality for the main 200-megapixel camera to improve overall performance in different lighting conditions.
For comparison, the current Galaxy S25 Ultra features a quad-camera array with a 200-megapixel primary sensor, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens, a 20-megapixel telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom, and a 50-megapixel telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. If the rumors hold, the simplified triple-camera setup on the S26 Ultra would mark a significant shift in Samsung's approach to mobile photography.
Bigger Battery and Stacked Battery Technology
Battery life is always a key consideration for flagship devices, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra seems poised for a significant upgrade in this area. According to the leaks, the S26 Ultra could feature stacked battery technology, enabling it to offer a larger capacity while maintaining a slim profile. It’s suggested that the battery capacity could exceed the 5,500mAh mark, surpassing the 5,000mAh battery seen in the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Stacked battery technology would not only improve overall battery life but also potentially allow for faster charging speeds and better thermal management, ensuring that the device can handle heavy usage without overheating.
A New S Pen with Bluetooth Functionality
One of the standout features of the Galaxy S series Ultra models has been the S Pen, which brings a unique level of productivity and creativity to the smartphone. The S Pen included with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, however, did not come with Bluetooth functionality—a feature that was available in previous models like the Galaxy Note series and Galaxy S21 Ultra.
However, rumors suggest that Samsung is bringing back Bluetooth functionality in the S Pen for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. If true, this would restore one of the most popular features of the S Pen, enabling wireless control for functions like camera shutter, media controls, and presentations. This would enhance the overall user experience, particularly for those who rely on the S Pen for tasks like note-taking and drawing.
Under Display Camera (UDC) Technology
Another exciting development for the Galaxy S26 Ultra is the potential inclusion of Under Display Camera (UDC) technology. Samsung is reportedly testing an under-display camera for the S26 Ultra, which would be a first for its bar-style smartphones. The UDC would be paired with the latest Colour Filter on Encapsulation (CoE) technology, which aims to improve light transmittance and reduce power consumption.
This new technology could improve the quality of the under-display camera, enabling a more seamless and less intrusive design. The front-facing camera would essentially be invisible when not in use, allowing for a truly bezel-less display experience. This technology could also result in better performance in low-light conditions, thanks to the improvements in light transmission.
Potential Snapdragon Chipset for Enhanced Performance
Like its predecessors, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will likely be powered by Qualcomm’s next-generation flagship chipset. Samsung is expected to adopt the latest Snapdragon processor, which is expected to bring substantial improvements in performance, efficiency, and AI capabilities. The chipset will likely be built on a more advanced manufacturing process, ensuring faster speeds and better power management.
This upgraded chipset would make the Galaxy S26 Ultra even more capable of handling demanding tasks such as gaming, multitasking, and AI-powered features. The combination of powerful hardware and optimized software would ensure that the S26 Ultra is at the forefront of smartphone performance.
A Look Ahead: The Future of the Galaxy S Series
Although the Galaxy S26 Ultra is still about nine months away from its official release, these early leaks and rumors give us an exciting preview of what to expect. With significant upgrades in the camera department, battery life, S Pen functionality, and new technologies like Under Display Camera, Samsung appears to be focusing on improving both the performance and user experience of its flagship device.
As we get closer to the official launch, we can expect even more details to emerge, offering a clearer picture of what the Galaxy S26 Ultra will bring to the table. For now, it’s clear that Samsung is working hard to make the S26 Ultra an even more powerful and innovative device, continuing its legacy of pushing the boundaries of smartphone technology.