Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Leaks: Larger Camera Notch, Faster 25W Wireless Charging, and Exciting New Features

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is shaping up to be a flagship powerhouse, with recent leaks revealing significant upgrades that could redefine premium smartphones. As Samsung prepares for a potential late January 2026 unveiling, enthusiasts are buzzing about design refinements, camera enhancements, and performance boosts.

Leaked CAD renders and insider reports indicate a sleeker profile for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, measuring around 7.9mm thick, a reduction that prioritizes portability without sacrificing durability. The device shifts toward more rounded corners and a bolder rear camera housing, moving away from the boxy aesthetics of recent models while retaining flat panels and a built-in S Pen holster. This evolution echoes elements of the Galaxy S21 Ultra but modernizes them with superior build quality and a wider frame for better ergonomics.

A standout change is the larger front camera notch, expanding to 4mm the biggest Infinity-O cutout in Samsung's Ultra lineup. This design pivot accommodates an 85-degree field of view for the selfie camera, up from 80 degrees on the S25 Ultra, enabling broader group shots and immersive video calls.

While polarizing for some users who prefer minimal bezels, this upgrade promises practical benefits in everyday use. The overall design also includes narrow bezels and a 6.8-inch display, maintaining Samsung's commitment to vibrant, high-resolution screens.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Camera Upgrades

Camera prowess remains a cornerstone of the Ultra series, and leaks suggest substantial improvements. The rear setup retains a 200MP primary sensor but widens its aperture to f/1.4 from f/1.7, allowing 48 percent more light for superior low-light photography.

The 50MP ultra-wide lens carries over, while the 5x periscope telephoto upgrades to an f/2.9 aperture from f/3.4, boosting light intake by 37 percent.

Conflicting reports surround the 3x telephoto lens. One leaker claims a downgrade to a smaller 1/3.94-inch 10MP sensor, potentially due to the slimmer chassis. However, others point to a 12MP upgrade with a new ISOCELL S5K3LD sensor for enhanced detail.

Additional features include a 24MP default shooting mode, adaptive pixel technology for combining shots into high-resolution images, a focus speed slider, and the option to disable HDR10+ in videos for creative control.

The new APV video codec is a game-changer, offering higher-quality footage with smaller file sizes and AI-optimized workflows across the S26 lineup. For selfies, the front camera's wider field of view enhances versatility, though resolution stays consistent with predecessors.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Charging Improvements

Wireless charging sees a long-overdue boost, with the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra supporting 25W speeds a 10W increase over the S25 Ultra's 15W. This upgrade could slash charging times by up to 40 percent, from about 100 minutes to 60 minutes for a full charge. Qi2 compatibility is also rumored, enabling magnetic alignment for efficient power transfer and accessory integration.

Wired charging may receive enhancements too, though specifics remain sparse. These changes address a common criticism of Samsung's stagnant charging tech, bringing it closer to competitors like Google and OnePlus. The base S26 and S26 Plus are tipped for 20W wireless charging, marking Samsung's first series-wide upgrade in years.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Performance and Software Features

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to pack Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, possibly with "for Galaxy" optimizations for superior speed and efficiency. This contrasts with the Exynos 2600 in the standard and Plus models, ensuring the Ultra delivers top-tier gaming and multitasking.

Software-wise, it ships with Android 16-based One UI 8.5, promising seamless updates and AI integrations like Perplexity AI for smarter searches and features. Battery life could benefit from a slight capacity increase, though leaks focus more on efficiency gains from the new processor.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Release Date and Price Expectations

Samsung aims for an early launch, with announcements possibly in late January 2026 and availability by mid-February, thanks to streamlined production. Pricing may rise for the Ultra due to component costs and tariffs, potentially starting above the S25 Ultra's $1,299.

In summary, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leaks paint a picture of iterative yet impactful evolution, blending refined design with cutting-edge tech. From the bigger camera notch enhancing selfies to faster 25W wireless charging and camera aperture upgrades, this device positions itself as a must-have for tech aficionados. Stay tuned for official confirmations as Samsung's Unpacked event approaches.