January is traditionally an exciting month for Samsung fans, as it usually signals the arrival of the next-generation Galaxy S series. In 2026, however, the wait is slightly longer than usual. The much-anticipated Samsung Galaxy S26 series, led by the Galaxy S26 Ultra, is expected to debut a few weeks later than Samsung’s typical January schedule.

Despite the delay, leaks and reports suggest that the launch is now just around the corner. From a more efficient OLED display to a powerful next-generation Snapdragon chipset, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is shaping up to be one of Samsung’s most refined ultra-premium flagships yet.

Here’s everything we know so far about the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, including its expected launch date, specifications, features and UAE pricing.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra expected launch date and sale timeline

According to multiple reports and prominent leakers, Samsung is expected to host its annual Galaxy Unpacked event on February 25, 2026. The event is likely to take place in San Francisco, USA, continuing Samsung’s recent trend of unveiling its flagship devices in the US.

Well-known tipster Ice Universe first suggested the February 25 launch date, stating that the entire Galaxy S26 lineup would be unveiled on that day. This claim was later reinforced by another reliable leaker, Evan Blass, who said the date is “100 per cent correct”.

Based on Samsung’s historical launch pattern, pre-orders should begin shortly after the event, with retail sales expected in early to mid-March 2026. Typically, Samsung phones hit stores about two weeks after Unpacked, which means the Galaxy S26 Ultra could be available globally by mid-March.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra rumoured specifications and features

Samsung has not officially confirmed any details yet, but leaks indicate that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will focus on refining key areas rather than introducing a radical redesign. Improvements are expected in display efficiency, performance, battery life, charging speed and overall usability.

One of the most significant upgrades could be the display. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is tipped to feature Samsung’s new M14 OLED panel, which is said to be 20–30 per cent more power-efficient than the M13 OLED used in the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

In terms of design, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to look familiar but more refined. Reports suggest the phone could be slimmer at around 7.9mm, compared to the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 8.2mm thickness.

However, the camera bump is likely to remain prominent. This is reportedly due to larger camera apertures, which should help improve low-light photography and overall image quality.

Powering the Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to be Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, likely in a custom “For Galaxy” variant. The chip is rumoured to be built on an advanced 2nm process, offering noticeable gains in both performance and power efficiency.

After several generations of minimal changes, the Galaxy S26 Ultra could finally get a battery upgrade. Leaks point to a battery capacity between 5,100mAh and 5,400mAh, which would be a welcome improvement over its predecessor.

Charging is another area where Samsung may finally catch up with competitors. After sticking with 45W wired charging for years, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is rumoured to support 60W fast charging.

According to Ice Universe, internal lab tests show that the phone can charge from 0 to 75 per cent in around 30 minutes, which would be a significant improvement for Samsung users.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra UAE price expectations

Pricing remains one of the biggest unknowns. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra launched in the UAE at Dh5,099, and early reports suggest Samsung aims to keep pricing stable for the Galaxy S26 series in key markets.

If this strategy holds, the Galaxy S26 Ultra could launch in the UAE at a similar starting price, though final costs may vary depending on storage configurations and local taxes.