Fresh leaks have provided a clearer picture of what consumers can expect from Samsung’s next flagship smartphone. Advance retail listings from Russian retailer Cifrus.ru have revealed the likely color lineup for the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra, suggesting that Samsung is opting for a familiar palette while reserving more distinctive finishes for its official online store.
According to the leaked information, models sold through general retailers and mobile carriers will be offered in Black and White, alongside two more stylised options: Cobalt Violet and Silver Shadow. Among these, Cobalt Violet is expected to stand out as the signature color of the generation, continuing Samsung’s recent trend of highlighting one bold tone per flagship cycle.
In addition to the standard lineup, Samsung is expected to keep its practice of offering exclusive colors through its own website. These may include Sky Blue and Pink Gold, finishes typically aimed at customers seeking more personalised options and willing to purchase directly from the manufacturer.
Refined Design With Familiar Elements
Design-wise, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is not expected to introduce radical changes. Leaked images point to a device that blends elements of the Galaxy S25 Ultra with cues from the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The most noticeable update is a pill-shaped rear camera module, which replaces the more segmented look of previous models. Overall, the approach appears evolutionary rather than revolutionary, focusing on subtle refinements to proportions and finishes instead of a complete redesign.
S Pen Details and Limitations
New details have also emerged regarding the S Pen that ships with the Ultra model. The stylus is expected to feature a two-tone design, with approximately 90% of its body finished in either black or white. The top section, which remains visible when the pen is docked in the phone, will match the handset’s chosen color, reinforcing visual consistency.
Functionally, the S Pen will retain its physical side button and clickable top. However, Bluetooth support will once again be absent. This means features such as Air Actions and gesture-based controls will not be available, a limitation that continues from previous generations and may disappoint users who relied on remote interaction features.
Performance and Hardware Expectations
On the performance front, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, positioning it at the top of Samsung’s lineup. In contrast, the standard Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus are rumored to use the Exynos 2600 processor in several markets, including Brazil, continuing Samsung’s split-chip strategy.
Other specifications rumored for the Ultra model include a 5,500 mAh battery with 60 W wired fast charging. Wireless charging will remain available, but the device is not expected to support Qi2 magnetic charging. Camera improvements are also anticipated, particularly a new 24 MP shooting mode designed to deliver more detailed images than the traditional 12 MP mode. Early information suggests processing times of around three seconds per photo, with refinements aimed at reducing excessive sharpening and color fringing.
The display is also expected to gain a “Privacy Display” feature, allowing users to limit on-screen visibility to prevent nearby onlookers from reading sensitive content.
Launch Timeline and Pricing Outlook
Samsung is scheduled to officially unveil the Galaxy S26 series at its Unpacked event on February 25. Retail availability is expected to follow on March 11 in key markets.
Pricing remains unconfirmed, but reports suggest the Galaxy S26 Ultra could see an increase of around 6% compared to its predecessor. Rising component costs, such as RAM and storage, are cited as the primary reasons for the potential hike.
