SEOUL, Jan 19, 2026, 00:46 KST
- Leaks point to four Galaxy S26 Ultra color options, with violet tipped as the “hero” shade
- Separate report says Samsung may dial back photo processing to deliver more natural-looking images
- A Samsung Colombia document lists Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra models as launch expectations build
Samsung’s next Galaxy S flagship is already being mapped out in leaks, with fresh reports pointing to a four-color Galaxy S26 Ultra and a shift toward less-processed photos as the company heads into its expected late-February launch window.
The timing matters because Samsung’s Ultra model is one of the most watched premium Android phones, and the camera is where buyers still expect visible gains. With hardware upgrades slowing, changes in software — how a phone “develops” a photo after you tap the shutter — can be the bigger story.
It also lands as rivals keep pushing photography as a selling point. Apple has leaned into iPhone imaging and on-device AI features, while Chinese brands have chased larger camera sensors and more aggressive hardware upgrades.
Photos said to show the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s SIM tray — the small slot that holds a SIM card — suggest the phone will come in black, white, blue and purple, SammyGuru reported, citing posts by tipsters Ice Universe and Ahmed Qwaider. (SammyGuru)
Samsung often adds extra online-only finishes, and the same report said availability could vary by market. It also flagged uncertainty over whether Samsung keeps titanium in the S26 Ultra’s frame, a detail that can affect weight and feel.
On the camera side, PhoneArena reported the Galaxy S26 Ultra could move toward “realism” by cutting down on heavy post-processing, meaning less software contrast and saturation added after the photo is taken. Leaker Ice Universe wrote on X that the phone’s photography style would aim to stay close to real-world colors. (PhoneArena)
The same report said Samsung may widen the main camera’s aperture — the opening that lets light into the lens — which can improve low-light shots and shadow detail. It added that the change could also bring back a more pronounced rear camera bump.
Samsung has not announced the Galaxy S26 lineup, but a terms-and-conditions document hosted by Samsung Electronics Colombia S.A. lists “Galaxy S26 Ultra,” “Galaxy S26” and “Galaxy S26 +” among eligible products for a local promotion.
TechRadar, which first pointed to the Colombia document leak, said the reporting around launch timing has converged on Wednesday, Feb. 25, with availability expected in March, while noting the schedule remains unconfirmed. (TechRadar)
Competition will be tight if Samsung does pivot toward more natural tones. PhoneArena noted that camera tuning alone may not be enough to outpace Chinese rivals with larger sensors, naming Xiaomi’s next Ultra model as a reference point, while warning that heavy-handed processing — including AI features that rewrite parts of an image — can also backfire.
But the picture is still incomplete. Leaks can reflect prototypes, regional variants, or early plans that change before launch, and camera “looks” often shift right up to release via software updates.
Samsung has not publicly confirmed the February timing, the camera changes or the color lineup. What comes next will likely be official invitations, retailer materials and — if past years repeat — a faster drumbeat of leaks in the final weeks.
