Updated: January 6, 2026 (06.01.2026)
New Galaxy S26 Ultra leaks point to a February 25 Unpacked event and March launch, possible price increases in Korea amid a memory shortage, a “Privacy Display” feature, and early Galaxy S27 Ultra camera upgrade rumors. PhoneArena
Samsung’s next flagship cycle is already shaping up to be less about a “one big feature” and more about the collision of two forces: rising component costs (especially memory) and a growing expectation that premium phones should deliver meaningful upgrades every year. On January 6, 2026, fresh reporting and leaks add detail to what could be Samsung’s most closely watched Galaxy S launch in years—particularly if pricing and pre-order perks start to change. Reuters
Below is everything that’s circulating right now—what the leaks say about the Galaxy S26 release timeline, the price hike debate, the most credible rumored upgrades for the Galaxy S26 Ultra vs the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and why the first Galaxy S27 Ultra camera rumors matter more than they sound.
Galaxy S26 release date: why February 25 keeps coming up
Multiple reports are converging on a similar schedule:
- Galaxy Unpacked: reportedly February 25 (with San Francisco mentioned as the host city in at least one industry roundup)
- Availability / launch window:March 2026
TrendForce’s January 6 report says the Galaxy S26 series is expected to be unveiled at Galaxy Unpacked in San Francisco on February 25 and launched in March. TrendForce
A separate January 5 report from 9to5Google also points to February 25 being the launch event date, with the release in March. 9to5Google
TechRadar’s recent leak roundup likewise suggests a February debut with shipping in March. TechRadar
None of this is official yet—Samsung hasn’t announced the event date publicly—but the consistency across multiple outlets is notable.
Galaxy S26 price hike rumors: the “two-market” story taking shape
If there’s one Galaxy S26 narrative that keeps accelerating, it’s pricing.
What’s being reported in Korea
The most repeated claim is that Korean pricing could rise for the Galaxy S26 lineup—particularly on the now-standard 256GB base storage configurations.
- TrendForce cites a report saying 256GB models could see hikes of 44,000 to 88,000 won (roughly $30–$60), depending on the model. TrendForce
- 9to5Google reports the same won range and frames it as a likely first Galaxy S price hike since 2023. 9to5Google
- Digital Trends describes this as a “tale of two markets,” suggesting the Ultra could edge toward ~1.8 million won in Korea if the higher end of the increase applies. Digital Trends
What about the US and other major markets?
Here’s where the story gets interesting.
TrendForce says Samsung is reportedly considering keeping overseas launch prices unchanged to protect global sales momentum—citing possible US pricing that matches familiar tiers: $799.99 / $999.99 / $1,299.99 for the base/Plus/Ultra. TrendForce
Digital Trends echoes the same US price points as a possibility even if Korea sees a rise. Digital Trends
And 9to5Google also notes the uncertainty of how a Korea-based hike would translate globally, while floating the idea that the US might stay stable. 9to5Google
Why prices are under pressure: the memory shortage isn’t abstract anymore
The price chatter isn’t happening in a vacuum. Reuters reporting on January 6 highlights how an AI-driven shift in memory production has tightened supply and pushed prices higher—and points out that while Samsung’s chip business benefits, the mobile division faces margin pressure from rising component costs. Reuters
Samsung co-CEO TM Roh told Reuters that the situation is “unprecedented” and that no company is immune, adding Samsung is trying to minimize the impact even as it looks “inevitable.” Reuters
SamMobile also reports on Roh’s comments at CES 2026, noting he wouldn’t rule out price increases for Galaxy devices due to higher memory chip prices. SamMobile
TrendForce goes deeper into potential drivers, pointing to rising DRAM/NAND costs, a weak won, and even supply strategy changes (shorter negotiations rather than long-term contracts), all of which can raise the bill of materials. TrendForce
If prices don’t rise everywhere, Samsung may “charge you” another way: pre-order perks
Even if Samsung keeps sticker prices steady in key markets like the US, several reports suggest it could trim the perks that made Galaxy S pre-orders feel like a bargain.
SamMobile reports that Samsung may consider dropping the double-storage pre-order bonus—the perk that typically upgrades buyers from 256GB to 512GB at no extra cost. SamMobile
PhoneArena also reports this same possibility, framing it as a way to keep pricing steady while still protecting margins amid rising costs. PhoneArena
If that happens, the change could be more painful than a small price increase for many shoppers—because the “free storage” perk has been a simple, high-value reason to pre-order.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 Ultra: the rumored upgrades people will actually notice
A Geeky Gadgets breakdown (based on a comparison video) claims the Galaxy S26 Ultra includes 28 key updates spanning design, display, cameras, performance, and charging. Treat this as leak + analysis, not confirmed specs—but it gives a useful picture of what Samsung might prioritize this year. Geeky Gadgets
Design changes: thinner, lighter, and a new S Pen position
According to the report:
- 7.9mm thickness (excluding camera module)
- 214g weight
- Rounded corners and refined frame for grip
- S Pen moved to the left side and a reshaped stylus for ergonomics
- A shift from separate camera rings to a full-width camera bar
That last point—camera bar vs rings—may be where leaks diverge (more on that below).
Display: M14 OLED + a new “privacy” angle
Geeky Gadgets claims the S26 Ultra could use an M14 OLED panel for higher brightness and better efficiency, potentially paired with COE tech (Circular Polarizer Elimination). Geeky Gadgets
It also mentions a headline feature: an AI privacy display that narrows viewing angles to hide content from people nearby. Geeky Gadgets
That aligns with separate “Privacy Display” leaks circulating this week. Android Central
Camera: bigger apertures, sharper selfies, mixed signals on telephoto
On paper (again: rumor), the upgrades skew toward capturing more light:
- Main camera aperture: f/1.4 vs f/1.7
- 5x periscope aperture: f/2.9 vs f/3.4
- A possible downside: 3x telephoto sensor size reportedly reduced
- Selfie camera: field of view up from 80° to 85°, resolution 12MP to 24MP, plus improved autofocus
- Video: mention of APV format with built-in LUTs for editing workflows
Performance + cooling: faster chip and a larger vapor chamber
Geeky Gadgets suggests the S26 Ultra could run a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, plus:
- 15% larger vapor chamber for heat dissipation
- 25% faster RAM speed
Charging: the upgrade most people will feel daily
The same comparison claims:
- 60W wired charging (up from 45W)
- 25W wireless charging (up from 15W)
- Magnetic alignment for wireless charging
- Battery capacity unchanged, but efficiency gains
- Possible removal of reverse wireless charging due to magnet interference
If even half of this holds, the Galaxy S26 Ultra story is shaping up to be a refinement year—with charging and display privacy as the most “new-to-you” experiences.
Colors, materials, and the camera bump: why leaks can’t stop talking about design
A separate TechRadar leak roundup focuses heavily on the “look and feel” story:
- Leaked color names include Black Shadow, White Shadow, Galactial Blue, and Ultraviolet
- The absence of “titanium” in those names is fueling speculation Samsung could change materials to reduce costs
- A reshaped S Pen with an “asymmetrical arc” to match curved sides
- An “extremely clean and minimalistic” rear camera redesign, moving away from thick black rings
This is where the details get messy: Geeky Gadgets talks about a full-width camera bar, while TechRadar emphasizes thinner metal borders around lenses. Both could be describing different aspects of the same redesign—or simply different prototypes and interpretations. Either way, the shared theme is clear: Samsung appears to be targeting a more premium-looking camera area this year. Geeky Gadgets
One UI 8.5 “Privacy Display” leak: an anti-snooping feature built into the screen
Privacy screens have always been a compromise: useful, but dim. The newer leaks suggest Samsung is trying to remove that compromise by making privacy mode part of the phone itself.
Android Central reports that the Galaxy S26 Ultra could include anti-peeping tech “baked” into the display, combining hardware + software, with rumors referencing Flex Magic Pixel OLED tech and AI. Android Central
It’s said to appear in One UI 8.5, with controls in Settings, a Quick Settings toggle, and automation options (e.g., turning on for a banking app or when you leave home). Android Central
The Verge adds that an animation shows how the feature could work inside One UI 8.5 and supports automation depending on app use or even being “in a crowd.” The Verge
TechRadar also notes One UI 8.5 is expected to launch alongside Galaxy S26 phones and describes Privacy Display being toggled manually or via conditions. TechRadar
If it ships as described, Privacy Display could become one of those features people don’t realize they want—until they use it once on a train or in a café.
Samsung’s AI push is accelerating—and it connects to the Galaxy S26 story
Even outside of leaks, Samsung is signaling that 2026 is an “AI everywhere” year.
In a Reuters interview published January 5, TM Roh said Samsung plans to double the number of mobile devices featuring Galaxy AI to 800 million units in 2026, up from about 400 million the prior year, with many features powered by Google’s Gemini. Reuters
That matters for the S26 because several of the most-discussed rumored changes—Privacy Display behavior, smarter camera processing, and assistant upgrades—are fundamentally software + AI plays.
TechRadar also reports that One UI 8.5 leaks show Bixby powered by Perplexity, delivering web-based answers with source links. TechRadar
In other words: even if Galaxy S26 hardware upgrades are incremental, Samsung may be betting that the experience layer is what makes the phone feel “new.”
The Galaxy S27 Ultra camera rumor: why 2027 is already in today’s headlines
Yes, it’s early—very early—but the Galaxy S27 Ultra camera rumor is resonating because it speaks directly to a long-running criticism: Samsung’s Ultra camera hardware has felt too static for too many generations.
PhoneArena reports that Samsung has kept Ultra camera hardware largely unchanged in recent years and notes the 200MP ISOCELL HP2 sensor debuted on the Galaxy S23 Ultra and is expected on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. It then cites leaker Ice Universe suggesting Samsung could replace the main, ultrawide, and front cameras on the Galaxy S27 Ultra, while leaving the telephoto largely the same and potentially widening the periscope aperture. PhoneArena
Android Authority’s January 5 report echoes this: primary, ultrawide, and front camera sensors could be upgraded; telephoto mostly the same; periscope could get a wider aperture. It also mentions earlier talk of a larger 1/1.1-inch 200MP sensor being considered and later scrapped due to cost concerns. Android Authority
The takeaway: the S27 rumor isn’t just about 2027 hardware—it’s a signal that Samsung may already know it needs a more dramatic camera refresh to keep pace with fast-moving rivals.
What to watch next
If you’re tracking the Galaxy S26 series day-to-day, here are the next breadcrumbs that usually matter most:
- Official Unpacked invitations (the first real confirmation of timing)
- More consistent pricing leaks by region (Korea vs US vs Europe often diverge)
- Pre-order perk confirmations (double storage vs other incentives)
- One UI 8.5 rollout details (which features are real vs hidden prototypes)
- Carrier and regulatory filings (often the earliest “quiet” confirmations of connectivity and model numbers)
Until then, it’s best to treat the current picture as a likely direction—not a final spec sheet.
Quick FAQ for search and Discover
When is the Samsung Galaxy S26 expected to launch?
Reports point to a February 25 Unpacked event and March availability, but Samsung hasn’t confirmed. TrendForce
Will the Galaxy S26 be more expensive?
Several reports suggest Korea may see price increases on 256GB models, while the US could stay at current price tiers—potentially with fewer pre-order perks. TrendForce
What’s the most interesting rumored new feature?
The “Privacy Display” anti-snooping screen mode is emerging as a standout, with quick toggles and automation in One UI 8.5. Android Central
Is Samsung really changing the Galaxy S27 Ultra cameras?
It’s an early leak, but multiple outlets cite a claim that Samsung may finally upgrade several key sensors on the S27 Ultra. PhoneArena
