In recent weeks the Samsung Galaxy S26 leaksAnd especially the Ultra model, leaks have skyrocketed to the point of leaving very little to the imagination. High-definition videos, watermark-free renders, and nearly complete specification sheets paint a picture in which Samsung's new flagship phone will arrive with many tweaks and few radical changes.
For users of Spain and the rest of EuropeThese leaks don't just talk about design: they also anticipate the return of the eternal debate between Exynos and Snapdragon, changes in pricing policy and a strong commitment to AI integrated into One UI 8.5 which, on paper, should mark the true generational leap.
A design that continues the same style with very calculated tweaks
One of the most striking materials that has been seen is a Leaked video of the Galaxy S26 Ultra Rotating 360 degrees, with a quality more typical of a promotional piece than a simple leak. The profiles, the relief of the camera module, and the finish of the back are clearly visible, without the play of light and shadow that usually hides details in blurry photos.
The phone appears in the already repeated color Cobalt Violet...one of the key shades of this generation. Beyond the color, the video seems to confirm a change that many have been asking for: the disappearance of decorative hoops around the cameras on the Ultra. Without those rings, the assembly looks cleaner and more uniform, and the risk of a purely aesthetic piece wearing out before the rest of the body is reduced.
The images also reveal the Ultra's camera module They are no longer just "loose" sensors on the glassThey are grouped around a small vertical protrusion that better organizes the design and allows the S26 Ultra to be distinguished at a glance from previous models. It's not a revolution, but it's a change significant enough for anyone familiar with the range to recognize it instantly.
Another detail that is repeated in several leaked renders is the use of a metal frame with brushed finishSources who have analyzed the material indicate that Samsung may have decided Back to aluminum in the Ultraleaving titanium as a one-off experiment. The goal would be to control weight and costs, while maintaining a high-end feel in the hand and better concealing micro-scratches thanks to the brushed finish.
Overall, everything points to a continuation of the current approach: slightly more rounded corners, a cleaner back, and a more recognizable camera modulebut without breaking the square silhouette that the public has associated with the Ultra family for several generations.
S Pen, leaked colors, and a more prominent back
The leaks haven't just shown the phone: they've also revealed the S Pen accompanying the Galaxy S26 UltraThis reinforces the fact that the stylus remains a central part of the identity of the most expensive model in the range. On some models, the top button of the S Pen appears in the same color as the chassis, a minor aesthetic touch that nonetheless adds to the feeling of a well-crafted product.
Several leaks mention fairly matching color palettesThe Ultra will come in black, violet tones, and blue or silver options, while the S26 and S26+ models will opt for a simpler color scheme. Clean renders published by tech outlets showcase these colors with a level of detail very similar to the press materials Samsung typically distributes before a Galaxy Unpacked event.
That same material also confirms that The relief of the camera module is best understood when viewed from the sideThe step is more defined than in previous generations, but it seems more integrated into the chassis, something that should help the phone sit more stably on the table and make the feel in hand less unbalanced, although that can only be verified with real units.
The leaks also emphasize that the The Galaxy S26 Ultra is slightly thinner.The recurring figures indicate a thickness of approximately 7,9 mm and a slightly lighter weight than the S25 Ultra—just enough to notice the difference without making it the main selling point. For many users coming from generations with curved bezels, this combination of flat bezels and softer corners could offer added comfort without sacrificing the Ultra's signature "square" look.
Confirmed models and the (temporary) goodbye to the Edge
For months a much more aggressive scenario was considered in terms of the catalog: replacing the Plus model with a Galaxy S26 Edge ultra-thinThey considered renaming the base model "Pro" and opting for a much more radical redesign. However, the most recent leaks agree that this idea has been shelved and that Samsung has reverted to a more traditional lineup.
Everything points to the The Galaxy S26 Edge has been ruled out At least for the initial launch, largely due to the lukewarm reception of the S25 Edge. The most reliable sources assume that in the Galaxy Unpacked on February 25th We will look at three main models:
- Galaxy S26
- Galaxy S26+
- Galaxy s26 ultra
Rumors of a possible S26 “Pro” have been losing steam as product specifications and marketing materials have leaked, always referring to the classic S26 and S26+ designations. From there, the differences would primarily focus on screen size, camera, and processor type, rather than a change in the focus of each model.
Processors: Exynos 2600 for Europe and Snapdragon only in the Ultra
One of the key points for European users is once again the distribution of processors among regionsData sheets leaked by outlets like WinFuture are consistent with other sources: in In Spain and the rest of Europe, the Galaxy S26 and S26+ would feature the Exynos 2600, a 2nm chip from Samsung, while the The Galaxy S26 Ultra would exclusively feature Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
Samsung argues that its new Exynos chip is on par with the Snapdragon in performance and efficiency, but the track record of previous generations carries weight, and part of the European community has already shown a certain disappointment upon seeing these plans confirmedEven so, leaks agree that all models will start with at least 12 GB of RAM, a clear leap compared to generations where the base model fell short.
In the case of Galaxy s26 ultraThe most consistent leaks speak of configurations of 12 and 16 GB of RAM and storage options 256GB, 512GB, and 1TBFurthermore, the S26 family as a whole would finally get underway in 256 GB base storage, leaving behind the 128 GB that many users already considered insufficient in 2026.
The objective of this move seems clear: to increase perceived value without excessively altering the "invisible" hardwareIt's easier to explain to a buyer that their new phone has double the storage than to convince them why a new chip manufacturing process is better, even though that change also exists.
Screens: Gorilla Glass Armor 2 and privacy mode on the Ultra
Another point where the leaks agree is on the screens. All models are expected to use the same panels. Dynamic AMOLED 2X with up to 120Hz refresh rateBut with significant improvements in protection and outdoor visibility. There's talk of the arrival of Gorilla Glass Armor 2, a glass designed to both improve resistance to impacts and scratches and to significantly reduce reflections.
In terms of size, the leaks describe a fairly classic pattern: around 6,3 inches for the Galaxy S26, One 6,7 inches for the S26+ and a screen of 6,9 inches for the S26 Ultra, all with high resolution (Full HD+ in the base model and resolutions close to 3K in the S26+ and Ultra).
The most talked-about new feature is once again reserved for the Ultra: a privacy mode integrated into the screen itself This would limit the visibility of content when viewed from side angles. The idea is reminiscent of existing privacy protectors on the market, but here it would be applied at the panel level, activated via software and integrated with One UI.
The leaks also mention Efficiency improvements to achieve higher brightness levels with lower power consumptionThis is a change that's less flashy in headlines but important for battery life, especially in a context where maximum brightness has become one of the key metrics for high-end devices.
Cameras: General continuity and retouching in the Ultra
If there's one area where rumors speak more of refinement than revolution, it's photography. For the Galaxy s26 ultraMost sources agree that a 200 MP main sensorIt also includes an ultra-wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens system with 3x and 5x optical zoom, the latter in a periscope style. The difference lies in slightly larger apertures and a new 50MP wide-angle sensor, aimed at improving night photography and natural blur.
In the Galaxy S26 and S26 +The specification sheets leaked by WinFuture point to a virtually complete recycling of the sensors Compared to the S25 generation: 50MP main camera, 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and 12MP front camera. The changes would come primarily from processing and artificial intelligence features.
Several leaks agree that Samsung will rely on New AI algorithms in One UI 8.5 The focus is on reducing noise, improving detail at high zoom levels, and refining portrait mode, rather than a raw increase in megapixels. It's a continuation of a strategy already seen from other manufacturers: concentrating on software development once the hardware is sufficiently mature.
The possibility that the Galaxy S26 standard and S26+ They inherit certain video improvements from Ultra, although leaks don't agree on specific details. It does seem clearer that the night capture and stabilization These will be two of the key marketing messages, especially in the more expensive model.
Battery, fast charging and no magnetic charging
In terms of autonomy, the leaks agree on a slight increase in capabilities and, above all, an improvement in the Galaxy S26 Ultra fast chargingThe most frequently occurring data points indicate a battery of 5.000 mAh for the top-of-the-range model, with support from wired charging up to 60W, a step forward compared to the 45W of the previous generation.
El Galaxy S26 it would rise to about 4.300 mAh, Whereas the S26 + would be around 4.900 mAhMaintaining similar charging power to the previous generation (25W for the S26 and around 45W for the S26+ according to leaked specifications). These aren't groundbreaking figures compared to some Chinese rivals, but they are an upward adjustment which, combined with efficiency improvements, should translate into a bit more margin at the end of the day.
Where the initial enthusiasm seems to have cooled is in the Qi2 type magnetic charging with integrated magnetsMidway through the rumor cycle, there was talk of a rear panel with an integrated magnetic charging system on all S26 models, similar to MagSafe, but the latest documents point to the opposite: all three models would retain traditional wireless charging and, if anything, would rely on... specific magnetic cases for anyone who wants that experience.
In other words, the S26 family would offer improvements in charging, but not the magnetic leap that many expected. This is a particularly sensitive point when compared to the trajectory of other manufacturers who are clearly investing in these systems.
One UI 8.5 and Galaxy AI: the big bet of this generation
Much of the story surrounding the Galaxy S26 leaks actually revolves around the software and artificial intelligenceSources agree that all models will arrive with One UI 8.5 based on the new version of Android, and that Samsung wants Galaxy AI should no longer be an extra for editing photos and become part of your daily phone usage.
Among the functions that are mentioned repeatedly are the intelligent image and video editing toolsReal-time transcription and translation, and a system that adapts suggestions and automations to each person's actual mobile usage. The RAM upgrade to 12 and 16 GB fits with this approach, as many of these tasks work better with more available memory.
Another piece of this software puzzle is the new on-screen privacy layer which have been leaked by several media outlets. Beyond the panel's restricted view mode, there's talk of a system that would allow users to decide what information appears on the lock screen and in notifications when others are nearby, with options to hide sensitive content without missing important alerts.
In Europe, moreover, several leaks mention the inclusion of satellite connectivity for emergencies In the S26 family, a feature that has been gradually expanding in the high-end range and that could have a special impact on product communication, especially in markets where mobile coverage is irregular in rural areas.
Presentation and launch dates in Spain and Europe
Regarding the schedule, the leaks are particularly persistent. Everything points to Samsung holding its next Galaxy Unpacked on February 25th, at an event where the entire Galaxy S26 family will be presented along with other devices such as the Galaxy Buds 4.
To Spain and the rest of EuropeThe sequence is quite predictable: reservations open practically the day after the event and Arrival in stores between March 10th and 15thMany sources are pointing to March 11 as the likely general availability date. This is a slightly later timeline than in previous years, when Samsung opted for presentations in mid-January and launches in early February.
This delay of a few weeks is interpreted as a form of Better adjust stock levels and reach the market with all configurations readyThis avoids the mismatches of some past launches. It also aligns with the goal of releasing the S26 family alongside other hardware and service announcements related to Galaxy AI.
Filtered pricing and a strategy to contain costs in Europe
If there's one area where leaks generate the most debate, it's in the... Prices for Spain and EuropeThe figures cited by various sources indicate a significant increase compared to the S25 series, especially for the S26 and S26+ models. In practice, the S26 family would now operate in a price range of super premium range even in their input settings.
Figures like these are being discussed in the European market (always without official confirmation):
- Galaxy S26 12+256 GB: around 1.199 euros
- Galaxy S26 12+512 GB: around 1.429 euros
- Galaxy S26+ 12+256 GB: around 1.499 euros
- Galaxy S26+ 12+512 GB: approximately 1.729 euros
- Galaxy S26 Ultra 12+256 GB: around 1.739 euros
- Galaxy S26 Ultra 12+512 GB: around 1.969 euros
- Galaxy S26 Ultra 12+1 TB: above 2.300 euros
Other, somewhat more conservative reports place the The starting price for the base S26 is around 999 euros In Europe, with the S26+ and Ultra climbing from there. In any case, almost all the leaks agree that the combination of 2nm chips, more RAM, 256GB of base storage, and new AI features pushes costs upwards.
Samsung's strategy to partially contain that rise would involve distribute processors (Exynos in the standard models, Snapdragon in the Ultra) and to reinforce the perceived added value: more resistant glass, a screen with less reflection, more generous base storage and a software package that replaces some extra purchases (such as privacy protectors or additional cloud storage).
Receiving leaks and user expectations
The community's reaction to these leaks has generally been quite dividedSome users appreciate Samsung's focus on refining a familiar design rather than changing it every year, and welcome gestures such as removing the 128GB base storage or improving the Ultra's charging speed.
Another group, particularly active in forums and networks, summarizes the situation as A chip upgrade, new colors, and little else.Critics point out that the basic design has remained largely unchanged since the S21 series, and that the most striking hardware innovations (such as Qi2 magnets or an ultra-thin Edge) have been dropped along the way. It also doesn't help that price leaks suggest increases with a list of improvements that many perceive as underwhelming.
In the background, the debate is reminiscent of the one that takes place year after year with other leading brands: To what extent does a refinement of the same concept justify a price increase? Samsung's clear commitment to AI and the integration of useful features into everyday life will be key to answering that question when the Galaxy S26 finally arrives in European stores.
With all the leaks, the picture that emerges of the Galaxy S26 is that of a generation that It does not aim to reinvent the high-end range, but to fine-tune what already worked.A highly recognizable design with a cleaner back, better-protected screens with less glare, more standard memory and storage, slightly faster charging on the Ultra, and a software layer that attempts to make AI meaningful beyond just the slogan. Pending confirmation of final prices and fine details from Samsung, the feeling is that the real test will lie not so much in the technical specifications as in whether the complete package convinces those who have followed the Galaxy S family for years.
