Published: 1 February 2026 | Canada Wire Technology Desk
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra Nears Finish Line: Flagship Launch Tipped for Late February
A flurry of new leaks points to a 25 February 2026 unveiling for Samsung’s next-generation smartphone king, with a redesigned camera island, a potential 10-bit display, and new AI-powered privacy features leading the rumour mill.
Launch Date & Event: The Countdown Begins
LATESTMultiple tech outlets and a leaked invitation suggest Samsung will host its Galaxy Unpacked event on Tuesday, 25 February 2026. This aligns with Samsung’s historical launch window but represents a slight shift from the January launches of recent years.
The event is expected to introduce the entire Galaxy S26 series, headlined by the S26 Ultra. Samsung’s own newsroom has teased “a new layer of privacy” coming soon, hinting at a major software or hardware feature focused on securing user data in public spaces.
Design & Display: Flat Screens & New Hues
RUMOURLeaked official renders, widely circulated in the past week, showcase the S26 Ultra in colours like Cobalt Violet and Black. The most notable design change appears to be a new, more pronounced pill-shaped camera plateau, moving away from the semi-flush look of the S25 Ultra.
The device is rumoured to retain a large, flat 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display. However, a significant upgrade is now heavily speculated: a true 10-bit display. This feature, confirmed by reliable leakers with “100%” confidence according to reports, would allow for vastly superior colour depth and gradation, a feature currently found on only a handful of competing flagship phones.
Camera & Core Specifications: Evolution, Not Revolution
Based on aggregated leaks and specification sheets from industry databases, the S26 Ultra’s camera system is expected to centre around a formidable 200MP wide sensor. Storage and memory configurations appear plentiful, catering to power users.
The following table compiles specifications from pre-release leaks and should be treated as unconfirmed until Samsung’s official announcement.
| Feature | Rumoured Specification (S26 Ultra) |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED, flat, 120Hz+ |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Elite (expected) |
| Rear Camera | Quad system: 200MP main (wide), with periscope telephoto, ultra-wide, and additional telephoto sensors. |
| RAM / Storage | 12GB / 16GB RAM with 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage options. |
| Key New Features | Satellite messaging (FCC confirmed), potential Camera Control button, enhanced Galaxy AI, new privacy tools. |
| Estimated Starting Price | ~$1,289 USD (Approx. $1,730 CAD) |
New Features & The AI Arms Race
Beyond hardware, the S26 series is poised to expand Samsung’s Galaxy AI suite. A recent APK teardown suggests the S26 Ultra may finally support Android’s Linux Terminal feature, appealing to developers and power users. Furthermore, an FCC filing has seemingly confirmed the inclusion of satellite connectivity for emergency messaging, catching up to a feature already offered by competitors.
One of the more intriguing rumours is that Samsung may introduce a dedicated Camera Control button, similar to the controversial yet popular feature on recent iPhones. This would provide tactile, quick access to camera functions, a boon for photographers.
Public Sentiment & Lingering Questions
INSIGHTWhile excitement is building for the display and camera upgrades, some commentators express concern over whether Samsung will address longstanding issues like aggressive display dimming. The potential lack of confirmed Qi2 magnetic wireless charging also remains a point of contention for accessory compatibility.
The pricing, while expected to remain in the premium flagship tier, will be a critical factor as the S26 Ultra goes head-to-head with Apple’s anticipated iPhone 17 series later in the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra launching?
A: The latest and most consistent leaks point to a launch event on 25 February 2026. The phones typically go on sale a few weeks after the announcement.
Q: What is the biggest upgrade rumoured for the S26 Ultra?
A: The potential move to a 10-bit display is generating significant buzz, as it would represent a major leap in screen colour quality. The redesigned camera module and new AI privacy features are also key highlights.
Q: How much will the Galaxy S26 Ultra cost in Canada?
A: Based on leaked U.S. pricing (~$1,289 USD), the starting price in Canada could be approximately $1,730 CAD before taxes. Final Canadian pricing will be confirmed at launch.
Disclaimer: All information in this report is based on rumours, leaks, and pre-release speculation. Specifications, features, pricing, and launch dates are subject to change and will only be confirmed by Samsung during its official Galaxy Unpacked event. Canada Wire strives to separate confirmed knowledge from industry rumour.