Details have emerged online regarding the capabilities of Samsung’s new flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which is expected to feature an advanced camera system powered by a proprietary ProVisual Engine. [27] The latest leaks, attributed to the reliable tipster Ice Universe, outline a device focused on significant performance gains in artificial intelligence and graphical processing, alongside a versatile new camera configuration. [18]
A Revamped Camera System with an AI Core
The upcoming flagship will reportedly feature a multi-lens setup designed for a wide range of photographic situations. The configuration is said to include a 12 MP front-facing module, a 200 MP primary sensor capable of 2x lossless zoom, a 50 MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and a dual telephoto lens system. [5, 17] This dual setup consists of a 50 MP lens with 5x optical zoom and 10x hybrid zoom capabilities, and an additional 10 MP module with 3x optical zoom. [5, 17] Central to these hardware upgrades is the next-generation ProVisual Engine, an AI-powered system aimed at enhancing image processing. [1, 21] Leaks suggest Samsung has developed a new noise reduction algorithm that eliminates banding issues seen in previous models, resulting in smoother gradients, particularly in skies. [24]
Custom Qualcomm Chipset Drives Performance
A key highlight of the leak is the use of a customized “Snapdragon for Galaxy” system-on-a-chip from Qualcomm, expected to be the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. [14, 15] This specialized chipset is reported to deliver substantial performance increases compared to the Galaxy S25 Ultra, with a 39% boost for the Neural Processing Unit (NPU), a 24% increase for the GPU, and a 19% rise in CPU performance. [18] This emphasis on the NPU underscores a strategic focus on accelerating on-device AI tasks and improving graphics, positioning the S26 Ultra to compete with rivals like the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max, which it has reportedly surpassed in multi-core benchmark tests. [8, 9]
Battery and Charging Enhancements
The device is expected to be powered by a 5000 mAh battery, a capacity that has become standard for the Ultra line. [3, 5] However, support for upgraded super-fast charging is also claimed, with the phone reportedly reaching a 75% charge in approximately 30 minutes. [3, 18] Some reports even point to a jump to 60W wired charging, a notable improvement over the previous generation’s 45W. [1, 3, 16] The battery is also said to support up to 31 hours of video playback on a single charge. [5, 18]
Market Context and Future Outlook
The leaked specifications suggest that Samsung is continuing its strategy of refining its flagship offering with a strong emphasis on AI-driven features and powerful, specialized hardware. The significant NPU performance boost indicates a deeper integration of artificial intelligence throughout the operating system, from camera processing to system-level tasks. By focusing on a customized Snapdragon chip for all global versions of the Ultra, Samsung aims to deliver consistent high-end performance. [14] As the smartphone market pivots further towards on-device intelligence, the Galaxy S26 Ultra appears poised to be a strong contender, leveraging its advanced camera technology and processing power to challenge its primary competitors in the premium segment. [11]
