Note on Images: Since the Galaxy S26 Ultra is still in development, the visuals in this article are concept renders based on leaked schematics.
With the Galaxy S25 series nearly a year old, the tech world’s attention has shifted to its successor. However, recent news from CES 2026 has brought a mix of excitement and concern. While the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is confirmed to be a powerhouse with 60W charging, a global memory chip shortage threatens to increase prices and cancel beloved pre-order bonuses.
Here is everything we know so far about the confirmed launch date, the "inevitable" price hike, and what this means for buyers in the UAE.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (Leaked) | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (Comparison) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.9-inch QHD+ (New M14 OLED Panel) | 6.8-inch QHD+ (M13 Panel) |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 / Elite |
| RAM & Storage | 12GB/16GB RAM; Up to 1TB | 12GB/16GB RAM; Up to 1TB |
| Main Camera | 200MP (Wider f/1.4 aperture tipped) | 200MP (f/1.7 aperture) |
| Telephoto (3x) | 12MP (Sensor upgrade likely) | 10MP |
| Telephoto (5x) | 50MP (Brighter f/2.9 aperture) | 50MP (f/3.4 aperture) |
| Charging | 60W Wired / Qi2 Wireless Support | 45W Wired / 15W Wireless |
| Design | Thinner (~8.0mm), Rounded Corners | 8.2mm, Sharp Boxy Corners |
| Unpacked Date | February 25, 2026 (Confirmed) | January 17, 2025 |
| UAE Release | Early-to-Mid March 2026 | January 2025 |
The Release Date: Confirmed for February 25
The confusion is finally over. Noted leaker Evan Blass (known as @evleaks) has corroborated reports that Samsung’s next "Unpacked" event will take place on February 25, 2026.
- Why the delay? Unlike the usual January launch, this year's late February date is likely due to production adjustments amidst the global component shortage.
- What this means for UAE: If the global reveal is Feb 25, expect pre-orders to go live immediately, with actual devices hitting shelves in Dubai and Abu Dhabi by mid-March 2026.
The "Bad News": Price Hikes & Promo Cuts
On January 8th at CES 2026, Samsung Electronics co-CEO TM Roh dropped a bombshell. Speaking to Reuters, he warned that a "global shortage of memory chips" is driving up costs, stating that price adjustments for smartphones are now "inevitable."
1. How much will it increase?
Reports from Korea (ET News) suggest a hike of roughly $30 to $60 USD per model.
- UAE Impact: This translates to a potential increase of AED 150 – AED 250 over last year's launch prices.
- Estimated Starting Price: The 256GB S26 Ultra could start around AED 5,299, up from the S25 Ultra's AED 5,099.
2. The "Double Storage" Offer Risk
For years, Samsung's best pre-order perk in the UAE has been the free storage upgrade (e.g., getting the 512GB model for the price of the 256GB).
- The Warning: Because memory chips are the specific component in shortage (driven by AI data center demand), leaks indicate Samsung may cancel this specific promotion for the S26 series to protect margins.
- Buyer Advice: If this promo is cancelled, early adopters will effectively be paying more for less storage compared to previous years.
The Good News: 60W Charging & Ergonomics
Despite the pricing drama, the phone itself is shaping up to be a massive upgrade in usability.
The 60W Charging Upgrade
Finally! A regulatory 3C certification has spotted the S26 Ultra testing with 60W wired charging. While not the 100W speeds seen in Chinese rivals, it is a significant jump from the 45W cap Samsung has held since 2020.
- Bonus: Rumors also point to Qi2 support, meaning magnetic wireless charging (MagSafe style) could finally come to Galaxy natively.
Leaked Design: The Return of Curves?
Multiple reports suggest the Galaxy S26 Ultra will abandon the sharp, boxy "Note" aesthetic.
- Rounded Corners: Renders point to softer corners, making the massive 6.9-inch device much more comfortable to hold.
- Thinner Frame: The titanium frame is expected to slim down to ~8.0mm, housing the same 5,000mAh battery thanks to denser battery tech.
Final Verdict: Should You Wait?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is fixing the main ergonomic complaints of the S25 (sharp corners) and boosting charging speeds to 60W. However, the likely price hike and the loss of the free storage upgrade make this a tricky year.
- Wait IF: You absolutely need the best camera (f/1.4 aperture) and faster charging.
- Buy S25 Ultra Now IF: You find a great discount. With the S26 price rising, the S25 Ultra at current market rates (~AED 3,800 - 4,200) is becoming an incredible value bargain.