The Galaxy S26 Ultra is officially confirmed to launch with Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 chip, thanks to a firmware leak that all but seals the deal. This move keeps Samsung’s Ultra model tied to Qualcomm’s very best hardware.
Galaxy S26 Ultra firmware points to Snapdragon upgrade
A fresh firmware labeled PMK8850 surfaced online, and its naming closely mirrors the Snapdragon IDs found in the Galaxy S25 Ultra. That’s a direct signal that the S26 Ultra will carry the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2, marking Samsung’s continued reliance on Qualcomm’s flagship processor for its highest-end phone.
iPhone 17 Pro Max may be thicker than iPhone 16 Pro Max. The reason for this is shown as a change in the battery.
Qualcomm takes the premium slot
Regular S26 models may still see an Exynos 2600 in select markets, but leaks indicate the Ultra won’t follow that path. Instead, it looks set to stay Qualcomm-only, keeping the performance ceiling as high as possible.
Galaxy S26 Ultra charging moves faster
The Ultra keeps its 5,000 mAh battery, but charging is getting a big lift 60 W instead of 45 W. That upgrade should cut recharge time dramatically, letting users top up in less than an hour without breaking stride.
Cameras and display see sharp upgrades
Samsung isn’t just leaning on raw speed. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is tipped to bring meaningful boosts across its imaging stack:
- 200 MP primary sensor with a brighter aperture
- 50 MP periscope lens for sharper zoom shots
- 12 MP telephoto with improved clarity
- 6.9‑inch display with higher brightness and anti-reflective coating
This list alone suggests Samsung is targeting both pro photographers and everyday shooters who want clean shots in any light.
Galaxy S26 Ultra design aims thinner and lighter
Despite keeping a large display, the S26 Ultra is expected to slim down under 7 mm in thickness while dropping a few grams compared to the S25 Ultra. Next-gen glass and coating tech should sharpen visuals even in bright sunlight, making the screen easier to read outdoors.
The shape of Samsung’s next leap
From firmware strings to battery speeds, everything about the Galaxy S26 Ultra feels more aggressive than iterative. Samsung is locking in on performance, speed, and a sharper design philosophy. The wait won’t be long this Ultra looks built to move fast and leave nothing behind.
