Galaxy S26 Ultra Launch Nears: What Leaks Reveal About Design and Features

YEREVAN (Azat TV) – Samsung is gearing up for the highly anticipated launch of its Galaxy S26 series, with recent leaks pointing to a global Unpacked event on February 25 and an official market release slated for March 11. These revelations, corroborated by multiple trusted sources including renowned leakers Ice Universe and Evan Blass, provide a detailed glimpse into the flagship smartphone’s timeline, a significant display upgrade, and a controversial color scheme that is already drawing criticism from some enthusiasts.

Anticipated Launch and Pre-Order Timeline

The highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy S26 series is expected to be unveiled at a global Unpacked event on February 25, followed by a structured release schedule. According to Ice Universe, a tipster with a robust track record, the immediate aftermath of the Unpacked event will see a pre-order period from February 26 to March 4. This will transition into a pre-sale phase from March 5 to March 10, culminating in the official market launch on March 11.

While these dates are primarily leaked for the South Korean market, Samsung typically adheres to a similar global rollout strategy, suggesting that consumers in the U.S., U.K., and other regions can expect availability around the same timeframe. The decision to launch on a Wednesday, March 11, is reportedly a deliberate choice by Samsung to avoid the traditionally ‘unlucky’ Friday the 13th, showcasing the company’s meticulous planning for its international releases.

Samsung often incentivizes early adopters with various benefits during the pre-order and pre-sale windows. These could include complimentary storage upgrades, discounts on Galaxy accessories, or store credit for future purchases, though specific offers are expected to vary by region.

Display Innovations and Durability Claims

One of the most compelling aspects of the Galaxy S26 Ultra, according to leaked information, is a potential breakthrough in display technology. Ice Universe suggests that Samsung is developing a new ultra-high strength Gorilla Glass, which could significantly enhance the screen’s durability to the point of potentially eliminating the need for a separate screen protector. This development has been described by some reports as ‘the killer of screen protector manufacturers.’

Samsung has a history of pushing display durability, having introduced Gorilla Glass Armor with the Galaxy S24 and refining it in subsequent models. This prior innovation notably reduced screen reflections and improved scratch resistance. Durability tests conducted by popular YouTuber JerryRigEverything on previous Galaxy models have demonstrated a progression in scratch resistance, suggesting that the rumored new glass technology could indeed position the Galaxy S26 Ultra as one of the most robust smartphones on the market.

Muted Color Palette Sparks Debate

While durability is a focus, the aesthetic choices for the Galaxy S26 Ultra have generated some unexpected debate. Renowned leaker Evan Blass, known for his accuracy, revealed the flagship is set to launch in six shades: black, white, silver shadow, sky blue, cobalt violet, and rose gold. This lineup largely aligns with earlier whispers from Ice Universe, who had previously indicated four core SIM tray colors.

However, the absence of a previously rumored ‘playful, vivid orange’ has left many fans and tipsters surprised. Earlier renders had featured this bold hue, reminiscent of Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, a color some had anticipated Samsung might adopt. Critics argue that Samsung, which has often mirrored Apple’s design cues, missed an opportunity to introduce a bold, personality-driven color. The current rumored palette is being described by some as ‘muted’ and lacking the distinctive flair that could help the S26 Ultra stand out in a competitive market.

Iterative Upgrades Beyond Aesthetics

Beyond the display and color controversy, other leaked specifications suggest an iterative, rather than revolutionary, upgrade path for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. While early reports hinted at a larger 5,200 mAh battery, newer sources indicate it will likely remain at 5,000 mAh. The wired charging speed might see an increase to 60W, but core specifications such as RAM or camera megapixels are not expected to change significantly from previous generations.

The device is anticipated to feature the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, promising faster performance, though for many users, the improvement may feel incremental given the already powerful capabilities of the preceding Elite versions. Display upgrades, such as the rumored M14 OLED panel, appear to prioritize energy efficiency over dramatic visual enhancements. Key new features are reported to include a larger main camera aperture, a new Privacy Screen functionality, and a slightly thinner chassis.

This incremental approach has led to some consumer skepticism. A user named JewelyaZ on a discussion forum, responding to a question about whether the S26 series would be a breakthrough, remarked, ‘I don’t care about AI. I care about the camera, battery, charging speed, and the S Pen. I might upgrade from the S23 Ultra to the S24 Ultra this year. But the Galaxy S26 Ultra? It’s just not compelling – and the colors are as dull as a Rav4.’ This sentiment highlights a desire among some consumers for more substantial, tangible improvements beyond minor specification bumps.

The leaked details for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra suggest a device focused on refinement and durability, particularly with its display technology, rather than groundbreaking innovation. While the enhanced Gorilla Glass could address a common user pain point, the seemingly conservative approach to design aesthetics and core feature upgrades risks alienating consumers who are seeking more compelling reasons to upgrade in a market increasingly saturated with high-performing, yet similar, flagship smartphones.