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Latest leak: display size nudges up to 6.89 inches
Fresh rumors about the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra continue to surface ahead of its expected January launch. According to leaks attributed to Ice Universe, the next Samsung flagship will adopt a 6.89" display panel — a figure Samsung would almost certainly market as a 6.9" screen. For context, the Galaxy S25 Ultra reportedly used a 6.86" panel that was also rounded up to 6.9" in marketing, so the physical increase in diagonal size appears minimal.
Display details and what to expect
Size vs. real-world improvements
While the diagonal measurement is only slightly larger on paper, insiders claim Samsung plans to pack the new panel with "surprises" and some of its core display technologies. That suggests the S26 Ultra may focus on improvements beyond raw size — think higher peak brightness, more accurate color calibration, enhanced HDR performance, and power-efficient adaptive refresh rates (LTPO). These upgrades would benefit viewing, gaming, and battery life even if the physical dimensions remain nearly identical.
Cameras and imaging: mixed signals
Camera rumors paint a more nuanced picture. The 5x telephoto module is said to remain unchanged, while the 3x telephoto could be downgraded — an unexpected move that may be aimed at sensor consolidation or cost balancing. Conversely, the main camera reportedly uses the same sensor as the predecessor but with a wider aperture of f/1.4, which would allow roughly 47% more light to hit the sensor. That change could noticeably improve low-light performance and subject isolation.
Comparisons, advantages and trade-offs
Compared with the S25 Ultra, the S26 Ultra appears to offer incremental physical changes but potentially meaningful qualitative upgrades. Advantages may include improved display tech (better brightness, color, and efficiency) and a lower-light-capable main camera thanks to the wider aperture. Potential trade-offs include stagnant or downgraded telephoto performance for certain focal lengths.
Use cases and market relevance
For power users, mobile photographers, and gamers, the rumored display and aperture changes could deliver better content creation, more immersive media consumption, and longer real-world battery life thanks to efficiency gains. From a market perspective, Samsung seems to be refining flagship strengths—display quality and primary imaging—while balancing costs and component choices for secondary cameras. If these rumors hold, the S26 Ultra will remain competitive in the premium Android segment.
Who should consider upgrading?
Owners of older flagships or users prioritizing display quality and low-light photography may find the S26 Ultra a compelling upgrade. Those who depend heavily on multi-focal telephoto zooms should wait for confirmed camera tests before upgrading.
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