But how will it compare to Apple’s iPhone 17, which is scheduled to arrive in September 2025? Let’s break down what we know so far about Samsung’s upcoming beast and see how it stacks against Apple’s latest innovation.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Specifications (Rumored)
While Samsung has not confirmed the official details yet, several reliable leaks suggest major hardware upgrades for the Galaxy S26 Ultra:
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon Gen 4 (USA) / Exynos 2600 (Global) for unmatched performance.
- Display: 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED panel with up to 144Hz refresh rate, smoother than the iPhone 17’s 120Hz ProMotion display.
- RAM & Storage: Expected to start from 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, going up to 1TB.
- Battery: 5500mAh with faster charging support possibly up to 65W wired and 25W wireless.
- Software: Launching with One UI 7.0 based on Android 16.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Camera Rumors
Samsung’s Ultra models are famous for pushing camera technology to the next level, and the S26 Ultra will likely continue this trend. Early leaks suggest:
Main Camera: A groundbreaking 250MP sensor, compared to the iPhone 17’s 200MP.
Zoom Lens: Improved 10x optical zoom and up to 200x digital zoom for photography enthusiasts.
AI Night Photography: Smarter low-light performance powered by AI algorithms.
Video: 8K video recording with enhanced stabilization.
These rumored upgrades make the Galaxy S26 Ultra camera one of the most exciting features to look forward to.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Design
Leaks suggest Samsung is going for a sleeker design with:
Slimmer bezels and slightly curved edges.
Titanium frame for extra durability (similar to Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max).
New matte color options, including Phantom Black, Titanium Silver, and Emerald Green.
The phone is expected to maintain Samsung’s signature S-Pen support, which continues to set it apart from Apple’s lineup.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Price (Expected)
Pricing always plays a big role in flagship comparisons. According to leaks:
Galaxy S26 Ultra price may start around $1,299 in the USA, making it slightly higher than the iPhone 17 base model.
Higher storage variants (512GB or 1TB) may cross the $1,599 mark.
Trade-in and carrier deals are expected to reduce the initial cost for buyers.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Release Date
Samsung typically launches its Galaxy S series in the first quarter of each year. Based on this trend:
The Samsung Galaxy S26 launch date is expected to be February 2026.
Pre-orders should begin right after the official Unpacked event.
Global shipping is likely to start within two weeks of the launch.
How Does It Compare to iPhone 17?
Apple’s iPhone 17, scheduled for September 2025, will arrive a few months earlier than the S26 Ultra. Let’s look at the key differences:
Processor
iPhone 17 → A19 Bionic chip with AI-driven performance.
Galaxy S26 Ultra → Snapdragon Gen 4 / Exynos 2600.
Display
iPhone 17 → 6.1" and 6.9" Super Retina XDR with 120Hz.
S26 Ultra → 6.9" AMOLED with 144Hz refresh rate.
Camera
iPhone 17 Pro Max → 200MP main sensor.
Galaxy S26 Ultra → Rumored 250MP sensor with superior zoom.
Charging
iPhone 17 → USB-C with MagSafe support.
Galaxy S26 Ultra → Faster wired + wireless charging.
Special Features
iPhone 17 Air → Rumored wireless-only version, no charging port.
Samsung → S-Pen integration, higher zoom lens, bigger battery.
Final Thoughts
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is shaping up to be one of the most powerful smartphones ever made. With its rumored 250MP camera, 144Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon Gen 4 processor, and titanium design, Samsung is clearly aiming to outshine Apple’s iPhone 17.
On the other hand, Apple’s 2025 flagship still has an edge in ecosystem integration, smoother software experience, and the innovative iPhone 17 Air wireless model, which might change how we think about charging.
If you’re an Android lover seeking raw power, customization, and unmatched zoom capabilities, the S26 Ultra will likely be your dream phone. But if you value seamless performance, longer software support, and Apple-exclusive features, the iPhone 17 remains a strong contender.
Either way, 2025–2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for flagship smartphones.