The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra only needs one thing to succeed

I’ve written extensively about my frustrations with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

I warmed to it a year later and now recognize it’s an excellent smartphone, but it still fell short of expectations at launch.

I’ve seen many people complain that the Galaxy S26 Ultra is shaping up to be more of the same.

Rumors suggest Samsung isn’t making any major changes, and I understand people’s frustrations.

However, I don’t want to lose sight of the bigger picture.

Yes, Samsung desperately needs to refresh its flagship Galaxy lineup. But it won’t take a significant design overhaul to do it.

The company can still generate excitement around the Galaxy S26 Ultra, even if it looks largely similar to the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Samsung only needs one thing to succeed this year and get me excited about its upcoming flagship.

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Posts By  Rajesh Pandey

The Galaxy S26 Ultra can rely on minor improvements to make a major difference

Little changes add up

I mentioned that the Galaxy S26 Ultra only needs one thing to succeed, and that’s true, even though it will require multiple changes.

The device just needs to feel different from the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

I’ve given up the ghost of Samsung making sweeping, bold innovations to its flagship lineup — it’s just not that kind of company anymore.

Its installed user base for Galaxy devices is too large, and it can’t risk any jarring changes that might alienate existing users. It’s frustrating, but it’s reality.

Still, within those confines, Samsung can make improvements that make the Galaxy S26 Ultra feel like a bigger departure from its predecessors.

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL wasn’t a revolutionary leap from the Pixel 9 series, but a combination of minor improvements and an upgraded software experience led me to enjoy the phone more than I thought I would.

Samsung could pull off the same, and while the rumored changes aren’t Earth-shattering, they’ll make the Galaxy S26 Ultra distinct.

Display changes, a camera bump, and faster charging

Not to mention One UI 8.5

It’s become the thinnest rumor, but it’s actually the change I’m most excited to see.

I love the idea of a built-in privacy shield.

When I’m out bowling or on public transportation, I always wish I had one of those protective films on my display, but they’re a hassle, and I might not always want the effect.

If leaks are accurate, the effect can be toggled. When I’m at home, the display will appear normal, but I can turn on privacy mode when in public.

It’s a small thing, but it’s innovative and makes the phone feel fresh.

Whether it comes to other Galaxy devices with One UI 8.5 later on is yet to be seen, but if it exists, it should launch first with the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

I’ve seen reports of a larger 5,500mAh battery on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, but I’m not holding my breath.

However, it seems more likely that the company improved charging speeds this year, with 60W being the rumored number.

It’s not the 80 or 100W we’ve seen from OnePlus, but it’s good enough, and finally brings Samsung’s charging speeds into this decade.

I don’t require outlandish speeds, but it is convenient in a pinch, whether to top off my device before a night out or on vacation, or when I forget to throw my phone on the charger at bedtime.

Everyone else (besides Google) seems to have cracked the code without batteries bursting into flames or degrading prematurely. It’s welcoming to see Samsung rumored to do the same.

One UI 8 is running well on my Galaxy S25 Ultra, and I expect more of the same from One UI 8.5 when it releases.

It appears the cameras will be more of an uphill battle, as no major sensor changes are planned. There are fleeting rumors of perhaps a slightly upgraded telephoto lens.

Still, with the 200MP sensor already featured as the primary lens and the 50MP ultrawide upgrade coming last year, I don’t think Samsung feels a need to do more, whether that’s true or not.

That doesn’t mean Samsung has no plans for the camera. A 24MP camera mode is rumored, though you’ll need to wade into the Camera Assist settings to find it.

Samsung should offer a revamped camera app experience, with different presets and more nuanced settings to get your photos just the way you like them.

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It won’t move the needle too much, but it’s better than nothing.

It’s going to take a village for Samsung

Let’s hope all the changes add up to something tangible

Any one of these rumored changes, taken by themselves, would result in a pretty disappointing Galaxy S26 Ultra launch.

However, if Samsung stacks enough of them together, hopefully it will result in a meaningful departure from previous phones.

It’s not guaranteed, and Samsung hasn’t given us much reason to give it the benefit of the doubt in the last few years.

However, it’s unfair to criticize the Galaxy S26 Ultra before launch, and Samsung isn’t ignorant of complaints.

The company changed its philosophy with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, understanding that customers spending $2,000 wouldn’t be satisfied with incremental year-over-year upgrades.

We’ll have to see how much of that bleeds over into the Galaxy S26 Ultra, but I’m willing to bet the company understands it has to do something.

I don’t know why there’s a delay, but we’ll find out soon

I doubt Samsung is keeping its usual release window for the Galaxy S lineup this year, opting for a rumored late February announcement.

I don’t think it’s a concern either way, unless recent events drive prices up.

If the Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in north of $1,400 without feeling like a departure from the Galaxy S25 Ultra, it’s going to be another disappointing year for fans.