Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Samsung is expected to kick off 2026 with the launch of its flagship Galaxy S26 Ultra. As always, this premium device will set the standard for hardware, software, and features that other smartphones will follow throughout the year. But long before launch day, one big question has been on the minds of Samsung fans.
- Exynos or Snapdragon?
- The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Engine Gets Clarity:
- The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra will be running Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
- More Certifications Reveal Key Galaxy S26 Ultra Features:
- Why Snapdragon Matters for the Galaxy S26 Ultra:
- Galaxy S26 Ultra and the Push for Galaxy AI:
- When the Galaxy S26 Ultra Is Expected to Launch
Exynos or Snapdragon?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Engine Gets Clarity:
New regulatory filings have now offered a clear answer, and it is likely to please a large part of the Samsung community. The information comes from FCC certification listings, which are required before any device can launch in the United States.
Two model numbers appear in the filings, SM-S948B and SM-S948U. These follow Samsung’s usual naming pattern. The model ending with “U” refers to the US carrier version, while the “B” model is the globally unlocked variant.
Both versions list the same processor, SM8850. This matches Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. That effectively settles the long-running debate for the Ultra model.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra will be running Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
More Certifications Reveal Key Galaxy S26 Ultra Features:
Update, Sunday Dec. 14: As Samsung prepares to launch the Galaxy S26 lineup worldwide, it has started filing paperwork with other certification bodies. These filings often reveal small but important details ahead of launch, especially for the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
China’s 3C certification has listed a Galaxy S26 Ultra model for the Chinese market under the number SM-9480. The documents confirm support for direct satellite connectivity in China. Since the Galaxy S25 Ultra already supports satellite messaging for regular and emergency use, it is expected that the S26 Ultra will offer at least the same level of functionality.
The 3C listing also reveals charging details. Samsung is expected to include support for 60W wired charging with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, an upgrade from the current 45W. This lines up with reports suggesting a 0 to 80 percent charge in just thirty minutes using a 5,000 mAh battery. Wireless charging is expected to remain at 25W.
Why Snapdragon Matters for the Galaxy S26 Ultra:
Among Galaxy users, Snapdragon chipsets are often seen as the better option compared to Exynos. Snapdragon processors are generally praised for stronger performance and better heat management, while Exynos chips are known for efficiency and slightly longer battery life.
That gap, however, continues to shrink. Early benchmark results spotted in November by the PhoneArena team suggest that the Exynos 2600 actually scored higher in single-core tests, posting 3,455 compared to Snapdragon’s 2,885. Snapdragon pulled ahead in multi-core performance, with a score of 12,396 against Exynos’ 11,621.
Even so, perception matters. For many users, the Galaxy S26 Ultra running Snapdragon reinforces the idea that Samsung’s top-tier phone will offer the very best hardware available.
Galaxy S26 Ultra and the Push for Galaxy AI:
Raw speed is only part of the story going into 2026. Mobile AI is expected to play a much bigger role, with more features relying on on-device processing rather than the cloud. That means future phones will need not just powerful processors, but also specialized hardware built specifically to support AI tasks.
How Snapdragon and Exynos compare in real-world AI performance is still not fully known. It is possible that Snapdragon leads in raw power, while Exynos helps Samsung manage costs across the wider S26 lineup. Reports suggest that the Exynos 2600 could appear in the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+, though it is still unclear if those models will use Exynos exclusively.
When the Galaxy S26 Ultra Is Expected to Launch
Samsung is widely expected to unveil the Galaxy S26 series at a Galaxy Unpacked event in late January 2026. The Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra are all expected to be announced together, officially starting Samsung’s smartphone journey for the new year.
ALSO READ: Top 7 Healthcare Apps In China Transforming Digital Health In 2025
