Samsung claimed to have upgraded Galaxy S26 Ultra in possible last-minute decision

It may not seem like it, but Samsung has brought numerous upgrades to its Galaxy S Ultra line following its debut five years ago with the introduction of the Galaxy S20 Ultra. At the time, a jump in battery capacity from 4,500 mAh to 5,000 mAh was one of the Galaxy S20 Ultra's main distinguishing factors from the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra that preceded it.

Samsung has now introduced five Galaxy S generations since the Galaxy S20 Ultra, culminating in January's Galaxy S25 Ultra (curr. $949 on Amazon). Although the Galaxy S25 Ultra surpasses the Galaxy S20 Ultra in most areas, the former retains a 5,000 mAh typical battery capacity. Likewise, the Galaxy S25 Ultra tops out at 45 W wired charging when paired with a compatible charger that Samsung no longer includes in the box.

Reportedly, both could change with the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Recently, there have only been suggestions that Samsung would bring 60 W wired charging capabilities for this generation. Now though, popular Weibo account Instant Digital indicates that a modest battery upgrade is in order, too.

Specifically, Instant Digital now reports that Samsung is readying a 5,200 mAh battery for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which would represent a 4% uplift over the Galaxy S25 Ultra and its predecessors. For reference, Samsung is expected to introduce the Galaxy S26 Ultra alongside the cheaper Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus on February 25. Currently, the company is believed to have chosen San Francisco in which to host its next Galaxy Unpacked event.