What’s visible on the mock-ups
Leak participants published photos and videos of mock-ups of the new models, which show an identical shape of the case corners and an oval “island” with three cameras for the base and Ultra versions. The mock-ups are available in black and white and give an idea of the device’s size in the hand — useful for those choosing cases and accessories.
"#Samsung #GalaxyS26Ultra pic.twitter.com/0lzaFIxYev"
— Steve H.McFly (@OnLeaks)
Technical expectations: chips and camera
According to preliminary reports (GSMArena), for South Korea Samsung may use Exynos 2600, while in other markets — Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Elite. Such a split affects not only synthetic benchmarks but also power efficiency, thermal behavior and network compatibility across different regions.
Leaks also mention an updated camera system and a new lens coating to reduce glare. At the same time, Samsung supplies 200‑megapixel sensors to other manufacturers — OnePlus 16 and Oppo Find N6 — which underscores Samsung’s role as a sensor supplier for the global smartphone market.
Why this matters for Ukraine
Some practical implications for Ukrainian users and the market: first, retaining the body shape means a higher likelihood of compatibility with existing accessories; second, regional versions with different chips will affect update speed, 5G performance and battery life — important characteristics for those using a smartphone in the field or as a tool to document events; third, improved optics and reduced glare offer practical benefits for journalists, volunteers and content creators who need good image quality in difficult lighting conditions.
What’s next
The official presentation of the Galaxy S26 is scheduled for early 2026; Samsung has also announced an event in Las Vegas on January 4. That means we currently have verified leaks about the form factor and preliminary technical data, but the full picture of performance and availability for the Ukrainian market will become clear after the official release.
Conclusion: the mock-ups suggest an evolutionary, not revolutionary, upgrade — important for practical use and for those who value a quality camera and reliability in various conditions. Now we await confirmation of technical specifications and regional configurations that will determine whether an upgrade is worth planning for Ukrainian users.
