The firmware retrieved for the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra has revealed a chipset model called PMK8850, which strongly points to the presence of Qualcomm’s next-generation flagship System on Chip (SoC), new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 chip. Expected to be marketed especially as a Galaxy edition, tailored for Samsung hardware. The S25 Ultra, by contrast, employed the 8750 chip; the introduction of this fresh 8850 model number suggests a straight pedigree and an evident technological advancement.
Further leaks that suggest the S26 Ultra will debut with the most recent software platform available, that is, firmware references to One UI 8.5 based on Android 16, are bolstering this transition. Analysts have also pointed out that Samsung might manufacture this Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 chip in-house, employing its new 2 nm foundry process instead of relying on TSMC’s 3 nm node. This carefully considered choice might help to maximize both cost and performance.
After reaching an all-time high pre-orders of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, the Ultra version is confirmed to use the new Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 processor, it is still unknown if the S26 Pro and S26 Edge versions will follow suit or if Samsung will continue to offer Exynos 2600 possibilities in specific regions. With reference to hardware specifications, leaks suggest the Ultra will have a 6.9-inch flagship display but will be thinner and lighter, measuring less than 7 mm in thickness. CoE depolarizer layer and third-generation anti-reflective glass will be added to the display enhancements to help produce brighter and crisper images.
New Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chip along with a 200 MP ISOCELL HP2 sensor with a larger aperture and improved telephoto capabilities, a 50 MP periscope lens with 5x zoom and an updated 3x zoom unit, the camera system is expected to experience a significant update. Some design leaks point to a protruding camera island and decorative rings as Samsung improves the Ultra’s look. Although the wired charging speeds are expected to rise to 60 W, permitting an almost 50% charge in just 20 minutes, the battery capacity should stay at roughly 5,000 mAh.