Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Design Refinements and Price Adjustments

Samsung is poised to unveil its latest flagship, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, with a design that emphasizes refinement over radical change. Leaked images and reports indicate subtle yet impactful updates to the device’s aesthetics, alongside anticipated price increases across the entire S26 series.

Subtle Design Evolution

Early looks at the Galaxy S26 Ultra reveal a move towards more rounded corners compared to its predecessors. This design choice aims to improve the device’s ergonomics and provide a more comfortable in-hand feel. The selfie camera cutout appears slightly larger and the rear camera layout maintains Samsung’s established design language.

Notably, Samsung continues to favor individual lens rings, diverging from the large, prominent camera modules adopted by some competitors like Vivo, and Oppo. This approach results in a flatter and more minimalist rear surface, excluding the lens protrusions.

Design Comparison with Competitors

Comparisons with upcoming rivals highlight Samsung’s design philosophy. The iPhone 17 Pro Max retains its “square” profile with thick side frames and a triangular lens arrangement. Vivo’s X300 features a substantial circular camera module, while the Oppo Find X9 Pro utilizes a rectangular island to house its sensors.

In terms of profile, the S26 Ultra appears marginally thinner than the Vivo X300 and comparable to the Oppo Find X9 Pro. The iPhone is noted for its robust and rigid feel.

Price Increases Confirmed

Samsung is increasing prices for the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra in South Korea, ending a three-year period of stable pricing for its flagship Galaxy S series. This adjustment is attributed to rising costs of DRAM and NAND flash memory components [SammyFans].

As of February 23, 2026, expected launch prices in South Korea are as follows [Mobileinto]:

• Galaxy S26 Ultra:
  • 12GB + 256GB: ₩1,800,000
  • 12GB + 512GB: ₩2,000,000
  • 12GB + 1024GB: ₩2,400,000
  • 16GB + 1024GB: ₩2,600,000
• Galaxy S26:
  • 256GB: ₩1,254,000
  • 512GB: ₩1,460,000
• Galaxy S26 Plus:
  • 256GB: ₩1,452,000
  • 512GB: ₩1,660,000

These prices represent an increase of approximately ₩99,000 for the base and Plus models [WCCFTech].

Looking Ahead

With the design refinements largely revealed, attention now shifts to the internal hardware and new Artificial Intelligence features of the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The official unveiling at the upcoming Unpacked event will provide a comprehensive seem at Samsung’s latest innovations.