Samsung’s upcoming flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, is set to take a different approach to design compared to the Pixel 10 series. According to renowned tipster Ice Universe, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will be thinner than its predecessor, measuring less than 8mm in thickness. Additionally, the phone will shed a few grams in weight despite potentially featuring a slightly larger display and overall footprint.
This departure from the trend of thicker and heavier phones, as seen in the Pixel 10 series, is an interesting development. Recent reports suggest that Google’s new lineup will boast larger batteries, potentially necessitating the increase in size and weight. In contrast, Samsung seems to be sticking with a 5000mAh battery for the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
There are speculations that Google’s decision to bulk up its phones may be related to the adoption of a full Qi2 magnetized charging system, rumored to be called ‘Pixelsnap’. The thinner and lighter profile of the Galaxy S26 Ultra raises questions about Samsung’s stance on implementing Qi2 technology.
Aside from the design aspect, Ice Universe has revealed that Samsung will utilize a special overclocked version of the Snapdragon Elite 2 chip, tailored specifically for the Galaxy series. Contrary to earlier rumors, the chip will be manufactured by TSMC, not Samsung itself.
In other Samsung news, the recent launch of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 has brought attention to the company’s Now Bar widget. Samsung has announced that app support for the Now Bar feature will nearly double from 20 to 35 with the shift from One UI 7 to One UI 8. While specific app details have not been disclosed, Samsung has assured users that the expanded card options will be available before the end of the year.
Overall, Samsung’s strategy with the Galaxy S26 Ultra and the enhancements to the Now Bar widget showcase the company’s commitment to innovation and user experience. It will be interesting to see how these developments play out in the competitive smartphone market.
