The Samsung Galaxy S26 series is shaping up to be one of early 2026’s biggest smartphone launches, with multiple leaks already giving fans a glimpse of what’s to come. Recent reports hint at upgraded wireless charging for the Ultra model and possible pricing adjustments for the base version.
This weekend, well-known leaker @UniverseIce added to the chatter by revealing the expected weight of all three Galaxy S26 models. According to their post on X (formerly Twitter), the flagship Galaxy S26 Ultra will weigh 214 grams — slightly lighter than the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 218 grams. Unfortunately, that’s where the weight reduction ends across the lineup.
Galaxy S26 and S26+ to Gain Weight Slightly
Per the leak, the standard Galaxy S26 will be two grams heavier than its predecessor at 164 grams, while the Galaxy S26+ will come in at 191 grams — just one gram more than the Galaxy S25+. These small increases suggest that Samsung isn’t making major physical design changes for the entry-level or “Plus” models.
That aligns with earlier reports claiming Samsung has scaled back some expected upgrades for the regular S26 to avoid a price hike, particularly since Apple kept iPhone 17 pricing unchanged this year.
Familiar Design and Camera Upgrades
Leaked renders from last week have already revealed a near-identical design for the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+, reinforcing the notion that Samsung is prioritizing stability over radical redesigns this year. Meanwhile, separate reports suggest modest but meaningful camera improvements for both the base and mid-tier models.
S26 Ultra Lighter Than iPhone 17 Pro Max
While a four-gram weight reduction might sound minor, the Galaxy S26 Ultra still stands out for its lighter build compared to competitors. If accurate, the 214-gram Ultra will be significantly lighter than Apple’s hefty iPhone 17 Pro Max, which tips the scales at 233 grams.
Notably, Samsung’s trend of trimming weight continues — the Galaxy S25 Ultra was already 14 grams lighter than the S24 Ultra. Although this year’s change is smaller, it still underscores the company’s ongoing refinement of its Ultra design.
Dual-Chip Strategy and Potential Price Hike
All indications suggest Samsung will again use a dual-chip strategy for the S26 series. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, while the Galaxy S26 and S26+ will reportedly run on Samsung’s Exynos 2600 in select markets.
That premium Snapdragon chip — paired with potential hardware refinements — could result in a higher price tag for the Ultra when the Galaxy S26 lineup launches, likely around February 2026.
