Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra gets its biggest confirmation

Samsung is preparing to open 2026 with its most powerful flagship yet. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has now appeared in regulatory filings, confirming a critical hardware detail. Both US and global models will use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset.

The confirmation comes from certification documents that list two model numbers. These include SM-S948U for carrier models and SM-S948B for global unlocked units. Both versions reference the same Snapdragon platform. This effectively settles the long-running Exynos versus Snapdragon debate for the Ultra.

Why Samsung’s chipset choice matters in 2026

For years, Samsung fans have closely tracked processor choices across regions. Snapdragon-powered Galaxy Ultra phones usually enjoy stronger performance perception. Thermal handling and sustained speed have also favored Qualcomm chips in previous generations.

Benchmark leaks from late 2025 suggested Exynos had narrowed the gap. However, Samsung appears to have taken no risks with its top-tier phone. By standardising Snapdragon on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Samsung ensures consistent performance worldwide.

A flagship designed for long-term performance

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to anchor Samsung’s ecosystem strategy for 2026. Performance will influence photography, gaming, battery management, and AI features. Local AI processing will become more important next year. That demands reliable silicon support.

Samsung has not detailed Galaxy AI capabilities for the S26 Ultra yet. Still, chipset selection hints at a focus on stable, predictable results across markets. This approach reduces fragmentation for developers and users alike.

Looking back to move forward

In many ways, Samsung’s decision mirrors how modern apps treat memory. Photo-sharing apps like Retro let users time-travel through past moments to add meaning. Samsung appears to be doing something similar. It is learning from past chipset debates to shape a clearer future for its flagship.

By revisiting earlier performance concerns, Samsung avoids repeating them in 2026. The Galaxy S26 Ultra becomes a forward-looking device built on lessons already learned.

What about the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+

Reports suggest Samsung may still use Exynos chips for the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+. This strategy allows cost control while keeping the Ultra positioned at the top. Samsung has not officially confirmed this split yet.

Expected Galaxy S26 Ultra launch timeline

Samsung is expected to host its first Galaxy Unpacked event of 2026 in late January. The Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra should debut together. More official details are likely to emerge closer to launch.

For now, one thing is clear. The Galaxy S26 Ultra will enter 2026 with Snapdragon power at its core.