Kota Kinabalu (Feb 1) - Samsung has once again raised the bar in the flagship smartphone segment with the launch of the Galaxy S26 Ultra, introducing a range of notable enhancements that distinguish it clearly from its predecessor. Officially unveiled at the Galaxy Unpacked event on Feb 25, 2026, the device opened for pre-orders immediately and reached retail shelves in early March 2026.
By launching early in the year, Samsung positions itself ahead of rival manufacturers, giving the Galaxy S26 Ultra strong momentum in the premium market before competing flagship models arrive. The company also maintained its global rollout strategy, ensuring that carriers and retailers across regions received stock at the same time, simplifying purchasing decisions for consumers.
For buyers in Sabah, this synchronized release means access to the same flagship technology at the same time as major urban markets, reducing delays that were more common in earlier product cycles.
Pricing and Storage Options
The Galaxy S26 Ultra retains the same starting price as its previous generation, beginning at US$1,299 for the 256GB model paired with 12GB of RAM. Higher storage options include 512GB and a top-tier 1TB version, with the latter offering 16GB of RAM for users who require maximum performance.
Despite rising component costs across the industry, Samsung opted not to increase prices, allowing consumers to access premium hardware and advanced features without additional financial burden. For Sabahans, where purchasing power and value considerations are especially important, maintaining this price point makes the device more attainable for professionals and tech enthusiasts.
Camera System and Imaging Capabilities
Photography is one of the most significant areas of improvement on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. At the core is a 200MP main camera using Samsung’s latest ISOCELL HP2 sensor, paired with an f/1.4 aperture that is wider than the previous f/1.7 setup. This design allows 47% more light intake, resulting in clearer low-light images with reduced noise and better detail.
The full rear camera array consists of:
- A 200MP main camera with optical image stabilisation and laser autofocus
- A 50MP ultra-wide camera with PDAF
- A 50MP 5x periscope telephoto lens with an f/2.9 aperture
- A 10MP 3x telephoto camera for mid-range zoom
On the front, a 12MP camera supports selfies and video calls with 4K recording. The device also supports 8K video recording at up to 30 frames per second, catering to content creators and professionals who require ultra-high-definition output. For Sabahans involved in digital content, tourism promotion, or small businesses, these camera upgrades offer more professional-quality visuals directly from a smartphone.
Performance Powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is driven by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (SM8850-AC), built on an advanced 3nm process. The octa-core CPU features two high-performance 4.6GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix L cores and six efficiency cores clocked at 3.62GHz.
Graphics processing is handled by the Adreno 840 GPU, delivering smooth performance for gaming, video editing, and multimedia use. Samsung pairs this chipset with LPDDR5X RAM offering 10.7Gbps speeds and 20% improved efficiency over the previous generation. Storage uses UFS 4.0 technology, enabling faster file transfers and app loading.
With 12GB and 16GB RAM configurations available, the device is well suited for multitasking-heavy users, including professionals and entrepreneurs in Sabah who rely on mobile productivity.
Design, Durability, and S Pen Support
Visually, Samsung refined the design with a new pill-shaped camera island, setting the S26 Ultra apart from earlier models. The device measures 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9mm and weighs 214g, making it slimmer and lighter than many competitors.
Its construction combines a Grade 5 titanium frame with Corning Gorilla Armor 2 glass on both the front and back. The phone carries an IP68 rating, offering water and dust resistance up to 1.5 metres for 30 minutes—an important feature for users in Sabah’s humid and outdoor-prone environments.
The integrated S Pen remains a key feature, supporting precise note-taking, sketching, and productivity tasks.
Battery and Charging Enhancements
A 5,000mAh battery powers the Galaxy S26 Ultra, providing all-day usage under normal conditions. Charging has been upgraded to 60W wired charging, significantly reducing the time needed to reach full capacity. Wireless charging is supported at 15W via Qi2, while reverse wireless charging at 4.5W allows the device to power accessories or other smartphones.
Improved efficiency from the new processor and display helps extend effective battery life, which is particularly beneficial for Sabahans who travel frequently between districts or work in areas with limited access to charging points.
Software, Connectivity, and Long-Term Support
Out of the box, the Galaxy S26 Ultra runs One UI 8 based on Android 16. The update introduces deeper AI integration across the system, including privacy-focused AI display features that process data locally. Ultra Wideband support improves spatial awareness and device connectivity.
Samsung commits to seven major Android OS updates, ensuring long-term software and security support. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 7 tri-band and Bluetooth 5.4, offering faster and more stable wireless performance.
What Buyers Should Consider
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is aimed at professionals, content creators, and technology enthusiasts seeking a top-tier Android experience. Its strengths lie in photography, processing power, display quality, and overall build.
Those upgrading from the Galaxy S25 Ultra may want to weigh whether the enhanced camera system and faster charging justify the investment. Users coming from older Galaxy models will experience far more noticeable improvements.
For Sabahans, the device represents not only access to Samsung’s latest technology but also a tool that supports productivity, creative work, and digital connectivity across both urban and rural settings.