Samsung’s upcoming flagship, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, has had one of its most speculated features officially revealed, thanks to a China Quality Certification Center (CQC) listing. According to the certification, the phone will once again feature a 5,000mAh battery (rated at 4,855mAh, model EB-BS948ABY) — the same capacity Samsung has used on every Ultra model since the Galaxy S20 Ultra in 2020.
No Battery Bump, But Faster Charging
Earlier leaks hinted at the possibility of a larger 5,400mAh or 5,500mAh cell, but the certification shuts down those claims. Instead of boosting capacity, Samsung appears to be banking on improved charging speeds and efficiency.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to support 60W wired fast charging, an upgrade over the 45W standard Samsung has offered since the S22 Ultra. While this is a welcome improvement, many rivals have already ventured beyond 80W charging speeds.
Efficiency Through Hardware and Software
Power efficiency will be another focus of the S26 Ultra. The device is expected to run on the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset, coupled with One UI 8 (based on Android 16). Samsung is counting on CPU/GPU enhancements and software-level optimizations to deliver better endurance from the same 5,000mAh pack.
However, competitors like Oppo, Vivo, OnePlus, and Xiaomi are preparing flagships with 7,000mAh+ batteries alongside blazing-fast charging speeds. That means while Samsung can claim all-day efficiency, it risks losing ground to brands that pair efficiency with sheer capacity.
Design and Camera Updates
Beyond the battery story, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is tipped to deliver:
- A refreshed design with slightly more rounded corners, balancing the ultra-boxy look of past Ultras.
- Samsung’s signature 200MP camera setup, expected to carry over with refinements in processing and AI-driven imaging.
Launch Timeline and Pricing
Samsung is expected to officially unveil the Galaxy S26 Ultra in January 2026, continuing its traditional early-year flagship unveiling. Pricing is likely to start at or above $1,299, similar to the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s launch price.
For loyal Samsung fans, the 5,000mAh capacity paired with smarter efficiency and faster charging should still mean dependable all-day battery life. But in a competitive global flagship race where Chinese rivals are pushing 7,000mAh+ batteries and ultra-fast charging, Samsung’s decision not to increase battery size could make it harder for the S26 Ultra to stand out.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra may deliver trusted performance and signature premium hardware, but the question remains: can efficiency alone rival brute battery power and charging speed?