Galaxy S26 Ultra Release Date Confirmed! Price in the 1,800,000 Won Range and 2nm Chipset Specs Summary

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Galaxy S26 Ultra, The Beginning of Innovation

Samsung’s latest flagship, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, is making a comeback after six years. What remarkable changes does it bring? The core of this generation is not just about simple spec upgrades but rather an attempt to redefine the game with AI experiences, camera perfection, and launch strategies.

First, let’s talk schedule: the Galaxy S26 Ultra is set for pre-orders from February 27 to March 5, with an official launch on March 11. During the pre-order period, benefits worth up to 300,000 KRW are expected, including double storage (twice the capacity upgrade) and discounts on watches and cases, making the early purchase undeniably tempting.

The biggest reason this model is called “innovative” is the return of the Exynos 2600. Samsung’s own chipset is manufactured with the 2nm GAA process, boasting an NPU performance improvement of 113% over its predecessor for generative AI computing. In other words, it’s not just about faster speed but about a strengthened foundation that truly enables you to “use AI on your smartphone.”

The AI features have a clear direction. The on-device image generation model ‘EdgeFusion’ debuts, aiming to create images within 1 second using only text commands. Particularly impressive is its ability to operate without a network, greatly boosting real-world reliability and accessibility. Additionally, Bixby incorporates the Perplexity model to enhance search-based response capabilities, expanding the role of your “assistant” once again.

The camera setup isn’t just about flashy numbers. Centered on a 200MP wide-angle (F1.4) lens, it boasts a professional-grade multi-camera system including a 50MP ultra-wide, a 12MP 3x telephoto, and a 50MP 5x telephoto lens, with improvements emphasized on light intake for both wide and telephoto shots. How stable the results are under variable conditions like night and indoor shooting will likely be the key factor in judging this generation.

But there are realistic checkpoints to consider. The retail price is expected to range between 1,780,000 to 1,800,000 KRW for the 256GB model, with a significant jump to 2,545,400 KRW for the 1TB version compared to its predecessor. This means the Galaxy S26 Ultra is starting its journey with the challenge of delivering perceptible AI and camera experiences that justify its top-tier price.

In summary, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is a flagship with a clear direction in chipset, AI, and camera from the moment of its release. Now, the question is one: beyond specs, how naturally will this innovation translate into daily usefulness?

Cutting-Edge Chipsets and AI: Breaking Performance Limits — The New Standard Set by Galaxy S26 Ultra

Curious about Samsung’s in-house developed ‘Exynos 2600’ and its 113% improved AI NPU compared to the previous model? The performance upgrade of the Galaxy S26 Ultra signals a shift beyond mere speed rivalry—it emphasizes “how fast, smartly, and seamlessly AI operates right at your fingertips.”

Exynos 2600: How the 2nm GAA Process Delivers a Tangible Performance Difference

Equipped with the Exynos 2600, fabricated using Samsung Foundry’s 2nm GAA process, the Galaxy S26 Ultra transforms the often number-driven race of smaller processes into real-world benefits you can feel:

• Stability under heavy workloads: Maintaining strong performance during bursts of intensive computing like photo/video processing, gaming, and multitasking becomes critical.
• Potential power efficiency improvements: Handling the same tasks with less power means less heat generation and longer battery life.
• Expanded AI-driven functionality: Beyond just fast CPU/GPU, the power of the dedicated AI processor (NPU) now directly influences your actual experience.

113% NPU Boost: AI Becomes the Core Experience, Not Just a “Helper”

The centerpiece of this generation is a 113% boost in NPU performance. On the Galaxy S26 Ultra, AI is no longer a mere decorative feature layered on apps but has evolved into the engine powering cameras, searches, and productivity across the device.

Strengthened on-device AI brings significant benefits:

• Faster response times: More processing happens locally without routing through servers, delivering quicker results.
• Privacy protection: Sensitive data stays securely on your device, reducing exposure externally.
• Offline usability: AI features remain smooth even without stable network connections.

EdgeFusion: On-Device Generative AI That Creates Images in “1 Second”

Samsung introduces the first use of ‘EdgeFusion’, an on-device image generation model co-developed with Korean AI solution firm Nota, on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The highlight? Users can generate images based on text commands within 1 second, and it operates entirely offline without any network connection required.

This breakthrough means “using generative AI anytime, anywhere” is now a reality—transforming how smartphones assist you in quick image mockups, idea sketches, and creative content support.

Bixby + Perplexity: Enhanced Accuracy and Practicality in Search-Based AI

Another innovation is the integration of the Perplexity model into Bixby, amplifying the performance of AI-driven search responses. It moves beyond simply understanding speech to grasping the intent behind questions and delivering information more swiftly and accurately.

Ultimately, the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s performance upgrade places less emphasis on “benchmark scores” and focuses more on how seamlessly AI can replace and assist with everyday tasks.

Galaxy S26 Ultra AI: The Magic of ‘EdgeFusion’ That Creates Images in Just 1 Second

Just type a single text command, and an image is instantly generated—without any network connection. This is the most impressive transformation brought by the on-device image generation model ‘EdgeFusion’, debuting on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Instead of sending requests to a server and waiting for results, the experience aims to generate output within 1 second, right inside your smartphone.

Why Galaxy S26 Ultra’s ‘EdgeFusion’ Is Special: Offline Creation

The core of EdgeFusion is its on-device capability. That means image generation works seamlessly even in environments with unstable Wi-Fi or LTE/5G connections.

• Capable of creating images in the subway, airplane mode, or while roaming overseas
• Reduced request/transmission time leads to a significantly perceived boost in responsiveness
• Less psychological burden when handling personal ideas compared to cloud-based services

What You Can Do with Just “One Sentence” on the Galaxy S26 Ultra

The natural question arises: “What exactly can it do?” Since EdgeFusion generates images based on user text instructions, its uses are broader than you might expect.

• Concept Sketches: Generate scenes like “a minimalist white desk, soft lighting, a coffee cup and laptop”
• Content Thumbnail Drafts: Quickly produce multiple mood candidates for blog or YouTube thumbnails
• Idea Visualization: Preview the feel of product packaging or poster mood boards as images first
• On-the-Spot Illustrations: Create symbolic images (simple icon-style drawings) for presentations

NPU Upgrade Powers the AI Speed in Galaxy S26 Ultra

This “instant creation” experience simply wouldn’t be possible without robust hardware support. The Galaxy S26 Ultra boasts the Exynos 2600 and features an NPU performance boost of 113% compared to its predecessor for generative AI processing. Ultimately, users move from “press generate and wait a moment” to a flow where thoughts turn into results instantly.

EdgeFusion transforms the Galaxy S26 Ultra from being “just a phone with a powerful camera” to a creative tool that instantly turns ideas into tangible results. The impact of “just one sentence” replacing countless tasks is clear—it’s a game changer that will shape real-world usage patterns.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 200MP Camera and Professional-Level Photography Experience

From the 200MP wide-angle sensor that’s 47% brighter to the 50MP 5x telephoto lens, what will the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s camera capture? This generation’s key focus goes beyond just “high-spec cameras” to a professional-grade setup that consistently delivers stable results in any scene.

200MP Wide-Angle: Details Created by a Brighter Sensor

The Galaxy S26 Ultra features a 200MP F1.4 wide-angle camera at its forefront. Notably, the sensor’s light intake has increased by 47%, allowing it to capture more light under the same conditions.

• This reduces shaking and noise without forcing shutter speeds higher, especially useful for night or indoor shots.
• For high-resolution photography, expect intricate details like strands of hair and the texture of building exteriors to be captured with such precision that even cropping (zooming in) yields sharp results.

50MP Ultra-Wide: Capture Wide and Clear Landscapes and Interiors

The 50MP F1.9 ultra-wide camera shines when shooting travel landscapes or indoor spaces. Ultra-wide lenses often suffer from noticeable quality drop-offs near the edges, but a high-resolution sensor helps secure edge details. This also provides flexibility for cropping and reframing shots later without losing quality.

3x and 5x Telephoto: Keep Your Focus Steady from Portraits to Stages

Telephoto lenses don’t just enlarge distant subjects; they also enhance depth and dimension in portraits by refining perspective.

• 3x telephoto 12MP F2.4: Featuring a 20% increase in pixels, it’s ideal for everyday portrait shots, capturing natural facial contours and clothing details.
• 5x telephoto 50MP F2.9: With 38% more light intake, it offers greater stability for distant subjects like concerts, sports, or travel snaps. Users who often utilize the 5x zoom will feel this upgrade profoundly.

The Moment It Becomes “Professional-Level”: The Joy of Switching Lenses by the Scene

The strength of this camera setup lies in not relying on just one lens. Within a single scene,

• maximize detail with the 200MP wide-angle,
• emphasize spatial depth with the 50MP ultra-wide,
• cleanly separate subjects and backgrounds with the telephoto (3x/5x) lenses.
  Ultimately, the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s camera transcends being “a phone that takes good photos automatically” to become a tool that makes it easier for the photographer to achieve their intended results.

Galaxy S26 Ultra Price Hike: Is It Worth More Than Just the Cost?

Boasting unprecedented performance, yet its price has surged even more steeply. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is priced around 1.78 to 1.8 million KRW for the 256GB model and 2,545,400 KRW for the 1TB version, with the latter experiencing a notable 20% increase compared to its predecessor. Naturally, the question arises: “Is it just expensive now?”

Key Points Explaining the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s Price Increase

Samsung justifies the hike by focusing on tangible upgrades in performance and AI that users can actually feel.

• Exynos 2600 + 2nm GAA Process: The latest manufacturing technology isn’t just a spec battle—it directly enhances everyday user experience through better power efficiency and heat management.
• NPU Performance Up 113%: AI features can’t remain one-off gimmicks; they demand solid on-device computation power. This generation has fundamentally strengthened that very foundation.
• On-Device Image Generation (EdgeFusion): Creating images within one second without network dependency shatters the old belief that “AI lives only in the cloud.” This delivers clear value for frequent users.

Galaxy S26 Ultra Camera Upgrade: Focus on ‘Results’ Rather Than ‘Numbers’

Camera quality remains a top reason to pick premium models. This time, the real changes lie in light intake and configuration, not just specs.

• 200MP Wide-angle F1.4 with 47% More Light Intake: Easier shutter speeds indoors or at night, leading to less blur and noise.
• 5x Telephoto 50MP with 38% More Light Intake: Dramatic improvement for those shooting concerts, travels, or kids—where “clearly capturing from a distance” matters most.
• Plus upgrades in ultra-wide 50MP and 3x telephoto lenses mean heavy multi-camera users get much greater value for their investment.

Galaxy S26 Ultra: Who Will Find This Price Justifiable?

The conclusion is simple: For users who actively leverage AI and cameras, the price increase is likely offset by a total boost in functionality. On the other hand, if photos are occasional and AI use minimal, the perceived value may be limited.

That said, early buyers may soften the financial impact owing to pre-order benefits (double storage, coupons/discounts worth up to 300,000 KRW). Ultimately, the core takeaway is that the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s price hike is justified not by specs alone but by how users adopt and engage with its features.