Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra is already making waves in the tech world, thanks to a wave of leaks and insider reports suggesting some major changes. Chief among them: a potential reduction in rear cameras to make room for a much larger battery—perhaps even the biggest yet in a Galaxy S Ultra device.
Three Cameras Instead of Four?
According to noted leaker @Vhsss_God, an early prototype of the Galaxy S26 Ultra features just three rear cameras instead of the usual four seen on recent Ultra models. This would be a significant shift from the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which sports:
- A 200MP main sensor
- A 12MP ultra-wide
- A 10MP 3x telephoto
- A 10MP 10x periscope zoom
The new prototype reportedly includes:
- 200MP Main Sensor – Likely an updated version of Samsung’s ISOCELL HP2 with improved pixel structure.
- 50MP Ultra-Wide – Offering high detail and wide-angle versatility.
- 200MP Telephoto with 4x Optical Zoom – A dramatic shift, potentially combining zoom flexibility and high resolution.
The absence of a second telephoto lens (such as the 3x zoom) is fueling speculation that Samsung is prioritizing battery life and image processing efficiency over redundant optical zoom options. Additionally, sources suggest Samsung may bring back variable aperture on the main sensor—technology that debuted on the Galaxy S9—letting the camera adjust dynamically to different lighting conditions. This could make multiple zoom lenses less necessary.
A Bigger Battery Is (Likely) Coming
To accommodate more power-hungry features and improve battery life, Samsung is reportedly testing a stacked 5,500mAh battery, with some insiders hinting it could reach 6,000mAh. This would be a major leap from the 5,000mAh battery in the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Behind the scenes, Samsung is said to be exploring silicon-carbon battery technology, which allows for higher energy density without increasing size. If implemented, this would mark a new chapter in smartphone battery evolution—especially critical for AI-driven software and bright, power-draining displays.
S Pen Slot on the Chopping Block?
To fit the larger battery, Samsung may remove the built-in S Pen slot, especially if magnetic S Pen attachment (similar to iPads) is adopted. While fans of the integrated stylus may resist the change, it could result in a thinner phone or additional internal space for heat management, wireless charging coils, or the rumored upgraded speaker system.
Chipset Split: Exynos Returns, But Only in Some Markets
Samsung’s chip strategy for the S26 series is expected to follow a regional split:
- Exynos 2600 (2nm) for European and select markets.
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 / 8 Elite 2 for the U.S., Korea, and others.
Early reports indicate the Exynos 2600 is still in the testing phase with limited yields, making a global rollout unlikely. The Ultra variant might exclusively use Snapdragon across all regions, much like the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Camera Configuration Could Change the Game
Samsung appears to be rethinking its camera philosophy. Instead of four specialized lenses, the company could be leaning toward fewer, more powerful sensors, backed by AI processing and hybrid zoom. A new stacked sensor design could further boost low-light performance and HDR range, keeping the S26 Ultra competitive with the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Pixel 10 Pro.
Other Rumored Features of the Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Display: Likely to feature a slightly larger QHD+ LTPO AMOLED display with thinner bezels, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and Gorilla Glass Armor.
- Front Camera: Samsung is expected to retain the punch-hole design, skipping under-display selfie cameras due to quality limitations.
- Charging: 65W fast charging support is heavily rumored, finally catching up to competitors like OnePlus and Xiaomi.
- Software: Ships with Android 16 and One UI 8, featuring deeper AI integration and satellite communication options.
- Durability: Some leaks point to an upgraded IP69 rating, boosting dust and water resistance.
Launch Timeline
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to debut in January or February 2026, though there are whispers of a December 2025 reveal to beat the iPhone 17 launch window. Either way, Samsung’s next Ultra phone is shaping up to be a major shift—not just an iteration.
Samsung hasn’t officially confirmed any of these changes, and prototypes can vary widely from final production models. Still, if the Galaxy S26 Ultra does trim its camera count in favor of next-gen battery tech and a more powerful main lens, it may signal the start of a new design philosophy for the Ultra line: smarter, not just more.
Samsung History: A Look Back At The S21
The Samsung Galaxy S21 series was launched earlier than usual on January 14, 2021, with the phones available to consumers by January 29, 2021—just two weeks later. The series includes three models: the standard S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra. Each model offers different screen sizes and features to meet various user needs. This early launch marked a change in Samsung’s usual release schedule, making the S21 series a key player in 2021’s smartphone market.
The devices included improvements over previous models, like a new camera design that fits seamlessly into the phone’s frame. Although these phones are now over four years old, they set design trends and features that influenced later Galaxy S models. The Samsung Galaxy S21 series also brought major updates to both design and display technology, showing Samsung’s commitment to improving their flagship smartphones.
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 series was announced on January 14, 2021 and released on January 29, 2021.
- Samsung’s redesigned camera housing created a distinctive look that influenced future Galaxy models.
- The S21 launched with three different models to address various consumer needs and price points.
Build Quality and Material
The Galaxy S21 lineup features a striking redesign with the camera housing seamlessly blending into the frame, creating what Samsung calls the “Contour Cut Camera.” This distinctive design element makes the S21 instantly recognizable among smartphones.
The standard S21 uses a “glasstic” back (plastic with glass-like properties) while maintaining an aluminum frame for durability. In contrast, the S21+ and S21 Ultra feature premium Gorilla Glass Victus on both front and back, providing enhanced drop and scratch protection.
Samsung offers the S21 in vibrant color options including Phantom Violet, Phantom Pink, Phantom Gray, and Phantom White. The matte finish reduces fingerprints while adding a sophisticated touch to the overall design.
The S21 Ultra stands out with its slightly curved display edges and the largest footprint in the lineup, measuring 6.8 inches diagonally.
Dynamic AMOLED 2X Technology
The entire S21 family comes equipped with Samsung’s advanced Dynamic AMOLED 2X display technology. This display produces vibrant colors, deep blacks, and impressive brightness levels up to 1500 nits for excellent outdoor visibility.
A major upgrade is the adaptive 120Hz refresh rate across all models. The technology intelligently adjusts between 48Hz-120Hz depending on content, preserving battery life while maintaining smooth scrolling and animations.
The S21 Ultra takes display technology further with a WQHD+ (3200 x 1440) resolution that can now run simultaneously with the 120Hz refresh rate—a combination previously unavailable on Samsung flagships. It also supports S Pen functionality, a first for the S series.
HDR10+ certification enhances content viewing with improved contrast and color accuracy. The displays feature reduced blue light emission to minimize eye strain during extended use.
Performance and Software Enhancements
The Samsung Galaxy S21 series delivers impressive performance through powerful processors, refined software, and enhanced battery capabilities. These elements work together to create a seamless user experience that balances power and efficiency.
Processing Power: Exynos 2100 and Snapdragon 888
The Galaxy S21 lineup features two different flagship processors depending on region. Models in North America run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888, while international versions utilize Samsung’s own Exynos 2100 chipset. Both processors are built on a 5nm process, offering significant improvements in performance and energy efficiency over previous generations.
The Snapdragon 888 delivers up to 25% better CPU performance and 35% faster graphics rendering compared to its predecessor. Similarly, the Exynos 2100 shows a 30% overall performance improvement over the previous Exynos chips.
These processors handle demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking with minimal lag. The S21+ particularly benefits from these powerful chips when running graphics-intensive applications.
Software Experience: Android 11 and One UI 3.1
The Galaxy S21 series launched with Android 11 and Samsung’s One UI 3.1 interface. This combination provides a clean, intuitive experience with thoughtful features and optimizations.
Key software features include:
- Enhanced privacy controls and permissions management
- Improved dark mode with scheduling options
- More robust Always-On Display functionality
- Refined Samsung DeX experience for desktop-like productivity
As of March 2025, Samsung has shifted the Galaxy S21 series to a quarterly update schedule according to their support page. The latest update (February 2025) included security patches and performance improvements.
Users should note that One UI 7 will be the final major update for the S21 series, expected to arrive in April or May 2025.
Battery Life and Charging Capabilities
The Galaxy S21 series features optimized battery performance to support daily usage. The standard S21 comes with a 4,000mAh battery, while the S21+ offers a larger 4,800mAh capacity for extended use.
Both models support 25W fast charging technology, allowing the phones to reach approximately 50% battery in just 30 minutes. Wireless charging capabilities include:
- 15W wireless charging support
- Reverse wireless charging for powering accessories
- Wireless PowerShare to charge other devices
Samsung’s intelligent battery management system works with the efficient processors to extend battery life. The system analyzes usage patterns and optimizes power consumption for apps running in the background.
Battery performance remains strong even with intensive applications thanks to adaptive power-saving measures and the efficient 5nm processors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Consumers have many questions about the Samsung Galaxy S21 series since its initial release. The information below addresses the most common inquiries about these devices.
When was the Samsung Galaxy S21 officially released?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 was officially announced on January 14, 2021. This was earlier than typical Galaxy S series releases.
The phones became available for pre-order immediately following the announcement event. Customers who pre-ordered between January 14-28, 2021 received special incentives.
These incentives included up to $200 Samsung Credit and a free Galaxy SmartTag tracking device.
What are the differences between the Samsung Galaxy S21 models?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 launched with three distinct models in the series. These include the standard S21, S21+ and S21 Ultra.
Each model differs in screen size, battery capacity, and camera capabilities. The Ultra model features the most premium specifications with enhanced camera features.
The base model provides core Galaxy features at a more accessible price point. The Plus model sits between the two with a larger screen than the base model.
Has Samsung announced an official end-of-life for the Galaxy S21 series?
Samsung hasn’t announced an official end-of-life date for the Galaxy S21 series. However, the devices continue to receive software updates.
A recent software update (System Update 57) was released on February 26, 2025. This included the Android Security Patch to maintain device security.
Samsung typically provides major Android updates for three years and security patches for four years for flagship devices.
How does the Galaxy S21 compare to the latest Samsung Galaxy S series?
The Galaxy S21 lacks some of the newer features found in more recent models. Newer devices offer improved camera systems, faster processors, and enhanced display technology.
Battery life and charging speeds have also improved in newer models. However, the S21 still delivers solid performance for everyday tasks.
The design language established by the S21 series influenced later Galaxy models, though with refinements in materials and construction.
What can consumers expect in terms of pricing for the Galaxy S21?
The Galaxy S21 series has seen significant price reductions since its initial release. New units may still be available through some retailers at discounted prices.
Refurbished and pre-owned S21 devices offer even greater savings. These can often be found at electronics retailers and through carrier promotions.
Price varies depending on the specific model (S21, S21+, or S21 Ultra) and storage capacity.
Are there any known issues or recalls for the Samsung Galaxy S21 devices?
No major recalls have been issued for the Samsung Galaxy S21 series. However, some users reported minor software bugs that were addressed through updates.
Battery life concerns were mentioned by some early adopters. Samsung addressed many of these through software optimization in subsequent updates.
Camera performance in low light was another area where some users wanted improvements, which Samsung partially addressed through software updates.
