Galaxy S26 Ultra Early Benchmarks Show Strong Performance Potential
The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has surfaced in early benchmark leaks, and the results point to a flagship device with strong performance potential. With Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 confirmed for all models via FCC filings, Samsung appears to be prioritizing speed and efficiency ahead of its February 25 Unpacked event.
Benchmark Results
- Geekbench 6 (US model SM-S948U): 3,466 single-core and 11,035 multi-core
- Prototype tested with Android 16 and 12GB RAM
- Tipster Ice Universe predicts single-core scores near 3,920 at full throttle
- Snapdragon confirmed for all S26 Ultra models; Exynos 2600 dismissed
These early results suggest the retail units could deliver even higher performance once firmware and thermal profiles are finalized.
Hardware and Features
- 6.9-inch AMOLED display with adaptive refresh rates
- 200MP primary camera with advanced AI imaging
- New 24MP zero-shutter-lag burst mode
- 5,000mAh battery with improved thermal management
- Ships with Android 16
Comparison With Galaxy S25 Ultra
| Feature | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Galaxy S26 Ultra (Early) |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
| Geekbench Single-Core | ~2,800 | 3,466 (prototype) / ~3,920 predicted |
| Geekbench Multi-Core | ~9,500 | 11,035 (prototype) |
| Display | 6.8-inch | 6.9-inch |
| Camera | 200MP | 200MP + 24MP zero-shutter-lag mode |
| Battery | 5,000mAh | 5,000mAh (optimized) |
| Software | Android 15 | Android 16 |
Considerations
- Prototype status: Scores may improve with finalized firmware and thermal tuning
- Sustained performance: Long-duration workloads will depend on cooling solutions
- Market impact: Snapdragon-only approach simplifies expectations across regions
Conclusion
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is shaping up to be a performance-focused flagship, with early benchmarks already surpassing its predecessor. Combined with a larger display, camera enhancements, and Snapdragon exclusivity, Samsung’s next Ultra appears poised for a strong debut at the February 25 Unpacked event.
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