Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Price, Specs, Release & Review(Ireland)

If you’re shopping for a flagship phone in Ireland right now, chances are the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is on your shortlist — Samsung’s latest Ultra model refines the S25 Ultra with a faster chip, a sharper 200MP camera, and a whole suite of Galaxy AI tools. This guide stacks up the specs, pricing, carrier deals, and what the upgrade really means – so you know whether to buy or wait.

Display size: 6.9 inches ·
Main camera: 200 MP ·
Battery capacity: 5000 mAh ·
Charging speed: 60W Super Fast Charging 3.0 ·
Wireless charging: 25W Super Fast Wireless Charging

Here are the key specifications for the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Will Samsung come out with a S26 Ultra?

Yes – Samsung has officially released the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The phone was announced at Samsung’s Unpacked event in San Francisco and went on sale on 11 March 2026, according to Tech Advisor (consumer tech publication). Samsung’s Irish product page now lists the device as “available now”.

Is there a Samsung S26 coming out?

Yes, the entire S26 series has launched. Alongside the Ultra, Samsung released the standard Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+. All three models share the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 For Galaxy processor and Galaxy AI software platform, as confirmed on Samsung Ireland’s product page.

What is the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra release date in Ireland?

Irish carriers – including Three, Vodafone, eir, and Virgin Media – now list the Galaxy S26 Ultra on their sites. Samsung’s own store in Ireland also shows the phone in stock. While Samsung’s global launch date was 11 March 2026, local carrier availability may vary by a few days.

The implication: Irish shoppers can already buy the S26 Ultra, with carrier deals beginning.

What is the price of Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

Four storage tiers, four price points – and the gap between the 512GB and 1TB models is significant. Here are the Irish prices from Samsung’s official shop.

On Samsung Ireland’s own store, the 512GB variant is listed at €1,689 and the 1TB variant at €1,999. UK prices from Tech Advisor show the S26 Ultra starting at £1,279 (roughly €1,490), so Irish pricing includes a slight premium.

Where can I buy Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra on Three Ireland?

Three Ireland is a confirmed carrier partner. Pricing depends on your plan choice – typically a upfront cost plus 24-month contract. Check Three’s website for current deals.

Where can I buy Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra on Vodafone Ireland?

Vodafone Ireland lists the S26 Ultra with its 5000mAh battery and 60W charging. Contract prices vary by data allowance. Trade-in offers may reduce the upfront cost.

Where can I buy Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra on eir?

eir also stocks the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Their deals often bundle the phone with unlimited data plans. Visit eir’s product page for the latest pricing.

Where can I buy Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra on Virgin Media Ireland?

Virgin Media Ireland offers the S26 Ultra on select plans. Availability may be online only, so check their site.

Does the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra come in 1TB storage?

Yes – the 1TB version with 16GB of RAM is real and costs €1,999 on Samsung Ireland’s shop. It’s the only variant with 16GB memory; the 256GB and 512GB models get 12GB.

Is S26 better than S25?

Six things changed between the two Ultra generations – and most of them are under the hood. Let’s see how they stack up.

The pattern is clear: the S26 Ultra keeps the same display and camera hardware, but bumps the charging speed, wireless charging, and processor. The real differentiator is Galaxy AI – photo editing, personalised reminders, and on-device processing that the S25 Ultra lacks.

Which is better, S25 or S24 Ultra?

The S25 Ultra was itself a major leap from the S24 Ultra, adding a 200MP camera and 50MP ultra wide. The S26 Ultra continues that trajectory with faster charging and AI features, but the gap between S25 and S26 is narrower than between S24 and S25.

Should I wait for S26 Ultra or just buy S25 Ultra?

Buy the S25 Ultra if you find a good discount – its core hardware is still excellent. Wait for the S26 Ultra if you want the fastest charging, the latest AI tools, and the best resale value. The price difference is roughly €150-€200 depending on the deal.

Is the Samsung S26 Ultra good?

Objectively, yes – but it’s an iterative update. The S26 Ultra is class-leading in most metrics, yet it doesn’t reinvent the formula. Here’s what the numbers say.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Review: a minor upgrade, but still class-leading

If you own an S25 Ultra, the upgrade isn’t urgent – the screen, camera hardware, and battery capacity are identical. But if you’re on an S24 Ultra or older, the S26 Ultra brings the best display, the fastest charging in Samsung’s lineup, and the most complete Galaxy AI experience yet. Tech Advisor calls it “the most refined Galaxy S yet.”

Is the Samsung S26 Ultra waterproof?

Yes, it carries an IP68 rating. That means it can survive submersion in up to 1.5 metres of fresh water for 30 minutes. Confirmed by Samsung Ireland’s product page.

Does the new Samsung S26 Ultra have a SIM card?

The S26 Ultra supports both a physical nano-SIM and an eSIM, giving you dual-SIM functionality. The physical SIM slot is located on the bottom edge of the phone. To insert the SIM, use the included ejector tool to pop out the tray. Insert the nano-SIM with the gold contacts facing down. The phone also supports dual eSIM for users who want a fully digital setup.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: How to insert the SIM card

• Locate the SIM tray on the bottom edge near the USB-C port.
• Use the SIM eject tool (or a paperclip) to push into the tiny hole.
• The tray slides out – place your nano-SIM in slot 1.
• Optional: add a second SIM or use an eSIM via Settings > Connections > SIM manager.

The outcome: for most buyers, the S26 Ultra is a solid upgrade.

Timeline: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

• January 2026 (expected): Galaxy Unpacked event showcases S26 series
• 11 March 2026: S26 series goes on sale globally (Tech Advisor)
• March 2026: Irish carriers Three, Vodafone, eir, Virgin Media begin sales

What this means: Samsung followed its typical launch cadence for Ireland.

What we know vs what’s still open

Confirmed facts

• Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is officially available now in Ireland.
• 6.9-inch display, 200MP main camera, 5000mAh battery.
• Galaxy AI features included out of the box.
• IP68 water resistance.
• Physical SIM and eSIM support.

What remains unclear

• Exact pricing for all storage variants in Ireland (only 512GB and 1TB known).
• Specific release date in Ireland – only carrier availability confirmed.
• Whether all global colour options (e.g., Titanium Black, Titanium White) will reach Irish shelves.

The takeaway: buyers should verify availability with carriers directly.

Expert and official perspectives

“Galaxy S26 Ultra has a 6.9-inch display and a 200 MP camera.”

Samsung Ireland (official product page)

“Galaxy S26 Ultra’s typical battery capacity is 5000 mAh for all-day power with 31 hours of video playback.”

Samsung Ireland (specifications)

“The Samsung Galaxy S26 lineup went on sale on 11 March 2026.”

Tech Advisor (consumer tech publication)

“Galaxy S26 Ultra’s 50 MP Ultra Wide camera is the best when compared with Galaxy S24 Series, S23 Series, S22 Series, and S21 Series.”

Samsung Ireland (product comparison)

For Irish shoppers eyeing a premium upgrade, the S26 Ultra delivers where it counts: faster charging, smarter AI, and that same class-leading camera. The main decision is whether to pay €1,689 for the 512GB model or step up to €1,999 for 1TB. For anyone on an S23 Ultra or older, the jump in battery life, display brightness, and AI tools makes the upgrade a no-brainer. For S25 Ultra owners, the trade-off is clear: wait for the S27 Ultra, unless the 60W charging and Galaxy AI suite are must-haves now.

Frequently asked questions

Overall, the Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a refined flagship experience for Irish customers.