Reliable Weibo leaker Ice Universe has shared intriguing details about the weights of Samsung’s upcoming flagship models. The Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus are expected to be slightly heavier than their predecessors, while the S26 Ultra is rumored to shed some weight. Though these changes seem modest on paper, they reveal important clues about Samsung’s design priorities, including materials, battery capacity, and camera advancements.
Weight Estimates and Changes
The Galaxy S26 reportedly weighs 164 grams, and the S26 Plus comes in at 191 grams. This marks a slight increase from the leaked weights of the S25 (162 grams) and S25 Plus (190 grams), representing a 1.2% and 0.5% rise respectively.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to weigh 214 grams, a decrease from the S25 Ultra’s leaked 218 grams. This is also lighter than an earlier rumor of 217 grams for the Ultra. Compared to the S24 Ultra, which weighed 232 grams, Samsung’s flagship Ultra appears to be on a multi-generation weight reduction trend, trimming roughly 18 grams or about 7.8%.
Although a change of a few grams might seem minor, such differences often signal meaningful redesigns—like structural reinforcements, enhanced glass panels, bigger vapor chambers for cooling, or upgraded battery and camera modules.
Why the Weight Changes Matter
Slight weight increases in the standard and Plus models usually reflect functional upgrades rather than superficial tweaks. For example, Samsung might be incorporating a larger battery, improved cooling mechanisms, or an enhanced, larger camera sensor array to boost performance and durability, thereby adding a bit of heft.
On the Ultra side, Samsung has been consistently reducing weight without compromising on premium materials. This trend, which started with the S24 Ultra, is likely to continue. The few grams shaved off the S26 Ultra’s weight could improve balance and reduce wrist fatigue during extended use, especially benefiting users who take advantage of the large display and stylus support.
It’s also important to note that regional variants can differ in weight by 1 to 2 grams due to components like mmWave antennas, so retail versions may not have a uniform weight globally.
How Samsung Compares to Competitors
If these weight estimates are accurate, the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s 214 grams puts it on par with other major flagships like Google’s Pixel 8 Pro (213 grams) and Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max (221 grams). Apple’s smaller iPhone 15 Pro, weighing about 187 grams, belongs to the lighter tier of premium phones. Samsung’s Ultra strikes a balance between substantial feel and manageable heft.
For the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus, staying under 200 grams means they should be comfortable for one-handed use and convenient to carry in athletic or casual wear, avoiding the “top-heavy” sensation that sometimes plagues heavier phones.
What Buyers Should Keep in Mind
Weight alone doesn’t determine a phone’s comfort. The distribution of weight and the phone’s center of gravity strongly influence how heavy a device feels in hand. Changes in edge design, back materials, or case choices can make a significant difference—even a 1 to 2 gram difference from year to year can be noticeable depending on these factors.
Overall, the trends point to thoughtful improvements: the slight weight gain in the S26 and S26 Plus likely supports longer battery life or better cooling, while the S26 Ultra continues Samsung’s effort to deliver a lighter device without sacrifice in core features. Adding a protective case often adds 20 to 30 grams, so starting with a lighter base device is advantageous.
Consider These Leaks as Early Insights
Ice Universe is known for accurate leaks on Samsung’s dimensions and hardware, but pre-release details can still change as devices near production. Official certifications or retailer listings typically provide the final specifications closer to launch.
If these weights hold true, expect the S26 and S26 Plus to be marginally heavier and the S26 Ultra to be marginally lighter. These subtle shifts reflect smart engineering choices aimed at improving everyday comfort and endurance without compromising flagship quality.
