Galaxy S26 Ultra’s Chipset Confirmed by FCC Certification
The upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra has recently been certified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), providing a crucial insight into its internal hardware. This certification confirms that Samsung will equip the Galaxy S26 Ultra with a Snapdragon chipset globally, quashing earlier rumours that suggested some regions might receive an Exynos variant instead. Specifically, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, marking a consistent chipset choice for both US and international models.
Key Specifications and Features Revealed
The FCC documentation lists several model numbers associated with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, including SM-S948B, SM-S948B/DS, SM-S948U, and SM-S948U1. The ‘U’ suffix indicates the US variants, while ‘B’ refers to international versions. All these variants are powered by the SM8850 chipset, Qualcomm’s identifier for the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. There is a possibility that Samsung will use a customised, overclocked ‘For Galaxy’ version of this chipset, following the trend seen in previous flagship releases.
Additionally, the certification confirms support for advanced communication technologies such as Qualcomm’s Smart Transmit Plus, an uplink enhancement feature exclusive to the X85 modem integrated within the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. The handset is also certified for triple-band Wi-Fi 7, 5G connectivity, NFC, and Ultra-Wideband (UWB), ensuring it is equipped with the latest wireless standards.
Context and Earlier Speculations
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series is anticipated to launch in early 2026, although the exact release date remains uncertain. Earlier leaks hinted at a possible delay due to last-minute adjustments in Samsung’s lineup strategy. There had also been speculation that Samsung might revert to using its in-house Exynos chips for certain markets, diverging from the Snapdragon exclusivity seen in recent years. However, the FCC certification largely dispels these rumours by confirming a unified Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset across all regions for the Ultra model.
The model numbering also aligns with Samsung’s previous naming conventions, where the Galaxy S25 Ultra carried the SM-S938B/U identifiers. This consistency further supports the assumption that the newly certified devices are indeed the Galaxy S26 Ultra variants.
What to Expect Next
With the chipset and key connectivity features now confirmed, attention will likely turn to other aspects of the Galaxy S26 Ultra, such as display technology, camera improvements, and battery performance. Samsung’s decision to standardise on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 globally could result in a more streamlined user experience and potentially better optimisation. As the launch window approaches, more details and official announcements are expected to emerge, clarifying the full specifications and pricing.
Overall, the FCC certification provides a reassuring confirmation that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will not skimp on performance, promising a powerful flagship experience for consumers worldwide.