According to Wccftech, a leaked Chinese certification reveals Samsung is equipping the Galaxy S26 Ultra for the Chinese market with direct satellite connectivity for emergencies, a feature Apple has offered since the iPhone 14 launched in 2022. The certification also confirms support for 60W wired charging, though the charger is sold separately. A tipster suggests the phone will have a 5,000mAh battery, a potential downgrade from earlier rumors of 5,200mAh. The report also notes the selfie camera hole will be about 4mm larger than the S25 Ultra’s, and the entire S26 lineup is expected to get improved, iPhone-like wireless charging.
A Feature Tailored For A Tough Market
Here’s the thing: this move is entirely about China. Samsung’s share there is basically microscopic after nearly a decade of brutal competition from Huawei, Xiaomi, and others. So throwing in a high-profile feature like satellite connectivity, even if it’s just for emergencies, is a clear play for relevance. It’s a spec sheet checkbox aimed at a market that loves cutting-edge hardware. But let’s be real—it’s a reactive move, not a pioneering one. They’re following Apple’s three-year-old playbook for a specific region because they have to try something, anything, to stand out.
The Inevitable “But”
And that’s the core issue. Samsung is playing catch-up in a very public way. Announcing a flagship feature in 2025 for a 2026 phone that a competitor has had since 2022? It doesn’t exactly scream innovation. It screams “me too.” The other specs follow a similar pattern. 60W charging is fine, but it’s not leading the pack in China where 100W+ is common. A possibly smaller battery? That’s not a great look either. Even the touted wireless charging upgrade is framed as “iPhone-like.” The narrative here is one of following, not leading.
The Devil In The Details
Now, about that larger selfie camera hole. A 4mm increase is significant. They say it’s for a wider field of view, which is a functional benefit. But at the cost of aesthetics? On an “Ultra” device where design and screen immersion are huge selling points? That’s a questionable trade-off. It feels like an engineering compromise they’re trying to spin as a feature. When you combine this with the regional nature of the satellite tech, it paints a picture of a device that might be getting a bit fragmented—different specs and features for different markets. That can complicate marketing and dilute the brand’s global message.
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A Calculated, Localized Bet
So what’s the final take? This leak shows Samsung making a calculated, localized bet. They’re identifying a feature that has cachet (satellite comms) and a market where they’re desperate (China), and combining them. It might move a few extra units. But does it change the fundamental dynamic? Probably not. It’s a tactical spec addition, not a strategic vision. The real test will be if this satellite functionality, or any other exclusive feature, actually makes its way to global models. Or is this just a special treat for a market that’s already moved on? We’ll have to wait and see, but the headline today is clear: Samsung is finally getting to a feature Apple launched three years ago.
