If you thought the screens on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and its predecessor couldn’t get much better, think again. The tech world is already buzzing about the Galaxy S26 Ultra, and a new report suggests it’s poised for a monumental leap in display technology that will make it brighter and more efficient than ever. However, in a move that may disappoint some fans, this premium upgrade appears to be exclusively reserved for the Ultra model, leaving the Galaxy S26 Pro and Edge variants behind.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra and the upcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra already boast stunning OLED panels capable of blindingly bright peaks of 2,600 nits. But this performance comes at a cost. The underlying technology, while impressive, isn't the most efficient. According to a machine-translated report from Korean publication ET News, Samsung Display has developed a powerful one-two punch to solve this very problem for the S26 Ultra.
The Secret Sauce: M14 Material and CoE Technology
So, what’s changing? The report points to two key innovations:
- New M14 OLED Material Set: Samsung continuously develops new organic material compounds for its displays, each generation denoted by a letter and number (M12, M13, etc.). The "M14" set is the next evolution, promising greater light emission efficiency. This translates directly to a screen that can achieve higher brightness levels without guzzling as much battery power. Interestingly, it’s speculated that Apple will use the same M14 material in its iPhone 17 series, potentially setting the stage for a direct display shootout in 2026.
- Color-filter-on-Encapsulation (CoE): This is the structural upgrade that works hand-in-hand with the new materials. Current Samsung flagships, like the S24 Ultra, use a polarizing layer to reduce screen reflection and improve readability in sunlight. The downside? This layer makes the display thicker and absorbs a significant amount of light, meaning the panel has to work harder (and use more power) to achieve its high brightness.
CoE technology replaces this polarizing layer with an advanced color filter and a black Pixel Define Layer (PDL) directly on the thin-film encapsulation. This new structure cancels out internal reflections just as effectively but allows more light to pass through from the OLED elements themselves. The result? A display that is thinner, brighter, and significantly more power-efficient.
This isn't Samsung's first rodeo with CoE; the technology has been featured in its foldables since the Galaxy Z Fold 3 to improve durability and reduce thickness. Bringing it to the flagship S-series, however, is a major statement of intent.
The Catch: An Ultra-Exclusive Upgrade
Here’s the part that might sting for those who prefer the smaller form factors. The report indicates that this cutting-edge M14+CoE combination will be a hallmark feature of the Galaxy S26 Ultra alone. The more compact Galaxy S26 Edge and the expected new base model, the Galaxy S26 Pro, are tipped to stick with the older M13 material set and the traditional polarizing layer structure.
This strategy reinforces Samsung’s clear product segmentation. By reserving the absolute latest display tech for the top-tier Ultra model, the company creates a stronger incentive for consumers to choose the most expensive device in the lineup. While the S26 Pro and Edge will still undoubtedly have excellent screens, they won't benefit from the same generational leap in efficiency and peak performance. As Android Authority notes in its analysis, this creates a more significant divide within the S26 series itself.
A Glimpse into the Future, With a Grain of Salt
It’s important to remember that the Galaxy S26 series is still well over a year away from its expected launch. While the report from ET News has a strong track record with Samsung supply chain news, plans can change. Samsung Display has not made any official announcements, so this information should be taken with a healthy pinch of salt for now.
If the rumors hold, however, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is shaping up to be a display powerhouse. The combination of M14 materials and CoE technology could give it a crucial edge in battery life and outdoor visibility over its competitors, including the iPhone. For those who demand the very best screen on a smartphone, the Ultra will clearly be the one to watch. For everyone else, the current Galaxy S25 Ultra on Amazon remains an incredibly capable placeholder.
What do you think about Samsung potentially reserving its best display for the Ultra model? Is this a smart move, or does it create too big a gap within the series? Let us know in the comments below.
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