Experience the ultra‑exclusive Caviar Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, featuring a 24K gold design and priced at $11,490. Limited to only 76 units worldwide, this luxury edition blends premium craftsmanship with rare collector appeal.

Most people upgrading their phone this year will spend somewhere between $800 and $1,300. Then there’s a very different kind of buyer, one who looks at a flagship smartphone and sees a canvas.

Caviar, the Russian luxury customisation house known for slapping gold and carbon fibre onto high-end devices, just unveiled its latest creation: the Totem collection, a series of modded Galaxy S26 Ultras that starts at $10,490 and tops out at $11,490.

READ ALSO: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Battery and Charging: What’s Changed From S25 Ultra?

That’s not a typo. For context, a standard Galaxy S26 Ultra retails at $1,300, meaning Caviar is charging roughly eight times the base price for materials, craftsmanship, and a story.

Only 76 units exist across the collection, with each design capped at 19 pieces. If you want one, you’ll need to act quickly and have significant resources.

What Is the Totem Collection?

The Totem collection features four designs, each centred on an animal archetype: the Fire Horse, Lion, Falcon, and Wolf. Every model uses premium materials, hand-applied finishes, and a sculptural element, but each has its own distinct aesthetic.

The Fire Horse is the flagship model at $11,490, and it’s the one getting most of the attention. The back features hand-applied red enamel layered over black titanium with a PVD coating, the same finishing technique used by high-end watchmakers like Richard Mille when they want a surface that looks expensive and holds up over time.

The horse itself is a bas-relief sculpture, not a decal or a printed graphic. It rears up from the back of the phone as a three-dimensional piece of metalwork.

Caviar ties the design to the Eastern Zodiac, noting that 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse. Whether you find that meaningful or marketing, it’s the kind of narrative detail that luxury buyers tend to appreciate. Owning a limited object is one thing. Owning a limited object with a backstory is another.

The Lion, Falcon, and Wolf variants follow a similar approach—each rendered in its own material palette, each limited to 19 units worldwide.

Gold, Enamel, and PVD: What You’re Actually Paying For

Caviar’s pricing always raises the same question: what exactly is the markup covering?

The markup covers multiple elements beyond the base phone.

PVD coating — Physical vapour deposition is a process borrowed from the luxury watch industry. It deposits an ultra-thin layer of material onto a surface under vacuum conditions, producing a finish that’s both visually striking and significantly more durable than standard paint or plating. It’s expensive to apply correctly.

Hand-applied enamel — The red finish on the Fire Horse isn’t sprayed on by a machine. Applying enamel by hand is a time-intensive process that requires skilled labour and multiple firing stages to achieve a consistent, deep colour. Each phone will have slight variations that make it technically unique.

24K gold elements — Gold plating is present across multiple components of the design. True 24K gold application is a different proposition than gold-coloured finishes, and it adds material cost on top of labour.

Bas-relief sculpture — The raised animal figures aren’t printed or etched. They’re sculpted elements applied to the back of the device, which requires additional manufacturing steps and skilled artisan work.

Put together, you’re paying for a process that’s closer to fine jewellery production than consumer electronics assembly. That doesn’t mean the price is rational by everyday standards, but it does explain where the money goes.

The Phone Underneath

Strip away the gold and enamel, and you’re still holding a Galaxy S26 Ultra, which is genuinely excellent hardware. The same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset that makes the standard S26 Ultra one of the fastest Android phones available sits inside the Caviar version.

The 200MP camera system is identical. The Privacy Display feature, which adjusts viewing angles to block visibility from the sides, works exactly the same way.

The S26 Ultra itself won Best in Show at MWC 2026, beating out more than 3,000 competing devices. The judging panel specifically highlighted its privacy features as addressing real user needs rather than spec-sheet novelties. Samsung’s EVP of mobile marketing described it as an agentic AI phone, a device capable of taking actions on your behalf rather than just responding to commands.

So, the Caviar buyer gets the same award-winning hardware as any Samsung customer—the distinction is entirely in the device’s exterior and the image it projects.

Who Actually Buys This?

Caviar has been in this business long enough to have a clear picture of its customers. These aren’t people agonising over their phone upgrade budget or waiting for a trade-in deal. They’re buyers for whom the standard luxury market—the watches, the handbags, the cars—has become too common. They want objects that are rare by design, not just expensive.

For these buyers, a limited-edition Totem phone accomplishes several goals. It acts as a status symbol among peers who value exclusivity, starts conversations as an object of craftsmanship, and demonstrates appreciation for technical artistry, like PVD coating or the bas-relief process, that signals an understanding of luxury design.

With only 19 units per design, the Totem phones are scarcer than most art prints. Whether they appreciate in value is debatable, but the rarity is clear.

The Luxury Phone Market in Context

Caviar isn’t alone; rivals like Brikk and Goldgenie also modify high-end hardware with precious materials. But Caviar excels at narrative—using zodiac themes, archetypes, and an emphasis on artisan process.

What makes the Totem collection interesting from a market perspective is the timing. The Galaxy S26 Ultra already commands attention as the best Android flagship available. Launching a luxury variant at the peak of that attention maximises the cultural relevance of the modification. You’re not gilding an afterthought—you’re gilding the Best in Show winner at MWC 2026.

For most, a $10,490 phone is an abstraction, but Caviar’s market is the select group of 76.

Should You Buy One?

Caviar knows this is not for general buyers; the price is for those with the resources and specific tastes to match.

If you’re shopping for a Galaxy S26 Ultra, the standard model at $1,300 gives you every hardware advantage that won the MWC award. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, the 200MP camera, the Privacy Display, One UI 8.5, and all the Galaxy AI features are present and accounted for—no gold required.

But if you want something that 18 other people on the planet own, something built by artisans using techniques borrowed from fine watchmaking, something that carries a story alongside its specs? The Totem collection makes a strange kind of sense. It’s not trying to be the best phone. It’s trying to be the most interesting object in the room.

The Bottom Line on Caviar’s Galaxy S26 Ultra

The Caviar Galaxy S26 Ultra Totem collection is expensive, deliberately scarce, and thoroughly unnecessary by any functional measure. It also represents a genuine fusion of luxury craft and cutting-edge mobile technology, executed at a level that few brands attempt.

If you want what only 18 others will own, the Fire Horse starts at $11,490. For this audience, the decision is already made.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra keeps the 5,000mAh battery. Leaked specs reveal 60W charging, but is it really faster? We compare S26 Ultra vs S25 Ultra.

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra is almost here, and the tech community is buzzing with speculation about what upgrades the flagship will bring.

Among the most anticipated improvements are battery capacity and charging speeds—two areas where Samsung has faced criticism in recent years.

Fresh promotional materials leaked ahead of the February 25 launch have given us an early glimpse at what to expect. The good news? There are some developments. The not-so-good news? They might not be as groundbreaking as many had hoped.

READ ALSO: Technology

Samsung Galaxy S26 Accessories Leaked: Cases, Skins & Protectors Trends

Let’s break down what’s staying the same, what’s changing, and whether the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s battery and charging capabilities will be enough to satisfy power users.

Battery capacity remains at 5,000mAh

The Galaxy S26 Ultra will retain the same 5,000mAh battery as its predecessor, the S25 Ultra. For context, Samsung has maintained this capacity across multiple flagship generations, and whilst it’s a reliable and safe choice, it lacks the excitement that comes with meaningful innovation.

From a hardware perspective, 5,000mAh is mature technology. It strikes a balance between longevity and device thickness, and for most users, it provides a full day of moderate to heavy use.

However, competitors have begun pushing beyond this threshold. Some Chinese manufacturers now offer batteries exceeding 6,000mAh without significantly increasing device weight or bulk.

For Samsung, sticking with 5,000mAh suggests a strategic decision to prioritise other aspects of the phone’s design—perhaps slimness, thermal management, or component spacing.

Nonetheless, those hoping for a battery upgrade will need to look elsewhere.

Charging speed: Is 60W really faster?

Rumours have circulated for months about Samsung finally bumping up its charging speed from 45W to 60W. On paper, this is a notable improvement.

In practice, however, leaked promotional materials suggest the real-world impact may be minimal.

According to the leaked slides, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will charge to 75 per cent in 30 minutes. This is identical to the charging time Samsung advertised for the S25 Ultra with its 45W charging capability.

If these figures are accurate, it raises an important question: what’s the point of higher peak wattage if the charging curve remains unchanged?

Understanding charging curves

Peak wattage doesn’t tell the full story. Modern smartphones rarely pull maximum power throughout the entire charging session. Instead, they follow a charging curve that gradually reduces power intake as the battery approaches full capacity. This is done to protect battery health and manage heat.

Unless Samsung has optimised the charging curve—perhaps by maintaining higher speeds for longer or improving thermal management—the practical difference between 45W and 60W could be negligible. Users might see marginal improvements in the final stretch from 75 to 100 per cent, but the leaked data doesn’t confirm this.

What the leaked promo materials reveal

The promotional poster shared by leaker @ya_sking12767 highlights three key specifications:

Image via @ya_sking12767

• Battery capacity: 5,000mAh (unchanged)
• 30-minute charging: 75 per cent (unchanged from S25 Ultra)
• Rumoured peak wattage: 60W (up from 45W, but unconfirmed impact)

These figures paint a picture of incremental rather than transformative progress. Whilst Samsung may have technically increased the charging speed, the user experience remains consistent with the previous generation.

Image via @ya_sking12767

How does the S26 Ultra compare to competitors?

To put Samsung’s approach in perspective, it’s worth looking at what competitors are offering:

• OnePlus 13 Pro: 100W wired charging, 5,400mAh battery
• Xiaomi 15 Ultra: 90W wired charging, 5,500mAh battery
• Oppo Find X9 Pro: 100W SuperVOOC charging, 5,000mAh battery
• iPhone 17 Pro Max: Approximately 27W charging, rumoured 4,500mAh battery

Samsung sits somewhere in the middle. It doesn’t push the boundaries like Chinese manufacturers, but it also doesn’t lag as far behind as Apple. For users who value fast charging above all else, brands like OnePlus and Xiaomi offer more compelling options. However, Samsung’s ecosystem integration, software support, and overall build quality may offset these differences for many buyers.

The verdict: Evolutionary, not revolutionary

Based on the leaked materials, here’s what we know about the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s battery and charging:

• Battery capacity: Unchanged at 5,000mAh
• 30-minute charging: Unchanged at 75 per cent
• Peak wattage: Possibly higher at 60W, but real-world benefits remain unclear

For those hoping Samsung would finally catch up to competitors in charging speed, the S26 Ultra may disappoint. The lack of battery capacity increase also suggests Samsung is prioritising other features—perhaps camera improvements, display technology, or AI capabilities—over raw power specs.

That said, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to excel in other areas. Leaks point to significant camera upgrades, enhanced AI features, and a new Privacy Display mode that uses advanced OLED technology to block side views. If these innovations deliver as promised, the modest battery and charging improvements may be easier to overlook.

What to expect at Unpacked

Samsung will officially unveil the Galaxy S26 series on February 25, 2026. Until then, all we have are leaks and speculation. The company may yet surprise us with optimisations that aren’t immediately apparent from promotional materials.

For now, the S26 Ultra’s battery and charging capabilities represent an evolutionary step rather than a revolutionary leap. Whether that’s enough will depend on individual priorities and how the device performs as a complete package.

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dbrand has leaked the Samsung Galaxy S26 accessory lineup early. Discover the new Grip Case, Ghost Case 2.0, and Prism screen protectors before the phone launches.

The tech world loves a good mystery, but the accessory market rarely plays along. In what has become a pre-launch tradition, the protective gear for the next big flagship often arrives before the phone itself. This time, it’s the Samsung Galaxy S26 series taking the spotlight early.

A major listing update from dbrand, a Canadian accessory leader, reveals concrete details about Galaxy S26 cases, skins, and screen protectors. These listings confirm the S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra lineup even before Samsung’s official event.

Planning to upgrade this February? You can already prepare to protect your new device. Here’s what we know about the leaked accessories and what they reveal.

The dbrand Leak: Marketing Genius or Accidental Slip?

Known for bold marketing and precision design, dbrand leads S26 accessory launches. Their mid-February site update showcased the new flagship suite.

This early reveal lets adopters secure gear before launch and confirms device shapes. Accessory makers use exact schematics, so these listings likely show the hardware closely.

READ ALSO: Breaking: Samsung Rolls Out ‘Urgent’ New Software Update. Here’s Why!

The Case Lineup: Grip, Ghost, and Rugged Protection

The leak highlights three main categories of protection for the S26 series, focusing on grip, transparency, and impact resistance.

The Grip Case

For many users, modern glass-sandwich phones are simply too slippery to use naked. The dbrand Grip Case returns for the S26 series with its signature microscopic ridges and tactile feedback.

According to the leaked product pages, the S26 Ultra Grip Case is marketed with dbrand’s typical tongue-in-cheek humour, comparing its value proposition to the U.S. military budget. Marketing aside, the core features remain compelling for power users:

• Chassis-level fit: Designed to hug the phone without adding unnecessary bulk.
• Customisability: The backplate is interchangeable, allowing users to apply different skins (like leather, matte black, or teardown patterns) to match their style.
• Tactile buttons: Clicky, responsive button covers that mimic the feel of the actual phone keys.

The Ghost Case 2.0

Clear cases have a bad reputation for turning a sickly shade of yellow after a few months of UV exposure. The Ghost Case 2.0 aims to solve this for the Galaxy S26 lineup.

The listings for the S26 Ultra emphasise a “zero-yellowing” guarantee. If the case turns yellow, dbrand promises a free replacement. This is a bold claim in the materials science world, suggesting they have refined the polymer blend to resist UV degradation significantly better than standard TPU cases. For users who picked a specific S26 colourway and want to show it off, this is likely the top choice.

Rugged “Tank” Options

Reports from SammyFans indicate that the S26 Ultra will also see a “Tank Case” option. While details on this specific model are scarcer, “Tank” branding usually implies heavy-duty drop protection, reinforced corners, and a bulkier build designed for extreme environments. This aligns with the Ultra’s positioning as a productivity workhorse that often finds itself on job sites or in the field.

Screen Protection: The Prism 2.0

A cracked screen is the fastest way to ruin the honeymoon phase with a new phone. The leak confirms that the Prism 2.0 screen protector will be available for all three models: the S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra.

The standout feature here isn’t just the glass itself—which boasts a “level 7 hardness”—but the installation method. dbrand describes the process as “idiot-proof”, thanks to an included applicator tray.

Screen protectors for the Ultra series have historically been tricky due to curved edges. However, if the S26 Ultra follows the S25’s trend toward a flatter display, the Prism 2.0 should offer edge-to-edge coverage without the peeling issues often associated with curved glass. The marketing copy also highlights resistance to fingerprints and dust, two common annoyances with cheaper tempered glass options.

What This Tells Us About the Galaxy S26 Design

Accessories tell a story that spec sheets often miss. By analysing the case structures, we can infer several design changes for the 2026 flagship:

1. The Ultra is Getting Rounder

Early dummy unit leaks and now these case designs suggest the Galaxy S26 Ultra is moving further away from the sharp, boxy corners of its predecessors. The Grip Case contours suggest a softer, more ergonomic hand-feel, addressing a common complaint from users who found the S24 and S25 Ultra digging into their palms.

2. Refined Camera Layout

The cutouts on the back of the cases confirm that Samsung is sticking to the individual lens rings rather than returning to a large camera island bump. However, the spacing and size of the rings appear slightly tweaked, likely to accommodate larger sensors or improved optics.

3. Consistent Sizing

The existence of distinct cases for the S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra confirms Samsung is maintaining its three-tiered strategy. There is no evidence in these accessory lists of a new “Mini” or “Slim” variant joining the main lineup at launch.

When Can You Get Them?

If you are the type of person who likes to have a case on your desk before the phone arrives, the wait is practically over. The listings are live, and with the Galaxy Unpacked event scheduled for February 25, 2026, the timeline is tight.

Pre-ordering accessories is a smart move for two reasons. First, it guarantees your device is protected from the moment you unbox it. Second, popular skins and case colourways often sell out quickly immediately following a major device launch.

Is the S26 Worth the Upgrade?

While cases protect the exterior, the internals are what drive the upgrade cycle. If you are currently rocking an S23 or older, the S26 series promises significant leaps in processing power, camera capabilities, and battery efficiency.

However, if you just bought an S25, the differences might be more subtle. The shift to a more ergonomic design and the potential for new AI-driven software features will likely be the main selling points.

In summary, whether you upgrade immediately or take a wait-and-see approach, you’ll have plenty of protection ready. As the Galaxy S26 series prepares for launch, accessory makers have set the stage—ensuring your new device can be customised and safeguarded from day one.