As excitement builds for the upcoming Galaxy S25, whispers of what could be coming in Samsung’s future lineup, specifically the Galaxy S26 series, are already making waves. One of the most buzzed-about rumors centers on a significant upgrade to the display, particularly for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. According to a report from The Elec, Samsung may introduce an innovative screen technology called COE (Color Filter on Etched) to improve both the power efficiency and overall display quality of its 2026 Ultra model.
So, what’s all the fuss about COE? Traditionally, OLED displays use polarizers to cut down on reflections and improve visibility. However, these polarizers come with a downside: they absorb some light, which reduces the screen’s brightness. This can be especially noticeable when you’re outside on a sunny day, forcing you to crank up the brightness. The rumored COE technology aims to change that by swapping out the polarizers for color filters. The result? A display that reflects less light, making colors pop and the screen stay bright, even in direct sunlight.
But that’s not all. COE technology might also allow Samsung to design thinner displays for the S26 Ultra. Thanks to its ability to be directly applied to the panel, something already seen in Samsung’s foldable devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 6, COE removes the need for bulky polarizing layers. This means Samsung could achieve the sleek, slim designs many are hoping for, aligning with their apparent push toward thinner phones. Plus, COE might extend the life of the display, as it’s designed to improve durability over time.
In addition to COE, there’s talk of another exciting feature for the S26 Ultra: the “Black PDL” (Pixel Define Layer). This technology could help further reduce light reflection on the screen, enhancing contrast and making the display easier to read in various lighting situations. If these rumors turn out to be true, the combination of COE and Black PDL could mark a major leap forward in display tech, giving users a brighter, more vibrant, and efficient screen experience.
Of course, all of this is still speculative, with only a few details available about the Galaxy S26 series, especially since we’re still waiting for the official launch of the S25. However, there’s been some additional chatter about the S26, including the possibility of a curved-edge display making a return. A recent Samsung patent hints at this, suggesting a boost in durability for these types of screens, which have historically been more prone to damage.
There are also rumors that Samsung might introduce a new Exynos chip for the S26 series, possibly built on a 2nm process. While this hasn’t been confirmed yet, it could offer a significant performance boost. Still, it’s believed that the U.S. versions of the S26 might stick with Qualcomm’s chip, as has been the case with previous Galaxy devices.
While it’s too early to make any definitive claims about the S26 series, these rumored upgrades, especially the advancements in display technology and possible hardware changes, suggest that Samsung’s next Ultra phone could be a real game-changer. Until then, all eyes are on the Galaxy S25, but it’s clear that Samsung is already laying the groundwork for what’s to come in the future.
