The hype around Samsung’s next flagship lineup is already in full swing. The Galaxy S26 series is set to go official next week, but in classic internet fashion, a “Galaxy S26 Ultra” has surfaced early, just not the one you’re expecting. Instead, it’s a budget clone. And it’s selling for around $72.
A video making the rounds on Instagram shows what appears to be a knockoff version of the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra. At first glance, it’s surprisingly convincing. The rear camera layout closely mirrors leaked renders, the wallpaper matches the rumored official imagery, and the overall design looks premium enough to pass in a quick scroll.
But that illusion fades fast once you look beyond the surface
Under the hood, this clone reportedly packs just 3GB of RAM and 16GB of storage — specs that feel outdated even for entry-level phones, let alone something pretending to be an Ultra flagship. While the seller advertises 5G support, the overall experience is worlds apart from what Samsung’s real flagship is expected to offer.
And of course, you’re not getting Samsung’s software ecosystem either. No Galaxy AI features, no long-term update commitment, no refined camera processing, just a shell designed to capitalize on hype.
This kind of thing isn’t new. Cheap replicas often pop up weeks, sometimes even months, before major launches. They ride the wave of leaks and rumors, targeting buyers who either don’t know better or are tempted by the price. The designs may look similar from a distance, but the similarities usually stop at cosmetics.
Meanwhile, the real Galaxy S26 lineup is set to debut at Galaxy Unpacked on February 25 in San Francisco. The event kicks off at 10 am PT, and as always, Samsung is likely to open up early registration perks and pre-order bonuses. Until then, this $72 “Ultra” serves as a reminder of how fast the knockoff market moves.
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