Samsung generally showcases its flagship products in the winter months, with signs pointing towards an early 2026 launch for the Samsung Galaxy S26 and the Galaxy Z TriFold. The Galaxy S25 was released in early February, following the late January rollout of the Galaxy S24. Therefore, the Galaxy S26 is anticipated to debut around the same period in 2026.
Although Samsung has not yet announced any Galaxy Unpacked events, the upcoming generation of Samsung smartphones is expected to arrive soon. The volume of leaks regarding the S26 indicates that the unveiling might occur sooner rather than later.
What design will the Galaxy S26 phones feature?
Leaker @onleaks recently published a gallery and video on X, claiming to present dummy units of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. While the video’s authenticity is not verified, it appears credible. The design is similar to the S25 Ultra, with a significant modification: a camera bump comparable to that of the Galaxy Z Fold 7. As noted by 9to5Google, this bump on the left side of the phone could lead to instability when placed on flat surfaces. In comparison, the iPhone 17 Pro Max has a more balanced shape, preventing such wobbling.
Nonetheless, some skepticism is justified. Android Police recently released its own purported S26 Ultra leaks, which do not feature the camera bump.
Which models will be part of the S26 lineup?
Speculation and leaks had previously indicated a significant shift in the Galaxy S26 series, with Samsung expected to rename the base model to S26 Pro, eliminate the Plus model, and add a new Edge version. However, this plan seems to have changed, influenced by Apple’s success with upgrades to the iPhone 17 without raising prices. Samsung has reverted to using the Galaxy S26 name for the base model, as confirmed by SamMobile. The lineup is likely to comprise the standard S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra in 2026. The status of the rumored S26 Edge remains unclear, possibly being canceled or released at a later date.
Galaxy S26 rumored specifications
The Galaxy S26 series is rumored to incorporate the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chip, rebranded by Qualcomm as Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Some models in the S26 series may also utilize an Exynos chip, potentially the Exynos 2600. Speculation indicates that all S26 models will be equipped with 16GB of RAM, representing a 4GB enhancement from previous years. The storage capacity is expected to remain the same, with a 128GB base (256GB for the Ultra) and various upgrade options.
Galaxy S26: Will prices increase?
A significant global memory shortage might result in a price rise for the S26 and the discontinuation of a popular launch offer. Traditionally, Samsung provides double the storage at no additional cost for pre-orders or launch purchases, but this could be altered due to RAM shortages. Samsung has yet to finalize pricing for the S26, but an increase in price and additional charges for extra storage are possible.
Battery and charging
The S26 series may showcase a stacked battery design for increased battery density, potentially enhancing battery size. The S26 Ultra is rumored to feature a 5,500 mAh stacked battery, representing a 10% boost from the S25 Ultra. Samsung considered removing a camera to allow for greater battery capacity, though it is unclear if this will be realized. The S26 Pro was thought to have a larger 4,900mAh battery, but the base S26 is now expected to contain a 4,300mAh unit. Charging advancements are unlikely, with 45W wired charging expected to persist. Wireless charging might see an upgrade to the Qi2 standard.
Galaxy S26: What can be said about the cameras?
The camera system of the Galaxy S26 series may see enhancements, with speculation surrounding a new sensor from the ISOCELL GN series. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is rumored to feature a 200MP camera or a 324MP lens coupled with a 50MP, 3x telephoto lens. Samsung may reinstate variable aperture on the primary camera, which was last seen in the Galaxy S10 series. The number of cameras might be reduced to three to accommodate a larger battery. However, more recent reports suggest that the base S26 and S26 Plus will offer the same megapixel specifications as earlier models: a 50MP wide lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP 3x telephoto lens.
Additional features and hardware
The Galaxy S26 lineup will launch with the latest One UI and Android version. One UI 8.5 is anticipated, featuring a redesign along with new functionalities. The S-Pen may undergo substantial enhancements, likely related to magnetic accessories and Qi2 wireless charging. More information will emerge in the coming weeks as Samsung releases its announcements.