Expected Release Date

Samsung is likely to debut the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026, following its usual annual schedule. Current rumors point to an announcement in January 2026, possibly mid-month, with a market release in late January or early February. For context, the Galaxy S25 series was unveiled on January 22, 2025, and similarly, the S26 could be introduced around mid to late January 2026 (likely on a Wednesday, based on past Unpacked events) . This timeline would position the S26 lineup to compete with Apple’s fall 2025 iPhones. (Notably, Apple’s iPhone 17 is expected in September 2025, setting a high bar that Samsung aims to surpass in January 2026 .)

Device lineup: Leaks suggest Samsung might adjust its model offerings. While the S25 lineup included a Base, Plus, Ultra (and even an Edge variant introduced later in 2025), reports indicate the Galaxy S26 series may drop the Plus model in favor of a slim S26 Edge variant. One credible source (The Elec) claims the S26 family will consist of a 6.27-inch base S26, a 6.66-inch S26 Edge, and a 6.89-inch S26 Ultra. This means the S26 Plus could be discontinued, with the thin “Edge” model taking its place. However, other insiders suggest Samsung could even launch all four models (retaining an S26+ alongside an Edge) if the S25 Edge’s sales don’t meet expectations. In any case, by the time of release we expect three main devices at launch, the standard Galaxy S26, a large-screen premium model (whether named Plus or Edge), and the top-tier S26 Ultra, potentially followed by an Edge or Fan Edition variant later in the year.

Design Changes and Build Materials

The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s rear design (with raised camera rings). The S26 Ultra is expected to remove these protruding rings for a cleaner, more seamless back, while retaining IP68 durability.

Samsung isn’t overhauling the S26’s aesthetics, instead, it’s refining the design with subtle tweaks. The overall look and materials should remain similar to the S25 series. That means a glass sandwich design with metal frames, aluminum on the base models and titanium alloy on the S26 Ultra (and possibly the Edge) for added rigidity and premium feel. One notable change is on the back camera layout. The S25 Ultra introduced pronounced “chip-like” camera rings around each lens, which some found jarring. Leaks say Samsung will ditch those protruding rings on the S26 Ultra, resulting in a cleaner, more integrated camera module that sits flusher with the back. This should give the rear a more minimalistic look without sacrificing the IP68 water/dust resistance. In essence, the S26 Ultra’s quad cameras will still be arranged in the familiar “P” formation (three on one column, one on the side), but without the separate metal edging that made the S25’s lenses stand out.

Beyond that, dimensions are expected to be slightly trimmed. Samsung has been on a “thinner and lighter” kick, the S25 Edge was extraordinarily slim, and even S25 Ultra slimmed down from its predecessor. The S26 series may continue this trend with fractionally reduced thickness and weight, aided by design optimizations (like smaller camera modules). For example, one leak claims the S26 Ultra’s titanium frame will be 8.1mm thick vs 8.2mm on S25 Ultra, a tiny change but part of Samsung’s effort to incrementally streamline the profile. All models will likely sport slightly curvier edges for comfort, but maintain the mostly flat front glass and squared-off shoulders that are now a Galaxy S hallmark. Samsung is expected to offer the usual premium finish (Gorilla Glass Victus or its successor on front/back) and similar color options (Phantom Black, cream, green, etc., with special colors for Ultra), though those details aren’t confirmed yet.

Overall, expect the Galaxy S26 to look much like the S25, with sleek metal-and-glass construction, but with a more refined camera housing and possibly a slightly higher screen-to-body ratio. Samsung is essentially polishing an already successful design language rather than reinventing it, focusing on cleaner details and ergonomics.

Display

The Galaxy S26 is expected to retain an edge-to-edge AMOLED display with minimal bezels (Galaxy S25 series shown). The S26 Ultra will still be ~6.9″ but with even thinner borders for an immersive front face.

Samsung’s displays are consistently top-tier, and the Galaxy S26 will be no exception. We’re expecting size increases by just a hair: rumor has it the base Galaxy S26 will feature about a 6.2-inch screen (up from 6.1″), the S26 Edge around 6.66-inch, and the S26 Ultra at 6.89–6.9-inch diagonal. In fact, one source gives precise figures: 6.27″, 6.66″, and 6.89″ for S26, S26 Edge, and S26 Ultra respectively, each just ~0.1–0.2″ larger than their S25 counterparts. These minor bumps, combined with shrinking bezels, will push the already impressive screen-to-body ratio even higher. The S26 Ultra is said to have noticeably slimmer black borders than the S25 Ultra, thanks in part to advanced display packaging tech. In practical terms, the front will look almost all-screen, with only a tiny punch-hole for the selfie camera (no under-display camera is expected this year, more on that later).

Technology & quality: All S26 models will use Samsung’s latest Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels with QHD+ resolution on the Ultra (~6.9″ at 1440p) and likely FHD+ on the base/Edge models (6.2–6.7″ at ~1080p), similar to the S25 series. A 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (LTPO on Ultra) will be standard across the lineup. These displays will deliver the trademark vibrant colors, deep blacks, and HDR10+ support that Galaxy flagships are known for. One leak mentions Samsung integrating new CoE (Color-filter on Encapsulation) technology into the S26 Ultra’s screen, which could make it thinner, brighter, and more power-efficient. There’s also talk of a new “depolarizer” layer to cut down on internal reflections, further improving outdoor visibility. While resolution and pixel density should remain similar to last gen, these under-the-hood tweaks aim to push display performance even further.

All models are expected to have flat displays (the Edge model’s name refers to slimness, not a curved screen). The S26 Ultra may retain a very slight curvature at the edges of the front glass, but Samsung has largely stuck with nearly flat panels for easier S Pen use and durability. Speaking of durability, we anticipate Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 3 or Victus 4 protection on all models’ screens (S25 used Victus 2 on some variants). Samsung will also likely include their Vision Booster enhancements and an anti-reflective coating (as seen on S25 Ultra) to improve sunlight legibility. Peak brightness could reach 1800–2000 nits on the Ultra, matching or slightly exceeding the S25 Ultra’s already bright display.

In summary, the Galaxy S26’s displays will refine an already excellent formula: large, vibrant AMOLED panels with smooth 120Hz refresh, tiny bezels, and cutting-edge tech for brightness and efficiency. The user experience for browsing, videos, and S Pen input (on Ultra) should be best-in-class, with incremental improvements like even more immersive edges and improved coatings to set it apart.

Processor and Performance

Under the hood, the Galaxy S26 series is making a bold move with its processors. Samsung appears set to reintroduce its dual-supplier chipset strategy, meaning some S26 models will run on Samsung’s own Exynos chip, while others use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon, depending on region and model. Here’s the breakdown based on current leaks:

• Snapdragon 8 “Elite Gen 2”, This is Qualcomm’s upcoming flagship SoC expected to power the Galaxy S26 Ultra in all markets and likely the S26 base/Edge in key markets (North America, China, etc.). Qualcomm has apparently moved to a new naming (the S25’s chip was called Snapdragon 8 Elite, rather than “Gen 3”). The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 (sometimes referred to as Gen 4 in older nomenclature) will be built on a cutting-edge 3nm process (TSMC N3 or N3E), or possibly an even more advanced 3rd-gen 3nm node. Leaked benchmarks are eye-opening: the SD8 Elite 2 reportedly scores over 4,000 in single-core and ~11,000 in multi-core on Geek bench 6. That’s about a 30% jump in single-core and 12% in multi compared to the Snapdragon 8 “Elite” chip in the S25, putting it roughly on par with (or exceeding) Apple’s A19 in CPU performance. In fact, if true, this would be the first time an Android chipset’s CPU matches Apple’s latest, a big milestone. Graphics should also improve: the Elite 2 is said to feature a new Adreno 840 GPU with 16MB of shared memory, likely pushing GPU performance even further beyond Apple’s A18 GPU (the S25’s Snapdragon already beat the iPhone 16 Pro’s GPU). In short, the S26 Ultra’s Snapdragon chip looks to be a beast, ensuring it can handle intensive tasks, high-end mobile gaming, and on-device AI with ease.
• Exynos 2600 (2nm), Samsung’s in-house chip is poised for a comeback in the S26 (non-Ultra) models for many regions (Europe, likely parts of Asia). The Exynos 2600 will be Samsung’s first 2nm mobile processor, succeeding the Exynos 2500 (which is in mid-2025 devices like the Galaxy Z Flip 7). Early leaked benchmarks suggest it’s a solid step up from past Exynos chips: around 2,950 single-core and 10,200 multi-core in Geekbench 6. That’s ~20% faster single-core than the Exynos 2400 (Galaxy S24’s chip). However, Snapdragon still leads, the Exynos 2600’s scores slightly trail the current Snapdragon 8 Elite (Gen1) in single-core, and will likely be well behind the new Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 in the S26 Ultra. The worry is that regions with Exynos variants may see lower peak performance and efficiency compared to the Snapdragon models, a point of criticism in the past. Samsung is reportedly optimizing the Exynos 2600 as much as possible (they updated yields from 10% to 40%, indicating better chip quality). But unless something changes drastically, the Snapdragon-equipped S26 units (e.g. in the US) will outperform the Exynos ones (e.g. EU) by a noticeable margin in CPU and GPU. This likely won’t affect everyday tasks, but heavy 3D gaming or prolonged loads might favor the Snapdragon models in smoothness and battery life. It’s a déjà vu scenario for long-time Galaxy fans, albeit hopefully with a smaller gap than in years past, thanks to 2nm improvements.

To mitigate this, some rumors suggest Samsung will use Snapdragon 8 in all S26 Ultra units globally (no Exynos Ultra at all), while possibly splitting the base and Edge models by region. Indeed, sources say major markets (North America, China, Korea, Japan) get Snapdragon across the lineup, while Europe and others get Exynos in the non-Ultra models. The S26 Ultra thus becomes the consistent top-performance choice worldwide, with Snapdragon for everyone, which was the case for the S23 and S25 series as well.

Performance and Features: Both chips (Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 and Exynos 2600) will be extremely powerful, 64-bit octa-core SoCs with advanced AI engines and 5G modems. The Snapdragon variant in the S26 Ultra is rumored to be a special “for Galaxy” version possibly on a 3nm+ or even 2nm process, there was chatter that Samsung and Qualcomm collaborated on a semi-custom Snapdragon on 2nm for the Ultra, but latest reports say Qualcomm’s part will remain on TSMC 3nm, albeit perhaps with a higher-clock “Galaxy” edition. Either way, expect up to 15–20% faster CPU and GPU performance across the board versus the S25’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, and significant efficiency gains from the new manufacturing nodes. Early internal tests indicate the SD8 Elite 2 will far exceed Apple’s A19 in multi-core and match it in single-core, which bodes very well for the S26’s longevity and speed.

Samsung is also upgrading the cooling system to help sustain that performance. The S26 Ultra will reportedly use a vapor chamber 20% larger than S25 Ultra’s, improving heat dissipation. One source says the VC is 1.2× the size of last year’s, which should reduce throttling and keep the phone from getting too warm under heavy load. This could also slightly boost battery life during gaming or 4K video recording, since the chip can run more efficiently at lower temperatures. The base and Edge models may also adopt vapor chambers or enhanced graphite cooling, Samsung knows the Exynos vs Snapdragon debate often involves thermal differences, so it’s likely aiming to optimize both.

On the connectivity side, the Snapdragon variants will feature Qualcomm’s latest X85 5G modem (announced at MWC 2025), promising better power efficiency and higher peak download speeds (possibly up to 10 Gbps in ideal conditions). The Exynos 2600 will have Samsung’s integrated 5G modem, presumably with similar capabilities. All S26 phones will support Wi-Fi 7 (the next-gen Wi-Fi standard), Bluetooth 5.3, ultra-wideband (UWB) on the Ultra model for digital keys, NFC, and the usual satellite positioning systems. Satellite connectivity for emergencies is another expected feature, leaks suggest Samsung will include some form of satellite messaging ability, similar to Apple’s Emergency SOS, leveraging new modem hardware. Additionally, the S26 series will be among the first with Qi2 wireless charging support (the new Qi standard that incorporates magnetic alignment like MagSafe). Notably, Qi2 on the S26 might require a special case with magnets to fully utilize (as Samsung may not embed magnets in the phone itself).

In summary, the Galaxy S26’s performance will be top-tier, with the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 delivering class-leading speeds that could finally close the gap with Apple’s chips. The return of Exynos in some models is a point to watch, Samsung will need to convince users that Exynos 2600 is truly competitive. If they succeed, all S26 users can expect buttery smooth multitasking, fast app launches, and console-quality gaming. And with improved cooling and cutting-edge connectivity (5G, Wi-Fi 7, satellite), the S26 series is fully equipped for the future. The heavy emphasis on on-device AI (see Software section) also underscores why these powerful new chips (with beefed-up NPU/DSPs) are so important, they’ll enable the next generation of mobile AI features seamlessly.

RAM and Storage

Memory is getting a boost in the Galaxy S26 series, aligning with the growing demands of advanced features (like AI processing and high-res cameras). Samsung already bumped the base RAM to 12GB on the S25 (for most models), and now 16GB RAM is on the horizon for the S26.

• Galaxy S26 / S26 Edge: Rumors suggest 12GB of RAM as the standard configuration, up from 8GB on the S24 generation. The S25 base and Plus came with 12GB by default in 2025, so the expectation is S26 will do the same or better. In fact, Samsung is reportedly considering making 16GB an option on the non-Ultra models as well, or at least offering a higher tier with 16GB. Given some competitors (Chinese brands) are shipping flagships with 16GB standard, Samsung might feel pressure to upsell memory. For now, the safest bet is 12GB base RAM on S26 and Edge, with up to 16GB in a maxed variant if available. This means even the smaller S26 models will be excellent at multitasking, you could have many apps or browser tabs open without reloads. It’s also beneficial for AI features and image processing, which can consume a lot of memory.
• Galaxy S26 Ultra: The Ultra is expected to come with 16GB of RAM standard across all storage tiers. Several leaks “confirm” that Samsung plans to equip 16GB RAM in every S26 Ultra, whether you buy the 256GB, 512GB or 1TB model. This is a change from the S25 Ultra, which offered 12GB in 256/512GB models and only gave 16GB in the top 1TB version. With S26 Ultra, no more compromises, every user gets a hefty 16GB, which is ample for future-proofing. This abundance of RAM will help with heavy multi-tasking (e.g. DeX mode usage, or running productivity apps side-by-side) and ensure smooth performance even 4-5 years down the line as apps get more demanding. It’s also likely to be leveraged for on-device AI computations, generative AI features can load large models into memory, and 16GB ensures enough headroom.

In terms of storage, Samsung will likely stick to similar options as before: - Galaxy S26 Base: 128GB (UFS 4.0) should remain the starting storage, with a 256GB upgrade option. However, there is a possibility Samsung might eliminate 128GB and start at 256GB, especially if prices increase slightly. As of S25, the base model had 128GB standard at $799, so unless there’s a price hike, 128GB may persist. We do know UFS 4.0 or newer UFS 4.1 storage will be used, offering blazing read/write speeds ( > 2 GB/s sequential reads). If a 512GB option is offered for the base or Edge model, that would be new (S25 base topped at 256GB). - Galaxy S26 Edge: If this model replaces the Plus, it will likely start at 256GB and offer a 512GB tier. (The S25+ came in 256/512GB as well.) No microSD expansion is expected (Samsung hasn’t brought that back for flagships). - Galaxy S26 Ultra: 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options will continue. The Ultra typically starts at 256GB (with 16GB RAM as mentioned), and Samsung may sell the 1TB model exclusively through its stores or limited channels. All Ultra storage will be UFS 4.0 fast storage. We might also see expanded cloud storage promos (Samsung often bundles OneDrive storage trials, etc., but that’s tangential).

Notably, Samsung recently promised extended software support, and one source indicates the S26 series will come with 7 years of OS and security updates, an industry-leading policy. While that’s a software matter, it’s relevant here because having generous RAM and storage means your device can actually take advantage of such long support without feeling too slow or full in later years. With up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage, an S26 Ultra bought in 2026 could comfortably run the latest apps even in 2032.

In summary, memory and storage on the Galaxy S26 get a welcome bump: plenty of fast UFS 4.0 storage and RAM up to 16GB aligning with the most demanding use-cases. Multitaskers, power users, and future Android versions will all benefit. The base models should see 12GB RAM standard (no more 8GB bottleneck), and the Ultra becomes a 16GB RAM beast across the board. This puts Samsung on par or ahead of rivals in memory, and lays a strong foundation for the AI and computational photography features that Samsung is emphasizing in this generation.

Camera System

Samsung is putting a lot of attention into the Galaxy S26’s cameras, especially on the Ultra model. The overall philosophy seems to be “evolution, not revolution,” with some strategic upgrades in sensor hardware and image processing. Here’s what we know for each model:

Galaxy S26 & S26 Edge (Base models): These are expected to carry forward the triple-camera setup we’ve seen for a couple of generations, likely with similar resolutions: - 50 MP main camera, The primary shooter will still be 50 megapixels, but Samsung might introduce a new sensor for improved image quality. Rumors mention an “upgraded sensor” of the same 50MP count, which could mean a larger sensor size or wider aperture to capture more light. One leak specifically hints the regular S26’s main camera may feature a variable aperture lens. This variable aperture (perhaps switching between f/1.4 and f/4.0 or similar) would help optimize light intake: wide aperture for night shots, narrow for bright scenes to increase depth of field. Samsung experimented with dual-aperture in the Galaxy S9, and now could implement a more advanced multi-step aperture like Xiaomi did on its 13/14 Ultra. If true, the S26 could automatically adjust its aperture for sharper daylight images and better low-light performance without solely relying on software. That’s a big deal for photography enthusiasts. - 12 MP ultra-wide camera, Expected to remain at 12MP (with a 120° field of view), unless Samsung surprises us by trickling down the 50MP ultra-wide from the S25 Ultra. So far no solid leaks on base model ultra-wide upgrades, so 12MP with perhaps a slightly improved sensor is likely. It will support macro focus as usual. - 10 MP telephoto (3× optical), The base S26 and Edge should retain a tele camera around 10MP resolution, providing ~3x optical zoom. This is the same spec as S24/S25, so we don’t anticipate a big change here. However, there’s a chance Samsung could bump this to the 12MP sensor that’s rumored for the Ultra’s 3x (more on that below). If cost allows, a 12MP 3x on the base model would give slightly higher clarity for portraits and mid-range zoom. In any case, expect ~70mm equivalent focal length and OIS on this lens. - Selfie camera: 12 MP, The front camera on the S26/S26 Edge will likely stick with a 12MP sensor (as the S25 had), possibly with minor improvements in lens optics or processing. There’s no indication of an under-display selfie on these; that tech isn’t ready for mass S-series due to quality drawbacks.

In summary for the base models: 50MP wide + 12MP ultra-wide + 10MP tele + 12MP front is the expected configuration. The emphasis will be on better sensors and smarter software rather than higher pixel counts. The variable aperture rumor, if it pans out, could be a unique selling point making the S26 a low-light photography champ in its class. Otherwise, improvements will come from algorithms (like better HDR, Night Mode, etc., many of which Samsung introduced in S24/S25 generation and will refine).

Galaxy S26 Ultra: Here’s where things get really interesting. The S26 Ultra will continue with a quad-camera array (plus a new sensor for autofocus), and almost every camera is seeing some upgrade:

·       200 MP main camera, The headline remains a 200MP resolution, but Samsung is reportedly swapping out the sensor. The S26 Ultra may use a Sony-made 200MP sensor (1/1.1″ size) instead of Samsung’s own ISOCELL HP2. This larger sensor (1/1.1″ vs 1/1.3″) would capture more light and detail, especially in low-light scenes. The move to Sony could also bring better dynamic range. Essentially, while pixel count stays at 200MP, image quality should improve notably, expect cleaner night shots and slightly shallower depth of field thanks to the bigger sensor. Samsung will still pixel-bin 16-to-1 for 12.5MP photos by default, but that larger sensor area per pixel (after binning) should yield superior results to the S25 Ultra’s already excellent main camera. The lens is also “new”, possibly a brighter aperture or different optical formula to reduce flare. Early leaks tout significantly improved low-light performance from this combo. Also, Samsung isn’t done adding features: an advanced “Pro Visual Engine” image signal processor will debut, enhancing computational photography across the board (more on that shortly).

·       50 MP ultra-wide, Samsung shocked everyone by upgrading the Ultra’s ultra-wide from 12MP to 50MP on the S25 Ultra. That 50MP ultra-wide camera (with autofocus for macro) is expected to return on the S26 Ultra. It might be the same sensor unless Samsung finds a newer, larger one. Even if unchanged, it’s a strong performer, the high resolution allows more detail and less noise in wide shots. There’s a chance Samsung tweaks the lens or processing, but no major rumors here. The field of view (~120°) and f/2.2 aperture likely remain similar, but we’ll see if Samsung offers any new ultra-wide tricks (perhaps improved correction or wider dynamic range).

·       50 MP telephoto (periscope), Here we have some conflicting rumors. One early rumor suggested Samsung was evaluating a massive 200MP periscope camera for crazy zoom, but consensus is that’s not happening in 2026 (that might be too ambitious and could be pushed to S27). Instead, the S26 Ultra will keep a 5× optical periscope zoom but potentially at 50MP resolution. The S25 Ultra already had a 10×/5× telephoto (depending how you define it) with a 50MP sensor and 5x optical zoom. It appears the S26 Ultra will use a similar 50MP 5x periscope, likely the same module with maybe minor sensor improvements. So, expect roughly 5x optical (~120mm focal length) and up to 50× or 100× digital Space Zoom. That said, image quality at high zoom may improve due to the new processing engine and perhaps a larger sensor size (some reports say the 50MP tele might have a bit bigger sensor or better lens). It’s worth noting: a 50MP 5x allows Samsung to crop in for a ~10x lossless zoom, which is how the S25 Ultra achieved 10x without a dedicated 10x lens. So, they’ll stick to that strategy, no separate 10x lens, just one high-res periscope.

·       12 MP telephoto (3×), The shorter telephoto (for portraits and mid-range zoom) is getting a small bump: from 10MP to 12MP. Samsung is reportedly testing a new 12MP sensor for the 3x lens, replacing the aging 10MP one used since S21 Ultra. This will provide slightly sharper 3x shots and better low-light performance for portraits. It’s a modest change (2MP more isn’t huge), but combined with updated optics it can reduce noise. The 3× optical zoom (around 70–75mm focal length) remains ideal for portraits. With 12MP, Samsung could also enable higher-quality 6x or 9x digital zoom by clever multi-frame merging between the 3x and 5x cameras.

·       Laser Autofocus & other sensors: Samsung is said to introduce an all-new laser AF system on S26 Ultra. The current Ultra already has a laser module to assist focus; the new one likely improves speed and accuracy, particularly in low light. This will help the camera lock focus faster on subjects (useful for the 200MP sensor which has a lot of focusing pixels to manage). The laser plus Dual Pixel AF on sensors should make focusing essentially instantaneous. We also expect a flicker sensor and the usual color temperature sensor to be present for more accurate scene detection.

·       Front Camera: There’s talk of a “new front camera” on the S26 Ultra. Details are scarce, it might still be 12MP, but possibly a newer sensor or wider aperture lens for better selfies. The big question: under-display selfie camera (UDC)? A (dubious) rumor floated that the S26 Ultra could hide its selfie camera under the display. However, most sources (and common sense) say Samsung isn’t ready to do that on its mainstream flagship, since current UDC tech (as seen in Fold series) results in noticeably softer image quality. So don’t expect an under-display camera on the S26 Ultra, the consensus is Samsung will stick with a small punch-hole for now. If anything, they might reduce the bezel/punch size slightly. The selfie resolution might remain 12MP unless they surprise us with something like a 20MP sensor binning to 10MP. But at least we know it’s being “refreshed” in some way, so maybe better low-light selfies or 4K60 selfie video.

All together, the S26 Ultra’s camera setup should be: 200MP main (1/1.1″ sensor, f/1.7 lens), 50MP ultra-wide, 50MP 5x tele, 12MP 3x tele, plus laser AF and a ~12MP selfie. It’s an impressive arsenal, refining the already versatile S25 Ultra system.

Image Quality & Features: Samsung is pairing this hardware with enhanced software: - The new ProVisual Engine ISP will enable things like 4K 120fps video (slow-motion at high resolution), continued support for 8K30 video (the 200MP sensor can handle that) with improved stabilization, and possibly LOG format video for pros (which S25 Ultra introduced). We’ll likely see HDR10+ video recording and 10-bit RAW support continue. - Computational photography gets a boost. With the AI chops of the new chips, the S26 can leverage on-device generative AI to assist in image processing. For example, expect even smarter Night Mode multi-frame processing, AI-based object eraser and audio eraser (which S25 introduced) and improved HDR blending for challenging scenes. Samsung’s aiming for a scenario where the S26 Ultra can take on a future iPhone 17 Pro Max and win, leveraging its larger sensor and AI to produce sharper, more detailed shots at all zoom levels. - It’s mentioned that Samsung is working on inkjet-coated lens technology to reduce lens flare and reflections. The S26 Ultra’s camera lenses might use this innovative coating (non-glass ink printed on lens surfaces) to yield cleaner images with less ghosting and to allow thinner lens modules. This aligns with Samsung’s goal of smaller camera bumps and better optical quality. If true, users will notice fewer pesky light artifacts when shooting bright light sources at night. - Zoom improvements: Even though the zoom hardware is similar to last year, software can enhance results. Samsung might introduce a new zoom algorithm for mid-range (10x–20x) that fuses data from both tele lenses for optimum clarity. The S25 Ultra already impressed with its zoom; the S26 Ultra could make 20x or 30x shots look even cleaner, staying ahead of competitors like the iPhone (which only does 5x optical currently). In fact, one leak boldly claimed the S26 Ultra’s camera will beat the future iPhone 17 Pro Max in at least one key area, likely referring to zoom or low-light, where Samsung’s hardware advantage lies.

In summary, the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s camera system is shaping up as a polished powerhouse. It keeps the versatility of its quad-lens setup but with a larger 200MP sensor and improved supporting lenses, aiming for better low-light performance and overall clarity. The removal of camera rings won’t affect functionality but will make the device more elegant. And with new computational enhancements (AI-based ISP, laser AF, etc.), photography on the S26 Ultra should be a joy, from ultra-wide landscapes to 100x moon shots, every scenario is covered. The base S26 models, while less extreme, inherit some of these benefits and should still rank among the best camera phones in their class, thanks to that refined 50MP main lens and Samsung’s software know-how.

Below is a comparison of key camera and hardware specs between the Galaxy S26 Ultra and its immediate rivals, the S25 Ultra and Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max:

Feature	Galaxy S25 Ultra (2025)	Galaxy S26 Ultra (2026, rumored)	Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (2024)
Main Camera	200 MP, 1/1.3″ sensor (Samsung HP2), f/1.7 aperture; OIS.	200 MP, ~1/1.1″ sensor (Sony), f/1.7 (new lens); improved OIS & ISP.	48 MP, 1/1.28″ sensor, f/1.8 (24 mm); sensor-shift OIS.
Telephoto Zoom	Periscope: 5× optical, 50 MP, f/2.4 (≈120 mm); OIS. <br> 3× tele: 10 MP, f/2.4 (≈70 mm); OIS.	Periscope: 5× optical, 50 MP, f/2.4 (≈120 mm); OIS. <br> 3× tele: 12 MP, f/2.4 (≈70 mm); OIS.	Tele 1: 5× optical, 12 MP, f/2.8 (120 mm); OIS (tetraprism).<br> Tele 2: None (uses digital for 2×/3×).
Ultra-Wide	50 MP, f/2.2, 123° FoV; AF for macro.	50 MP, f/2.2, ~120° FoV; AF for macro (unchanged, rumored).	48 MP, f/2.2, 13 mm (≈120°); no AF (no macro mode).
Front Camera	12 MP, f/2.2 (center punch-hole).	~12 MP, improved sensor (still punch-hole; UDC not likely).	12 MP, f/1.9 (pill cutout with Face ID).
Camera Features	8K@30 video; 4K@60 all lenses. <br>10-bit RAW, HDR10+ video, Astrophotography mode.	8K@30 + 4K@120 (slow-mo) video; enhanced Night mode & ISP with AI. <br>New laser AF; variable aperture on main (rumored base S26).	4K@60 video (ProRes up to 4K@30); Action mode stabilization. <br>LiDAR scanner for AR and Night portraits.
Chipset / SoC	Snapdragon 8 Elite (Gen 1), Octa-core @ 3.36 GHz (4 nm). No Exynos in S25.	Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2, Octa @ ~3.7 GHz (3 nm) for all Ultra. <br>Exynos 2600 (2 nm) on some non-Ultras.	Apple A18 Pro, 6-core (2×P @ 4.0 GHz + 4×E) 3 nm.
RAM & Storage	12 GB (256/512 GB), 16 GB (1 TB), UFS 4.0. No microSD.	16 GB RAM standard; 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB, UFS 4.0. No microSD.	8 GB RAM; 128 GB, 1 TB NVMe. No microSD.
Battery	5,000 mAh; 45W wired / 15W wireless charging.	5,000–5,500 mAh (optimized design); possibly 65W wired, ~15W wireless (Qi2 support).	4,685 mAh (18.17 Wh); ~27W wired / 15W MagSafe wireless.
Build & Materials	Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front/back. <br>S Pen built-in (Bluetooth disabled on S25 Ultra’s S Pen).	Titanium frame (8.1 mm thin); likely Gorilla Glass Victus 3/4. <br>S Pen built-in, with Bluetooth expected to return (rumor).	Titanium frame; Ceramic Shield glass. No stylus support.
Software	Android 15 w/ One UI 7.1 (at launch). 4 OS updates promised (to Android 19).	Android 16 w/ One UI 8.5 (debut). Up to 7 years of updates (rumored). New AI features integrated.	iOS 18 (launch); 5+ years iOS updates (to ~iOS 23).

 

As the table shows, the S26 Ultra is pushing camera boundaries further (while Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max remains at 48MP main, 5x max zoom). The extra RAM and cutting-edge chipset in S26 Ultra also give it a multi-tasking and possibly performance edge. Battery capacity is another highlight, Samsung might not increase it drastically, but it’s already larger than Apple’s by a fair margin (5000 vs ~4685 mAh), and rumors of new battery tech could widen that gap.

Other Hardware Features

Beyond the core specs, the Galaxy S26 series will introduce or refine several hardware features:

·       Battery Technology: Samsung is reportedly exploring new battery tech to boost capacity without increasing size. Early leaks hyped the possibility of silicon-carbon batteries in the S26, which theoretically allow densities for 6000–7000 mAh batteries in similar volume. However, more recent reports say Samsung is unconvinced about silicon-anode batteries for this generation and might not implement that yet. Instead, Samsung could use “stacked” battery design or new space-saving Battery Protection Units and stainless, steel battery housings to incrementally increase battery size. These changes can free up internal space, potentially adding a few hundred mAh. There is chatter that the S26 Ultra might bump up to around 5,500 mAh maximum, while the base S26 and Edge could also gain a couple hundred mAh each (for instance, S26 could go ~4,500 mAh vs 4,000 on S25), though nothing is confirmed. At minimum, expect equal or slightly larger battery capacities** than the S25 series. For context, the S25 had 4,000 mAh (base), 4,900 mAh (Plus), 5,000 mAh (Ultra). S26 might aim for ~4,500, ~5,000, ~5,200–5,500 mAh respectively.

·       Charging Speeds: Samsung has been relatively conservative with charging, but rumors suggest the S26 lineup could finally step up charging wattage to 65W for wired charging. The S25 Ultra capped at 45W (able to charge ~65% in 30 min), while some Chinese rivals hit 100W+. A move to 65W PD charging on S26 would be welcome, cutting the full charge time closer to 30-35 minutes. It’s not confirmed, but multiple sources say Samsung is testing 65W fast charging for the S26 series. Wireless charging will remain at 15W (Fast Wireless 2.0) as per Samsung’s standard, but with Qi2 support the charging alignment and efficiency should improve. Qi2 essentially brings MagSafe-like magnetic alignment, Samsung is part of that consortium, so S26 devices will support Qi2 chargers (they may sell a magnetic case to leverage it).  Reverse wireless charging (~4.5W to charge earbuds, watches on the phone’s back) will of course be supported.

·       S Pen Upgrades: The Galaxy S26 Ultra will continue to integrate the S Pen stylus. There’s a rumor that Samsung might rebrand the Ultra as “Note” (i.e., S26 Note) to emphasize the S Pen, but that’s speculative, More concretely, enthusiasts hope Samsung will bring back the Bluetooth-enabled S Pen with air actions. Notably, the S24 Ultra had a Bluetooth S Pen, but Samsung oddly shipped the S25 Ultra with a simpler stylus lacking Bluetooth (no remote camera shutter, etc.). This was seen as a downgrade. It’s likely Samsung heard the feedback, so the S26 Ultra’s S Pen should have Bluetooth functionality restored, allowing all the Air Gestures and remote control features to return. Additionally, with One UI 8, there could be new S Pen software tricks, though hardware-wise the pen will remain similar (physical stylus stored in the device’s silo).

·       Biometrics: The S26 series will use Qualcomm’s 3D Sonic ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, likely the latest Gen 3 or Gen 4 version. We haven’t heard of any major changes here, except perhaps a slightly larger sensor area or faster recognition. Face unlock will still be software-based (except on iPhones which use Face ID hardware).

·       Connectivity & Sensors: All models will feature Wi-Fi 7 (which offers faster throughput and lower latency on compatible routers). Bluetooth 5.3 LE is on board, and Ultra Wideband (UWB) should be included at least on the Ultra (for precise device finding and digital keys). As mentioned in the performance section, Emergency satellite messaging capability is expected, Samsung could leverage the new 5G modems and partner with satellite service providers (similar to how Apple uses Globalstar). In fact, the iPhone 16 Pro introduced limited two-way satellite texting; Samsung will want to match or exceed that. There are hints of NavIC (India’s navigation system) support as well, since Samsung included that in S24 series for the Indian market. Standard sensors like an accelerometer, gyro, barometer, hall sensor (for cases), and an upgraded RGBW ambient light/colour sensor will all be present.

·       Build Details: The frame material difference (aluminum vs titanium) we discussed in Design, that is a hardware feature too. The Ultra’s titanium alloy frame will make it durable yet slightly lighter. The S25 Ultra weighed ~234g; with titanium and slight slimming, the S26 Ultra might drop a few grams (maybe ~227g, coincidentally the same as the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s weight). The base S26 and Edge will remain around ~195g and ~205g respectively if their battery grows a bit. All phones will be IP68 water and dust resistant (usable in 1.5m water for 30 min) as usual.

·       Audio: The phones will continue with stereo speakers (top and bottom) tuned by AKG with Dolby Atmos support. Samsung might incrementally improve speaker output or clarity, but no radical changes. The 3.5mm jack is long gone and not returning. The Ultra’s speaker might get a bit larger given more internal space from design tweaks, so possibly slightly fuller sound.

·       Security: Samsung will of course incorporate its Knox security hardware module and eSIM support across the board. All models should offer dual SIM or one SIM + eSIM capability out of the box.

In essence, Samsung is refining every hardware aspect of the S26: faster charging, possibly bigger battery, stronger materials, the return of a full-featured S Pen, cutting-edge connectivity (WiFi 7, satellite) and more. These improvements, while not flashy on spec sheets, contribute to a better user experience and longevity. The Galaxy S26 series is poised to be one of the most feature-complete smartphone lineups on the market in 2026.

Software and AI Features

The Galaxy S26 will launch with Android 16 as its operating system, skinned with Samsung’s latest One UI 8.x. Specifically, it’s expected to debut One UI 8.5 (since One UI 8.0 may come earlier on late-2025 devices). Samsung’s software design will remain familiar, emphasis on customization, feature-rich settings, but there are some new directions to highlight:

One UI 8 and 8.5: These versions are reportedly focusing on integrating AI throughout the user experience. Samsung has signaled a “heavy focus on generative AI” for the Galaxy S26. While details are still under wraps, we have some hints: - Samsung might include a built-in AI assistant or chatbot feature, possibly in partnership with Perplexity AI. Perplexity is known for its AI Q&A capabilities; rumors say Samsung could preload a specialized AI helper (imagine a super-charged Bixby) that can generate content or answer complex questions using on-device AI models. This aligns with industry trends (see Microsoft’s Copilot, etc.). The AI might be accessible system-wide, e.g., you type a prompt and it drafts an email or summarizes a document. - On-device AI processing: With the powerful new chips, the S26 can run neural networks locally. Samsung’s “Galaxy AI” features are expected to expand, perhaps offline voice dictation, AI photo editing (like advanced Magic Eraser for objects or people, using generative fill), and even AI wallpapers or personalization. One rumor from One UI 8 leaks: users will be able to choose measurement units independent of system language, a small quality-of-life feature. But likely more exciting stuff: One UI 8 could introduce AI-generated modes (for instance, the phone learns your usage patterns and automatically creates modes or routines). - Seven Years of Updates: Samsung is reportedly upping the ante by offering 7 years of OS and security updates for the S26 series. This hasn’t been officially confirmed, but Samsung did announce a 5-year update policy for some devices in 2023, and a leak suggests they’ll extend it further for the S26. If true, an S26 bought in 2026 would get Android OS updates up through Android 22 (in 2032!), an unprecedented level of support in Android land. Even if it ends up at 5 OS updates + 2 years security (total 7 years), that’s class-leading and shows Samsung’s confidence in the hardware’s longevity (and a clear challenge to Apple’s long support cycle). - Refinements and UI tweaks: One UI 8 might refresh some design elements. Leaked info suggests Samsung wants to “abandon big tech’s cheap design tricks”, possibly hinting at less bloat or more coherent UI design. We might see new iconography, smoother animations (especially with Android 16’s enhancements), and improved Material You theming with more granular control. Samsung’s typically conservative with UI changes, but performance and polish are areas they continuously work on. - Enhanced Multi-tasking: Samsung will continue offering features like Multi-Window, Pop-up View, and DeX desktop mode. With more RAM on S26, One UI could allow even more apps in multi-window. Perhaps One UI 8 will introduce new multitasking gestures or better continuity between phone and tablets/PCs. Samsung has been bridging ecosystems with features like Call & Text on other devices, Link to Windows, etc. Expect those to expand, making the S26 integrate seamlessly with Galaxy Book laptops and tablets (e.g., copy-paste across devices, use phone as webcam, etc., building on “Multi Control” and Microsoft Phone Link). - Security & Privacy: Knox will likely get upgrades, maybe an improved “Privacy Dashboard” that’s more visible, or Knox Vault hardware isolating more types of data. Android 16 itself improves privacy permissions (not widely known yet, since Android 16 developer preview info is limited), but One UI 8.5 will incorporate those changes. Samsung might also add a “Samsung Passkey” feature (they already have Samsung Pass for passwords; perhaps expansion into passkeys for passwordless login). - New Samsung Apps: The S26 could launch with updated Samsung apps utilizing AI. For instance, the Gallery app may get an AI image enhancement tool (similar to Google Photos Magic Editor) given the generative AI focus. The Camera app might have a “AI composition” guide, suggesting better framing or auto-capturing when everyone smiles, things we see in Google’s Best Take, etc. Samsung’s Keyboard could incorporate AI for smarter autocorrect (like Apple did in iOS17) or even on-device dictation that learns your style. - Bixby… or beyond: Bixby as a name might quietly fade, or be augmented by this new generative AI assistant. Samsung has been relatively quiet on Bixby improvements, so it wouldn’t be surprising if they introduce a rebranded AI helper to keep up with Google Assistant’s AI upgrades and Apple’s rumored AI efforts. Possibly, Samsung could integrate ChatGPT or Google’s PaLM APIs for certain AI features, but doing it via Perplexity hints at their own approach. They’ve already integrated ChatGPT into their One UI Finder (search) in labs for some users.

Additionally, Android 16 is expected to bring its own features that One UI will layer on. Android 16 may improve notifications, widgets, and introduce better foldable support (not directly needed for S26, but Samsung likes to unify codebase). One rumor for Android 16 is enhanced lock screen customization (following Apple’s iOS 16 approach). If true, One UI 8 could let users do more with their lock screens (custom clocks, widget stacks, etc.). Samsung usually adds those anyway (LockStar in Good Lock, etc.), but it might be built-in now.

Good Lock and Customization: Good Lock modules will no doubt be updated for One UI 8, letting power users deeply customize the UI (taskbar, gestures, etc.). Samsung embraces the enthusiast community here.

Finally, Samsung will emphasize continuity with other Galaxy devices: - Galaxy Ecosystem: One UI 8 on S26 will work with the new Galaxy Watch (likely Galaxy Watch 7) via updated One UI Watch software, expect features like using phone’s camera viewfinder on the watch, or transferring media playback seamlessly. - SmartThings and AI IoT: Samsung’s SmartThings app might leverage AI to automate home routines based on your patterns. With Matter and Thread support standard, the S26 will be a great smart home controller. - Emergency & Health: Likely improvements to Samsung Health (maybe leveraging the phone’s barometer as an altimeter for better fitness tracking, etc.) and continued focus on safety (Car crash detection using sensors and AI is something Google and Apple do; Samsung might bring its own version with S26).

In summary, the Galaxy S26’s software will blend Samsung’s refined One UI experience with a new wave of AI-powered capabilities. From a user perspective, it should feel fast, smart, and long-supported. The interface will be familiar but sprinkled with new conveniences (especially in camera and system intelligence). With One UI 8.5 on Android 16, Samsung is essentially future-proofing the S26, ensuring that not only is the hardware cutting-edge, but the software will evolve and improve for years to come.

Pricing and Models

Samsung hasn’t officially revealed S26 pricing, but early estimates suggest prices will be similar to the S25 series, with maybe a slight uptick in certain models. Here’s what we anticipate for the US market (with conversions roughly applicable elsewhere):

·       Galaxy S26 (Base), Starting around $799 for 128GB, if that tier exists. Samsung has held the $799 base price for a few years (S24 and S25 base were $799 at 128GB). It’s possible Samsung might bump this to $849 if they make 256GB standard. But PhoneArena expects $799 to remain, calling any price rise unlikely to be major. So, $799 for 128GB, ~$859 for 256GB is a reasonable guess. In Europe, that’s roughly €949–999 (VAT incl.) for base model.

·       Galaxy S26+ / Edge, If an S26 Plus is offered, it would likely start at $999 (for 256GB) just like the S25+ did. However, if the Plus is replaced by the S26 Edge, Samsung might price that similarly around $999 as well (with 256GB). The Edge could be marketed as a more exclusive design variant rather than just a size bump, but I suspect pricing stays in line with previous Plus models: ~$999 for 256GB, ~$1119 for a 512GB version. If only three models (no Plus), the Edge will fill that $999 slot.

·       Galaxy S26 Ultra, The Ultra has historically started at $1199 in the US for 256GB. Given possible component cost increases (titanium frame, new camera sensors), some rumors warn of a small price hike. In India, leaks peg the S26 Ultra starting at ₹1,59,990, which is roughly $1940, but Indian pricing includes heavy import taxes and is always much higher than US MSRP. ₹1.59L likely corresponds to maybe the 256GB or 512GB model. In the US, most analysts expect $1199 base price to hold, or at most bump to $1249. Samsung will be cautious because Apple kept iPhone 15/16 Pro Max at $1199 for base. PhoneArena’s educated guess table even lists anticipated S26 Ultra at $1199 (256GB), $1319 (512GB), $1459 (1TB), roughly in line with S25 Ultra’s structure (though that table in the source was mostly for S26/S26+). If Samsung rebrands Ultra as “Note,” they might justify a slight premium, but that seems unlikely. So, expect around $1200–$1300 starting for Ultra in most markets. In Europe, that’s about €1399 starting.

In summary, pricing should be: ~$800 for S26, $1000 for S26+, $1200 for Ultra (give or take $50) in the US market. Samsung typically also offers pre-order deals (like free memory upgrades or trade-in credits) to sweeten the pot.

Storage variants pricing: As an example, if S26 Ultra is $1199 at 256GB, the 512GB might be ~$1299 and 1TB ~$1399-$1499. Those align with current S25 Ultra prices. The base S26 might be $799 (128GB) and $859 (256GB), echoing S25 pricing.

Do note, inflation and component costs could force a $50 increase here or there, but Samsung also wants to stay competitive with Apple and avoid sticker shock. No major jumps are expected; any increase would be modest.

Regional Prices: In Europe, the S26 base might be around €949-999, S26 Edge ~€1199, Ultra ~€1399. In India, the Economic Times report suggests S26 Ultra ~₹1.6 lakh for base (S25 Ultra was around ₹1.35 lakh base), which if true implies a significant jump, but that could be speculative or for higher storage. It’s best to take regional leaks with a pinch of salt until more concrete info emerges.

Potential Variants: We’ve covered the base, plus/Edge, and Ultra. Additionally: - There might be a Galaxy S26 FE later in 2026, but not at launch. Samsung released a S23 FE in late 2023, but skipped S24 FE so far. It’s unclear if an S25 FE will appear; if not, maybe an S26 FE could land by end of 2026 to cater to sub-$600 segment. But this is outside the main lineup discussion. - Storage/RAM combos: As mentioned, base S26 likely 12GB+128/256, Edge 12GB+256/512, Ultra 16GB+256/512/1TB. Samsung could introduce a 16GB+2TB ultra-high-end Ultra if they think there’s demand (like Apple did 1TB, now 2TB rumored for iPhone 17 Pro). No current leak of a 2TB S26 Ultra, but it’s not impossible as NAND prices fall. - Colors: Not pricing, but worth noting: S26 series will launch with a set of colors (e.g., Phantom Black, Creamy White, Green, perhaps a new Blue or Gray). Samsung often does exclusive colors on their site (red, sky blue, etc.). Pricing doesn’t change by color, but availability might vary by retailer.

Promotions: Samsung is expected to offer aggressive trade-in deals and bundles (e.g., pre-order to get a memory upgrade or free Galaxy Buds). These don’t change MSRP but effectively reduce cost for early buyers. It’s part of how Samsung manages to keep sales high without directly undercutting their pricing structure.

In conclusion, the Galaxy S26 family will target roughly the same price tiers as the S25 series, maintaining continuity in Samsung’s flagship pricing strategy. This means you can likely get into the Galaxy S26 experience for ~$800, or opt for the ultimate Ultra experience at ~$1200+. Samsung appears mindful of not rocking the boat on prices, especially as the smartphone market is competitive and economic conditions are considered, they’ll justify any minor increase with the new tech (titanium frame, AI features, etc.) but otherwise keep it familiar to consumers.

Comparison to Galaxy S25 Series

The Galaxy S26 brings a host of upgrades and tweaks over the S25 series. Here are the key differences and improvements to expect when comparing S26 vs. S25:

·       Design and Build: The S25 series and S26 series look closely related, but S26 refines some details. S25 Ultra’s protruding camera rings are being removed for S26 Ultra, giving a cleaner rear design. The frames: S25 Ultra already introduced a lightweight armor aluminum frame; S26 Ultra goes further with a titanium frame for even higher strength and slight weight savings. The base S26/S26+ keep aluminum frames like S25. Both S25 and S26 families have IP68 water resistance and premium glass builds, but S26 might use the next-gen Gorilla Glass for better drop resistance. In hand feel, expect S26 to be a bit thinner and lighter, e.g., the S25 Ultra was ~234g and 8.2mm, S26 Ultra could be ~5–10g lighter and 8.1mm thin. Also, Samsung slimmed the bezels further on S26, so the front looks even more edge-to-edge than on S25.

·       Display: Both S25 and S26 have gorgeous Dynamic AMOLED 120Hz displays, but S26’s screens are marginally larger (by ~0.1″) with noticeably smaller bezels. The S25 Ultra’s 6.8″ screen becomes ~6.9″ on S26 Ultra, etc. S25 Ultra already had an anti-reflective coating and 1750 nits brightness; S26 Ultra might push brightness above 1750 nits (maybe ~2000 nits peak) and use new CoE tech for efficiency. So the S26’s display will be slightly brighter and more immersive. Both generations support HDR10+ and 120Hz adaptive refresh, so the difference will be subtle to most eyes except in direct sunlight or when viewing content edge-to-edge.

·       Performance: The Galaxy S26 makes a big leap in performance thanks to next-gen chips. The S25 series exclusively used Snapdragon 8 Gen1/Elite (4nm), great chips in 2025. The S26 series steps up to Snapdragon 8 “Elite Gen2” (3nm) and Exynos 2600 (2nm). The net result is roughly +15–30% CPU speed and +20% GPU speed for S26 Ultra vs S25 Ultra. Day-to-day, S25 was already fast, but S26 will feel snappier under heavy loads, handle AI tasks locally that S25 might not, and sustain performance longer due to better cooling (20% bigger vapor chamber). One caveat: S25 had no Exynos variants; S26 might reintroduce Exynos in some regions for S26 (non-Ultra). So a user in Europe with an Exynos S26 could see similar or slightly better performance vs their S25 Snapdragon, but not a huge jump, whereas an S26 Ultra (Snapdragon) will clearly outpace an S25 Ultra. Overall, expect faster app launches, higher benchmark numbers, and better gaming frame rates on S26, along with support for new connectivity like Wi-Fi 7 (S25 was Wi-Fi 6E).

·       RAM & Storage: The S25 series topped out at 12GB RAM (16GB only on the 1TB Ultra). S26 ups the ante to 16GB in all Ultras and likely 12GB standard on base models. This means multitasking is more future-proof on S26. Storage options remain similar (256GB/512GB/1TB Ultra), though S26 base might drop the 128GB in some markets if Samsung decides to be generous (or use it as a differentiation to keep base price and just give 256GB). If both have 128GB base, then no change there; but S26 Ultra’s base is 256GB like S25 Ultra. Both use UFS 4.0 storage, so speed is similar, with S26 perhaps having slight controller optimizations. The big difference is longevity, that extra RAM on S26 ensures even 5–6 years from now, it can handle new apps (and Samsung is promising up to 7 years of updates on S26 vs 5 on S25).

·       Battery & Charging: The S25 lineup had decent battery life but wasn’t class-leading in endurance. The S26 series aims to improve that. Battery capacities on S26 are likely a bit higher (rumor: ~5% increase). For example, S26 Ultra might be ~5,200 mAh vs 5,000 on S25 Ultra. Even if capacities stay same, S26’s new chips (3nm) are more power-efficient, so screen-on time should improve. Also, the stacked battery packaging in S26 could reduce degradation over time. On charging, S25 was 45W max wired; S26 is rumored to do 65W wired. If that holds true, the S26 Ultra can charge 0-100% in nearly half the time of S25 Ultra (maybe ~30 min vs ~60 min). Even if Samsung sticks to 45W, they might optimize the charging curve to be faster in first 50%. Both S25 and S26 support 15W wireless, but S26 adds Qi2 alignment magnets (with accessories). Bottom line: S26 likely charges faster and lasts longer per charge than S25, addressing two criticisms often levied at Samsung (charging speed, battery size).

·       Cameras: While both S25 and S26 have multi-camera arrays, S26 Ultra brings notable camera upgrades. S25 Ultra had a Samsung 200MP main; S26 Ultra uses a larger Sony 200MP sensor for better low-light. S25 Ultra had 10MP 3x tele; S26 Ultra has 12MP 3x tele for sharper zoom. S25 Ultra’s ultra-wide jumped to 50MP, S26 keeps that but adds improved lens coatings. S25 Ultra’s camera rings sometimes caused lens flare; S26’s new coating and ringless design reduce that. Also, S26 Ultra introduces a laser autofocus system for faster focusing, which S25 Ultra’s laser was less advanced. On the base models, S26 and S25 both have 50MP mains, but S26 might get a variable aperture main lens, something S25 didn’t have. If that rumor holds, the regular S26 can take both brighter night shots and sharper daylight shots than S25. S25’s base model cameras were basically same as S24’s; S26 base is getting at least sensor refinements. Additionally, S26’s new ISP (ProVisual Engine) and Snapdragon’s AI mean better image processing, multi-frame HDR, AI detail enhancement, so photos and videos from S26 will generally look better (especially in tricky conditions) compared to S25. For video, S25 Ultra maxed at 8K30 and 4K60; S26 Ultra will add 4K120 slow-mo. S25 could do 960fps super slow-mo at 720p; S26 might push that to 1080p with the new chip. Overall, expect sharper zoom, improved night mode, and new camera features on S26 that make S25’s images look slightly dated in side-by-side comparisons.

·       S Pen and Features: The S25 Ultra’s S Pen lacked Bluetooth functions; the S26 Ultra’s S Pen is expected to restore Bluetooth remote control. So S26 Ultra owners can use the stylus as a remote shutter, presentation clicker, etc., which S25 Ultra owners frustratingly could not. In general, S Pen latency and levels of pressure remain the same (~2.8ms, 4096 levels), both are excellent. One UI 8 on S26 may introduce new S Pen software capabilities or Air Command shortcuts that S25 on One UI 7 doesn’t have. That’s a win for heavy stylus users.

·       Software and AI: S25 launched on Android 15 (One UI 7); S26 on Android 16 (One UI 8). One UI 8 on S26 integrates more AI, for example, advanced voice dictation, AI wallpaper generator, etc., whereas S25’s software had more traditional features. S26 will get 2 extra years of updates beyond S25, so its software lifespan is longer. S25 series will get updated to One UI 8 eventually, but certain AI features might remain exclusive to newer hardware (e.g., on-device generative AI might not run well on S25’s chip). So, using S26 day-to-day might feel more “smart” and adaptive compared to S25 which is more manual in customization.

·       Connectivity: Both generations have 5G, Bluetooth 5, NFC, etc. But S26 adds Wi-Fi 7 (vs Wi-Fi 6E on S25), future-proofing for faster wireless networking. And critically, S26 likely supports two-way satellite messaging, something S25 doesn’t have. If you’re off-grid, an S26 could contact emergency services via satellite, which the S25 cannot (the iPhone 14/15 series have this; S25 missed out; S26 is catching up). This could be a life-saving difference in certain scenarios, albeit a niche feature.

·       Miscellaneous: S26’s fingerprint sensor will be similar ultrasonic tech; no big difference there except maybe marginally faster. Both S25 and S26 have stereo speakers, Samsung might tune S26’s to be a bit louder or more bassy, but no drastic change. Both have UWB on Ultra for digital keys, though Samsung might broaden UWB to the Edge model if they see fit. Both support eSIM and dual SIM. S26’s Qi2 is an improvement over S25’s Qi wireless, ensures perfect alignment on chargers that support magnets, meaning more consistent wireless charging speeds. S25 didn’t have that so sometimes wireless charging could be finicky if not aligned.

Summary: The Galaxy S26 feels like a polished, smarter, and slightly faster version of the S25. The S25 series was already excellent, but the S26 addresses some of its shortcomings: - Better cameras (especially in low light and zoom, plus no camera hump rings), - higher performance and more RAM, - potentially longer battery life with faster charging, - richer software experience with AI, and - longer support.

For someone with a Galaxy S25, the S26 will be an upgrade in many small ways but not a radical redesign. Samsung itself hints that S26’s improvements are focused on refinement rather than revolution. That means if you have an S25, you’re not missing out on a new form factor or a completely different experience, but S26 will be the more “future-proof” device thanks to its new chip and extended updates, and it will provide tangible benefits in photography and speed.

Competition: Galaxy S26 vs. iPhone 16 and Others

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series will be pitted against flagship phones from Apple and others in late 2025 and early 2026. Let’s compare how the S26 (especially the Ultra) stacks up against its main competitor, Apple’s iPhone 16 lineup, as well as touch on other Android rivals:

Versus iPhone 16/16 Pro Max: Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max (released Sept 2024) is one of the closest competitors to the S26 Ultra in terms of prestige and market segment. By the time the S26 launches (Q1 2026), Apple will actually have introduced the iPhone 17 (in late 2025), but since the user specifically mentioned iPhone 16, we’ll use that as the baseline, while noting where Apple’s 2025 model might leap.

·       Display: The Galaxy S26 Ultra’s 6.9″ AMOLED 120Hz display will directly match the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 6.9″ 120Hz LTPO OLED. Both are large, sharp (iPhone 16 PM ~1290p vs S26 Ultra ~1440p resolution, negligible difference to the eye), and super bright. One advantage for S26 Ultra: likely no notch/pill, just a tiny punch-hole, whereas iPhone 16 Pro Max has the Dynamic Island cutout which is larger. This means the S26 Ultra offers a slightly more immersive full-screen experience. Additionally, Samsung’s displays typically allow more customization (Always-On Display styles, etc.), whereas iPhone’s AO Display is more limited (though improved in iOS 16+). The S26 Ultra may also have finer control over resolution and refresh (e.g., can force QHD or battery-saver modes). Both support HDR, but Samsung tends to calibrate for vivid colors whereas Apple for accuracy, preference plays a role. Where Samsung might pull ahead is in-display fingerprint vs Face ID, not display quality per se, but a user convenience difference (Samsung: fingerprint unlock on screen + less intrusive camera cutout; Apple: 3D face unlock requiring that pill). Users who prefer an uninterrupted screen and fingerprint will lean S26 Ultra.

·       Build and Design: The iPhone 16 Pro series moved to titanium frames as well (Grade 5 Ti), similar to what S26 Ultra will have. So both are using premium metal. The iPhone has flat front and back design with squared edges, whereas the S26 Ultra has slightly curved edges (especially the back) for comfort. The S26 Ultra includes the S Pen, giving it a unique design edge (and slightly more weight due to the pen). iPhones don’t have a stylus. In size, iPhone 16 Pro Max and S26 Ultra should be very close (both ~163 mm tall, ~77 mm wide, ~8.25 mm thick for iPhone vs ~8.1 mm rumored for S26U). Weight: iPhone 16 PM ~227g, S26 Ultra might be around 230g, nearly identical. Both have IP68 durability. Aesthetically, it’s subjective: iPhone’s slabby design vs Samsung’s slightly more tapered look and multiple camera rings. The S26 Ultra will have four camera circles plus sensors, a busier back than iPhone’s three big lens + LiDAR arrangement. Some prefer Samsung’s bold camera look, others Apple’s symmetric triple lens. With S26 removing those outer rings, it might actually resemble the iPhone’s lens style a bit more (just circles on the back).

·       Camera capabilities: On paper, the S26 Ultra overwhelms the iPhone 16 Pro Max: 200MP vs 48MP main, multiple zoom lenses up to 10x optical (50x+ digital) vs a single 5x tele (max ~25x digital), 50MP ultra-wide vs 48MP ultra-wide, but specs aren’t everything. In practice, the S25 Ultra already outperformed the iPhone 15/16 Pro Max in zoom versatility (Apple only introduced a periscope 5x on 15PM, and 16PM also has 5x, Samsung’s 10x+ beats that for reach). The S26 Ultra extends Samsung’s lead in telephoto with improved sensors, so for zoom photography, S26 Ultra is far superior, e.g., capturing distant wildlife or moon shots that iPhone 16 can’t get nearly as clearly. In standard photos, the comparison is closer: iPhones have excellent color accuracy and Smart HDR, while Samsung leans into detail and vivid colors. S26’s new sensor and processing likely narrow any low-light gap. Actually, iPhone 16 Pro Max uses a 1/1.28″ 48MP sensor, S26 Ultra will use ~1/1.1″ 200MP, that’s larger, giving Samsung an edge in light gathering and resolution (it bins to 12.5MP, Apple bins 48MP to 24MP by default). Expect the S26 Ultra to produce brighter nighttime shots and higher detail daytime shots, whereas iPhone will produce perhaps more balanced HDR (though Samsung’s multi-frame HDR is excellent too) and possibly better video stabilization. However, with S26 Ultra’s improved OIS and larger sensor, it might even challenge or beat iPhone in video, an area iPhones traditionally dominated. iPhone 16 can do 4K@60 Dolby Vision and has good autofocus, but S26 Ultra’s 4K120 and advanced engine might yield more creative video options (8K video or super slow-mo that iPhone can’t do at that res). The iPhone’s LiDAR gives it an edge in AR applications and possibly faster portrait focus at night, but Samsung’s new laser AF might mitigate the focus speed issue. Selfie cam: 12MP vs 12MP, both good; iPhone offers Face ID (some use that for selfie portraits, etc.), Samsung’s is just a camera.

·       In summary: Photography enthusiasts will likely prefer S26 Ultra for its versatility and pro controls (Expert RAW app, etc.), while casual shooters may be equally happy with either, though Samsung’s tendency for more saturated images vs Apple’s natural look could be a factor. But given the advancements, S26 Ultra likely takes the crown as the more capable camera phone overall (especially at zoom and low-light) in early 2026.

·       Performance: The iPhone 16 Pro/Max’s A18 Pro chip is extremely powerful in CPU, especially single-core. Geekbench shows A18 Pro scores ~2900 single / ~7200 multi. The S26’s Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 is rumored ~4000 single / 11000 multi, if true, Snapdragon would exceed A18 Pro, which is a big deal (and likely compete with Apple’s 2025 A19). However, the A18 Pro’s real-world efficiency and Apple’s iOS optimizations mean the iPhone 16 is very snappy. With S25 vs iPhone 15, Apple had an edge in single-core tasks (UI smoothness), though both were overkill. If Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 lives up to leaks, the S26 Ultra might feel just as fast or faster than iPhone 16 in launching apps, multitasking, etc., especially with its 16GB RAM vs iPhone’s 8GB. But note, by S26 launch, Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max (A19) will be out, Apple might reclaim top CPU spot then. Still, differences at this level are hardly noticeable to the user. One difference: thermal throttling, Samsung’s larger chassis and vapor chamber might sustain performance better in long sessions than the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which has a history of heating up (especially the initial 15 Pro had heat issues with A17 Pro on 3nm). The S26 Ultra’s cooling and efficient cores could keep it cooler under stress.

·       Battery Life: iPhones are typically very power efficient. The iPhone 16 Pro Max with ~4685 mAh battery can easily get through a day; the S25 Ultra with 5000 mAh matched or slightly trailed it in endurance tests (larger battery but more power-hungry screen and chip). The S26 Ultra’s more efficient 3nm SoC and possibly bigger battery might give it an edge to finally overtake the iPhone in battery life. If S26 Ultra hits, say, 5500 mAh and uses stacked tech, it could be a battery champ. Also, Apple’s 5G modems historically use more power than Qualcomm’s latest, so on mobile data Samsung might last longer. In charging, S26 Ultra at 45-65W will charge much faster than iPhone 16 Pro Max (~27W), Samsung could fill up in ~30-40 min, whereas iPhone takes ~1h+ for 0-100. Wireless, both are 15W; Apple uses MagSafe which is proprietary Qi, S26 supports Qi2 so essentially same idea now. So for battery and charging: S26 Ultra likely wins on charging speed and possibly matches or exceeds iPhone 16 in screen-on time thanks to efficient hardware and bigger battery.

·       Software and Ecosystem: Here it’s Android vs iOS. Galaxy S26 runs Android 16 with One UI 8, which is highly customizable, feature-packed (multi-window, S Pen software, etc.). iPhone 16 runs iOS 18, known for smooth integration with Apple’s ecosystem (Mac, Watch, etc.) and great app optimization. The differences largely come down to preference:

·       Ecosystem: If someone has a Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods, the iPhone synergizes extremely well (iMessage, FaceTime, Handoff, etc.). Samsung has its ecosystem too (Galaxy Book, Buds, Watch), and has improved integration (e.g., Phone Link with Windows, auto device switching for Buds). But Apple’s is still more seamless across devices.

·       Customizability: One UI on S26 will allow theming, icon packs, always-on display styles, etc. iOS 18 allows some lock screen customization but not near Android’s level of control.

·       AI & Assistant: Siri vs whatever Samsung/Google offer. Siri is generally considered behind; Samsung will have Google Assistant and possibly their AI features. S26 might offer more powerful on-device AI features (as discussed), while iPhone may rely on cloud for advanced tasks (though Apple is pushing more on-device ML too).

·       Longevity: iPhone 16 will get iOS updates likely up to iOS 23 (5+ years). S26 with promised 7-year support might actually match or exceed that support window, which is new for Android. So longevity in software updates could be equal or Samsung might surpass (if 7 years confirmed).

·       App ecosystem: Some creative apps or games hit iOS first or run slightly better (due to Apple’s hardware synergy). But Android offers broader app choices and sideloading. It’s a philosophical difference more than a performance one at this stage, both app stores have millions of apps, though some pro apps like Xcode, Final Cut, etc., are Apple-only.

·       Unique features: The S26 Ultra has a built-in S Pen, huge for those who sketch, take notes, or edit precisely on their phone. Apple has no equivalent (Apple Pencil only works on iPads). If someone values pen input, the S26 Ultra stands alone in this comparison. Conversely, iPhone has things like Face ID which some prefer as a quick unlock (though under-screen fingerprint on Samsung is also quick and works in dark/with mask, etc.). iPhones also have the Taptic Engine which gives arguably superior haptic feedback vs Samsung’s vibrations (Samsung’s haptics are good, but Apple’s are often praised as best-in-class for subtlety).

·       Audio: Both phones have stereo speakers; the iPhone’s have traditionally been a bit richer in sound, but Samsung’s flagships are also loud and clear. Both removed headphone jacks years ago. Apple pushes Lightning/USB-C (iPhone 15 actually moved to USB-C) for audio or AirPods; Samsung offers LDAC, aptX etc., support with Bluetooth for high quality wireless audio (Apple’s ecosystem uses AAC mainly for AirPods). If you care about wired audio quality, neither has 3.5mm, so you’d need a DAC adapter anyway.

·       Connectivity and others: S26 has more open standards: USB-C with likely USB 3.2 speeds or better (for DeX, etc.), whereas iPhone 16 Pro’s USB-C is 10 Gbps (which is actually similar, since iPhone 15 Pro introduced USB3 at 10 Gbps), Apple finally caught up on that. S26’s USB-C can output to monitor (DeX), iPhone’s can’t output a desktop UI (it can mirror, but not full resolution UI). Both have ultra-wideband for keys, etc. S26 likely supports dual SIM + eSIM, iPhone supports dual eSIM (and dual physical in some regions like China). If you travel or want multiple SIMs easily, Samsung gives more flexibility (in US, iPhones are eSIM-only now; some might prefer having at least one physical SIM like Samsung offers).

·       Emergency SOS: iPhone introduced satellite SOS (text emergency services when no cell) in iPhone 14, continues on 16; Samsung S26 is expected to introduce similar, leveling that field. Both have crash detection, fall detection (with watch for Samsung, phone can detect extreme accelerations, Apple baked it in phone too). So safety features are becoming comparable.

Other Android Competitors: By early 2026, the S26 series will also face off against devices like: - Google Pixel 10 (2025) or Pixel 11 (if late 2026), Google’s Pixel 10/10 Pro (expected late 2025) will focus on AI and camera computational prowess. However, Google’s hardware (Tensor chips) typically lag in raw performance. The S26 likely beats Pixel in display quality, build (Samsung’s using titanium; Pixel usually aluminum), and perhaps camera versatility (Pixel tends to have fewer lenses but lean on software). Google’s advantage is pure Android and exclusive AI software features, but Samsung is encroaching on that with their own AI. Pixel pricing is often a bit lower, though (Pixel 10 Pro might be ~$999 or less). - OnePlus 13 or 14, Xiaomi 15/16 Ultra, etc., Chinese flagships might offer even faster charging (e.g., 100W+), and high specs at slightly lower prices, but they often lack the polish in software or global support that Samsung has. Xiaomi 15 Ultra (2025) might have that rumored 200MP periscope that Samsung held back, if so, it could challenge S26 Ultra in camera. But Xiaomi isn’t as widely available in some markets (US, for example, doesn’t officially get Xiaomi). OnePlus (now under Oppo) might release a OnePlus 13 Pro with similar Snapdragon chip, maybe 100W charging. Samsung’s advantages will be IP rating (some competitors skip IP68 to save cost), expandable software (Samsung Pay, DeX, robust update policy), and that S Pen which is unique. - Foldables: Samsung’s own Galaxy Z Fold 6 (coming mid-2025) or Z Fold 7 (mid-2026) could be considered competition if someone is torn between a phone vs a foldable. By S26 launch, the Z Fold 7 might be on horizon (with possibly that trifold leaks mention). But those are niche and pricier. For mainstream, the S26 Ultra is the safer choice for most wanting a conventional form factor. Apple might even tease a foldable by 2026 (just speculation), but nothing concrete yet.

Who wins? For Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16: If you value customization, top-notch zoom camera, a built-in stylus, and fast charging, the Galaxy S26 (especially Ultra) clearly has the edge. If you prefer iOS’s ecosystem, FaceTime/iMessage, slightly more polished third-party apps, and a consistent user experience with other Apple devices, the iPhone 16/Pro Max might be your pick. The performance and hardware gap between Samsung and Apple has significantly closed by 2025/2026, in some areas (display, zoom, RAM) Samsung leads, in others (single-core CPU, some video aspects) Apple leads, but overall they’re more alike in capabilities than ever.

One notable point: Samsung’s pushing the boundaries with AI integration on-device, which might make the S26 feel like a more “intelligent” assistant compared to an iPhone 16 which relies more on cloud Siri (which is limited). If Samsung’s partnership with e.g. Perplexity yields a really useful AI helper, that could be a selling point to the tech-savvy that Apple doesn’t yet match. Conversely, privacy-conscious users might trust Apple’s on-device processing more, though Samsung also emphasizes Knox security.

In any case, the S26 series is positioned to compete fiercely with Apple’s best. It’s essentially matching or exceeding the iPhone in most tangible metrics (screen size/res, cameras, battery, memory), while also undercutting some limitations (like offering both fingerprint and face unlock vs Apple’s face-only, or open ecosystem vs Apple’s walled garden). It really comes down to personal preference and ecosystem lock-in in many cases, as both will be excellent devices.

Early Benchmarks and Leaks

As of now (mid-2025), the Galaxy S26 is still several months away from release, so hands-on leaks are limited. However, a few early benchmarks and insider leaks have surfaced:

·       Geekbench Scores: A device believed to be the Exynos 2600 (likely in a prototype S26) appeared on Geekbench, scoring about 2400–2950 in single-core and ~9400–10,200 in multi-core. The wide range is due to different yield assumptions, but the revised numbers (~2950/10200) indicate roughly a 15-20% jump over the Exynos 2400 in S24. More strikingly, a leak for the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 shows >4000 single-core, >11,000 multi-core, which, if accurate, surpasses even Apple’s A19 (iPhone 17) in multi-core and matches it in single. Qualcomm’s chip reportedly offers ~30% single-core and 12% multi-core gains over the Snapdragon 8 “Elite” (Gen1) in S25. These figures should be taken with a grain of salt, but they are consistent with the expectation that new Arm cores (like Cortex-X4/A720 on 3nm) will be significantly faster. In practical terms, an S26 Ultra could out-benchmark any smartphone on the market at launch, making headlines for breaking the 4K single-core barrier on Android.

·       Graphics: No specific GFXBench leaks yet, but the Adreno 840 GPU in Snapdragon 8 Gen2 (Elite) is rumored to be very powerful (maybe +10-20% over the already strong Adreno 740/ Adreno 830). One leak mentioned 16MB VRAM in the GPU design which helps with 3D performance. If true, the S26 Ultra’s GPU might even beat Apple’s GPU in the A18 Pro (which was about on par or slightly ahead of S25’s Adreno 740). This means the S26 could set new records in games like 3DMark Wildlife, etc. We’ll have to see if any insider shares those details closer to release.

·       Storage Speed: It’s expected S26 will use UFS 4.0 like S25, so storage benchmarks likely similar (around 3.5 GB/s sequential read). If Samsung introduces UFS 4.1 with slight improvements, we might see marginal gains. But no leaks on storage speeds have come out specifically.

·       Display Tests: We don’t have early measurements yet, but given Samsung’s track record, the S26 Ultra might achieve one of the highest DisplayMate ratings (S25 Ultra already got an A+). We could see slightly higher peak brightness measured (maybe >1800 nits 100% APL, >2500 nits 1% APL if they push it). We’ll know more when actual review units are tested.

·       Battery Endurance: No leaked battery tests yet (since no one has a final unit). However, one quirky leak from a Chinese tipster “Instant Digital” claimed that prototype S26 batteries max out around 5500 mAh, not the wild 6000-7000 some speculated. Also, charging: some regulatory filings might pop up later in 2025 indicating whether 65W was certified. As of mid-2025, nothing concrete, but if we see a Samsung 65W charger pass through the FCC, that’ll basically confirm it. Keep an eye out for those filings around late fall 2025.

·       Hands-on Leaks: We haven’t seen real photos of the S26 yet (Samsung is tight-lipped until closer to launch). However, there are renders from insiders like OnLeaks expected maybe by late 2025. One report from The Elec mentioned device codenames and that Plus model might be scrapped, that turned out to be a major leak on lineup composition rather than imagery. By December 2025, usually, case manufacturers or certification agencies leak images. Since none are out as of July 2025, we can only rely on descriptions: The Ultra will look similar to S25 Ultra but without the separate camera ring accents (so each lens protrudes on its own), and the base/Edge models will look like S25 with perhaps slightly different dimensions for the bigger screens. We did get a leak of screen glass panels showing the sizes, that’s how we know the 6.27/6.66/6.89-inch figures (those came from a reliable leaker on Weibo). Those panel leaks essentially confirmed the display size changes and the demise of Plus in favor of Edge.

·       Codename and Regulatory Filings: The S26 series reportedly has codenames like “Muse” or model numbers SM-S926, S936, S946, etc., though Samsung often uses letter codenames internally (e.g., S25 was “Hawaii” for Ultra). One leak on a Korean forum suggested the S26 base might not be offered in some markets if sales of small models remain low, but Samsung denied any plans to cancel the base model. So likely all core models remain. We have seen some battery certifications, a Galaxy battery with slightly higher capacity passed a Korean safety test, fueling speculation it’s for S26+. It’s minor evidence, but it’s part of how these leaks trickle out.

·       UI/UX leaks: One UI 8.0 beta info gave small hints (like the measurement units feature), but we expect a One UI 8.1/8.5 with S26, specifics on new features might leak in late 2025 from beta builds. As of now, just the broad stroke: partnership with Perplexity AI, generative AI features have been confirmed by sources like TechRadar. So we can trust that the AI push is real.

·       No “Edge Display” (curved) changes: A leak dispelled any notion that Samsung would revert to curved edge screens, they specifically said big changes are coming to S26 line, but “not to their screens” (meaning screens will remain flat or similar to S25).

·       No UDC (Under Display Camera) likely: As discussed earlier, one rumor was a UDC on Ultra, but multiple sources call it “shady” or unlikely. So early leaks lean towards punch-hole staying.

·       Dropped Plus model leak: We already covered it, but to emphasize: The Elec’s leak on July 14, 2025 basically said S26 Plus is dead and Edge takes its place. This is as good as confirmed given multiple corroborations. That is an early strategic leak rather than hardware.

·       Benchmarks vs Main Competitor: Interestingly, SamMobile reported that internal testing suggests the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 “will outperform iPhone 17 Pro Max’s A19 Pro in CPU tests.” This suggests Samsung is confident the S26 Ultra can claim the performance crown at launch (at least until Apple’s A20). If true, expect Samsung to tout that in marketing, “fastest Galaxy ever, even faster than the latest iPhone in multi-tasking”, they might not name Apple, but the implication will be there.

No actual hands-on videos or photos have leaked yet (which is not surprising, that usually happens a few weeks before launch via industry insiders or someone in the supply chain). As we approach late 2025, we might see images of components or dummy units. Right now, the reliable info is mostly on specs and strategy, which we’ve compiled above.

If any prototype evaluations are to be believed, one Chinese source claimed “the S26 Ultra feels slightly lighter in hand despite the same battery, and the screen bezel reduction is noticeable, making it almost all-screen from the front.” This anecdote aligns with the design goals leaked.

In summary, while no one outside Samsung has fully used a Galaxy S26 yet, the leaks and benchmarks so far paint a picture of a device that is iteratively improved in every way. There haven’t been any red flags in leaks (like overheating issues or major feature cuts); rather, all early signs (performance tests, component rumors) are positive, suggesting the S26 will be one of the most well-rounded and powerful phones of its time. Of course, final judgments will wait for actual hands-on reviews in early 2026, but based on everything currently known, the Galaxy S26 series is shaping up to be an impressive refinement of Samsung’s flagship formula, poised to compete at the very top of the smartphone market.