Samsung Galaxy S26 Series: What to Expect in Early 2026
Samsung is gearing up to launch its next flagship phones, the Galaxy S26 series, in early 2026. The lineup includes three models: the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. Earlier rumors suggested more versions, but Samsung appears to be simplifying its approach this year.
Design and Battery Updates
The regular Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus may not see major changes compared to their predecessors. Most updates are likely to be small refinements rather than big upgrades. One noticeable change could be on the back design. Instead of separate camera rings, the phones might feature a camera island that groups all the lenses together. Leaked images suggest this new look will apply to both models.
Battery improvements are also expected, though they are not dramatic. The Galaxy S26 could get a slightly bigger battery, moving up to around 4,300mAh. The Plus model may keep the same battery size as before. Charging looks more promising with faster wireless charging and proper Qi2 support, enabling magnetic accessories. Wired charging on the base model might also see an upgrade.
Processor and Camera Specifications
Internally, the phones are expected to feature two different processors depending on the region. Some regions will receive the Exynos 2600, while others will get the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. This regional variation is common for Samsung, and both chips should offer fast processing for tasks like gaming and AI capabilities. The phones will come with 12GB of RAM, which should be sufficient for most users.
The camera configuration for the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus is expected to remain similar to their predecessors. Both handsets are likely equipped with:
- A 50MP primary camera
- An ultra-wide-angle lens
- A 3x optical zoom telescopic lens
- A 12MP front-facing camera
Rumors hint at a slight upgrade to the telephoto lens, which could enhance image quality. However, Samsung does not plan to significantly improve its smartphone camera features this time. Storage options are expected to stay familiar, starting at 256GB and going up to 512GB. Samsung may drop the 128GB option, aligning with the trend of offering more storage as standard on premium phones.
Display and Software Enhancements
Samsung's displays are usually a strong point, and the Galaxy S26 series should be no exception. The Galaxy S26 is expected to have a 6.1-inch AMOLED screen, while the S26 Plus should come with a larger 6.7-inch display. Both phones are likely to support a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, delivering bright colors and sharp visuals.
On the software side, the Galaxy S26 series is expected to launch with One UI 8.5, based on Android 16. Samsung is focusing heavily on artificial intelligence this year. AI features are set to play a bigger role than ever. There are even signs that Samsung may collaborate with other AI companies and refresh Bixby to make it more useful.
Pricing and Launch Details
Pricing remains a bit unclear for the Galaxy S26 series. A worldwide memory deficit, driven by demand from the AI sector, could greatly affect prices. Rising component costs might push prices higher, but Samsung seems to be trying to keep prices close to last year's levels, especially in major markets. Some areas may experience a slight rise, but Samsung has reportedly made trade-offs to avoid significant price increases.
The anticipated briefing for the Galaxy S26 series is scheduled for February, likely in the middle of a week, following Samsung's conventional schedule. This launch is eagerly awaited by tech enthusiasts and consumers alike.
