Samsung Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+: what to expect

Samsung Galaxy S26 Series: What to Expect in 2026

Samsung is gearing up for the official launch of its Galaxy S26 series on February 25, 2026. As always, the lineup will feature three models: the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. With the launch date confirmed, leaks and rumors are pouring in, giving us a detailed look at what to expect from Samsung’s next flagship smartphones. Here’s everything we know so far.

No Pro, No Edge Models This Year

Samsung had reportedly been working on a Galaxy S26 Pro and Galaxy S26 Edge to replace the vanilla and Plus models, respectively. However, poor sales of the Galaxy S25 Edge reportedly led to the cancellation of the Edge model. The fate of the Pro model remains unclear, but it seems Samsung has decided to stick with its traditional lineup for now. The Galaxy S26 Pro and S26 Edge are officially off the table.

Last-Minute Changes for the S26+

The decision to cancel the S26 Edge came late, forcing Samsung to scramble to finalize the Galaxy S26+. As a result, the Plus model will reportedly miss out on a display upgrade and will instead use an almost identical display to the S25+. However, it will feature improved Gorilla Armor 2 glass for better durability.

The Galaxy S26 May Be Taller but Lighter

Unlike its Plus sibling, the Galaxy S26 is expected to receive a display upgrade. The new model will reportedly feature a 6.27-inch panel, up from the 6.16-inch display on its predecessor. This will likely be rounded up to 6.3 inches in most spec sheets.

The S26 will also be slightly taller and wider than the S25, measuring around 149.6mm in height and 71.7mm in width. Despite the larger display, the phone is expected to be significantly lighter, with rumors suggesting a weight of just 137g—a remarkable feat for a flagship smartphone.

Here’s a quick comparison of the dimensions and weights of the Galaxy S25 and S26 series:

Batteries and Charging Speeds

The Galaxy S26+ will retain the same 4,900mAh battery as its predecessor, with support for 45W wired charging and slightly faster 20W wireless charging. The vanilla Galaxy S26, on the other hand, will feature a larger 4,300mAh battery, offering improved endurance.

One notable change is the absence of built-in magnets for wireless charging. Instead, Samsung will sell magnetic cases and accessories separately, including a 25W magnetic Qi2 charger and a 15W magnetic Qi2 power bank.

Exynos 2600 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

Samsung’s regional chipset strategy continues with the Galaxy S26 series. The Exynos 2600, built on Samsung Foundry’s 2nm GAA node, will power some models, while others will feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. The Exynos 2600 boasts a 10-core CPU, an Xclipse 960 GPU, and a 113% improvement in NPU performance for AI tasks.

256GB Base Storage for the Galaxy S26

Samsung is finally addressing one of the most common complaints about its flagship phones: storage. The Galaxy S26 will come with 256GB of base storage, up from 128GB on previous models. The Galaxy S26+ will also offer 256GB and 512GB options.

Camera Improvements: Not Much to Expect

Despite Samsung’s teaser videos hinting at camera improvements, leaks suggest that the Galaxy S26 and S26+ will reuse the same camera setup as the S25. This includes a 50MP main camera, a 10MP 3x telephoto lens, and a 12MP ultra-wide camera. While these cameras are capable, they may not be enough to compete with the upcoming iPhone 17 series.

Satellite Communication and UWB

The Galaxy S26 series will finally bring satellite communication to Samsung’s flagship lineup, enabling Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) and Supplemental Coverage From Space (SCS) capabilities. The vanilla Galaxy S26 will also feature UWB connectivity, closing the gap with the Plus and Ultra models.

New Prices

With the upgrade to 256GB base storage, the Galaxy S26 is expected to see a slight price increase. The Galaxy S26+ will likely retain its price, but the 512GB variant may see a small adjustment. Samsung is expected to offer pre-order bonuses, including free storage upgrades and trade-in discounts.

Specs Overview

Here’s a detailed spec sheet for the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+ based on the latest leaks:

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