Samsung Galaxy S26 Leak Explosion: Massive Camera Upgrades, Thinner Designs & a Shocking S Pen Twist

• Launch early 2026: Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series is expected to debut around January 2026 (Galaxy Unpacked), following the S25’s January 2025 timeline tomsguide.com androidcentral.com. Early regulatory filings in China suggest models are already registered, pointing to an on-schedule release androidcentral.com.
• Lineup shake-up: Rumors point to three models instead of four – likely a Galaxy S26 “Pro” (6.2″) replacing the base S26, a Galaxy S26 Edge (6.7″) replacing the Plus, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra (6.9″) at the top androidcentral.com androidcentral.com. The S26 Edge is set to continue the super-thin design introduced with the S25 Edge.
• Design & build: Slimmer, lighter phones with more rounded corners are expected sammobile.com. The S26 Ultra may be under 7.x mm thin (down from 8.2mm on S25 Ultra) with a new camera island bump to house larger lenses techradar.com techradar.com. Titanium frames could feature on the Ultra/Edge models for strength, while base models use aluminum sammobile.com.
• Next-gen chips: The Snapdragon 8 “Elite 2” (likely Snapdragon 8 Gen 4) will power the S26 Ultra (and possibly Edge) globally tomsguide.com techradar.com, while other models in some regions will run an Exynos 2600 built on 2nm tech tomsguide.com sammobile.com. All S26 variants are tipped to start at 12GB RAM + 256GB storage (up from 8GB/128GB in past base models) sammobile.com.
• Battery & charging: No capacity jump – the S26 Ultra is confirmed at 5,000 mAh again sammobile.com, making it the sixth Ultra in a row at 5000 sammobile.com. However, charging gets a boost: Ultra is expected to support 60W–65W fast charging, hitting ~80% in 30 minutes sammobile.com sammobile.com (vs 45W on S25 Ultra). Other models will likely top out at 45W sammobile.com. Samsung may add MagSafe-style Qi2 wireless charging magnets for better alignment sammobile.com – possibly at the cost of dropping reverse wireless charging sammobile.com.
• Camera upgrades: Major camera changes are rumored, especially for the Ultra. All S26 models might get a new primary sensor (50MP on non-Ultras as before, but with improved tech) tomsguide.com sammobile.com. The Galaxy S26 Ultra could stick with a 200MP main camera, but potentially switch to a Sony-made 200MP sensor (1/1.1-inch) for better low-light androidheadlines.com androidheadlines.com – a big shift from Samsung’s own sensor. Its lenses are said to have a wider aperture on both the main and telephoto cameras techradar.com phonearena.com, improving night shots. Early leaks even floated a wild 324MP main camera and a 200MP periscope telephoto on the Ultra tomsguide.com, though more reliable sources now suggest Samsung will retain 200MP but enhance sensor size and aperture phonearena.com techradar.com. The Ultra’s zoom system may see incremental boosts (e.g. a larger 3× sensor and possibly ~8× periscope reach) tomsguide.com, but no massive overhaul until Galaxy S28 according to some insiders sammobile.com. On the other hand, the mid-tier S26 Edge/Plus is tipped to upgrade from a 12MP to 50MP ultra-wide camera techradar.com techradar.com, addressing a long-standing spec gap.
• Software & AI: The S26 series will ship with Android 16 and Samsung’s One UI 8.5 skin sammobile.com techradar.com. A big focus is AI and assistants – notably, Samsung confirmed Google’s new AI-driven “Gemini” assistant won’t be the only AI on the S26 sammobile.com. In fact, Samsung is reportedly integrating a rival AI: it’s in talks to invest in Perplexity AI (a ChatGPT-like assistant) and could build it into One UI alongside Bixby sammobile.com. This means Galaxy users might get multiple AI assistants working in tandem, a first on Samsung phones. Other One UI 8.5 features are under wraps, but expect more AI-driven tricks – one leak mentions a privacy-oriented “Magic Pixel” display tech that uses AI to obscure screen content from side glances techradar.com.
• Connectivity & other perks: The S26 phones will support the latest Wi-Fi 7 and dual SIM 5G as standard. Notably, Samsung is upgrading NFC by adding a second antenna at the top of the phone techradar.com techradar.com – just like recent iPhones – to make tap-to-pay payments more reliable (no more fumbling to align the phone at checkout). There’s also anticipation for satellite connectivity: Samsung’s execs promised two-way satellite SOS messaging in 2024 techradar.com techradar.com, and code in One UI indicates the groundwork is laid techradar.com. The S26 series could be the one to finally enable it if carrier partnerships fall into place, putting Galaxy on par with Apple’s Emergency SOS.
• Comparisons to S24/S25: Generation-to-generation, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is shaping up to be a bigger upgrade than usual. The S25 Ultra added a 50MP ultra-wide camera and kept a familiar design; the S26 Ultra, by contrast, is rumored to bring a significant design refresh, new silicon, and camera tweaks all at once. TechRadar notes that recent Galaxy S updates felt incremental, but the S26 Ultra could break that trend with its combination of thinner body, faster charging, and camera improvements techradar.com techradar.com. Even the design philosophy is coming full circle – after the sharp-cornered S22–S24 Ultra, Samsung rounded the S25 Ultra’s corners slightly, and now the S26 Ultra will double down on rounded corners for comfort sammobile.com sammobile.com, much like Apple’s iPhone 15/16 Pro design. Longtime Samsung tipster Ice Universe has praised this change, saying the rounder “four corners” on S26 Ultra make it “more comfortable to hold” in hand sammobile.com sammobile.com. The S26 Edge will push boundaries further – at ~5.5mm thin it could be one of the thinnest smartphones ever, yet pack a bigger 4,200 mAh battery (thanks to new high-density cells) sammobile.com sammobile.com. This addresses criticism of the S25 Edge, which was ultra-slim (5.8mm) but sacrificed battery life with a 3,900 mAh cell. The base S26 (or “Pro”) is expected to slightly grow its battery (~4,300 mAh vs 3,900 on S25) androidcentral.com androidcentral.com – a welcome bump for the smallest model. Overall, the S26 family seems poised to refine what worked in S25 (premium materials, big sensors) while tackling its weak spots (charging speed, software smarts, battery capacity on slim models).

Release Timing and Pricing

Samsung hasn’t officially announced the Galaxy S26 launch, but based on precedent we expect an Unpacked event in mid-to-late January 2026 tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. Devices would hit shelves about two weeks later. (For reference, the S25 series was unveiled January 22, 2025 tomsguide.com.) Supply chain chatter backs this timing – a Chinese certification for the S26 Ultra’s battery was issued in August 2025 sammobile.com, and Samsung’s manufacturing lines should be gearing up by late fall. Barring any surprise delays, the S26 will be among the first flagship phones of 2026.

In terms of pricing, Samsung is likely to stick close to the S25 series prices. Industry insiders say component costs (like Qualcomm’s new chip) aren’t increasing tomsguide.com, giving Samsung leeway to keep prices flat. The S25 family ranged from about $799 (base), $999 (Plus), $1,099 (Edge), up to $1,199+ (Ultra) in the US tomsguide.com. Thus, the Galaxy S26 Pro (base) could start around $800, the S26 Edge near $1,000, and the S26 Ultra around $1,200 for entry configurations. However, one caveat is the economic climate – SamMobile notes U.S. tariffs and supply costs could force a small price hike, even if just $50 or so sammobile.com. Still, Samsung will want to stay competitive with Apple’s iPhone 17 and other 2026 rivals, so dramatic price moves are not expected. We’ll know for sure when pre-order leaks and retail listings emerge towards the end of 2025.

Galaxy S26 Lineup: Fewer Models, New Names?

One of the breaking rumors is that Samsung might revamp the S26 lineup’s naming and models. The Galaxy S25 series introduced a fourth model – the Galaxy S25 Edge – which was an ultra-slim 6.7-inch device sitting between the S25+ and S25 Ultra. Now, multiple sources hint Samsung will streamline back to three models for the S26 tomsguide.com androidcentral.com. Instead of a classic “S26, S26+, S26 Ultra” trio, Samsung could introduce:

• Galaxy S26 Pro – a smaller 6.1–6.2″ model that replaces the “standard” S26. Despite the “Pro” moniker, it would be the entry-tier S26, but with premium specs in a compact form. A leak from Digital Chat Station claims this device has a 6.2-inch display and ~4,300 mAh battery (rated 4,175 mAh) androidcentral.com androidcentral.com, slightly larger than the S25’s base model battery. If true, Samsung is essentially beefing up the small Galaxy S to “Pro” status.
• Galaxy S26 Edge – a 6.7″ successor to the S25 Edge (and/or S25+). Samsung revived the “Edge” branding in 2025 to signify an ultra-thin design. The S26 Edge is rumored to push boundaries even further with a 5.5mm thickness and 4,200 mAh battery sammobile.com sammobile.com. It would serve power users who want a big screen and high-end specs in a super-svelte form factor. This model might replace the need for a separate “Plus.” (Notably, the S25 Plus had a larger battery than the S25 Edge, but was thicker; Samsung seems to be favoring the Edge concept moving forward, even if it means a minor battery trade-off techradar.com techradar.com.)
• Galaxy S26 Ultra – the no-compromise flagship, ~6.9″ display, continuing the Galaxy Note DNA (with S Pen support – more on that below). The Ultra remains the camera and performance leader. Samsung is reportedly keeping this as the sole Ultra (no Ultra “Pro Max” or anything) and focusing its top specs here, including the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chip across all markets techradar.com techradar.com.

This revised lineup means Samsung would drop the “Plus” model name entirely. It also implies no standard “S26” by name – which is a bit unconventional, but Samsung has done similar rebranding in the past (e.g. ditching the Note 6 name to align numbering). Some confusion remains whether the smallest model will indeed be branded “Pro” or just serve as the new base S26. But Android Central reports a strong rumor that “Samsung’s future series could feature an S26 Pro, S26 Edge, and S26 Ultra” while dropping the vanilla S26 and S26+ androidcentral.com androidcentral.com.

From a consumer standpoint, this change would echo Apple’s strategy (where an iPhone 13 Pro was the smaller premium phone complementing a Pro Max). A Galaxy S26 Pro at ~6.2″ could cater to those who want flagship power in a one-hand-friendly size – something enthusiasts have clamored for. Meanwhile, the Edge addresses a niche for ultra-thin phones with bleeding-edge tech, and Ultra remains the kitchen-sink flagship. Samsung experimented successfully with the S25 Edge (which, despite some compromises, garnered attention as the thinnest Galaxy ever at 5.8mm en.wikipedia.org theguardian.com). Now by consolidating to three models, Samsung can market each one more clearly: one small, one ultra-thin, one ultra-featured.

It’s worth noting these lineup rumors aren’t officially confirmed. If Samsung finds “Pro” naming too confusing, it might stick to S26, S26 Edge, S26 Ultra, or some combination. There were even whispers of an S26 FE later on, but traditionally Fan Edition models come much later and are mid-range, so they’re outside the main launch scope. For now, all leaks point to three main S26 variants – we just have to see what Samsung calls them.

Design & Build: Thinner Profiles, New Camera Bump, and Premium Materials

Samsung appears poised to refine the Galaxy S design language with the S26 series, focusing on ergonomics and slimness without sacrificing durability. The overall aesthetic is expected to remain clean and premium, but several changes are noteworthy:

• Even Thinner and Lighter: Each S26 model is rumored to shave off millimeters and grams. The Galaxy S26 Ultra could measure “7.x mm” thick (somewhere between 7.0 and 7.9mm) according to Ice Universe techradar.com – a significant reduction from the S25 Ultra’s 8.2mm. This would make it the thinnest Ultra ever. Likewise, the S26 Edge may be a startling 5.5mm thin sammobile.com, down from the S25 Edge’s 5.8mm which was already record-setting. Such extreme thinness, especially on a large 6.7″ device, will make the S26 Edge an engineering marvel – the “slimmest S series phone yet” as Samsung will no doubt tout. One leak claims Samsung is using higher-density battery cells and possibly new materials to achieve this thin profile sammobile.com sammobile.com. The base S26/Pro likely won’t be quite as thin as the Edge, but should still see some reduction in thickness and weight versus the S25 (which was ~7.6mm for the base model).
• Rounded Corners for Comfort: After a few generations of boxy, flat-cornered Ultras (S22–S24 Ultra had sharp corners that dug into some users’ palms), Samsung softened the design with S25 Ultra by rounding the corners slightly. Now the S26 Ultra will “double down” on rounder corners, says SamMobile sammobile.com sammobile.com. Tipster UniverseIce noted the S26 Ultra’s “four corners have become rounder”, making it more comfortable to hold sammobile.com sammobile.com. This rounded-corner design should also apply to the S26 Edge and smaller model, aligning the whole family’s look. The move brings Samsung closer to Apple’s recent design (the iPhone 15/16 Pro also embraced rounded edges for ergonomics), though Samsung had curved corners on phones like the Galaxy S20 Ultra back in the day sammobile.com. Along with the corners, the side frame edges might be slightly more contoured (perhaps a tighter radius on the corner curves), which will improve hand-feel on these large devices. Overall, expect the S26 to have a sleek, modern look that’s less harsh in the hand than the 2022–2024 models.
• New Camera Bump (at least on Ultra): Perhaps the most eye-catching design change: the Galaxy S26 Ultra is bringing back a camera island on the rear techradar.com techradar.com. Since the S22 series, Samsung’s flagships have used separate protruding lenses (“floating” camera rings) without a unifying bump. But leaks from South Korea’s Newsis indicate S26 Ultra will feature a raised camera module that houses three of the rear cameras together techradar.com phonearena.com. Essentially, the main camera, the ultrawide, and the periscope telephoto lens will sit in a single rectangular or pill-shaped bump, while a fourth lens (likely the 3x telephoto) and the LED flash might sit just outside that bump phonearena.com phonearena.com. A fan render shared by Ice Universe shows how this might look: a slim bump in the top-left corner encompassing three large camera rings and an adjacent smaller lens and flash (see image above). Why the change? Thickness constraints. As Samsung makes the phone’s body thinner, the camera sensors and lenses (which have physical size) might stick out too far. Ice Universe warned that if Samsung kept the current design, some S26 Ultra cameras would protrude “3mm beyond the back” due to larger apertures and sensors phonearena.com. That would look odd and risk damage. The solution is a camera island that adds a bit of overall thickness at the top to protect those bigger lenses phonearena.com. It’s a pragmatic design tweak that we haven’t seen since the Galaxy S21 Ultra’s contour-cut module. The new bump is said to resemble the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s camera housing (Fold series never dropped the bump) phonearena.com, giving the S26 Ultra and Fold 7 a cohesive design language at the high end. For the non-Ultra S26 models, it’s less clear if they’ll get a camera island or stick with individual lenses. The S26 Edge, being ultra-thin, might actually omit protruding rings entirely – the S25 Edge managed a flatter camera module using smaller lens components sammobile.com sammobile.com. Samsung could similarly give the Edge a flush or modest bump to keep it sleek. The base S26/Pro will likely have a simpler camera layout (perhaps three lenses, no bump needed if thickness allows). In any case, expect a noticeable design difference when comparing S26 Ultra’s back to the previous generation – a welcome change for those who found the multi-ring design a bit stale.
• Premium Build Materials: Samsung is reportedly upping the material quality, especially on the top models. Leaks suggest the Galaxy S26 Ultra and S26 Edge will use titanium alloy frames sammobile.com, similar to Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro move. Titanium offers a higher strength-to-weight ratio than aluminum, so frames can be lighter and more rigid – useful for such thin devices. The S26 Ultra could benefit from titanium to improve durability (thin aluminum might bend or dent more easily). Meanwhile, the S26 Pro/base may stick with aluminum frame construction sammobile.com to save cost, as those models face tighter price constraints. All models should have glass front and back. There’s mention of “3rd generation Gorilla Glass Armor” coating on the S26 series displays sammobile.com. This likely refers to Samsung’s latest anti-reflective glass tech (Armor Glass), which reduces glare and boosts outdoor visibility sammobile.com. The Ultra might exclusively get this new Gorilla Glass variant for enhanced toughness and clarity. Additionally, Samsung is said to use something called “CoE (Chip-on-Edge) depolarizer” technology in the display stack sammobile.com. In plain terms, this is a method to eliminate the traditional polarizer layer in OLED displays (similar to the Eco^2 display tech in recent Fold models) – it makes the screen thinner and improves brightness/efficiency by letting more light through, as there’s no dimming polarizing layer techradar.com techradar.com. Incorporating CoE on the S26 Ultra’s 6.9-inch panel could help offset any brightness loss from new ultra-durable glass and keep the phone thin.
• Colors and Finish: No concrete leaks yet on colorways, but Samsung usually offers a range of glossy or matte hues. The S25 series came in classics like Phantom Black, cream, green, plus special colors. We can expect S26 to launch in at least three to four colors – likely a black/graphite, a light color (white or beige), and perhaps a bold color like Samsung’s signature green or burgundy. The use of titanium may introduce a slightly different texture or finish on the frame (Apple’s titanium had a brushed look). Samsung might emphasize a premium matte finish on the Ultra and Edge to match their high-end status.

In summary, the Galaxy S26 lineup is poised to be sleeker and more refined than ever. Samsung is carefully balancing cutting-edge design (slim, rounded, beautiful) with functional considerations (camera bump for big lenses, strong materials for rigidity). As a result, fans can expect devices that look ultra-modern but also feel better in the hand than the sharp-edged slabs of recent years. If the leaks hold true, the S26 Ultra will be one of the thinnest large flagships on record – yet still packed with huge cameras and a big battery, a testament to Samsung’s engineering. The S26 Edge will carry the torch as a style-forward device, and even the base model will get a pro-grade design treatment. It’s an exciting design evolution that has even skeptics intrigued.

Display: Sizes, Tech and Potential Upgrades

The Galaxy S26 series will continue Samsung’s trend of class-leading displays in different sizes:

• Galaxy S26 Pro/Base: ~6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED, likely FHD+ resolution (2340×1080 or similar) with 120Hz adaptive refresh (1–120Hz). This is a step up from the S25 base model’s 6.1″, giving a tad more screen real estate. The slightly larger size goes hand-in-hand with the rumored battery bump. Despite the “Pro” name, this model probably sticks with a flat panel (Samsung typically keeps base models flat, saving curved edges for Ultra or special models). Expect very high brightness (the S25 could hit around 1750 nits, so S26 might go 1800+ nits). HDR10+ support, of course. With the added NFC antenna at the top, Samsung might slightly tweak the bezel or internal layout, but visually it should be nearly edge-to-edge like its predecessor.
• Galaxy S26 Edge: ~6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED, likely QHD+ or FHD+ (the S25 Edge had a 6.7″ 1440p display, so we anticipate a high resolution). The Edge may feature curved sides or a flat panel – despite the name “Edge”, the S25 Edge actually had a flat display but extremely slim bezels. Samsung could go either way, but given the push for thinness, a flat display is more likely (easier to seal in a thin frame). The S26 Edge will target a high pixel density and top-tier visuals, matching or exceeding the S26 Ultra in some aspects. For example, the S25 Edge boasted an incredible 2600 nits peak brightness samsung.com (according to Samsung’s site), thanks in part to reduced layers in the panel. If S26 Edge implements the new polarizer-free “CoE” tech like the Ultra, it could achieve similar or even higher brightness while consuming less power. The Edge’s screen will definitely be HDR10+ certified and could be one of the most vibrant on the market, given Samsung’s propensity to put excellent panels even in non-Ultra models.
• Galaxy S26 Ultra: ~6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, likely QHD+ (3088×1440) with adaptive 1–120Hz refresh. The Ultra remains Samsung’s showcase display – expect it to feature everything Samsung’s display division can offer in 2025/2026. That means the CoE depolarizer tech for improved outdoor visibility (as mentioned, cutting screen reflectivity and boosting effective brightness) sammobile.com. It also means possibly Flex Magic Pixel or other new tricks: one rumor points to an AI-driven privacy feature that can intelligently adjust pixels to prevent “shoulder surfing” (people reading your screen from an angle) techradar.com. This could be a built-in electronic privacy filter toggled by AI, something we’ve not seen in phones before. The Ultra will likely maintain slightly curved edges on the display sides – Samsung has alternated between flat and mild curves; the S25 Ultra had a very slight curve 2.5D effect. With rounder corners on the device, the display corners will be correspondingly rounded. Another possibility is an under-display front camera, but there’s been no solid leak of Samsung doing that on the S-series yet (they tried it on foldables with mixed results). Since the S26 Ultra is photography-focused, they’ll probably stick with a tiny punch-hole 12MP selfie camera for quality’s sake rather than hide it under-display. Colors will be punchy (Samsung’s default vivid mode) but also color-accurate in Natural mode. The Ultra’s screen is likely to support LTPO 3.0 tech, enabling very fine-grained adaptive refresh rates and maybe the ability to drop to 1Hz always-on display with minimal battery draw. One UI 8.5 may also bring new lock screen customization (the image on Android Central shows customizing lock screen on an S25+ with One UI 7 androidcentral.com – One UI 8+ could expand on that).

Across all models, Vision Booster and other visibility enhancements from prior Galaxies will carry over. The touch sampling rate should be high (240Hz+ for responsiveness, maybe up to 360Hz in gaming mode). Also, PWM dimming improvements might be introduced to reduce eye strain at low brightness – Samsung’s aware of that feedback.

Lastly, regarding durability: all S26 screens will use the toughest Gorilla Glass (Victus 3 or newer, plus the Ultra’s “Armor” anti-reflective glass). The frames around the display on the Ultra/Edge being titanium might allow slightly thinner bezels without sacrificing strength. Don’t expect radical bezel shrinkage beyond S25 though – Samsung already has very slim bezels. One subtle improvement could be in the ultrasonic fingerprint reader, which is under the display. No specific leak, but a newer Qualcomm 3D Sonic sensor could debut, perhaps enlarging the recognition area or speeding it up.

All told, Samsung will maintain its crown in display quality – the S26 series screens will likely be among the best in the world, with the Ultra possibly scoring one of the highest DisplayMate ratings ever (as each year’s Ultra tends to do). The combination of brighter, smarter (AI-driven features), and more efficient display tech makes this generation’s screens a key selling point even if their specs on paper seem like iterative bumps.

Performance: New Snapdragon & Exynos, More Memory, Faster Storage

Under the hood, the Galaxy S26 family is getting a significant generation leap in silicon, with a twist in how Samsung allocates chips by model and region:

• Snapdragon 8 “Elite 2” (Gen 4) for Galaxy: Samsung will once again partner with Qualcomm for its flagship chipset, at least for the top-tier model. Multiple sources confirm the S26 Ultra will feature the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 – referred to in leaks as the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 tomsguide.com techradar.com. Qualcomm hasn’t officially named it yet, but “Elite” seems to be a new branding (perhaps the successor to “For Galaxy” custom editions). This chip is expected to be built on a cutting-edge 3nm (or even 2nm) process, bringing major efficiency gains. Early benchmarks are promising: one leak claims the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 scored over 4 million on AnTuTu androidheadlines.com androidheadlines.com, which is a huge jump (~30% higher than Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 scores). For users, this means the S26 Ultra (and any model running this chip) will be blazingly fast – from heavy 3D gaming to AI computations. It’s likely an octa-core CPU with new core architectures (possibly using ARM’s next-gen “Hunter” cores or custom Qualcomm Oryon cores), plus an Adreno GPU that outperforms even Apple’s latest GPUs in some metrics. Qualcomm and Samsung will probably continue their co-branding (“Snapdragon for Galaxy”), meaning the chip might be slightly higher-clocked for Samsung or have Samsung-specific optimizations techradar.com techradar.com. The upside: top-notch performance and sustained speeds thanks to both the chip and Samsung’s cooling improvements. The Ultra’s large chassis and new thermal materials (maybe a vapor chamber) should handle the new chip’s heat output well, especially with the efficiency of 3nm.
• Exynos 2600 Returns: The interesting development is Samsung possibly reintroducing its in-house Exynos chips for certain models/regions. SamMobile reports that the Galaxy S26 and S26+ (or Edge) will use Samsung’s next-gen Exynos 2600 in most markets outside the US/China sammobile.com techradar.com. The Exynos 2600 is said to be built on a 2nm Samsung process and is a big hope for Samsung’s LSI division to redeem itself. (Samsung skipped Exynos for S23 globally and limited Exynos 2400 to some S24 models if at all, due to past performance/power issues.) By S26, Samsung is apparently confident in its new chip. It’s unclear if the Exynos 2600 will match the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 core-for-core, but Samsung likely wouldn’t use it if it wasn’t close. Some rumors even suggested the S26 Ultra might exclusively use Snapdragon while the lower models go Exynos techradar.com techradar.com, which could allow the Ultra to tout “Snapdragon only” as a selling point. However, SamMobile’s dive into firmware indicated a mix: Snapdragon 8 Gen4 for the Ultra and Edge globally, Snapdragon for base/plus in certain regions (like North America/China), and Exynos 2600 for base/plus in the rest of the world sammobile.com sammobile.com. In practice, that means U.S. customers get all Snapdragons in their S26 units, whereas Europe, India, etc. might get Exynos in the non-Ultras. It’s a bit complex, but performance should be high on both chips. The Exynos 2600 reportedly incorporates AMD’s RDNA GPU architecture (like Exynos 2200 did) but hopefully more refined, and it might emphasize AI computing ability – Samsung wants better on-device AI to power those multi-assistant features and image processing. One risk: if Exynos 2600 underperforms or has efficiency issues, it could make global variants uneven. But given Samsung’s vested interest (they even delayed Exynos 2500 to focus on a big 2025/26 chip push sammobile.com), we anticipate the 2600 will be competitive. In fact, some lower-end S26 models launched in the West could quietly pack Exynos too, if supply or pricing dictates, but leaks so far maintain the pattern above.
• Memory Upgrades: All Galaxy S26 models are expected to come standard with 12 GB of RAM sammobile.com, a bump up from the base 8 GB that the vanilla S24/S25 had. This aligns with what Samsung did on S25 Ultra (which offered 12GB standard while base S25 had 8GB). Now, even the base S26 is said to start at 12GB, meaning smoother multitasking and more future-proofing. The type of RAM will be the latest LPDDR5X, with the Ultra rumored to use faster 10.7 Gbps RAM modules (versus 8.5 Gbps in S25 Ultra) sammobile.com. That ~25% speed increase in memory bandwidth will aid high-resolution photography and 8K video capture without buffer hiccups. For storage, the baseline is likely 256 GB UFS 4.0/4.1 storage for all models sammobile.com – a welcome change from 128 GB bases in the past. Samsung seems to have heard feedback that 128 GB isn’t enough for a modern flagship with big camera files. Higher tiers like 512 GB and 1 TB will be available, at least on the Ultra (possibly Edge too). The Ultra could even offer a 16 GB RAM + 1 TB top configuration widely; on S25 Ultra, 16GB/1TB was region-limited, but Samsung “hopes to make such a variant more accessible” for S26 Ultra sammobile.com. If costs allow, we might see a 16GB RAM option in more markets so power users can go all-out.
• AI and NPU: Both the Snapdragon 8 Gen4 and Exynos 2600 are expected to have next-gen NPUs (Neural Processing Units) significantly more powerful than current ones. This will help with everything from camera AI scene processing to on-device voice assistant tasks. Samsung specifically is keen on AI performance for One UI’s new features (like running a Perplexity AI model or advanced image recognition on the phone). The Snapdragon’s Hexagon NPU and Exynos’ AI engine will likely support INT4/INT8 acceleration, meaning they can run large language models and other AI tasks efficiently on-device. In practical terms, things like real-time photo enhancement, AR features, or voice dictation could be faster and done without cloud help. Samsung could market the S26’s ability to do “AI studio” effects in videos or AI-generated images directly on the phone.
• Thermals and Sustained Performance: With more power usually comes more heat, but the move to 2nm/3nm process nodes should improve efficiency. The S26 Ultra’s large footprint plus possibly new cooling (there’s speculation Samsung might use a vapor chamber even in base models now) will allow sustained performance in gaming. We might finally see an end to the slight throttling that earlier Exynos models had issues with. Qualcomm’s Gen 4 chip is also rumored to use a novel core layout (with super big cores and power-efficient small cores) to optimize workloads. Samsung’s own One UI software will likely provide the usual Performance and Light mode toggles so users can favor battery or speed. Given the Ultra’s 65W charging, some wondered if Samsung might introduce an “extreme performance mode” only when plugged in (like some gaming phones do) – but no leaks confirm that yet. Still, expect top-tier benchmark numbers and smooth real-world use. The S26 series should comfortably handle any app or game in 2026. As an anecdote, Forbes’ weekly Android news roundup highlighted that the Galaxy S26 Ultra leaks show it as a performance beast, surpassing even some laptop scores in raw tests forbes.com forbes.com. So, Samsung isn’t resting on laurels here.
• Connectivity & Network Performance: The Snapdragon and Exynos modems will be 5G Advanced-ready. By 2026, we’re still on 5G, but advanced features (like NR CA enhancements, better mmWave, etc.) will come. The S26 Ultra could use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X75 or newer modem, offering slight boosts in efficiency and satellite connectivity support. The Exynos 2600 likely integrates Samsung’s latest modem that also supports satellite messaging (tying into that two-way satellite feature possibly enabled via software) techradar.com techradar.com. 4G LTE, of course, up to category 24 or so – but that’s standard now. All models will have Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) as Samsung included that in the S25 Ultra, and with tri-band Wi-Fi, multi-link capability for faster home wireless. Bluetooth should be 5.4 or whatever the latest standard, with dual audio, LE Audio, etc. One interesting rumor: Samsung might finally up the USB connection from USB 3.2 to USB 4 / Thunderbolt 4 on the S26 Ultra, which would allow DeX mode with even higher display bandwidth and faster data (possibly why TechRadar teased Samsung could be thinking of eventually ditching wired charging because high-speed wireless + wireless DeX could replace cables) techradar.com techradar.com. While S26 likely still has a USB-C port (with up to 45W for non-Ultras, 65W for Ultra), its data speed could improve, making it more laptop-like for file transfers and docking.

In essence, the Galaxy S26 series will be a powerhouse. Early commentary from insiders like Ice Universe and others suggests excitement over the new Snapdragon chip’s capabilities, and cautious optimism that Exynos’s comeback won’t be a flop. With memory and storage bumped up across the board, even the “slowest” S26 variant will feel snappy and ready for heavy multitasking or pro apps. Samsung is likely aiming to claim the title of “fastest Android phone” once again with the S26 Ultra – and based on leaks, they just might do it.

Battery Life & Charging: Sticking at 5000mAh, But Charging to 80% in 30 Minutes

Samsung is taking a conservative approach to battery capacities in the S26 lineup, focusing instead on charging improvements and efficiency gains to boost overall battery life:

• Galaxy S26 Ultra – 5,000 mAh (no increase): Despite hopes that Samsung might finally break past the 5,000 mAh ceiling, it’s now all but confirmed the S26 Ultra will stay at 5,000 mAh sammobile.com sammobile.com. A Chinese certification (CQC) listing revealed a Samsung battery (EB-BS948ABY) rated at ~4,855 mAh, which corresponds to a typical 5,000 mAh – exactly the same as the S25 Ultra’s battery sammobile.com. SamMobile bluntly stated: “Samsung will stick with the 5,000mAh capacity next year as well” sammobile.com. This means since the S20 Ultra in 2020, every Ultra will have had 5000 mAh for six generations straight sammobile.com. Many users have expressed disappointment (rivals like Xiaomi and others have 5,200 or 6,000 mAh in some phones), but Samsung appears unwilling to increase battery size, likely due to space and weight constraints – especially since S26 Ultra is thinner. Instead, Samsung is counting on efficiency: the new Snapdragon 8 Gen4 at 3nm and Samsung’s optimizations could squeeze more screen-on time from the same capacity sammobile.com. We might see a modest bump in real battery life despite identical capacity. Still, those longing for a 5,500 mAh Ultra will have to keep waiting (perhaps the S27 Ultra with new battery tech might do it, but not now).
• Galaxy S26 Edge – ~4,200 mAh (up from 3,900 mAh): The S26 Edge is one model that is expected to get a capacity increase, thanks to improved battery density. Rumors say Samsung managed to fit a 4,200 mAh battery in the 5.5mm thin S26 Edge sammobile.com sammobile.com, compared to 3,900 mAh in the S25 Edge (5.8mm thin). They achieved this without resorting to exotic new tech like solid-state or silicon-anode batteries – instead likely using a slightly larger footprint (maybe the S26 Edge is a hair wider/taller to allocate more battery area) and higher energy density Li-ion cells. There was speculation about silicon-carbon (Si-C) anode batteries which can hold more charge in the same volume (sometimes referenced as “SUS℅CAN” in leak translation) androidcentral.com androidcentral.com. However, latest info says Samsung did not adopt silicon-carbon batteries for S26 Edge, but still got a bump with conventional tech sammobile.com sammobile.com. So, +300 mAh is a nice win here, potentially addressing one of the S25 Edge’s criticisms (sub-par battery life).
• Galaxy S26 (Pro) – ~4,300 mAh (up from ~3,900 mAh): If the base model is indeed a new “Pro” with 6.2″ screen, leaks point to 4,300 mAh typical capacity (4,175 mAh rated) androidcentral.com androidcentral.com. The S25 base had around 3,900 mAh, so this is roughly a 10% increase, which should translate to better endurance. A smaller phone with 4,300 mAh is impressive and likely made possible by slight thickness increase or internal design tweaks (maybe using stacked battery tech, as Samsung SDI has been developing). This puts the S26 small model on par with or above many competitors of its size (for example, the smaller Pixel and Xperia phones hover around 4,200 mAh).
• Galaxy S26 Plus – N/A: If the Plus is replaced by Edge, we won’t have a direct S26+. For context, the S25+ had 4,900 mAh. So, while the Edge’s 4,200 is less, Samsung is effectively betting users will prefer the slim profile over absolute battery capacity. The gap is mitigated by faster charging and efficiency, but it’s a notable trade-off: thinnest design vs. largest battery. Some Samsung fans on forums have mixed feelings about this, but those who want max battery can still opt for Ultra (5000 mAh + more efficient chip might outperform last year’s 4900 mAh plus anyway).
• Charging Speed Upgrades: Here Samsung is finally making a move. For years, Galaxy S flagships have been capped at 45W wired charging (and 25W on smaller models) even as Chinese rivals hit 100W+. The Galaxy S26 Ultra will support 60W or 65W wired fast charging sammobile.com sammobile.com. Most sources say 65W is likely (Samsung might brand it as “Super Fast Charging 2.0” or similar). This would be a substantial 44% increase in wattage over 45W. According to leaks, 65W can charge the Ultra from 0 to 80% in ~30 minutes sammobile.com – whereas the S25 Ultra (45W) took about 55-60 minutes to reach 100%. So we’re looking at cutting charge times almost in half. It won’t quite match the 20-minute full charges of some competitors, since Samsung tends to tune charging conservatively to preserve battery health, but it’s a big improvement. Other S26 models (Edge, Pro) are expected to remain at 45W max sammobile.com, which is still okay given their battery sizes. There’s a chance the base S26 Pro might be capped at 25W like previous small Galaxies, but since it’s named “Pro,” Samsung might give it 45W too. We’ll have to see the spec sheet, but at least one leak said “Other models are expected to top out at 45W” implying both Edge and small model get 45W sammobile.com.
• Wireless Charging & Qi2: Samsung will support the new Qi2 wireless charging standard on the S26 series. Qi2 is essentially built around Magnetic Power Profile (like Apple’s MagSafe). Leaks strongly suggest Samsung is adding magnets inside the S26 phones to snap onto Qi2 chargers for perfect alignment sammobile.com tomsguide.com. This would ensure devices get optimal wireless charging efficiency and possibly enable Samsung-specific accessories (magnetic wallets, car mounts, etc., similar to MagSafe’s ecosystem). The wireless charging power might remain ~15W (that’s Qi2’s standard), but alignment could effectively improve real charging times by preventing misalignment. There’s a catch: the space taken by magnets and the push for thinness could force Samsung to remove reverse wireless charging (Wireless PowerShare) on S26 sammobile.com. Some sources claim reverse wireless might be gone to free up coil space and simplify thermals sammobile.com. This means you might not be able to top up your Galaxy Buds on the back of the S26. That’s a bit of a loss in convenience, but perhaps not a widely used feature. Another wild rumor suggested Samsung might remove the wired charging port altogether in the future (going fully wireless), but not on the S26 – the presence of 65W wired charging contradicts that for now techradar.com techradar.com. So USB-C stays.
• Battery Life Expectations: With the above in mind, how will S26 perform in daily longevity? The S26 Ultra’s endurance should either match or slightly exceed the S25 Ultra. If Snapdragon 8 Gen4 is 20% more efficient and One UI 8.5 optimizes background processes, we could see the Ultra comfortably last a full day with 6-8 hours screen-on time in mixed use, maybe more. The 65W charging means even if you do drain it, a quick 10-minute plug-in could give ~30-40% juice, which is handy. The S26 Edge, despite a smaller battery than the old Plus, benefits from the more frugal Exynos 2600 or Snapdragon (plus likely a 1080p screen rather than 1440p like Plus had, if Samsung downgraded res to save battery). So the Edge might still reach all-day battery for moderate use. The base S26 Pro with 4,300 mAh and a 6.2″ 1080p screen might actually be a battery champ in the line – smaller screen, big battery relative to it, and 45W charging to fill up fast.

Samsung also reportedly considered stacked battery technology (used in electric cars, increases density by layering cells) for these phones – some of that R&D might be quietly implemented. And of course, One UI’s AI-based battery management will get smarter, predicting usage patterns and adjusting background usage accordingly.

On the charging safety front, Samsung won’t push things dangerously – they have strict limits (we can expect the 65W to be a dual-charge-pump system at ~20V/3.25A or so, likely requiring a new charger brick). They may sell a new 65W USB-C PD PPS charger as an accessory, since currently Samsung’s top PPS charger is 45W. Notably, Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 5 (capable of >100W) could be supported on Snapdragon units, but Samsung will cap it to their decided wattage. Wired DeX and Android Auto will work via USB as usual.

In sum, battery life on the S26 series should see modest improvements, while charging sees a much-awaited boost. Samsung is playing it safe on capacity but making up for it with charging speed and efficiency. As TechRadar put it, “even if the battery stays same, the phone might have better battery life anyway thanks to a more efficient chipset, and…faster 65W charging” is coming as a consolation techradar.com techradar.com. That will likely satisfy most users, though the power users will always say “give me 6000 mAh!” – perhaps the Galaxy S28 Ultra with a new battery tech (or even the rumored Galaxy Ring accessory for battery?) will address that in the future. For now, the S26 strikes a balanced approach.

Cameras: Pushing Photography to the Next Level (Gradually)

The Galaxy S26 series is generating a lot of buzz in the camera department – not all rumors agree, but it’s clear Samsung is working on both incremental upgrades and some potential big leaps for mobile photography. Here’s the breakdown by model:

Galaxy S26 Ultra: As Samsung’s camera flagship, the Ultra will see the most noteworthy changes, though perhaps not the wild overhaul some early leaks claimed. The current understanding:

• 200MP Main Camera – Refined, Not Replaced: The S26 Ultra is expected to stick with a 200MP resolution main sensor, similar to the S23/S24/S25 Ultra’s 200MP shooters. However, which 200MP sensor is key. Some sources say Samsung will reuse an improved version of its in-house ISOCELL HP2 200MP sensor (as used in S23 Ultra) but pair it with a larger aperture lens (possibly f/1.4–f/1.5 range) phonearena.com phonearena.com. A larger aperture lets in more light, greatly benefiting night and indoor photos – this aligns with multiple leaks noting “wider aperture” on the main camera techradar.com. A wider aperture (lower f-number) might require physically bigger lens elements, hence the new camera bump to accommodate them. On the other hand, a more exciting rumor from Fixed Focus Digital on Weibo claims Samsung might use a Sony-made 200MP sensor, 1/1.1″ in size androidheadlines.com androidheadlines.com. This would be unprecedented – Samsung historically uses its own ISOCELL for high-megapixel, while Sony’s big sensors (like 1″) are lower megapixel (50MP). But Sony has reportedly developed a ~200MP unit, and it being 1/1.1″ means it’s significantly larger than Samsung’s 1/1.3″ HP2. A larger sensor could capture more light and detail (better dynamic range, low-light performance). The trade-off is potentially more lens distortion or a bigger camera bump, but Samsung seems ready to tweak design for it. If Samsung truly “ditches its own sensor for Sony’s” on the Ultra, as Android Headlines put it, that’s huge news androidheadlines.com androidheadlines.com. It would be a nod that Sony’s sensor tech leads in ultra-premium segment (Apple’s iPhones also rely on Sony). There is some skepticism though: another report (Ice Universe or WinFuture) suggests Samsung will continue with its ISOCELL sensors for S26 Ultra androidheadlines.com, indicating perhaps the 200MP will still be Samsung-made (maybe an updated HP2 or HP3 Pro). It’s possible both are true if Samsung co-developed a custom Sony sensor or licensed tech. In any case, we can confidently expect: 200MP, larger sensor size (~1/1.1–1/1.3″), larger aperture lens (maybe f/1.4), and advanced image processing. This should yield improved low-light photos (cleaner Night Mode), and potentially sharper 12MP binned photos thanks to better optics. The 200MP mode itself might also improve in detail and dynamic range.
• Telephoto Cameras – Enhanced Apertures & Sensors: The S26 Ultra will keep a dual-telephoto system: one mid-range zoom (~3x) and one periscope long zoom (~5x or more). Rumors diverge on changes here:
  • Ice Universe hints both tele lenses will also have wider apertures like the main techradar.com, meaning brighter zoom photos. For instance, the current S25 Ultra’s 3x is f/2.4 and 5x is f/2.8; we could see those go to say f/2.0 and f/2.4 respectively. That yields better low-light zoom and less noise.
  • One leak from @Tech_Reve (Siddhant) claimed Samsung might replace the 10MP 3x tele with a 50MP 3.5x tele tomsguide.com, and the 50MP 5x tele with one that effectively offers 8x zoom (approx 180mm focal length) tomsguide.com. This sounds like a major revamp: a 3.5x and 8x combo, both 50MP. That could simplify the system (two high-res tele cameras instead of one high-res and one low-res), giving more flexibility in between via cropping. A 50MP 3.5x could crop to 2x–3x without quality loss, and a 50MP 8x could crop at 10x digitally to surpass a 10MP 10x. However, this info came early (March 2025) and was not echoed by later leaks, so it’s uncertain. WinFuture did not mention such a change; they only reiterated a 50MP telephoto (likely meaning the periscope remained 50MP 5x) techradar.com techradar.com. So, more reliable expectation: 3x tele might stay 10MP but possibly get a larger sensor, and 5x tele stays 50MP 1/2.5″ but with improved lens (maybe slightly longer reach or just wider aperture). Ice Universe did specifically mention the 3x telephoto will get a larger sensor for S26 Ultra techradar.com techradar.com. If Samsung ups the 3x from the tiny 1/3.4″ 10MP to something like 1/2.7″ 12MP (just speculating), that would improve medium zoom shots a lot. And the periscope 5x could remain 50MP 1/2.52″ but with updated optics to accommodate that ~8x rumor without losing quality. Possibly the periscope will offer 5x optical plus up to 8–10x lossless using sensor crop on that 50MP. This could match what Google did on Pixel 7/8 Pro (using a high-res sensor to get hybrid zoom in between). Summing up: expect better zoom clarity and light capture, but not necessarily a jump to 200MP tele as one offbeat rumor claimed. Notably, Tom’s Guide initially cited a leak of a 200MP telephoto lens for S26 Ultra tomsguide.com – if that ever materialized, it would likely refer to using something like Samsung’s 200MP HP3 sensor in a zoom role. That seems unlikely due to size/space and diminishing returns. More plausible is continuing dual 50MP or 10+50MP combo with refinements. We’ll see when more concrete leaks (like component specs) drop in late 2025.
  Additionally, Samsung may tweak the zoom levels. The S24 Ultra introduced 5x instead of 10x to better match real-world use (10x digital is fine for occasional far reach). The S26 Ultra might stick with that strategy: 3x and 5x optical, then rely on high-res sensors for 10x digital that rivals a native lens. Or if they incorporate an ~8x, that covers even more range. It’s clear Samsung’s not adding a third tele lens (like 3x+10x+maybe something else) – that would require more space, and they seem content with two tele modules.
• Ultrawide Camera: The Ultra-wide on S26 Ultra is currently 50MP (introduced on S25 Ultra, up from 12MP before) sammobile.com sammobile.com. It’s likely to remain a 50MP ultrawide with maybe minor sensor improvements or lens tweaks. Given Samsung just upgraded it in S25, they might keep the same sensor (possibly the ISOCELL JN1 or similar 1/2.4″ 50MP) but maybe enhance the lens quality or corner sharpness. No strong rumors of a change here, and WinFuture didn’t have specs for it techradar.com (they said unknown, implying no leak of a change, so it might be same as S25 Ultra’s ultrawide). One could hope for autofocus on ultrawide (for macro shots) – Samsung’s 50MP UW in S25 Ultra did have autofocus, so that should carry over, continuing to allow detailed macro photos.
• Front Camera: The S26 Ultra will likely use the same 12MP selfie camera that’s been on S23/S24/S25 series (the upgraded one from 2023 onward). No rumors suggest a new selfie cam; it’s already at a good spot with HDR and 4K60 video support. Some fans always wish for a larger sensor or more resolution, but Samsung is probably focusing on rear cameras. Software improvements (better portrait AI, etc.) will still make selfies slightly better.
• Special Camera Features: One rumor that excited enthusiasts is the potential return of variable aperture. Samsung used a dual-aperture lens on the Galaxy S9 and Note10 (f/1.5 and f/2.4 switching), but dropped it in later models. Tom’s Guide cited that variable aperture may make a comeback on S26, which would be the first time since 2019 tomsguide.com. They didn’t elaborate which camera – presumably the main lens. A variable aperture would allow the camera to use a wide aperture (like f/1.4) in low light, but stop down to maybe f/2.0 in bright light or for deeper depth-of-field (so more of the scene in focus). This could significantly improve daytime sharpness in 200MP shots and prevent overexposure in extreme light, while still giving great bokeh at night. It’s unclear how Samsung would implement it given the complexity (the S9’s mechanism was simpler, only two steps; Huawei did a 10-stop variable aperture on Mate50 Pro’s 50MP camera). If they pull it off, that’s a big marketing point and practical benefit. We haven’t seen this explicitly mentioned in recent leaks, so treat with caution – it might have been an early speculation based on a patent.
• Image Processing and AI: Samsung’s partnership with Qualcomm (for Snapdragon) and its own AI advances mean the S26 Ultra will leverage AI more in photography. Expect improved AI scene detection, better HDR (possibly using dual-frame or staggered HDR from that new sensor), and maybe on-device AI upscaling for Space Zoom (to clean up 30x or 100x zoom shots). There’s also talk that One UI 8.5’s Galaxy AI could allow using multiple assistants for photography – for example, you might ask Bixby/Perplexity to “enhance this photo” or “paint out an object” and it could do it locally. The Snapdragon’s cognitive ISP will likely do real-time segmentation of the scene (identifying faces vs sky vs foliage) for more precise adjustments. Samsung will refine the Expert RAW app as well, possibly adding Astrophotography mode improvements or a Pro Video mode with even more controls (like focus peaking, LUTs, etc). With the higher RAM, things like burst processing or 8K video recording (which S26 Ultra will definitely support, likely 8K@30fps HDR10+) can be done with less compromise.

Now, outside the Ultra:

Galaxy S26 Edge / S26+ Cameras:
The Edge model in S26 is a bit unique because the S25 Edge actually had a top-tier main camera – it boasted a 200MP main sensor (likely ISOCELL HP3) but in a smaller module than the Ultra sammobile.com sammobile.com. Samsung essentially gave the S25 Edge a flagship-grade camera in a super-thin phone, though possibly a slightly lower-end version (the HP3 is a bit smaller than HP2). For S26 Edge, Samsung has “pushed things to the limit” already with that 200MP main on a thin device sammobile.com. So, they might re-use the 200MP sensor (maybe a revised version) and focus on improving its processing. We haven’t heard of a 250MP or anything coming to Edge; it seems 200MP is here to stay for a bit. The ultrawide on S26 Edge is rumored to be upgraded to 50MP from 12MP techradar.com techradar.com (as mentioned earlier from WinFuture leak). That’s significant – it means the Edge (and possibly the base model too) could finally get high-res ultrawides. (The S25 Edge/Plus both had 12MP UW, so jumping to 50MP would yield sharper wide-angle shots and unify the camera experience somewhat with Ultra’s 50MP UW). The telephoto situation on Edge is unclear; the S25 Edge, due to size constraints, might have omitted a tele lens (I suspect S25 Edge had just 200MP main + 12MP ultra-wide, no dedicated tele, relying on sensor crop for zoom). If that’s the case, maybe S26 Edge does the same: it could use the high-res main to crop for 2x/4x zoom. Or if they find room, maybe a small 3x tele gets included. But given how thin it is, likely no periscope – that’s Ultra-only. A short tele could fit sideways possibly, but we’ve no leak confirming a tele on Edge. WinFuture only explicitly mentioned the ultra-wide upgrade on the “middle model” and didn’t detail the rest techradar.com. So Edge might have dual cameras (main + ultra-wide) relying on 200MP cropping for zoom. That’s something to watch for when more info emerges.

Galaxy S26 (Pro) Cameras:
For the smallest model, traditionally Samsung has reused camera hardware for a couple of generations. The base S24/S25 had 50MP main (1/1.56″ GN3 sensor since S22), 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP 3x tele. Rumors indicate at least the main sensor on the base S26 will be new but still 50MP sammobile.com. Possibly Samsung’s developing a new GNx series or using the GN3’s successor with better low-light (maybe slightly larger, 1/1.4″ 50MP like the Pixel 8 Pro’s main sensor). They’ll keep 50MP resolution to differentiate from Edge’s 200MP and Ultra’s advanced 200MP. The benefit is a newer 50MP could yield better dynamic range and night performance even at 50MP binning to 12.5MP. As for the base model’s other cameras: if the Edge is getting 50MP ultrawide, it’s plausible the base S26 (Pro) could also get that 50MP ultrawide upgrade techradar.com (especially if Samsung is standardizing parts). That would mean a huge camera bump for the small model in capability, aligning it with the big ones in ultrawide quality. For telephoto, base models usually have a single short tele (10MP 3x). Samsung could keep that – or, if they drop the tele entirely for form factor reasons in the Edge, maybe the base also drops it and relies on main sensor cropping. However, I suspect the base 6.2″ can accommodate a 3x lens, so it will likely have one. Possibly the same 10MP 3x as before, unless Samsung has a higher-res replacement (some midrange Galaxies now have 8/13MP tele, but 10MP dual-pixel has been Samsung’s choice for a while).

In sum, outside the Ultra, at least one meaningful upgrade is coming: a new 50MP ultrawide for the mid model (Edge) and likely the base too techradar.com. This addresses the fact that Samsung hadn’t touched the UW in base models since 2020. The main cameras on base/Edge get new sensors but stick to their resolutions (50MP for base, 200MP for Edge), improving image quality subtly. And we shouldn’t expect dramatic zoom performance on those models beyond maybe 30x digital via sensor crop, since only Ultra gets the fancy zoom hardware.

Expert Opinions & Commentary:
Reputable leaksters and tech writers have weighed in on the S26 camera rumors. Ice Universe, known for camera-centric leaks, expressed excitement about the prospect of a Sony 200MP sensor, suggesting it could “push the S26 Ultra’s photographic capabilities to new heights” by leveraging Sony’s expertise androidheadlines.com. However, he also cautioned that until more concrete evidence, we should take it with a grain of salt androidheadlines.com – a sentiment shared by Android Headlines, which said “best to take this latest leak with a pinch of salt” regarding the Sony sensor, as other reliable sources pointed to Samsung sticking with ISOCELL androidheadlines.com. On the flip side, SamMobile’s analysts struck a somewhat critical tone, noting that truly revolutionary upgrades might be delayed: a “shocking rumor” claimed Samsung could avoid major camera changes until the Galaxy S28 two years later sammobile.com. If that’s true, the S26’s camera improvements, while useful (better sensors, apertures), are iterative – the big leap (maybe a larger sensor, new lens tech, etc.) might come in 2028’s model. SamMobile’s editor also mentioned that if Samsung isn’t doing a big overhaul now, it likely means they’re refining what’s there and saving a leap (like maybe a 1-inch sensor or 10x periscope return) for later sammobile.com.

From TechRadar’s perspective, their coverage suggests the S26 Ultra camera will be a “mixed bag of big upgrades and unchanged specs” techradar.com. For instance, James Rogerson at TechRadar highlighted the new camera island as a visual change necessitated by the improved main & telephoto lenses, but also pointed out the battery remains the same – implying Samsung is selectively upgrading cameras but not battery techradar.com techradar.com. TechRadar also wrote an article listing “5 reasons why S26 Ultra could offer a bigger upgrade than usual,” and two of those reasons were better cameras: larger aperture for main and larger sensor for telephoto, which they took from Ice Universe’s hints techradar.com techradar.com. They conclude that if these rumors hold, S26 Ultra’s camera might be a “much bigger upgrade” than expected techradar.com techradar.com, breaking the slow upgrade cycle.

Video capabilities shouldn’t be overlooked: S26 Ultra will certainly do [email protected] and likely [email protected] with HDR. With the new chips, perhaps we’ll see [email protected] or at least better stabilization in 8K. Samsung could also add stacked video HDR (combining multiple exposures each frame) if the Snapdragon Gen4 ISP supports it. We might also see improved Super Steady stabilization and new software features like an advanced Night Video mode leveraging that wider aperture. Some rumors about “AI Zoom” might surface – where the phone can automatically track and zoom in on subjects (similar to what some Honor phones have done). Given the multi-assistant theme, maybe voice commands to instruct the camera (e.g. “take a long exposure of the stars” and it does it). A minor note: flash – PhoneArena mentioned another leaker said S26 Ultra cameras “will have rings around them” presumably with an LED flash integrated or stylized differently phonearena.com. That could hint at a redesigned flash (maybe dual LED or ring flash style). Not a huge deal, but it might improve night portraits.

To wrap up the camera section: The S26 series isn’t a radical reinvention of Samsung’s camera system like, say, the leap from S20 Ultra’s problematic 108MP to S21 Ultra’s refined system. Instead, Samsung is building on the solid foundation of S23/S24/S25 Ultra cameras. We’ll see noticeable improvements in image quality – brighter, cleaner zooms, better low-light across all lenses, and higher consistency between lenses (color tuning, etc.). The base and Edge models are finally getting some of the Ultra’s trickle-down goodness (that 50MP ultrawide will make their camera setups more well-rounded). And if we’re lucky, Samsung might surprise us with that rumored variable aperture or a Sony sensor collaboration, which would be headline-grabbing. At the very least, Samsung is listening to critiques: for example, that slight staleness of the floating lens design – they’re spicing it up with a new bump; complaints of dim charging – they’re adding magnets and boosting watts, which also ties into camera because more stable wireless charging means you can use the phone as a night camera while on a dock without disconnecting.

All told, the Galaxy S26 Ultra should rank among the top camera phones of 2026, competing with whatever Google and Apple offer. As Android Central noted, it’s shaping up to have “impressive upgrades for your close-up shots” and could potentially beat the iPhone 17 Pro Max in at least some camera aspects like zoom androidcentral.com techradar.com. And if you don’t opt for the Ultra, the other S26 models are no slouches either – they’ll benefit from Samsung’s camera software magic and decent hardware, likely outclassing most other phones in their size/price category.

Software & AI: One UI 8.5, Android 16, and a Multiverse of Assistants

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series will launch with Android 16 under the hood, running Samsung’s own One UI 8.5 interface sammobile.com techradar.com. Samsung has a cadence where the Galaxy S flagships debut a mid-cycle One UI (last year S25 came with One UI 7.1 on Android 15, hypothetically; this year foldables launched One UI 8.0 on Android 15, so S26 gets 8.5 on Android 16).

Here’s what to expect on the software front:

• One UI 8.5 Features: While One UI 8.0 (launched with the Fold 7/Flip 7 in mid-2025) focused on foldable optimizations and iterative improvements, One UI 8.5 will likely bring some new features tailored for the S26 and its hardware. Samsung is reportedly holding back certain features from One UI 8.0 to debut with 8.5 so that the S26 series has fresh selling points techradar.com techradar.com. One confirmed change is the integration of multiple AI assistants (more on that below), which will be a headline feature. We can also infer some likely enhancements: perhaps improved lockscreen customization (building on Android’s generative AI wallpapers or new clock styles), enhancements to the Camera and Gallery apps (like more advanced Photo Remaster, AI-generated album highlights, etc.), and possibly privacy features (Android 16 might bring new privacy dashboards or permission controls that Samsung will integrate). Additionally, since Samsung is very focused on ecosystem, One UI 8.5 might introduce better continuity with Galaxy tablets/PCs – e.g., the rumor about a “Now Bar” (like iOS’s Live Activities) for showing ongoing tasks could appear techradar.com techradar.com, or the ability to use phone apps seamlessly on a connected Windows PC (expanding on the current Link to Windows/Phone Hub). One interesting leak from Samsung’s own documentation hinted at a “Smart Tag2 integration and AR-Find” in One UI 8.x which might launch around this time, improving how you track lost items or even people via UWB and AR – relevant if S26 Ultra has UWB for the Galaxy SmartTag2. Another snippet: TechTimes reported a “contactless payment upgrade” which we covered (NFC dual antenna) – that might also involve a software side where Samsung Pay makes it easier to tap regardless of orientation techradar.com techradar.com. That’s part hardware, part software experience.
• Samsung’s AI Push – Multiple Assistants: Perhaps the most intriguing software development for S26 is Samsung’s plan to use more than one AI digital assistant simultaneously. In 2023/2024, Google developed “Assistant with Bard/Gemini” (Gemini is Google’s codename for a powerful AI model to deeply integrate with Assistant). Samsung, as a major Android partner, had early access. In fact, on the Galaxy S25 series with Android 15/One UI 7, Samsung allowed Google’s new AI Assistant (Gemini-based) to essentially replace classic Google Assistant and even step in for some Bixby functions sammobile.com. However, Samsung doesn’t want to put all its eggs in one basket. Reports emerged that Samsung is investing in Perplexity AI – a startup that makes an AI chatbot/assistant similar to ChatGPT, focused on answering questions with up-to-date info sammobile.com. Samsung apparently is working on a deal to integrate Perplexity AI into Galaxy phones sammobile.com. If that deal closes in time, the Galaxy S26 could be the debut of a “dual AI” strategy: Google’s Gemini assistant and Samsung’s own AI (powered by Perplexity) living side by side sammobile.com. Samsung’s Mobile eXperience president actually confirmed that “Gemini won’t be the only AI assistant on the Galaxy S26” sammobile.com. This suggests One UI 8.5 might have a way for users to summon either assistant depending on task. Perhaps saying “Hi Bixby” triggers Samsung’s in-house AI (which might use Perplexity for conversational answers, effectively an evolved Bixby), while “Hey Google” triggers the Google Assistant. Or Samsung could integrate them contextually: e.g., Bixby/Perplexity handles phone controls and multi-step tasks, while Google handles search and device-agnostic tasks. There might even be a third player: some chatter about Microsoft’s ChatGPT-based Bing or Amazon Alexa as optional installs, but likely Samsung will push its two primary ones. This multi-assistant approach is unique – potentially a selling point that Galaxy gives you more AI choices than a Pixel or iPhone. For users, this means the S26 will be an AI powerhouse in daily use. You could, for example, use Samsung’s AI to summarize content on a webpage in Samsung Internet browser (Perplexity integration) sammobile.com, or to compose a message based on context, while still having Google’s assistant to handle your calendar and smart home from the Android side. It’s a bit complex to imagine how it’ll work seamlessly, but likely Samsung will implement it as parallel features that the tech-savvy can utilize. Less techy users might not even notice – they’ll just benefit from the smarter features under the hood (like AI in the keyboard for better predictions, AI in gallery for search, etc.). Samsung has already introduced things like “Bixby Text Call” (AI transcribes calls) and “Photo Remaster” (AI upscales images) in One UI; expect those to be refined.
• Android 16 Base OS: Android 16 itself (set to release in late 2025) will bring some native features that S26 will enjoy. Android 16 Developer Previews hinted at improved predictive back gestures (which Samsung may or may not adopt due to their own navigation gestures), possibly new notification features, and enhancements for devices with larger screens or extended displays (not too relevant for S phones). There’s also strong talk of satellite messaging support baked into Android 16’s Emergency SOS – which aligns with Samsung’s plans to enable two-way satellite on Galaxy (if carriers allow) techradar.com techradar.com. So on S26, if they flip the switch, you might be able to send an emergency text via satellite when no cell signal (using Google/Android’s UI, similar to iPhone’s solution). Another likely Android 16 feature is better device localization (the “Find My Device” network improvements, maybe even when phone is off). Samsung will integrate that with SmartThings Find.
• UI and UX Improvements: Samsung’s One UI is known for its customization and feature-rich environment. With One UI 8.5, they will continue polishing the Material You theming (maybe allow more granular theming or new palettes), and possibly bring new animation smoothness as they often do in half-step updates. There might be new widgets – Samsung could launch an AI-generated Smart Widget that surfaces info based on your routine (like iOS’s Smart Stack but smarter). Deeper integration of devices like Galaxy Ring or Watch might also appear – e.g., if Samsung announces the Galaxy Ring smart device around the same time (there’s rumor it might launch in early 2026), the S26 will be the companion device with a new health app design.
• Extended Software Support: On the policy side, Samsung offers very long support now – up to 4 OS upgrades and 5 years security updates. So S26 with Android 16 should get updates through Android 20 (2029) at least. This is key for buyers – it’s almost on par with Apple’s support length. And Samsung has gotten faster with updates too. So investing in an S26 means you’ll see features way down the line as well.
• Expert Take on Software: The Verge hasn’t specifically commented on S26 software yet, but they often emphasize Samsung’s lead in updates among Android OEMs and the bloat/trade-offs of One UI vs Pixel’s software. For a general audience, the key message is: the S26 will be one of the smartest phones on the market, thanks to AI. Android Central wrote that the S26 could “come with multiple AI assistants – while the Ultra is tipped for a camera upgrade”, highlighting that this dual-AI thing is equally big news techradar.com techradar.com. That indicates even tech press is intrigued by Samsung’s approach, albeit a bit cautious as to how well it will work in practice.
• Knox and Security: We should mention Samsung’s security as well – S26 will have the latest Knox 4.0 (or similar) secure enclave for things like Samsung Wallet. The presence of two secure processors (one for Android’s Keystore, one for Samsung’s Secure Folder/Knox) will remain. Possibly, Samsung might integrate Passkeys deeper into Samsung Password Manager, align with Android 16’s push for passwordless sign-in. Samsung usually also has some enterprise features (Knox Manage etc.), which will continue making S26 a solid business phone.
• S Pen Software (Ultra): The S26 Ultra’s S Pen capabilities deserve mention. However, as you’ll see in the next section, there’s a twist: the S Pen hardware might be changing, which in turn affects software. On S25 Ultra, you had Bluetooth Air Actions (remote camera shutter, etc.), handwriting-to-text in Samsung Notes, and so on. If S26 Ultra removes the Bluetooth function from the S Pen (as one rumor says) tomsguide.com tomsguide.com, then features like using the S Pen as a remote might go away or shift to a different approach. Samsung could introduce a new kind of stylus input (maybe something like the Apple Pencil hover features or improved latency). They might also double down on AI for S Pen: e.g., writing with the S Pen and having AI (Perplexity or Google) complete sentences or generate diagrams. The S Pen could become more of a creative tool if paired with generative AI (imagine sketching an outline and AI turning it into a polished image). These are speculative, but given Samsung’s focus on AI, it’s likely they’ll highlight how S Pen + AI = better productivity.

In conclusion, the S26’s software experience is shaping up to be feature-packed and forward-looking. Samsung is blending Google’s latest Android 16 improvements with its own ecosystem and doubling down on AI to differentiate from other Android phones. The introduction of multiple AIs on one device is bold – it could either be a bit confusing or a game-changer (or both). But it reinforces that these phones aren’t just about hardware; they’re about smarter usage. For a tech-savvy user, the S26 should offer plenty to explore out of the box, from customization to the newest Google features to Samsung’s unique apps. And with lengthy updates promised, the phones will only get better over time.

The S Pen Saga: Is Samsung Sacrificing the Stylus for Charging Tech?

One particularly hot topic around the Galaxy S26 Ultra is the fate of the S Pen – the signature stylus that has been embedded in Samsung’s Ultra models since the S22 Ultra effectively merged the Note line. There are rumors of big changes to the S Pen in S26 Ultra, potentially even a partial removal, which is causing a stir among Note enthusiasts. Here’s the breakdown:

• Potential Removal of S Pen Digitizer: A leak from X (Twitter) user @PandaFlashPro, as reported by Tom’s Guide, claims that Samsung might “remove the S-Pen digitizer” from the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s display tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. The S-Pen digitizer is the layer under the screen that senses the S Pen’s input (pressure, tilt, etc.). Removing it would be a radical move – it essentially means the screen wouldn’t natively detect the current S Pen signals. Why would Samsung do this? According to the leak, it’s to free up space for a Qi2 magnetic charging ring and to reduce thickness tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. The S Pen digitizer layer takes up valuable internal space and adds a bit of thickness. By nixing it, Samsung can place a ring of magnets for MagSafe-like charging (which sits right under the back glass) without making the phone thicker. Also, less layers = a thinner phone. Given Samsung’s obsession with making the Ultra thinner and adding Qi2, this rumor has some logic behind it.
• New S Pen Tech (Digitizer-Free): If the traditional Wacom digitizer is gone, how would an S Pen still work? PandaFlashPro suggests Samsung has “New S-Pen Tech” ready and that Samsung is “ready to use it in the Ultra” tomsguide.com. In follow-up, he indicates Samsung has rebuilt the S Pen with new tech and a bigger form factor, akin to what might be used for foldables tomsguide.com. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 (due in 2025) was rumored to get a new thicker stylus that could work without a built-in silo (the Fold still doesn’t house a pen internally) tomsguide.com. It’s possible Samsung has developed an active S Pen that uses a different sensing method – for example, a Bluetooth-only pen that has its own small battery and sensors (like the Apple Pencil’s approach on iPads, which don’t need a digitizer layer because the Pencil itself emits a signal detected by the touch layer). Samsung might implement something where the pen uses perhaps a combination of sensors and AI to track movement on the screen, or a different frequency that can be picked up by the regular touch screen (some modern styli can be detected by capacitive screens if tuned right, albeit with lower precision). This is speculation, but “new S Pen tech” implies they’re not killing the feature entirely, just changing how it works.
• Loss of Certain Features: One thing PandaFlash did clarify: “we won’t be seeing a return of the Bluetooth-capable S Pen.” tomsguide.com tomsguide.com The current S Pen in S22/S23/S24/S25 Ultra has Bluetooth LE to support Air Actions (remote camera shutter, waving pen to control music, etc.). If Samsung’s new approach drops Bluetooth, those air gestures might be gone or heavily reduced. It could be that the new S Pen is more like the classic Note 9 era stylus (which had no BLE, it just wrote). That aligns with making it passive and simpler so no digitizer needed (though Note 9 still had the digitizer, it just didn’t have to maintain a BLE connection except when using remote shutter). Another rumored casualty: if no digitizer, hovering pointer and Air View might not work as before (like you might not see the little cursor when the pen is near screen, unless the new tech replicates that via the touch sensor).
• Will S26 Ultra still have a silo? It’s not explicitly stated, but “bigger form factor” of the new S Pen suggests it might be larger and perhaps no longer fits inside the phone. That would be a huge change – part of the appeal of S Ultra is the pen is stored inside. If Samsung can’t integrate a magnet ring and keep the pen silo, they may have to compromise. PandaFlash hinted “it’s not clear if the S26 Ultra will lose its built-in S Pen holder” tomsguide.com, meaning even he didn’t confirm that part. There is a scenario where S26 Ultra comes without an embedded S Pen for the first time since the S21 Ultra (which supported S Pen but had no silo), requiring an external case to hold it (like Fold’s approach). Samsung may think adding magnets and shaving 1mm off thickness is worth that trade. That would certainly upset some Note loyalists who love the internal storage – but perhaps Samsung’s calculus is that a thinner, magnet-charging Ultra will appeal to more people. Or they might try to keep the silo by making the pen thinner or relocating components. This is a big question mark.
• Ice Universe / Other Insiders on S Pen: Interestingly, Ice Universe hasn’t loudly opposed or confirmed this rumor publicly (as of late August). If Samsung was really dropping the S Pen slot, one would expect some leaks. However, Tom’s Guide and others treated PandaFlash’s leak seriously, so it has some weight. Jukan Choi, another leaker, is cited to have said “Samsung might remove the S Pen entirely after the Galaxy S27 series” tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. That implies maybe S26 keeps it in some form and S27 drops it? Or remove means no S Pen at all by S28. It’s a bit contradictory to others, but could be long-term thinking – perhaps Samsung envisions a future Ultra without a pen if usage is low vs. cost.
• Implications if True: If the S Pen digitizer is removed, presumably the S26 Ultra’s display becomes like a regular phone display with no special layer. The new S Pen might communicate differently (maybe via the touchscreen or via the camera tracking, etc.). The positive: thinner phone, MagSafe compatibility, and possibly improved display quality (no digitizer layer means slightly clearer display and less parallax when using pen). The negative: potential loss of some pen precision or features, and possibly no more scribbling without battery if pen needs power. Also, if no silo, that’s a usability hit (you have to carry the pen separately or in a case).

Samsung will likely spin this as an upgrade: they might say “we have a new advanced S Pen with better latency or a special feature, and by the way we managed to make the phone thinner and support Qi2 magnets by redesigning the S Pen system.” They won’t frame it as a removal, but as an evolution.

• S Pen on other models: Only Ultra has S Pen support historically (S21 Ultra onward). The Edge and base S26 likely won’t gain any S Pen ability (unless Samsung surprises and makes the new S Pen somehow universal, but unlikely as it’s a hallmark feature for Ultra). If Ultra’s S Pen becomes external, ironically the gap between Ultra and Edge narrows (Edge is just lacking pen support and maybe worse zoom). But Ultra would still have the biggest screen and top camera, etc.
• What about the Foldables’ S Pen? The leak references the Fold 7’s situation – the Fold 7 (2025) apparently didn’t get an internal S Pen either, but Samsung made a new larger pen for it that still has to be carried separately tomsguide.com. So Samsung might unify stylus tech across Ultra and Fold: a single “Galaxy S Pen Type-C” (just naming arbitrarily) that works on both, but is an external accessory. If so, maybe they plan to sell it optionally, which could even reduce base cost slightly.

From a user perspective, this is controversial. The S Pen is beloved by a niche but important group (artists, note-takers, etc.). Removing the silo or changing how it works could upset them. However, casual users might prefer a thinner phone and better wireless charging – which benefits everyone daily, whereas not everyone uses the stylus daily. It’s a classic trade-off of catering to power users vs. mainstream.

Given that Samsung explicitly used the S Pen to differentiate the Ultra from e.g. an iPhone, it’s unlikely they’ll drop it entirely. They might be counting on the new solution to still satisfy most stylus use cases. Possibly, the new tech could allow something cool like using the S Pen on multiple devices easily (e.g., one pen for phone and tablet with seamless switching if it’s just a Bluetooth pointer style).

Key Expert Commentary: Tom’s Guide’s article title itself was “S26 Ultra could ditch the S Pen to make way for new tech” tomsguide.com, highlighting how big a deal this rumor is. Their writer noted this could reduce thickness and that Samsung is on a “never-ending quest to make the thinnest phones” tomsguide.com tomsguide.com, which rings true. They also mention that the S25 Ultra was “Qi2 Ready” but lacked internal magnets, whereas adding magnets would make the S26 Ultra MagSafe-like tomsguide.com. This shows the clear motivation: magnets in, stylus digitizer out. Tom’s also points out PandaFlash’s statement that we won’t see the return of a Bluetooth S Pen anytime soon tomsguide.com tomsguide.com, implying the new S Pen might be simpler.

In the Samsung community, opinions are divided (we saw a Reddit thread in search results debating if ditching S Pen is okay or not reddit.com). Some say if they remove it, it should be replaced with something – like a significantly bigger battery or other tech – not just magnets. Here, they are replacing it with magnets and thinness. We should mention: Samsung did remove the S Pen from foldables (Fold 5 had no silo) to keep them slim. So there is precedent of prioritizing form factor over internal pen storage.

It’s also possible Samsung’s market research shows not all Ultra buyers use the S Pen regularly. If only, say, 20% do, they might accept making it external if it benefits 100% of users with better design.

Bottom line: The S Pen likely isn’t gone, but it’s being reinvented for the S26 Ultra. Expect Samsung to unveil perhaps a “New S Pen with Advanced Technology” that either still slots in differently or is an external accessory. They’ll highlight what it enables (MagSafe, thinness, maybe even improved writing latency if they managed that). For hardcore Note fans, it might feel like the end of an era (the Note line truly losing its soul if the pen isn’t built-in). But we’ll have to see if the compromise is worth it in practice.

If Samsung pulls it off well, maybe nobody will miss the old digitizer – the new stylus might work nearly as well. If they botch it, it could be a black mark on S26 Ultra’s otherwise stellar package. We’ll only know for sure at launch, but it’s definitely one of the most intriguing and “controversial” changes to watch for in the S26 generation.

Connectivity and Other Notable Mentions

Beyond the headline features, there are a few additional aspects to cover that round out the Galaxy S26 series:

• Dual SIM & eSIM: The S26 series will almost certainly support dual SIM (nano-SIM + eSIM, or dual eSIM in some markets). Samsung adopted eSIM widely by S23. Expect the flexibility of having two active lines, which is now standard on flagships.
• Ultra-Wideband (UWB): Samsung included UWB in the Ultra (and Plus) models since S21 for features like Digital Key (car unlock) and SmartThings Find precision tracking. The S26 Ultra and possibly S26 Edge should have the latest UWB chipset (maybe UWB 2.0). This could enhance compatibility with the new Galaxy SmartTag2 (which has improved range and such) and enable things like storing your driver’s license on phone to unlock your car, etc. It might also play a role in that rumored Galaxy Ring – maybe UWB helps identify presence. Base models usually skip UWB, so likely the S26 Pro might not have it (to cut cost). But Ultra certainly will.
• Audio: All models will have stereo speakers (top/bottom). Samsung might tune them further with AKG. They’ll support Dolby Atmos. One UI 8.5 might introduce Bluetooth LE Audio enhancements (Auracast broadcast audio etc.). Bluetooth 5.3/5.4 will allow connecting multiple devices (already present in S25). 3.5mm headphone jack – nope, long gone and not coming back.
• Biometrics: The S26 series will continue with ultrasonic in-display fingerprint readers (likely 3D Sonic Gen 2 or 3). There’s a possibility of an updated Qualcomm 3D Sonic Max (which can read two fingerprints at once and has a larger area), but Samsung hasn’t used that yet. Maybe S26 Ultra finally does? No leaks confirm, but it’d be a nice upgrade to make unlocking easier. Face unlock will be software-based (2D via selfie camera) – Samsung hasn’t used IR or 3D face sensors since the S10/Note9 era, and none rumored now.
• Durability: Expect IP68 water and dust resistance on all models (Samsung even gave it to the thin S25 Edge, so S26 Edge should have it too). The armor aluminum or titanium frames plus Gorilla Glass Victus (or successor) on front/back mean these phones will be durable for daily use, though an ultra-thin one like Edge might be a tad more fragile feeling. Samsung’s foldables are getting more durable; the candybar S series have been rock solid with IP68 for a while.
• Regulatory Certifications: It’s worth noting what has been seen: the Chinese CQC certification we mentioned for the Ultra’s battery sammobile.com, likely a 3C certification for charger rating too (if a new 65W charger appears, that would show up). Also any FCC filings might reveal things like exact 5G bands or the presence of ultra-wideband. Those usually come in December just before launch. We’ll keep an eye but nothing yet beyond battery certification and some early registration as mentioned with Digital Chat Station’s leak androidcentral.com.
• Launch and Supply Chain: On timing, suppliers likely start mass production of components by Q4 2025. There haven’t been reports of chip shortages or delays, so S26 launch should be smooth. One supply chain nugget: Samsung’s display division (SDC) presumably started making those new screens with CoE tech, and battery supplier Samsung SDI likely ramped a new assembly technique for the Edge’s battery. We haven’t heard of any issues, which is a good sign.
• Galaxy Ring and Ecosystem: The S26 series might launch alongside or near other new Galaxy devices (for instance, an anticipated Galaxy Ring (smart ring) and the Galaxy Tab S11 series). While not directly part of the phones, it’s relevant as Samsung will position the S26 as the hub of your personal tech ecosystem. They even teased a bit about a Galaxy Ring in development androidcentral.com, which could be unveiled around the same event or a bit later. The S26 would of course be used to manage that ring’s health data (so One UI 8.5 might have a new Samsung Health app update ready).
• Colors & Materials (again): We touched on colors earlier – as launch nears, leaks may reveal color names. Samsung often has one hero color each year (e.g., S23 Ultra had a green, S22 Ultra burgundy, S25 Ultra a blue maybe). For S26, who knows, maybe a classic black, a new gray titanium, and a cool new hue like a dark teal or orange as a special edition. Samsung also tends to offer Samsung.com exclusive colors (like graphite, sky blue, red in past). So likely there will be some customization options if you order direct.
• Packaging: Samsung will continue eco-friendly packaging – no charger in the box, just a USB-C cable and SIM ejector, minimal box size. They introduced recycled materials in phones too (some parts of S25 were made of recycled ocean plastics etc.), S26 will extend that possibly (like UWB antenna bracket or buttons made of recycled material).
• Competitors: It’s helpful to compare – the S26 series will go up against Apple’s iPhone 17 line (likely coming Sep 2025) and Google’s Pixel 10 (late 2025). From what we gather, Samsung is trying to either match or leapfrog in key areas: e.g. faster charging to catch up with Chinese brands, improved cameras to fend off Pixel’s computational edge, and AI integration possibly beyond what Apple/Google offer out of the box. Early speculation suggests Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max might finally do periscope 10x zoom – so Samsung ensuring strong zoom in S26 Ultra counters that. And Pixel 10 Pro probably will double down on AI features – Samsung’s answer is multiple assistants and its own AI tie-ins.
• Experience & UI continuity: If you’re a current Samsung user (say with S22 or S23), One UI 8.5 on S26 will feel familiar. The learning curve is not steep. It’s more evolutionary. And Samsung’s done well to keep things like DeX (desktop mode when connected to monitor) consistent – S26 will support wireless and wired DeX still, maybe with minor improvements. They might add support for higher resolution output if USB4 happens.
• Software updates in future: As a note, the S26 series being Android 16 means they’ll eventually get Android 17 (One UI 9), Android 18 (One UI 10), etc. One UI 9 in late 2026 might bring a big redesign (just guessing numbering, but One UI 10 in a couple years might align with new design language). So S26 owners are in for a lot of new features over time.
• Wrap-up of expertise opinions: To integrate a bit more external voices: Android Central praised Samsung’s efforts to innovate battery tech (mentioning rumored “SUS CAN” material to boost batteries) androidcentral.com androidcentral.com, and their tone suggests optimism that S26 will address battery criticisms. Forbes’ weekly Android column (Android Circuit) recently highlighted “Galaxy S26 Ultra leaks” among top news, implying the industry watchers have their eyes on how Samsung is balancing these changes (they mention S26 Ultra leak alongside Pixel and others in the rumor mill) forbes.com. Tech enthusiasts on forums (XDA, Reddit) are also actively piecing together these leaks – many are excited about the camera upgrades and concerned about the S Pen. It’s fair to say the tech community expects the S26 series to cement Samsung’s position as the Android phone to beat in 2026.

Release Timeline and Expected Announcement

Samsung usually follows a regular schedule for the Galaxy S series, and all signs point to the Galaxy S26 lineup being unveiled in January 2026:

• Unpacked Event: Samsung has shifted to earlier launches recently – the Galaxy S24 series was announced in mid-January 2024, and the S25 series on January 22, 2025 tomsguide.com. It stands to reason the Galaxy S26 event will be mid-to-late January 2026, perhaps around Jan 20–25 (Samsung likes Wednesdays, e.g., Jan 21 or 22). This timing allows them to show off at CES (early Jan) behind closed doors if needed and then have their own spotlight before the Mobile World Congress (late Feb). As Tom’s Guide notes, this window between CES and MWC is Samsung’s favored spot to “dominate the limelight” tomsguide.com.
• Venue: For S24 and S25, Samsung held Unpacked in San Francisco/San Jose, USA. We might see a return to the US West Coast for S26 Unpacked, unless they change strategy. (It could be a hybrid or online launch if needed, but by 2026 likely full in-person events are normal.)
• Pre-orders and Launch: If announced late Jan 2026, pre-orders will start that day and typically run about two weeks with incentives (like free storage upgrade or bundled accessories). General availability would likely be early February 2026 (first or second week). Samsung has a global simultaneous launch so most major markets (US, Europe, Korea, India, etc.) get it within a week of each other.
• Pricing Revisited: We covered pricing earlier – expected to remain roughly at S25 levels barring external factors sammobile.com. To reiterate: Base model ~$799, Edge around $999, Ultra ~$1199 in the US (and equivalent pricing in GBP/EUR though Europe often pays a bit more after VAT). If Samsung does drop the base “non-pro” model and makes the entry the S26 Pro with beefed up specs, there’s a slim chance the entry price could rise (maybe to $849 or $899) because that “base” phone would be more premium than previous base models. But with an iPhone 17 likely at $799 as well, Samsung probably wants to stay competitive at that $799 starting point. So maybe they’ll price the 6.2″ S26 Pro at $799 and the 6.7″ Edge at $999 as usual, absorbing costs by efficiencies or slight margin cuts.
• Variants: There will be regional chip variants (Snapdragon vs Exynos) as discussed, but otherwise each model has maybe a couple memory variants. Samsung might trim options – e.g., S26 Pro with 256 or 512GB, S26 Edge with 256/512, Ultra with 256/512/1TB (and in some places 16GB/1TB). The Ultra typically comes in Phantom Black plus 3 colors, and Samsung.com colors. Edge and base come in slightly fewer colors. Carriers will have their deals (in the US one can expect trade-in promos that effectively discount it heavily with a device swap and contract).
• Potential Delays or Changes: At this point (late 2025), no major production issues are rumored. Unless Samsung hits a snag with the new Exynos yield or a component shortage, they are on track. The mention that the S26 Pro was “registered well ahead of schedule” androidcentral.com implies development is going smoothly. If any feature is not ready (say the new S Pen tech), Samsung could backtrack – but unlikely that they’d plan such a change without confidence. If they did backtrack, worst case they’d keep the normal S Pen digitizer and maybe scrap Qi2 magnets (but Qi2 seems like a sure inclusion given industry moves).
• Alternate Scenario – later launch? It’s always possible Samsung could slip to early Feb launch if they needed a bit more time. But they wouldn’t want to after two years of Jan – plus Chinese brands often launch flagships around Feb, and Samsung likes beating them to market globally.
• Post-Launch Competition: After S26 comes out, we’ll see the usual cycle: OnePlus 13 maybe in Feb 2026 (OnePlus often tries to undercut with price/performance), Xiaomi 16 Ultra in Q1 (though those are mostly China/India), and Apple iPhone 17 series in Sept 2026. So for a good 6-7 months, S26 series will stand as the most advanced globally available Android phones, which is exactly Samsung’s intention.

Key Takeaways and Outlook

The Samsung Galaxy S26 series is shaping up to be one of the most significant Galaxy launches in years, bundling a host of innovations, refinements, and a few bold experiments. To summarize the landscape:

• Samsung is future-proofing the S26 lineup with cutting-edge silicon (Snapdragon 8 “Elite 2” and Exynos 2600 on a 2nm node) tomsguide.com sammobile.com, ensuring these phones will be blazing fast and efficient for years to come. Combined with more RAM and longer software support, buyers can feel confident about longevity.
• The design evolution – making devices thinner and more comfortable (rounded corners) sammobile.com sammobile.com – shows Samsung responding to feedback and rival designs. The reintroduced camera bump on Ultra techradar.com might seem like a step back aesthetically to some, but it’s done for very tangible benefits in photography.
• Camera advancements are a big story: even if some are incremental, they cover all bases (main, zoom, ultra-wide). The possibility of a Sony co-developed 200MP sensor androidheadlines.com and variable aperture tomsguide.com suggests Samsung is pushing boundaries to reclaim the mobile camera crown. And even conservative changes (bigger sensor on 3x lens, new UW on smaller models) will polish one of the best camera systems out there.
• AI and software – Samsung is not sitting idle while Apple and Google race ahead in AI. By potentially offering both Google’s and their own AI assistants on the S26 sammobile.com, Samsung is leveraging the open nature of Android to give users more flexibility (and not be locked into one AI ecosystem). It’s an aggressive move to differentiate One UI from stock Android or iOS. If executed well, a Galaxy S26 could be the smartest smartphone, able to do things like complex voice tasks via Bixby/Perplexity, detailed web Q&A via Google Gemini, and device automation via both – something neither Siri nor single-assistant phones can match currently.
• Charging and battery tech – finally, Samsung is stepping up charging speeds, answering a longstanding request from power users sammobile.com. While they held firm on battery capacity for Ultra sammobile.com, the faster 65W top-up and Qi2 convenience likely strike a good balance. The S26 Edge’s battery bump shows Samsung can innovate even within tight constraints sammobile.com.
• The lineup restructuring (Pro, Edge, Ultra) indicates Samsung is willing to shake up naming and strategy to adapt to market niches. A small “Pro” model to please compact flagship fans, a stylish “Edge” to showcase design and slimness, and the full-featured Ultra – this trio could cast a wider net than the old base/plus/ultra, which sometimes left the smallest model feeling a bit basic. It will be interesting to see marketing spin: e.g., will they advertise the S26 Pro as “for those who want pocket-friendly size without compromise” and the Edge as “an engineering marvel for design-conscious users”, etc.
• Potential Controversies: The S26 Ultra’s S Pen changes are the biggest question mark. This could either be largely a non-issue (if the pen still works well and maybe they even keep it stored internally somehow) or a flashpoint (if the pen is external-only and feels like a downgrade, the vocal Note crowd will be unhappy). Samsung will have to message that carefully. Perhaps they’ll emphasize “New S Pen with improved design” in the event, and quietly mention the trade-offs in fine print. They may also highlight that many S Ultra users don’t fully utilize the pen anyway – but that’s a tricky message. If Samsung misjudges, the S26 Ultra could face backlash similar to when they removed microSD slot in S21 (people were upset, though sales still went on). Time will tell, but Samsung has likely researched this.
• Expert Opinion Summaries: TechRadar calls the S26 Ultra potentially a “mixed bag” but notes those upgrades should make it look and perform quite differently from S25 techradar.com. Tom’s Guide seems optimistic, listing many “cheat sheet” improvements and only a few concerns like charging “not as big an upgrade as hoped” (60W vs expectation maybe 100W) tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. SamMobile provides in-depth detail and overall they seem excited about thinner designs and AI features but caution that, for cameras, revolutionary changes might wait until S28 sammobile.com. Android Central is fascinated by the lineup change (S26 Pro talk) and the battery tech rumors, implying Samsung is doubling down on making the S26 family more differentiated and battery-savvy androidcentral.com androidcentral.com.

All things considered, the Galaxy S26 series appears to refine Samsung’s formula on almost every front – from display and design to silicon and software – while also throwing in a few bold moves (like the S Pen rework and AI dual-wielding). If these leaks pan out, the S26, S26 Edge, and S26 Ultra will collectively offer: faster performance, faster charging, smarter software, and more versatile cameras in bodies that are sleeker and arguably more stylish than their predecessors. That’s a recipe likely to attract both upgraders and new customers looking at high-end phones.

Of course, until Samsung officially announces everything, some caution is warranted. A few details could change (sometimes battery or RAM specs adjust last-minute, or a rumored feature doesn’t ship). But given the consistency and multiple sources of these leaks, it’s safe to say the broad picture is accurate.

For consumers planning their next upgrade in 2026, the Galaxy S26 lineup should definitely be on the radar. Whether you value a compact phone, a fashionably thin phone, or the ultimate no-compromise flagship, Samsung is positioning the S26 series to have a contender in each category. It will be fascinating to see the real-world impact of things like the new camera system, the AI assistants, and whether Samsung’s gamble on redesigning the S Pen pays off. If they succeed, the Galaxy S26 Ultra could easily become the phone to beat in 2026, and even if they stumble in one area, the depth of features might still carry it to the top of the pack.

Sources:

• Tom’s Guide – “Samsung Galaxy S26 — everything we know so far” tomsguide.com tomsguide.com tomsguide.com
• SamMobile – “Galaxy S26: Everything we know so far” sammobile.com sammobile.com sammobile.com
• Android Central – “A leak shapes the Galaxy S26 Pro as a possible small-screen S25 successor” androidcentral.com androidcentral.com
• TechRadar – “Galaxy S26 Ultra could have major changes to cameras and design…” techradar.com techradar.com
• Android Headlines – “Galaxy S26 Ultra Could Get Game-Changing 200MP Sony Camera” androidheadlines.com androidheadlines.com
• PhoneArena – “Galaxy S26 Ultra is headed for a redesign, leaked render shows” phonearena.com phonearena.com
• Tom’s Guide – “Galaxy S26 Ultra could ditch the S Pen to make way for this new tech” tomsguide.com tomsguide.com
• SamMobile – “You won’t like what’s now confirmed about the S26 Ultra’s battery” sammobile.com sammobile.com
• TechRadar – “This rumored Galaxy S26 upgrade will finally make contactless payments as easy as on iPhone” techradar.com techradar.com
• WinFuture via TechRadar – “Two S26 models could get camera upgrades – and codenames leaked” techradar.com techradar.com
• SamMobile – “Galaxy S26 Ultra’s design upgrade may make it more comfortable to hold” sammobile.com sammobile.com
• SamMobile – “Galaxy S26 series may not come with a standard model — here’s why” tomsguide.com androidcentral.com (implied via Android Central citing)

Each of these sources corroborates various aspects of the S26 story, painting a comprehensive picture of Samsung’s upcoming flagships. As we approach the official launch, more details (and undoubtedly official teasers) will emerge, but for now, this is the state of the Galaxy S26 series – a powerful trio poised to push the envelope of what smartphones can do in 2026.