Galaxy S26: In abstract
- Samsung’s upcoming flagship sequence of smartphones, prone to launch in early 2026
- Prone to include three fashions, with Edge doubtlessly changing Plus
- May debut Samsung’s One UI 8, which will likely be based mostly on Android 16
With regards to flagship smartphones, Samsung doesn’t often waste any time as soon as a brand new 12 months comes round.
The corporate’s Galaxy S25 sequence launched in January 2025, consisting of three fashions: The Galaxy S25, S25+ and S25 Extremely. After being teased on the similar occasion, the slimline Galaxy S25 Edge arrived in Might.
However what has Samsung acquired in retailer for its subsequent era of high-end handsets, that are virtually sure to be referred to as the Galaxy S26 sequence? Right here’s all the things we all know up to now about their potential launch date, worth and key options.
When will the Samsung Galaxy S26 be launched?
In abstract
- Galaxy S26 sequence prone to be introduced in January 2026
- Ought to go on sale inside just a few weeks of being introduced
- May embrace S26 Edge however not S26+
If Samsung adheres to its typical launch schedule, we will count on the Galaxy S26 sequence to launch someday in early 2026, probably in January or February.
This aligns with the discharge home windows of earlier S sequence flagships, apart from the brand new Edge mannequin:
- Samsung Galaxy S25 – January 2025
- Samsung Galaxy S25+ – January 2025
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely – January 2025
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge – Might 2025
- Samsung Galaxy S24 – January 2024
- Samsung Galaxy S24+ – January 2024
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely – January 2024
- Samsung Galaxy S23 – February 2023
- Samsung Galaxy S23+ – February 2023
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely – February 2023
- Samsung Galaxy S22 – February 2022
- Samsung Galaxy S22+ – February 2022
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Extremely – February 2022
As you may see, the brand new Galaxy units often make their debut at first of the 12 months, and we don’t count on issues to be any completely different in 2026.
Luke Baker / Foundry
There’s an opportunity Samsung may cease providing the usual Galaxy S mannequin after the S25 sequence, leaving solely the Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26 Extremely in 2026.
Nevertheless, we may as a substitute see the Galaxy S26+, supposedly the lowest-selling of the Galaxy S25 vary, changed by the Galaxy S26 Edge.
Elsewhere, the S26 Extremely may be rebranded because the S26 Be aware, emphasising its S Pen integration. Equally, the S26+ might be renamed the S26 Professional, aligning with the rising pattern of ‘Professional’ fashions seen on different manufacturers.
Sources: Ice Universe on X | The Elec | Yogesh Brar on X
How a lot will the Samsung Galaxy S26 sequence price?
In abstract
- Galaxy S26 sequence ought to begin at round £799/$799
- No particular pricing rumours but
Pricing for the Galaxy S26 sequence stays purely speculative at this stage. Nevertheless, there’ll in all probability be a slight enhance from the S25 sequence.
This can be a widespread pattern within the cellphone market, pushed by elements corresponding to rising element prices, ongoing inflation, and the inclusion of more and more superior applied sciences.
Luke Baker / Foundry
There’s additionally the chance that costs will stay the identical, nonetheless. As a reminder, the Galaxy S25 sequence prices the identical because the Galaxy S24 sequence:
Galaxy S25
- 128GB – £799/$799.99
- 256GB – £859/$859.99
Galaxy S25+
- 256GB – £999/$999.99
- 512GB – £1,099/$1,119.99
Galaxy S25 Extremely
- 256GB – £1,249/$1,299.99
- 512GB – £1,349/$1,419.99
- 1TB – £1,549/$1,659.99
What specs and options will the Samsung Galaxy S26 have?
In abstract
- Comparable design to Galaxy S25 sequence is probably going
- May return to Exynos chipset in some markets
- Extremely may get 200Mp periscope digital camera and silicon-carbon battery
Design
Past potential title modifications, there’s at the moment no confirmed info relating to particular design parts corresponding to supplies (glass, metallic, or a mix), color choices, or total aesthetic selections.
There’s an opportunity that the titanium body, which is at the moment unique to the Extremely and Edge, will likely be utilized to different mannequin/s.
Luke Baker / Foundry
Provided that Samsung has modified the design barely on the Galaxy S25 sequence, from the Galaxy S24 sequence, its successor is prone to have the identical look. Nevertheless, it’d be good to see the Bluetooth S Pen from the Galaxy S24 Extremely make a return, after it was changed by a much less practical one on the S25 Extremely.
Sources: The Elec |
Show
One important show growth might be the mixing of Color-filter-on-thin-film-encapsulation (CoE) expertise into the S26 Extremely’s show.
This expertise has the potential to make the show thinner, brighter, and extra energy-efficient.
Luke Baker / Foundry
Nevertheless, particulars relating to show dimension, decision, refresh charge, and the inclusion of superior options corresponding to under-display cameras or fingerprint sensors stay unknown right now.
Efficiency
One supply suggests Samsung will “positively” return to prioritising the usage of its personal Exynos processors within the S26 sequence. Particularly, it seems like that’ll be Exynos 2600.
Nevertheless, it’s unclear if this would come with North America, which has completely used Snapdragon chipsets in recent times, even when Exynos-powered non-Extremely fashions had been accessible in Europe. It’d be a shock to see no Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 two fashions seem in any area.
For individuals who don’t bear in mind, the Exynos 990 chipset was scarcely accessible when the Galaxy S20 launched. However this turned out to be a blessing in disguise, because the processor was underpowered in comparison with its Snapdragon counterpart.
Luke Baker / Foundry
Data relating to particular processors, RAM configurations, and storage choices is at the moment unavailable.
Sources: Jukanlosreve on X | The Bell | The Monetary Information
Cameras
The Galaxy S26 Extremely could characteristic a cutting-edge 200Mp periscope telephoto digital camera, up from 50Mp on the S25 Extremely. Nevertheless, there could solely be one 200Mp sensor, moderately than two.
This may align Samsung with a rising pattern amongst Chinese language cellphone producers who’re more and more incorporating high-resolution periscope lenses into their flagship units. It’d be nice to see the S26 Extremely get such a significant telephoto improve.
Elsewhere, the common Galaxy S26’s major digital camera may include a variable aperture. This may adapt to completely different lighting situations, bettering each vivid daylight pictures and low-light efficiency.
There are a number of ways in which Samsung may implement this characteristic. The tech big may go for a dual-aperture choice à la the Galaxy S9 (from again in 2019). Or, extra probably, Samsung may observe Xiaomi’s lead with the 14 Extremely and allow you to decide from a number of aperture choices.
Luke Baker / Foundry
Nevertheless, the front-facing digital camera may not be so spectacular. The S26 Extremely may characteristic a UDC (Beneath Show Digital camera) on the entrance, eliminating the punch-hole selfie digital camera we see on the S25 Extremely, although it’s additionally attainable that Samsung will maintain off for a bit longer
The issue? Each under-display selfie lens at the moment in the marketplace affords mediocre picture high quality at finest, together with Samsung’s personal Galaxy Z Fold 6. We’d should see a significant improve to make it ok for individuals who take pleasure in high-quality selfies.
Particulars on the digital camera programs for the remainder of the S26 sequence, together with sensor sizes, video recording capabilities, and particular digital camera options corresponding to superior AI images modes, stay below wraps.
Sources: PandaFlash on X | Ice Universe on Weibo | kro (Good bye) on X | PandaFlash on X (2) | Lanzuk on Naver
Battery & Charging
Silicon-carbon battery expertise is a possible contender for the S26 sequence, introducing the potential of boosting battery capacities as much as the 6000-7000mAh vary.
This expertise additionally holds the promise of upper power density, doubtlessly resulting in improved battery life and sooner charging speeds.
Nevertheless, it’s nonetheless attainable that the S26 Extremely’s battery gained’t be bigger than 5500mAh, even when it makes the shift. It’s unclear if a silicon-carbon battery will likely be reserved for the Extremely or accessible on different Galaxy S26 fashions.
Luke Baker / Foundry
As a reminder, even the top-end Galaxy S25 Extremely is restricted to a 5000mAh battery with 45W wired charging and 15W wi-fi.
Sources: Ice Universe on Weibo | Jukanlosreve on X | The Monetary Information | PandaFlash on X
Software program
The S26 sequence is predicted to launch with Android 16 as its working system. Samsung will probably overlay it with its customized consumer interface, which is predicted to be referred to as One UI 8.
Particular software program options, consumer interface enhancements, and the extent of safety updates are but to be introduced, however you may count on much more new Galaxy AI options.
Luke Baker / Foundry
Samsung can be prone to proceed with its class-leading promise of seven years of each OS and safety updates for all of the Galaxy S26 telephones.
That’s all we at the moment know in regards to the Galaxy S26 sequence. We’ll replace this text after we be taught one thing new. Within the meantime, learn our information to the very best telephones you should purchase to see what the Galaxy S26 sequence will likely be up towards.