Samsung Galaxy S26: The 3 Biggest Upgrades (Expected)

Samsung has stored us ready this yr, however its flagship Galaxy S26 telephones are only a few weeks away.

The official invite for its subsequent Galaxy Unpacked occasion has leaked, all however confirming the 25 February launch date that has been rumoured for some time.

And it’s hardly a secret what the headlining announcement will likely be: the Galaxy S26 sequence. The lineup appears to be like set to be an identical to final yr, with a daily Galaxy S26 and S26+ joined by the top-spec S26 Extremely.

For some time, it looks like restricted upgrades, however issues have been ramping up on the hearsay mill just lately and Samsung has even teased a world first. Listed here are the very best three S26 upgrades I’m wanting ahead to getting my arms on.

1. A game-changing display screen improve

Like anybody as of late, I take advantage of my smartphone virtually in every single place – together with in public. If you happen to’re sitting or standing behind me, it’s not precisely tough to see what I’m doing, particularly within the fashionable period of giant handsets.

That’s the place Samsung’s new ‘Privateness Display‘ is available in. In line with Samsung, it’s a brand new versatile layer over the show which helps you to stop anybody who’s in a roundabout way in entrance of the display screen from seeing what’s on it.

It seems to supply a number of flexibility, too, with the choice to activate for sure apps and notifications, even blocking solely particular components of the display screen. If it really works half in addition to marketed, it may very well be a game-changer for public telephone use.

And even hiding purchasing for presents from the particular person sitting subsequent to you – in the event that they belief that’s what you’re doing.

Nonetheless, there’s a catch: it appears to be like like Privateness Display will likely be restricted to the Galaxy S26 Extremely, which means common and S26+ fashions miss out. That’s an actual disgrace, however it makes me much more eager to get my arms on the Extremely.

2. Pixel 10-rivalling wi-fi charging

Qi2 wi-fi charging has been round for some time, however for over a yr, the one Android telephone with built-in assist was the HMD Skyline. Then, it got here to the Pixel 10 sequence in August. Now, the Galaxy S26 sequence appears to be like set to hitch them.

The advantages of Qi2 over the common Qi discovered on the Galaxy S25 sequence are threefold.

Firstly, it allows sooner speeds – a leaked charger suggests the S26 Extremely will bounce from 15- to 25W, with the common and Plus fashions rumoured to get 20W.

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Additionally, the magnetic connection to the again of the telephone is far more safe, guaranteeing you don’t come again to your telephone and realise it hasn’t been charging. It’s now in-built when earlier fashions might solely have it by including a particular case.

And at last, Qi2 is a common customary, which means the S26 sequence will likely be suitable with all third-party equipment – together with these designed for Apple’s MagSafe and Google’s Pixelsnap.

It’s primarily three upgrades in a single, making for a way more seamless wi-fi charging expertise. And in contrast to Privateness Show, it appears to be like like all three Galaxy S26 telephones will likely be getting built-in Qi2, which is nice information.

3. The quick wired charging I’ve been ready for

Persevering with the charging theme, 2026 appears to be like set to be the yr when a Samsung flagship will get correct quick wired charging.

Admittedly, it’s not the 100W and above we’ve seen on some Chinese language telephones, however a lift from 45- to 60W on the S26 Extremely could be very welcome. The leak of a brand new official 60W makes this improve extremely probably.

With no anticipated improve to the S26 Extremely’s 5000mAh battery capability, indicating Samsung’s continued reluctance to embrace silicon-carbon tech, the charging enhancements tackle a lot higher significance.

Sadly, the S26+ appears to be like set to stay at 45W, although the common Galaxy S26 might at the very least be part of it there, which might be a pleasant increase on the present 25W.

Honourable point out: A giant software program improve

Now, I didn’t wish to embrace this one within the high three, because it’ll be coming to all supported Galaxy telephones quickly. However the Galaxy S26 sequence is anticipated to debut Samsung’s One UI 8.5, and it appears to be like like a significant step up.

Key anticipated upgrades embrace revamped model of Bixby, drawing on AI help from Perplexity, plus a brand new Direct Voicemail characteristic that gives a reside transcription of the audio you obtain.

Elsewhere, new Galaxy AI options embrace a brand new picture enhancing software, plus enhancements to Samsung’s DeX desktop mode and a beforehand Pixel-exclusive characteristic. It’s an enormous one.

As you’ll be able to see, regardless of it wanting like a comparatively iterative improve, there’s heaps to be excited for on the Galaxy S26 sequence – particularly if you happen to’re contemplating the Extremely mannequin.

Nonetheless, the competitors among the many greatest telephones is fiercer than ever, so Samsung must ship. We’ll discover out quickly, because the Galaxy Unpacked 2026 date appears to be successfully confirmed.