Galaxy S26: In summary
- The next flagship series of Samsung smartphones, likely to launch in early 2026
- Probably composed of three models, with potentially replace more
- Could make his debut on one UI 8 of Samsung, which will be based on Android 16
Regarding flagship smartphones, Samsung generally does not waste time once the new year.
The company Galaxy S25 series was launched in January 2025, made up of three models: the Galaxy S25, S25 + and S25 Ultra. After being teased during the same event, the slimline Galaxy S25 Edge arrived in May.
But what has Samsung has reserved for its next generation of high-end handsets, which are almost certain to be known as the Galaxy S26 series? Here is everything we know so far on their potential release date, their price and their key features.
When will the Samsung Galaxy S26 be released?
In summary
- Galaxy S26 series likely to be announced in January 2026
- Should be sold in a few weeks after being announced
- May include the S26 edge but not S26 +
If Samsung adheres to its typical output calendar, we can expect the Galaxy S26 series to start one day early 2026probably in January or February.
This is aligned with the version of the previous flagship products in the S series, apart from the new Edge model:
- Samsung Galaxy S25 – January 2025
- Samsung Galaxy S25 + – January 2025
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – January 2025
- Edge Samsung Galaxy S25 – May 2025
- Samsung Galaxy S24 – January 2024
- Samsung Galaxy S24 + – January 2024
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – January 2024
- Samsung Galaxy S23 – February 2023
- Samsung Galaxy S23 + – February 2023
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra – February 2023
- Samsung Galaxy S22 – February 2022
- Samsung Galaxy S22 + – February 2022
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra – February 2022
As you can see, the new Galaxy devices generally have their debut at the beginning of the year, and we do not expect things to be different in 2026.
Luke Baker / Foundry
There is a chance that Samsung could stop offering the standard Galaxy S model after the S25 series, leaving only the Galaxy S26 + and the Galaxy S26 Ultra in 2026.
However, we could instead see the Galaxy S26 +, supposedly the lowest in the Galaxy S25 range, replaced by the Galaxy S26 edge.
Elsewhere, the Ultra S26 could be renamed as the S26 note, emphasizing its integration of the S. Sente, the S26 + could be renamed S26 Pro, aligning the growing trend of “pro” models observed on other brands.
Sources: Ice universe on x | Elec | YOGESH BRAR on x
How much will the Samsung Galaxy S26 series cost?
In summary
- The Galaxy S26 series should start at around £ 799 / $ 799
- No specific price rumors
The price of the Galaxy S26 series remains purely speculative at this stage. However, there will probably be a slight increase in the S25 series.
This is a current trend on the telephone market, driven by factors such as the increase in component costs, continuous inflation and the inclusion of increasingly advanced technologies.
Luke Baker / Foundry
There is also the possibility that prices remain the same. As a reminder, the Galaxy S25 series costs the same thing as the Galaxy S24 series:
Galaxy S25
- 128 GB – £ 799 / $ 799.99
- 256 GB – £ 859 / $ 859.99
Galaxy S25 +
- 256 GB – £ 999 / $ 999.99
- 512 GB – £ 1,099 / $ 1,119.99
Galaxy S25 Ultra
- 256 GB – £ 1,249 / $ 1,299.99
- 512 GB – £ 1,349 / $ 1,419.99
- 1 TB – £ 1,549 / $ 1,659.99
What specifications and characteristics will Samsung Galaxy S26 have?
In summary
- A design similar to the Galaxy S25 series is likely
- Could return to the exynos chipset in certain markets
- Ultra could get a 200MP periscope camera and a carbon silicon battery
Design
Beyond potential name changes, there is currently no confirmed information concerning specific design elements such as materials (glass, metal or combination), color options or global aesthetic choices.
There is a chance that the titanium frame, which is currently exclusive to ultra and on the edge, is applied to other models.
Luke Baker / Foundry
Since Samsung has slightly changed the design on the Galaxy S25 series, from the Galaxy S24 series, its successor is likely to have the same look. However, it would be pleasant to see the Galaxy S24 ultra Bluetooth S pen made a return, after being replaced by a ultra galaxy S24, after being replaced by a functional galaxy on the Ultra S25.
Sources: Elec |
Display
Development of significant display could be the integration of color-filter technology on the film (COE) in the S26 Ultra display.
This technology has the potential to make the display thinner, more shiny and more energy efficient.
Luke Baker / Foundry
However, the details concerning the size of the display, the resolution, the refresh rate and the inclusion of advanced features such as the cameras under the internship or the fingerprint sensors remain unknown at the moment.
Performance
A source suggests that Samsung will return “definitively” to prioritize the use of its own Exynos processors in the S26 series. More specifically, it seems that it will be Exynos 2600.
However, it is not clear if that would include North America, which has exclusively used snapdragon chipsets in recent years, even when models not ultra -powered by Exynos were available in Europe. It would be a surprise to see no Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 Two models appear in a region.
For those who do not remember, the Exynos 990 chipset was barely available when the Galaxy S20 was launched. But that turned out to be a disguised blessing because the processor was underway compared to its counterpart Snapdragon.
Luke Baker / Foundry
Information about specific processors, RAM configurations and storage options are currently not available.
Sources: Jukanlosreve on x | The bell | Financial news
Cameras
The Galaxy S26 Ultra can have a 200 MP peri -speaking telephoto lens, up 50 MP on the Ultra S25. However, there can only be one 200 Mp sensor rather than two.
This would align Samsung with a growing trend among Chinese telephony manufacturers who increasingly incorporate high -resolution pericope lenses into their flagship devices. It would be great to see the S26 Ultra obtaining such a significant telephoto jewel.
Elsewhere, the main camera of the ordinary Galaxy S26 could be delivered with a variable opening. This would adapt to different lighting conditions, improving the two shines of the brilliant day and low light performance.
There are several ways in which Samsung could implement this functionality. The technology giant could opt for a double height option at the Galaxy S9 (from in 2019). Or, more likely, Samsung could follow Xiaomi's advance with the 14 Ultra and let you choose from several opening options.
Luke Baker / Foundry
However, the front camera may not be so impressive. The S26 Ultra could include a UDC (under the display camera) at the front, eliminating the Punch-Hole selfie camera that we see on the Ultra S25, although it is also possible that Samsung will last a little longer
The problem? Each objective of selfie under-game currently on the market offers as well as mediocre image quality, including the own Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. We have to see a major upgrade to make it good enough for people who like high quality selfies.
The details of the cameras systems for the rest of the S26 series, including sensor sizes, video recording capacities and specific camera features such as advanced photography modes, remain under Wraps.
Sources: Pandaflash on X | Ice Univers on Weibo | Kro (goodbye) on x | Pandaflash on X (2) | Lanzuk on Naver
Battery and load
Silicon-carbon battery technology is a potential competitor for the S26 series, introducing the possibility of increasing battery capacities to the 6000-7000MAH range.
This technology also has the promise of a higher energy density, which leads to an improvement in the battery life and faster load speeds.
However, it is always possible that the ultra S26 battery is not greater than 5500mAh, even if it changes. It is not clear if a silicon-carbon battery will be reserved for ultra or available on other Galaxy S26 models.
Luke Baker / Foundry
As a reminder, even the ultra high -end Galaxy S25 is limited to a 5000mah battery with a 45 W wired load and a 15 W wireless.
Sources: Ice Univers on Weibo | Jukanlosreve on x | Financial news | Pandaflash on x
Software
The S26 series should be launched with Android 16 as an operating system. Samsung probably superimposes it with its personalized user interface, which should be known as IU 8.
Specific software features, user interface improvements and the extent of security updates must still be announced, but you can expect even more Galaxy AI Galaxy features.
Luke Baker / Foundry
Samsung is also likely to continue its seven -year -old class class promise of SO and safety updates for all Galaxy S26 phones.
This is all we are currently knowing about the Galaxy S26 series. We will update this article when we learn something new. In the meantime, read our guide from the best phones you can buy to see what the Galaxy S26 series will face.
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