Galaxy S26: In summary
- Samsung’s upcoming flagship series of smartphones, likely to launch in early 2026
- Likely to consist of three models, with Edge potentially replacing Plus
- Could debut Samsung’s One UI 8, which will be based on Android 16
When it comes to flagship smartphones, Samsung doesn’t usually waste any time once a new year comes around.
The company’s Galaxy S25 series launched in January 2025, consisting of three models: The Galaxy S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra. After being teased at the same event, the slimline Galaxy S25 Edge arrived in May.
But what has Samsung got in store for its next generation of high-end handsets, which are almost certain to be known as the Galaxy S26 series? Here’s everything we know so far about their potential release date, price and key features.
When will the Samsung Galaxy S26 be released?
In summary
- Galaxy S26 series likely to be announced in January 2026
- Should go on sale within a few weeks of being announced
- Could include S26 Edge but not S26+
If Samsung adheres to its typical release schedule, we can expect the Galaxy S26 series to launch sometime in early 2026, likely in January or February.
This aligns with the release windows of previous S series flagships, aside from the new Edge model:
- Samsung Galaxy S25 – January 2025
- Samsung Galaxy S25+ – January 2025
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – January 2025
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge – 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 usually make their debut at the start of the year, and we don’t expect things to be any different in 2026.
Luke Baker / Foundry
There’s a chance Samsung could stop offering the standard Galaxy S model after the S25 series, leaving only the Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26 Ultra in 2026.
However, we could instead see the Galaxy S26+, supposedly the lowest-selling of the Galaxy S25 range, replaced by the Galaxy S26 Edge.
Elsewhere, the S26 Ultra might be rebranded as the S26 Note, emphasising its S Pen integration. Similarly, the S26+ could be renamed the S26 Pro, aligning with the growing trend of ‘Pro’ models seen on other brands.
Sources: Ice Universe on X | The Elec | Yogesh Brar on X
How much will the Samsung Galaxy S26 series cost?
In summary
- Galaxy S26 series should start at around £799/$799
- No specific pricing rumours yet
Pricing for the Galaxy S26 series remains purely speculative at this stage. However, there will probably be a slight increase from the S25 series.
This is a common trend in the phone market, driven by factors such as rising component costs, ongoing inflation, and the inclusion of increasingly advanced technologies.
Luke Baker / Foundry
There’s also the possibility that prices will remain the same, however. As a reminder, the Galaxy S25 series costs the same as the Galaxy S24 series:
Galaxy S25
- 128GB – £799/$799.99
- 256GB – £859/$859.99
Galaxy S25+
- 256GB – £999/$999.99
- 512GB – £1,099/$1,119.99
Galaxy S25 Ultra
- 256GB – £1,249/$1,299.99
- 512GB – £1,349/$1,419.99
- 1TB – £1,549/$1,659.99
What specs and features will the Samsung Galaxy S26 have?
In summary
- Similar design to Galaxy S25 series is likely
- Could return to Exynos chipset in some markets
- Ultra could get 200Mp periscope camera and silicon-carbon battery
Design
Beyond potential name changes, there’s currently no confirmed information regarding specific design elements such as materials (glass, metal, or a combination), colour options, or overall aesthetic choices.
There’s a chance that the titanium frame, which is currently exclusive to the Ultra and Edge, will be applied to other model/s.
Luke Baker / Foundry
Given that Samsung has changed the design slightly on the Galaxy S25 series, from the Galaxy S24 series, its successor is likely to have the same look. However, it’d be nice to see the Bluetooth S Pen from the Galaxy S24 Ultra make a return, after it was replaced by a less functional one on the S25 Ultra.
Sources: The Elec |
Display
One significant display development could be the integration of Colour-filter-on-thin-film-encapsulation (CoE) technology into the S26 Ultra’s display.
This technology has the potential to make the display thinner, brighter, and more energy-efficient.
Luke Baker / Foundry
However, details regarding display size, resolution, refresh rate, and the inclusion of advanced features such as under-display cameras or fingerprint sensors remain unknown at this time.
Performance
One source suggests Samsung will “definitely” return to prioritising the use of its own Exynos processors in the S26 series. Specifically, it looks like that’ll be Exynos 2600.
However, it’s unclear if this would include North America, which has exclusively used Snapdragon chipsets in recent years, even when Exynos-powered non-Ultra models were available in Europe. It’d be a surprise to see no Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 two models appear in any region.
For those who don’t remember, the Exynos 990 chipset was scarcely available when the Galaxy S20 launched. But this turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as the processor was underpowered compared to its Snapdragon counterpart.
Luke Baker / Foundry
Information regarding specific processors, RAM configurations, and storage options is currently unavailable.
Sources: Jukanlosreve on X | The Bell | The Financial News
Cameras
The Galaxy S26 Ultra may feature a cutting-edge 200Mp periscope telephoto camera, up from 50Mp on the S25 Ultra. However, there may only be one 200Mp sensor, rather than two.
This would align Samsung with a growing trend among Chinese phone manufacturers who are increasingly incorporating high-resolution periscope lenses into their flagship devices. It’d be great to see the S26 Ultra get such a meaningful telephoto upgrade.
Elsewhere, the regular Galaxy S26’s primary camera could come with a variable aperture. This would adapt to different lighting conditions, improving both bright daylight shots and low-light performance.
There are multiple ways that Samsung could implement this feature. The tech giant could go for a dual-aperture option à la the Galaxy S9 (from back in 2019). Or, more likely, Samsung could follow Xiaomi’s lead with the 14 Ultra and let you pick from multiple aperture options.
Luke Baker / Foundry
However, the front-facing camera might not be so impressive. The S26 Ultra could feature a UDC (Under Display Camera) on the front, eliminating the punch-hole selfie camera we see on the S25 Ultra, though it’s also possible that Samsung will hold off for a bit longer
The problem? Every under-display selfie lens currently on the market offers mediocre image quality at best, including Samsung’s own Galaxy Z Fold 6. We’d have to see a major upgrade to make it good enough for people who enjoy high-quality selfies.
Details on the camera systems for the rest of the S26 series, including sensor sizes, video recording capabilities, and specific camera features such as advanced AI photography modes, remain under 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 technology is a potential contender for the S26 series, introducing the possibility of boosting battery capacities up to the 6000-7000mAh range.
This technology also holds the promise of higher energy density, potentially leading to improved battery life and faster charging speeds.
However, it’s still possible that the S26 Ultra’s battery won’t be larger than 5500mAh, even if it makes the shift. It’s unclear if a silicon-carbon battery will be reserved for the Ultra or available on other Galaxy S26 models.
Luke Baker / Foundry
As a reminder, even the top-end Galaxy S25 Ultra is limited to a 5000mAh battery with 45W wired charging and 15W wireless.
Sources: Ice Universe on Weibo | Jukanlosreve on X | The Financial News | PandaFlash on X
Software
The S26 series is expected to launch with Android 16 as its operating system. Samsung will likely overlay it with its custom user interface, which is expected to be known as One UI 8.
Specific software features, user interface enhancements, and the extent of security updates are yet to be announced, but you can expect even more new Galaxy AI features.
Luke Baker / Foundry
Samsung is also likely to continue with its class-leading promise of seven years of both OS and security updates for all the Galaxy S26 phones.
That’s all we currently know about the Galaxy S26 series. We’ll update this article when we learn something new. In the meantime, read our guide to the best phones you can buy to see what the Galaxy S26 series will be up against.
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source: https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2586501/samsung-galaxy-s26-release-date-price-specs.html
