Galaxy S26: Summary
- Samsung’s upcoming flagship series of smartphones, which probably launches at the beginning of 2026
- Probably consist of three models, with the edge possibly replacing plus
- Could make the One UI 8 of Samsung debut, which will be based on Android 16
When it comes to flagship smartphones, Samsung usually doesn’t waste time as soon as a new year comes.
The Galaxy S25 series of the company was launched in January 2025, consisting of three models: the Galaxy S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra. After he was plagued during the same event, the SlimLine Galaxy S25 Edge arrived in May.
But what did Samsung become in store for its next generation of high-end handsets, which are almost certainly known as the Galaxy S26 series? Here is everything we know so far about their potential release date, price and important functions.
When is the Samsung Galaxy S26 released?
Summary
- Galaxy S26 series that will probably be announced in January 2026
- Should be for sale within a few weeks of announced
- Can be S26 Edge, but not S26+
If Samsung adheres to the typical release schedule, we can expect the Galaxy S26 series to launch in something Early 2026probably in January or February.
This is in line with the release windows of previous flagships of the series, apart 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 different in 2026.
Luke Baker / Foundry
There is a chance that Samsung could stop offering the standard Galaxy S model after the S25 series, so that only the Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26 will remain in 2026.
Instead, however, we were able to see the Galaxy S26+, supposedly the lowest sold in the Galaxy S25 range, replaced by the Galaxy S26 Edge.
Elsewhere, the S26 Ultra can be renamed the S26 remark, with the emphasis on the pen integration. Similarly, the S26+ can be renamed the S26 Pro, in accordance with the growing trend of ‘Pro’ models that can be seen on other brands.
Sources: Ice Universe on X | De Elec | Yogesh Brar on X
How much does the Samsung Galaxy S26 series cost?
Summary
- Galaxy S26 series should start at around £ 799/$ 799
- No specific price rumors yet
The prices for the Galaxy S26 series remain purely speculative at this stage. However, there will probably be a small increase compared to the S25 series.
This is a common trend in the telephone market, powered by factors such as rising component costs, continuous inflation and the absorption of increasingly advanced technologies.
Luke Baker / Foundry
However, there is also the possibility that prices remain the same. As a reminder, the Galaxy S25 series costs the same 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 functions does the Samsung Galaxy S26 have?
Summary
- Similar design with Galaxy S25 series is likely
- Could return to Exynos chipset in some markets
- Ultra can get 200MP periscope camera and silicon carbon battery
Design
In addition to possible name changes, there is currently no confirmed information about specific design elements such as materials (glass, metal or a combination), color options or general aesthetic choices.
There is 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
Since Samsung has changed the design somewhat in the Galaxy S25 series, from the Galaxy S24 series, the successor will probably have the same look. However, it would be nice to see the pen of the Bluetooth from the Galaxy S24 Ultra coming back, after it was replaced by a less functional on the S25 Ultra.
Sources: De Elec |
Reproduction
An important development development could be the integration of Color filter-on-Thin film-kidding (COE) technology in the display of the S26 Ultra.
This technology can make the display thinner, brighter and more energy efficient.
Luke Baker / Foundry
Details with regard to display size, resolution, refresh rate and the absorption of advanced functions such as under-display cameras or fingerprint sensors, however, remain unknown at the moment.
Performance
One source suggests that Samsung will “certainly” return to prioritizing the use of his own Exynos processors in the S26 series. In particular, it seems that this will be Exynos 2600.
However, it is unclear whether this would include North America, that in recent years exclusively has used Snapdragon chipsets, even when Exyno’s-driven non-ultram models were available in Europe. It would be a surprise to see that no Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 two models appear in each region.
For those who don’t remember, the Exynos 990 chipset was hardly available when the Galaxy S20 was launched. But this turned out to be a disguised blessing, because the processor was not enough compared to his Snapdragon opposite.
Luke Baker / Foundry
Information about specific processors, RAM configurations and storage options is currently not available.
Sources: Jukanlosreve on X | The Bell | The financial news
Cameras
The Galaxy S26 Ultra can have an advanced 200MP Periscope Telefoto camera, higher than 50MP on the S25 Ultra. However, there can only be one 200MP sensor, instead of two.
This would coordinate Samsung to a growing trend with Chinese telephone manufacturers who are increasingly taking high -resolution periscope lenses in their flagship machines. It would be great to see the S26 Ultra such a meaningful telephoto -upgrade.
Elsewhere, the primary camera of the regular Galaxy S26 could be supplied with a variable opening. This would adapt to different lighting conditions, which improves both clear daylight shots and performance in low light.
There are several ways in which Samsung could implement this function. The tech giant could go for an option with double separation à la de Galaxy S9 (from in 2019). Or, more likely, Samsung could follow Xiaomi’s lead with the 14 ultra and choose you from multiple opening options.
Luke Baker / Foundry
However, the front camera may not be that impressive. The S26 Ultra could contain a UDC (under display camera) at the front, so that the Punch-Hole Selfie camera that we see on the S25-UTULRA, although it is also possible that Samsung will stop longer
The problem? Every Under-Display Selfie-Lens currently on the market offers at its best mediocre image quality, including Samsung’s own Galaxy Z Fold 6. We should see a big upgrade to make it good enough for people who enjoy high-quality selfies.
Details about the camera systems for the rest of the S26 series, including sensor sizes, video shutdown options and specific camera functions such as advanced AI photography modes, remain under wraps.
Sources: Pandables on X | Ice Universe on Weibo | KRO (good bye) on x | Pandables on X (2) | Lanzuk on afterwards
Battery and charging
Silicon carbon battery technology is a potential competition for the S26 series, whereby the possibility is introduced to stimulate the battery capacities up to the reach of 6000-7000 mAh.
This technology also has the promise of higher energy density, which may lead to an improved battery life and faster loading speeds.
However, it is still possible that the battery of the S26 Ultra is not larger than 5500 mAh, even if it makes the shift. It is unclear whether a silicon carbon battery is 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 5000 mAh battery with 45W wired and 15W wireless.
Sources: Ice Universe on Weibo | Jukanlosreve on X | The financial news Pandables on X
Software
The S26 series is expected to launch with Android 16 as the operating system. Samsung will probably cover it with its custom user interface, which is expected to be known as one onion 8.
Specific software functions, user interface improvements and the size of the security updates still have to be announced, but you can expect even more new Galaxy AI functions.
Luke Baker / Foundry
Samsung will probably also continue with its classes of leading seven years of both OS and security updates for all Galaxy S26 telephones.
That is all we currently know about the Galaxy S26 series. We will update this article when we learn something new. In the meantime, read our guide for the best phones you can buy to see what the Galaxy S26 series will be against.
