For months, the next generation of Samsung’s flagship phones—the Galaxy S26 series—has been the subject of leaks and speculation. The picture is now clearer, though still fragmented. Here’s a breakdown of what we know about the upcoming S26, S26 Plus, S26 Ultra, and the fate of the Edge model.
Release Timeline and Events
Samsung typically unveils its flagship phones at Unpacked events in January or February. The S25 series was announced on January 22, 2025, and released shortly after. This year, however, Samsung has confirmed a Galaxy Unpacked event in San Francisco on February 25, signaling a slight delay. Additional releases—like the S25 Edge and S25 FE in 2025—may follow later in the year.
Galaxy S26 Ultra: The Confirmed Flagship
The Galaxy S26 Ultra appears to be the least volatile model in the lineup. Renderings suggest a refined design, with curvier corners and a modified camera layout. The four rear cameras will be housed in a raised vertical bump, while the 6.9-inch display may use brighter, more efficient M14 OLED panels.
The Ultra is rumored to retain similar but upgraded camera specs: a 200-megapixel main sensor, a 50-megapixel ultrawide, 10-megapixel 3x telephoto, and a 50-megapixel 5x telephoto. The front camera will likely remain at 12 megapixels. It will ship with either the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (US/China) or the Exynos 2600 (other markets), along with 16GB of RAM, up to 1TB of storage, a 5,000-mAh battery, and faster 60-watt charging.
Satellite Communication and Wireless Charging : All S26 models will reportedly include satellite communication capabilities, expanding beyond Verizon-exclusive access. The S26 series will also support up to 25-watt fast wireless charging, with Samsung releasing a new Qi2 charger alongside the phones.
Galaxy S26: Base Model Revival
Early rumors suggested Samsung might drop the base S26 model entirely, replacing it with a “Pro” version. However, recent reports confirm that Samsung will retain the Galaxy S26 name. Leaks show a design similar to the S25, but with a vertical camera bump instead of the flat lens arrangement.
Camera specs are mixed: some reports indicate a significant upgrade to a 50-megapixel ultrawide, while others suggest unchanged specs. The S26 may also feature a slightly larger 6.3-inch display, a 120Hz refresh rate, and up to 512GB of storage. The processor will be either the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 or the Exynos 2600.
AI Integration : Samsung is heavily emphasizing AI features, potentially hosting the Unpacked event in San Francisco to highlight these advancements. The S26 may leverage AI for faster text-to-image generation and enhanced user experiences. Samsung’s One UI 8.5 will also introduce a “Privacy display” feature, narrowing viewing angles on sensitive apps.
The Fate of the Edge and Plus Models
The Galaxy S26 Edge was initially rumored to replace the Plus model, with an even slimmer profile than the S25 Edge. However, due to poor sales of the S25 Edge, Samsung may drop the Edge model altogether, reverting to a traditional Galaxy S26 Plus.
The S26 Plus is expected to have a flat 6.7-inch display, a raised vertical camera bump, and either the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 or the Exynos 2600 processor. The final decision on whether to include the Edge model remains uncertain, as Samsung adjusts its strategy based on market feedback.
Conclusion :
The Samsung Galaxy S26 series is shaping up to be a significant upgrade, with a focus on AI integration, improved displays, and refined designs. The lineup appears to be settling into a more traditional structure, with the Ultra as the premium flagship and the S26 and S26 Plus as mainstream options. The fate of the Edge model remains uncertain, but Samsung’s commitment to innovation suggests that the S26 series will deliver a compelling user experience.
