It ’s been less than five calendar month since Samsung reveal the Galaxy S25 serial , which include theregular model , Galaxy S25 Plus , and flagshipGalaxy S25 Ultra . While much of the attention now focalise on the incomingGalaxy S25 Edge , we ’re begin to understand better what to expect from Samsung ’s Galaxy S26 lineup . At a minimum , we ’re starting to draft what we ’d like to see in the 2026 phones , which should launch in January .
Will the lineup once again have three models , or will a Galaxy S26 Edge be revealed at the same clip ? Will we at long last see massive blueprint change to Samsung ’s most popular telephone series , or should we await more of the same ?
Let the surmise start !
Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends
Latest Samsung Galaxy S26 leaks and rumors
It should derive as no surprise that the tilt of Galaxy S26 rumors stay on short , although it will grow steadily as we approach the launch . AMarch reportsuggests that Samsung wo n’t rely alone on Qualcomm this metre . Like former cycle ( but not the Galaxy S25 series ) , the company has used a compounding of Qualcomm and its own Exynos chips calculate on the gadget and region . By let in Exynos chips in the batting order , Samsung minify its reliance on Qualcomm . However , Exynos silicon chip are historically seen as substandard , and no doubt whatever 2026 poker chip Samsung useswill be viewed likewise .
A more late hearsay suppose Samsung may replace the 10MP 3x visual telephoto television camera with a unexampled sensor . While the 200MP principal , 50MP wide - angle , and 50MP 5x telephotograph cameras are require to stay a carryover from the current Galaxy S25 Ultra , the 10MP 3x rapid climb could be supersede by an unknown megapixel 4th sensing element .
It would n’t be surprising for Samsung to tweak a few television camera on the next Galaxy A Ultra . It focuses on elevate different camera aspects with each new Ultra model . For example , the Galaxy S25 Ultra upgraded the encompassing - angle photographic camera to 50MP , and the Galaxy S22 Ultra enter the 200MP elemental camera .
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
At least one rumor suggest that the next Galaxy S Ultra could offer an under - presentation front - face photographic camera system . That rumorhas largely been debunked , however .
Several other rumors about the Galaxy S26 series , specifically the Galaxy S26 Ultra , have surfaced , but many seemmore like speculation than confirmed selective information . Among these are discussions that the series could offer new battery applied science and quicker wired charging and that the sound might feature advanced face scanning similar to Apple ’s Face ID . Additionally , it ’s suppose that the fresh flagship will be thinner than other models and have a promising display .
Samsung Galaxy S26: what we want to see
We have some initial sentiment regarding the Galaxy S26 serial . While it remain uncertain whether any of these hope will materialize , we are eager to see what developments may come to light .
Improved charging on cheaper models
Is it excessive to have a bun in the oven Samsung to enhance accuse for the more affordable Galaxy S model ? We do n’t think so . raise to both pumped-up and wireless charging would certainly increase user solace and everyday efficiency . quicker wired charging would greatly reduce downtime , allowing exploiter to reload their devices quickly during abbreviated moments , peculiarly in emergencies or busy schedule . Moreover , enhancement in wireless charging would lead to a more seamless cable - free charging experience .
Improved cameras across the board
Whether it ’s Samsung , Apple , or another smartphone supplier , tv camera rise are nearly always sealed year in and class out — at least on the good manakin these fellowship have to offer . Less expensive model , such as the regular iPhone and Galaxy S , however , be given to see few camera upgrade class over year . We for sure do n’t have a bun in the oven this to change for Samsung in 2026 , but we can still hope .
Smartphones are expensive , even ledger entry - level models , so it ’s not asking too much for even those simulation to see significant camera improvements from multiplication to generation . Perhaps Samsung will make this a realness next class .
Get rid of the Plus model
Samsung is require to launch the Galaxy S25 Edge in May . A few month later , Apple will reveal the iPhone Air . Together , the two smartphones will usher in a new geological era of slick smartphones from the top two phone producer . However , the titan are usher in these models in two dissimilar ways .
Apple , which already proffer four phones in its primary card , is replacing the iPhone Plus with the iPhone Air set off with the iPhone 17 series this fall . In contrast , Samsung is increasing its primary phone lineup from three to four unit .
While nothing is sure , the Galaxy S26 serial could feature four models once again ( Galaxy S26 , Galaxy S26 Plus , Galaxy S26 Edge , and Galaxy S26 Ultra ) ; however , it could also reduce the card to three by absent the Galaxy S Plus from the 2026 batting order . That ’s what Samsung should do , although much will belike depend on the popularity of the Galaxy S25 Edge and ultimately the iPhone 17 Air .
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (left) and the Galaxy S25 UltraAndy Boxall / Digital Trends
Due to top time , there will likely still be a Galaxy S Plus in 2026 , although what come about a year later is far less certain . irrespective , less is better in this case , in our humble impression , giving Samsung more time to concentrate on the fashion model that stay on .
A noticeable design makeover
As a site focused on the tech industry , we enjoy seeing and talk over pattern makeover , especially for smartphones . However , we ’re also naturalistic and acknowledge that party like Samsung realize that most consumer opt to stick with familiar designs rather than spend their severely - gain money on a new design that may or may not come after . This is likely why the Galaxy S25 Edge will have restrict initial yield quotas , let Samsung clip to tax its popularity .
That say , Samsung needs to consider get a immense designing change on at least one model in the Galaxy S26 serial . The last sentence it significantly changed the look of its principal Galaxy S series of phones was with the release of the Galaxy S21 nearly five old age ago , so anticipate some substantial change credibly is n’t asking too much . Of naturally , it should commence with the Galaxy S26 Ultra since it will be the company ’s next flagship .
What plan change should that be ? Samsung should look to the Galaxy S25 Edge for inspiration , but ultimately make it unique to the Galaxy S Ultra .
Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends
Make Galaxy AI more useful
In January , Galaxy AI will celebrate its second day of remembrance . Samsung ’s suite of on - gadget and swarm - free-base AI features was once exclusive to the Galaxy S24 serial . Since then , some features have been extended to sr. and newer twist .
As exciting as many of Galaxy AI ’s feature have become ( for model , Circle to Search ) , some refinement would ensure that more consumer hug it and make it part of their everyday life . For the Galaxy S26 serial , let ’s hope Galaxy AI becomes well-off and more pragmatic for the pile . Better still , Samsung should take away features that are more confusing than others to streamline Galaxy AI overall .
While we are n’t inevitably pushing for one feature over another for elimination , there are a few candidate . One potentially puzzling face is Call Assist , particularly the Live Translate feature during call . Some substance abuser are doubtlessly finding it ill at ease to rely on real - clock time translation while maintain a lifelike conversation flow , especially if the translation are n’t precise or have a noticeable delay .
Another Galaxy AI feature that needs improvement ( or remotion ) is the Generative Edit feature for photograph . Due to the unpredictable nature of AI - sire cognitive content , results are not always what users carry . As such , many are likely not even using it , and that should be addressed .
When to expect the Galaxy S26 series
In recent years , Samsung has revealed its novel Galaxy S series in January or February . We expect the same for the Galaxy S26 serial . The models will most likely be announced at a Galaxy Unpacked event too soon next year , with worldwide release dates to stick with . In the meantime , let the rumor begin .
