Key Takeaways
Rumors are suggesting that Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 could feature a dual‑NFC setup, potentially making tap‑to‑pay more convenient for users.
What the Report Says
- Samsung may install a dedicated NFC antenna on the top edge of the S26.
- The existing NFC coil would remain on the rear side.
- Top‑edge placement intended to simplify contactless payments, mirroring the experience users get on recent iPhones.
Why This Matters
- Consumers often switch brands to achieve feature parity with rivals.
- Apple devices already boast a side‑antenna layout that eases tap‑to‑pay.
- Outfacing competitors in this low‑effort area could entice more iPhone users to consider Samsung.
Current State of Samsung NFC
The Galaxy S25 series uses an NFC coil exclusively at the rear, requiring careful alignment with POS terminals for Google Pay or Samsung Pay.
Future Outlook
Though the S26 is still in the rumor stage and is expected to launch no earlier than January 2026, the addition of a top‑edge antenna is a small but meaningful upgrade that could change user experience.
Samsung will monitor upcoming releases from rivals such as the Google Pixel 10 series (expected August) and Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup (anticipated September). These developments could influence the final product lineup for the S26.
Bottom Line
While not headline‑shattering, an extra NFC antenna could make daily contactless payments feel effortless, aligning Samsung closer to its competitors’ standards and boosting customer satisfaction.