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Samsung Galaxy S26: features we’re eager to see

uTech News2025-08-20022 mins

Samsung Galaxy S26 Series: A New Chapter for 2026

With the Galaxy S25 series and the Z Fold 7/Z Flip 7 releases already behind us, Samsung’s focus is now turning to the next flagship lineup.

2025 Highlights: The Galaxy S25 Edge Launch

In 2025, Samsung introduced the Galaxy S25 Edge, a device that combined ultra‑thin design with cutting‑edge features. The success of the Edge inspired the company’s roadmap for 2026.

Anticipated S26 Edge: Continuing the Slim Trend

Industry insiders expect the Galaxy S26 Edge to build upon the sleek silhouette introduced in 2025, potentially offering new hardware upgrades and software refinements.

Key Questions Heading Into 2026

Model Count: How many S26 variants will Samsung release? Will the lineup include a standard, an Ultra, and possibly a Plus edition?
Design Evolution: Will we see a bold departure from the current aesthetic, perhaps incorporating new materials or camera layouts?
Competitive Positioning: As the Google Pixel 10 and iPhone 17 arrive later in 2025, how will Samsung differentiate the S26 series to capture market share?

Speculation and Expectations

With the competitive landscape heating up, expectations are high for the S26 to deliver on both performance and innovation, and to stand strong against its rivals.

Let the discussion begin!

Latest Samsung Galaxy S26 news

Galaxy S26 Rumors Gain Fresh Momentum

Leaked reports suggest the upcoming Galaxy S26 will bring a notable upgrade to NFC capabilities, enabling faster and more reliable wireless transactions.

Edge Edition Could Set New Design Barriers

Meanwhile, the announced Galaxy S26 Edge may appear slimmer than its predecessors, while a larger battery could extend usage beyond 12 hours on a single charge.

Thin chassis design, maintaining a weight within 180 grams
Battery capacity boosted to 5000 mAh, surpassing the S25 Edge
NFC performance enhanced with a chip upgrade, supporting ultra-fast data transfer rates

Developer Insight

External sources indicate that Samsung is refining the NFC hardware to address initial compatibility issues, potentially offering an NFC firmware update soon.

When will the Samsung Galaxy S26 launch?

Projected Launch and Release of Samsung Galaxy S26

Historical Launch Patterns

Samsung’s Galaxy S series has traditionally debuted at Galaxy Unpacked events held in January. The Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S24 were unveiled on 21 January 2025 and 22 January 2024, respectively. The pattern suggests that the Galaxy S26 will follow the same timing.

Possible Announcement Dates

All three recent S series launch events took place on a Wednesday, indicating a likely range for the 2026 announcement:

January 21, 2026
January 28, 2026

Expected Market Availability

Based on previous releases, the Galaxy S26 is expected to reach the market roughly two weeks after the launch event. This implies an early February arrival for the on-sale date.

Key Takeaway

Samsung likely aims to unveil the Galaxy S26 in the last week of January 2026, with a sale window opening in early February 2026.

Previous Galaxy S series launches

Galaxy S Series Launch Schedule

The upcoming Galaxy S series is set to hit the market with staggered launch dates across the next few years. Below is a concise list of the key dates for each major release.

Galaxy S25 Series

Launch Date: January 22, 2025
Release Date: February 7, 2025

Galaxy S24 Series

Launch Date: January 17, 2024
Release Date: January 31, 2024

Galaxy S23 Series

Launch Date: February 1, 2023
Release Date: February 17, 2023

These dates reflect Samsung’s planned rollout strategy, ensuring each model is delivered to consumers in a timely manner.

How many Galaxy S26 phones will there be?

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Lineup Sparks 2026 Refresh Predictions

January 2025: Three Models Debut

Galaxy S25 – the base model with sleek design and versatile performance.
Galaxy S25 Plus – a mid‑range variant featuring an expanded battery and upgraded camera.
Galaxy S25 Ultra – the flagship boasting top‑tier specs, a stunning display and advanced sensors.

May 2025: Galaxy S25 Edge Arrives

Galaxy S25 Edge – an ultra‑slim, edge‑to‑edge experience that rounds out the lineup.

2026 Refresh Outlook

Industry chatter suggests Samsung will likely refresh all four models simultaneously, hinting at a quad‑pack release in January 2026. The upcoming Galaxy S25 lineup will then feature:

Galaxy S25 – refreshed base model.
Galaxy S25 Plus – refreshed mid‑range variant.
Galaxy S25 Ultra – revamped flagship with advanced features.
Galaxy S25 Edge – refreshed ultra‑slim edge design.

Key Points to Watch

Samsung is expected to align the refresh across all four models.
January 2026 is set as the likely launch window for the next Galaxy S25 series.
The refreshed series will likely incorporate improved camera hardware, battery life, and updated software features.

Our expected Galaxy S26 line-up

Samsung Galaxy S26 Series: Innovation and Edge

Samsung Galaxy S26

The base model delivers a clean, balanced experience.

Design: Minimalist frame with curved glass.
Display: 6.1‑inch Dynamic AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080p.
Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 8‑core, 5‑core.
Camera: 50MP wide + 12MP ultra‑wide, 4K video.
Battery: 4,000mAh, fast‑charge 45W, 15W wireless.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus

The Plus variant expands the display and battery capacity.

Display: 6.6‑inch Dynamic AMOLED, 120Hz, 1440p.
Battery: 5,200mAh, 45W fast‑charge, 15W wireless.
Camera: 50MP wide + 12MP ultra‑wide + 10MP tele‑wide, 8K video.
Design: Softer glass edge, matte finish.
Software: One UI 5.5, AI photo enhancements.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

The Ultra variant pushes the envelope in performance, camera, and battery.

Display: 6.8‑inch Dynamic AMOLED, 120Hz, 1440p.
Battery: 6,000mAh, 65W fast‑charge, 20W wireless.
Camera: 108MP wide + 12MP ultra‑wide + 10MP tele‑wide, 12K video.
Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Pro, 8‑core, 5‑core.
Design: Armor glass, satin finish, Ultra‑edge guard.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge

The Edge model champions a unique, razor‑edge design.

Display: 6.4‑inch Dynamic AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080p.
Battery: 4,300mAh, 45W fast‑charge, 15W wireless.
Camera: 50MP wide + 12MP ultra‑wide, 4K video.
Design: Sharp edge glass, matte finish, Edge‑guard.
Software: One UI 5.5, Edge AI features.

Samsung Galaxy S26 rumors

Samsung Galaxy S26 Rumors Update

Launch insight: Rumors for the Galaxy S26 are scarce at present, but they are expected to intensify closer to launch date.

Chipset speculation

In a March 2025 report, Samsung reportedly plans to diversify its chipset sourcing for the Galaxy S26 lineup, moving away from exclusive reliance on Qualcomm. Historically, Samsung has blended Qualcomm with its own Exynos chips, varying usage by device and region. Reintroducing Exynos in the S26 could reduce dependence on Qualcomm, albeit Exynos chips are traditionally viewed as inferior. How the mix plays out might influence future perception.

Camera upgrades

Core sensors: A 200MP main, 50MP wide‑angle, and 50MP 5x telephoto are likely carried forward from the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Zoom evolution: The 10MP 3x optical telephoto may be replaced by an unknown mega‑pixel presence.
Ultra pattern: Samsung frequently revises camera aspects with each Ultra release, such as the S25 Ultra’s 50MP wide‑angle upgrade and S22 Ultra’s 200MP primary.

Display and hardware speculation

Rumors hint at under‑display front cameras for the next Galaxy S Ultra, but this claim has largely been debunked. Additional speculation concerns the Galaxy S26 Edge, anticipated as a super‑slim flagship featuring an even thinner frame and a larger battery. The Galaxy S26 series may also incorporate a NFC antenna for improved contactless payment connectivity, alongside the traditional back‑coil NFC.

Feature and battery buzz

Other conjectures include:

Battery technology: New technology could boost endurance.
Charging pace: Faster wired charging is on the table.
Face scanning: Advanced face scanning similar to Apple’s Face ID could appear.
Thin profile: The flagship may emerge thinner than other models.
Display brightness: An increased screen brightness is speculated.

While many of these rumors appear speculative, they form the mosaic of expectation surrounding the Galaxy S26 series. The next flagship will likely showcase a blend of hardware enhancement and design refinement.

Samsung Galaxy S26: what we want to see

Galaxy S26 Series: Early Speculations

Current Speculations

Initial impressions of the Galaxy S26 series are already shaping early expectations. Although the exact details remain nebulous, the community remains engaged in anticipating forthcoming revelations.

Uncertain Trajectory

Prospective Features: Might include significant updates.
Future Releases: Potential developments may surface.

Improved charging on cheaper models

Enhancing Charging for Galaxy S’s Budget Line

Expecting Samsung to upgrade charging on lower‑priced Galaxy S models is a reasonable request. Straightforward upgrades to both wired and wireless charging would boost user comfort and everyday efficiency.

Wired Charging Improvements

Faster wired charging would cut downtime, letting users recharge quickly during short breaks.
Quick recharging becomes useful in emergencies or hectic schedules.

Wireless Charging Enhancements

Improved wireless charging would create a smoother, cable‑free experience.
Users could enjoy a seamless charging session without dealing with cables.

By tackling both wired and wireless charging, Samsung could deliver a more satisfying charging ecosystem for Galaxy S’s affordable family.

Improved cameras across the board

Camera Upgrades: Samsung, Apple and the Road Ahead

Samsung, Apple and other flagship providers tend to roll out camera upgrades almost every year, especially on the premium models that these companies offer. Entry‑level devices such as the standard iPhone or Galaxy S, however, tend to see fewer camera improvements from one generation to the next.

The 2026 Outlook for Samsung

While it looks unlikely that Samsung will change its camera strategy in 2026, some hope remains that the company might make a splash next year.

Why Camera Upgrades Matter

Even the most affordable smartphones are pricey, so generation‑to‑generation improvements are essential.
Better cameras are a key driver of consumer choice.

Perhaps the next generation of Samsung devices will finally bring the camera upgrades we all expect.

Get rid of the Plus model

New Era of Sleek Smartphones: Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge & Apple iPhone Air

The rivalry between Samsung and Apple intensifies as both unveil next‑generation flagship models. While Samsung releases the Galaxy S25 Edge in May, Apple is tipped to launch the iPhone Air in September. These launches mark a new era in premium smartphone design.

Apple’s Shift from iPhone Plus to iPhone Air

Apple currently offers four devices in its core lineup.
In fall 2026, the iPhone Plus is expected to be replaced by the iPhone Air within the iPhone 17 series.
Speculation suggests a streamlined entry that retains the standard iPhone Experience.

Samsung Expands its Main Phone Lineup

Samsung is increasing its flagship lineup from three to four models.
Possible four‑model Galaxy S26 lineup: Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, Galaxy S26 Edge, Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Alternatively, the lineup could shrink to three by removing the Galaxy S Plus for 2026.
The decision heavily depends on the sales performance of the Galaxy S25 Edge and the iPhone 17 Air.

Uncertainty & Future Outlook

Lead times indicate that a Galaxy S Plus may still exist in 2026.
What happens in 2027 remains far less certain.
In our humble opinion, a leaner lineup is preferable, giving Samsung more focus on the remaining models.

As Samsung and Apple steer their flagship lines, the future of premium smartphones hinges on popularity, performance, and strategic lineup decisions for the coming years.

A noticeable design makeover

S24 and S25 Ultra: Design Evolution in Samsung’s Galaxy Line

Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra and the newly released S25 Ultra showcase the brand’s commitment to refining its flagship smartphones. While the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers a polished aesthetic with a curved display and minimal bezels, the Galaxy S25 Ultra pushes the envelope further, introducing a more angular frame coupled with a bold camera module.

Why Samsung Keeps Familiar Designs

Consumers tend to favor established designs over experimental iterations. Samsung acknowledges this preference, which explains why the S25 Edge will likely start with a limited production run. By controlling initial output, the company can gauge the model’s reception before scaling worldwide.

Strategic Design Changes for the S26 Series

Targeted Refresh: The S26 Ultra should lead the refresh, building on the S24’s refined look while incorporating the S25 Edge’s sharp angles.
Unique Signature: Samsung must design the S26 Ultra with its own visual identity—drawing inspiration from the S25 Edge but ensuring the Ultra remains unmistakably “Ultra.”
Gradual Implementation: By rolling the Ultra first, the company can assess consumer response to the new design before applying changes across the entire S26 lineup.

Looking Forward

The Galaxy S26 Ultra will set the tone for Samsung’s next‑generation flagship, blending the reliable design language of the S24 Ultra with fresh, dynamic elements derived from the S25 Edge. This approach promises a balanced mix of familiarity and innovation—one that Samsung’s loyal users will appreciate.

Make Galaxy AI more useful

Celebrating Two Years of Galaxy AI

January marks the second anniversary of Samsung’s Galaxy AI. Initially released only on the Galaxy S24 series, the AI suite has since expanded to both older and newer devices.

Turning Genius into Everyday Practicality

While Galaxy AI’s innovations—such as Circle to Search—are already captivating, refining the experience could drive wider adoption. For the upcoming Galaxy S26 line, the goal is a smoother, more user‑friendly AI. A cleaner focus will also help Samsung eliminate features that prove more confusing than helpful.

Key Features That Might Need a Refresh

Call Assist & Live Translate – Real‑time translation during calls can disrupt natural conversation flow if the translations lag or lack accuracy.
Generative Edit for Photos – The AI’s unpredictable output often falls short of user expectations, leading to low engagement.

By addressing these challenges, Samsung can streamline Galaxy AI and make it an indispensable part of daily life.