Get ready for the Samsung Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus, the highly anticipated successors to the Galaxy S25 series! But here's the twist: these new devices are arriving later than expected, and with some intriguing changes.
The Late Arrival of the Galaxy S26 Family
Samsung has been through some development challenges, which has pushed the release of the S26 series to around mid-March. We're talking a significant delay compared to previous launches! The company initially experimented with new names and market strategies but ultimately decided to stick with the familiar Galaxy S lineup.
Price Hike: A $50 Jump?
Rumors suggest that the Galaxy S26 might come with a higher price tag due to factors like RAM shortages and inflation. Expect a potential $50 increase per storage tier, although it could be more. However, with other smartphone companies managing to keep prices stable, there's a chance Samsung might follow suit and maintain the pricing from last year, starting at $799.99 for the regular S25 and $1,299.99 for the S25 Ultra.
Design: Seeing Double?
If you thought the S26 would bring a fresh look, think again! It's expected to have the same design as the S25, from the flat sides to the curved corners. Samsung seems to be playing it safe with minimal design upgrades, which might disappoint those hoping for a more innovative aesthetic.
Camera Island: A Subtle Change
One noticeable exterior change is the camera setup. The S26 and S26 Plus are rumored to feature larger camera bumps with a two-tiered design, creating a unique 'camera island' effect. While the sensors remain vertically placed in the top left corner, this added detail will help distinguish the S26 series from its predecessor.
Standard Water and Dust Resistance: IP68 Certification
Samsung is likely to continue with the IP68 certification for water and dust resistance, which is standard for many smartphones these days. Some devices are moving towards IP69 for protection against water jets, but IP68 should suffice for most users.
New 50MP Sensors: Improved Imaging
The Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus might introduce a new 50MP main camera, offering better light sensitivity and larger sensors. The ultra-wide camera could also get an upgrade, moving from the aging 12MP sensor to a new 50MP one. The telephoto camera, however, is expected to remain unchanged.
Better Processing and AI: Enhanced Intelligence
Samsung is known for its post-processing algorithms, and the S26 series is expected to continue this trend. We might see some exciting new AI features for editing and capturing images, adding to the overall intelligence of these devices.
Slightly Bigger Screens: A Little More Real Estate
The Galaxy S26 could get a slightly larger screen, potentially increasing from 6.2 inches to 6.27 inches, which Samsung might market as 6.3 inches. While it's not a significant jump, it provides a bit more space for multimedia consumption and multitasking.
S26 Plus: No Size Change
The Galaxy S26 Plus is expected to maintain the same 6.7-inch size as the S25 Plus. Any larger, and it might overlap with the S26 Ultra territory, so Samsung's decision to keep the size consistent makes sense.
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5: The Latest Chipset
As per tradition, the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus will be powered by Qualcomm's latest flagship chip, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. This processor has already impressed in the OnePlus 15, and we can expect similar performance from these Samsung devices.
Bigger Batteries: A Rumored Upgrade
There are conflicting reports about battery upgrades. While the S26 Plus battery is expected to remain at 4,900mAh, the S26 might get a boost from 4,000mAh to 4,300mAh. However, neither device is likely to adopt silicone-carbon batteries, which offer capacities up to 7,000mAh without increasing physical size.
Qi2 Magnetic Charging: A Potential Game-Changer
The Galaxy S26 series could introduce Qi2 magnetic charging, a feature that combines fast 25W wireless charging with magnetic connectivity for chargers and MagSafe accessories. This would be a significant addition to Samsung's lineup, offering a more convenient charging experience.
Faster Wired Charging: 45W and 60W
The Galaxy S26 is rumored to support faster wired charging, jumping from 25W to 45W, matching the S26 Plus. The S26 Ultra might even go faster at 60W, ensuring efficient charging for all models.
Samsung x Perplexity: AI Integration
There's buzz around Samsung potentially integrating Perplexity's AI models into Bixby, its virtual assistant. This could revolutionize the way we interact with our phones, making them more intelligent and intuitive. It would work in harmony with Google Gemini, creating a seamless and natural user experience.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Galaxy S26 Ultra as we approach its March launch. Subscribe to The Shortcut to stay in the loop!
