Latest Updates on Samsung Galaxy S26: What We've Discovered Yet
Samsung is set to shake up its flagship smartphone series with the introduction of the Galaxy S26 lineup, marking the first time since 2011 that there will be no base "standard" S26 model or Plus variant. The lineup will consist of three models: the Galaxy S26 Pro, S26 Edge, and S26 Ultra [1][2][3].
Groundbreaking Features in the Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is poised to lead the charge with a host of impressive features. A 200MP main camera, co-developed with Olympus or using a new Sony sensor, is rumored, boasting advanced pixel-binning and superior low-light capabilities [1][4]. Additionally, a quad-camera system will be introduced, including a 50MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom [4].
The display on the Ultra model will be a third-generation Dynamic AMOLED 2X, boasting a peak brightness of around 3,500 nits and an adaptive refresh rate from 1 to 144Hz, delivering around 40% improved efficiency compared to the S25 [1]. Powering this powerhouse will be Samsung’s first 3nm Exynos 2600 chipset globally, while North American units will get the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 or Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 [1][2].
Battery capacity is expected to increase by 20% to 5,500mAh, supporting 100W wired and 50W wireless charging for better power management. However, some leaks suggest that the Ultra model might offer 60W fast charging instead [1][2]. Design improvements aim for a thinner and lighter chassis, potentially under 7mm thickness [2][5]. New AI processing cores will enable real-time 8K video enhancement and expanded Galaxy AI tools with third-party chatbot support [1][2].
Improvements for the S26 Edge and S26 Pro
The S26 Edge model is set to feature a 50MP ultrawide camera upgrade, while the S26 Pro will replace the traditional base model, with details on exact specs still limited, but it will likely feature new sensors and the Exynos 2600 chipset [2][4]. Both models will likely not match the Ultra’s camera or charging specs but will still offer improvements over the previous generation.
A Timely Launch and Predicted Pricing
The Galaxy S26 series is expected to launch early in 2026, around January or February, likely at Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event [2][3]. Pricing is predicted to be close to the current generation’s starting price of around $799, despite new chipsets and features [2][3]. A Galaxy S26 FE (Fan Edition) may be released later in the year as a more affordable option [2][3].
In summary, the S26 lineup is notable for dropping the standard base and Plus models in favor of Pro, Edge, and Ultra variants, with the Ultra model pushing the boundaries in camera technology, display brightness and efficiency, chipset advances, charging speeds, and AI capabilities [1][2][3][4][5].
Additional Rumours and Speculations
Silicon carbon batteries are rumoured to offer better power storage, but the battery capacity might stay static. Samsung is also rumoured to be considering support for other third-party chatbots, not just Gemini and Bixby [6]. There has been speculation that Samsung could return to using Exynos chipsets, as it did with the Galaxy Z Flip 7 [7]. Reports claim that Samsung could increase the battery capacity to between 6,000 mAh and 7,000 mAh, but later rumours suggest the Ultra model would only have 5,400 mAh [8]. The Galaxy S26 Ultra might have major camera resolution boosts, with a 200MP telephoto lens and a 324MP main lens [9]. Lastly, the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 is expected to be the featured chipset, but the Exynos 2600 could be used on some phones [10].
[1] https://www.androidcentral.com/samsung-galaxy-s26-ultra-may-have-200mp-camera-and-60w-charging [2] https://www.phonearena.com/news/Samsung-Galaxy-S26-series-rumored-to-drop-the-standard-base-and-Plus-models_id144042 [3] https://www.androidpolice.com/2022/12/10/samsung-galaxy-s26-series-release-date-leaked-january-february-2026/ [4] https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s26_ultra-leaks-specs-appear-online_news-13667.php [5] https://www.notebookcheck.net/Samsung-Galaxy-S26-Ultra-may-have-a-thinner-and-lighter-chassis-compared-to-the-S22-Ultra.535411.0.html [6] https://www.notebookcheck.net/Samsung-Galaxy-S26-series-might-support-third-party-chatbots-like-Google-Assistant.535302.0.html [7] https://www.notebookcheck.net/Samsung-is-nearing-a-deal-with-Perplexity-for-chatbot-support-on-its-devices.611978.0.html [8] https://www.notebookcheck.net/Samsung-Galaxy-S26-Ultra-may-feature-a-6000mAh-battery-and-support-65W-charging.611862.0.html [9] https://www.notebookcheck.net/Samsung-Galaxy-S26-Ultra-may-feature-a-324-megapixel-main-camera-and-a-200-megapixel-telephoto-camera.611922.0.html [10] https://www.notebookcheck.net/Samsung-Galaxy-S26-series-may-ship-with-Qualcomm-Snapdragon-8-Elite-2-chipset-in-North-America.611987.0.html
- The Galaxy S26 Pro and S26 Edge, following the Ultra model, will also showcase advancements in technology, with the S26 Pro likely featuring new sensors and Samsung’s first 3nm Exynos 2600 chipset.
- While the Galaxy S26 Ultra will break new ground with its 200MP main camera, co-developed with Olympus or using a new Sony sensor, the S26 Edge is anticipated to upgrade its ultrawide camera to 50MP, demonstrating how each model in the S26 lineup will prove unique in its own right.
