Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Preview: Rumoured Specs & Features

The Samsung Galaxy S26 series is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated smartphone launches of 2026. Expected to arrive in early Q1, leaks and reports hint at big display changes, improved batteries, upgraded cameras, and the latest chipsets.

In this preview, we’ll break down the rumoured lineup, design tweaks, performance upgrades, and how the S26 could differ from the Galaxy S25 series.

Galaxy S26 Lineup: Expected Models

Rumours suggest Samsung may streamline its flagship series with:

• Galaxy S26 (possibly S26 Pro) – standard flagship.

• Galaxy S26 Edge – potentially replacing the Plus variant with a larger, curved display.

• Galaxy S26 Ultra – the premium model with top-tier hardware.

Regional variations are also expected, with Snapdragon chipsets in most markets and Exynos reserved for select regions.

Design and Display Rumours

Samsung appears to be focusing heavily on display refinements. Leaks point to Samsung’s latest series having the following:

• Sizes: ~6.27-inch (Base/Pro), ~6.66-inch (Edge), ~6.89-inch (Ultra).

• Ultra-thin bezels: possibly as slim as 1.2 mm on the Ultra.

• New display tech: Colour-filter on encapsulation (CoE) and depolarizer layers to reduce reflections.

• Under-display camera (rumoured for the Ultra).

• Design tweaks: slimmer builds and more curved corners, especially on Edge and Ultra.

Performance and Chipset

Under the hood, the Galaxy S26 is expected to push efficiency and AI integration:

• Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 or next-gen chipset for global models.

• Exynos 2600 (2nm) for select regions.

• RAM & storage: starting at 12GB RAM; Ultra variants could reach 1TB storage.

• AI-driven performance improvements across multitasking and display rendering.

Camera Upgrades and Imaging

Cameras have always been a highlight for the Ultra models. Leaks suggest:

• 200MP main sensor on Ultra with better aperture for low-light shooting.

• Upgraded periscope zoom for stronger telephoto performance.

• Modest upgrades to ultrawide and front cameras on base/Edge models.

Battery, Charging and Other Hardware

Samsung is reportedly improving power efficiency across the board:

• Base S26: ~4300 mAh (up from 4000 mAh on S25).

• Fast charging: 60W–65W on Ultra, 45W on other models.

• New battery tech: silicon-carbon cells for better energy density.

• Wireless charging: Qi2 support expected. Some rumours suggest reverse wireless charging may be dropped on lower models.

AI and Software Features in S26

The Galaxy S26 series will likely launch with Android 16 and One UI 8.x. Key features may include:

• Multiple AI assistants integrated into the OS.

• Enhanced display privacy and reflection-reduction tools.

• Expanded under-display camera features on Ultra.

Expected Pricing & Release Timeline of S26

Samsung typically launches its S-series in January or February via Unpacked events. Pricing may rise slightly compared to the S25 series, particularly for the Ultra, though the base model could remain close to its predecessor’s cost if production efficiencies hold.

Key Differences: S26 vs S25

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Last updated: 17 October 2025

What’s Still Uncertain / Rumours to Treat with Caution

• Whether the Edge truly replaces the Plus model.

• Real-world impact of the rumoured 200MP sensor and upgraded zoom.

• Battery life improvements beyond raw capacity numbers.

• Regional chipset distribution (Snapdragon vs Exynos).

• Final pricing, which may shift due to new chipsets and materials.