Samsung’s next-generation Galaxy S26 lineup is expected to be officially unveiled in January 2026, following its usual early-year launch pattern, with pre-orders and global availability—including in India, Europe, and the U.S.—starting shortly thereafter.
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New Lineup Naming Strategy
Recent firmware and GSMA database findings suggest Samsung is significantly revamping its naming strategy:
- The classic base and Plus models may be dropped.
- The upcoming devices could instead be named:
- Galaxy S26 Pro (formerly the base model),
- Galaxy S26 Edge (replacing the Plus),
- Galaxy S26 Ultra (flagship tier)
Design & Display Highlights
Likely features a 6.9‑inch flat OLED display with CoE depolarizer and anti‑reflective glass for improved clarity, power efficiency, and slimmer bezels.
Thinner profile than its predecessor at around 7–8 mm thickness for a lighter and more elegant build.
Camera module expected in a raised pill-shaped layout, similar to recent Galaxy Z Fold and Edge designs.
Performance & Hardware
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chip built on a third-gen 3 nm TSMC process, with CPU running up to 4.6 GHz and GPU at 1.2 GHz. Regional variants may include Samsung’s Exynos 2600.
Likely equipped with 16 GB RAM and storage tiers up to 1 TB, with base Ultra models starting at 256 GB.
Cameras
The Ultra is expected to use a 200 MP ISOCELL HP2 (or Sony‐sourced equivalent) primary sensor with a much wider aperture for superior low-light photography.
Complemented by enhanced 3× and 5× telephoto lenses with bigger apertures for cleaner zoom shots.
Ultra-wide and periscope modules also improved, while the camera layout sharpens ergonomics and reflectivity control.
Battery & Charging
Rumored battery capacity remains ~5,000 mAh, though some reports indicate a bump to 5,500 mAh depending on final design.
Charging speeds expected to climb to 60 W, a marked improvement over prior 45 W limits—firmware insights suggest 50% in ~20 minutes, full recharge in ~45 minutes.
Software & AI Capabilities
Ship with Android 16 and feature a new variant of One UI 8.5, offering exclusive software perks and optimized update cadence in sync with Google’s release schedule.
Samsung executives (specifically mobile chief Choi Won‑Joon) disclosed plans to integrate multiple AI assistants—possibly including Perplexity AI, Google’s Gemini, and more — alongside Bixby, expanding assistant choices beyond today’s offerings.
Model Variants & Pricing
While official pricing is pending, expectations are:
- Galaxy S26 Pro (base): Around $799–$999 (or ₹70k–₹80k equivalent in India)
- Galaxy S26 Edge: Mid-tier positioning—possibly priced $999+.
- Galaxy S26 Ultra: Expected to start around ₹1,59,990 (~$1,299) in India and similar globally
Summary Table
| Model Variant | Display | Chipset | Camera | Battery/Charging | Software |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S26 Pro | ~6.27″ AMOLED, 120 Hz | Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 / Exynos 2600 | ~50 MP main | ~4,000–5,000 mAh | Android 16, One UI 8.5 |
| S26 Edge | ~6.66″ curved AMOLED | Same as above | Upgraded triple-camera | ~5,000 mAh | Android 16, One UI 8.5 |
| S26 Ultra | ~6.89″ CoE OLED, slim bezels | Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 / Exynos 2600 | 200 MP main, improved 3× & 5× zoom | ~5,000–5,500 mAh, 60 W fast charging | Android 16, One UI 8.5, AI assistants |
The Galaxy S26 series looks to be a thoughtful evolution rather than a clean break from Samsung’s current flagships. Design improvements, enhanced camera optics and speed, and expanded AI integration all suggest a polished but restrained upgrade.