Samsung Galaxy S26 Expectations: Key Features We Anticipate
The tech world is abuzz with anticipation as Samsung prepares to unveil its next flagship series, the Galaxy S26. In a strategic shift, the Galaxy S26 series is expected to feature three models: a base model renamed as the S26 Pro, a new S26 Edge replacing the former Plus variant, and the flagship S26 Ultra.
Sleek and Stylish Design
The S26 Edge, replacing the Plus model, is set to be the star of the show with its sleek, ultra-thin, razor-thin design. The S26 Ultra, while maintaining its premium status, will boast a slimmer, lighter, and slightly larger display (about 6.89 inches, thinner than 7mm), improved ergonomics with rounded corners, and enhanced battery charging speeds (up to 60W fast charging with a 5,000mAh battery).
Design Changes and Innovations
In addition to the design overhaul, the S26 series will see other changes. The S26 Edge will focus on portability and style, while the S26 Ultra will feature reduced bezels (~1.15mm) for an immersive near-edge-to-edge screen, better ergonomics, and potentially under-display camera technology. The S Pen stylus is rumoured to be replaced by improved wireless (Qi2) charging capabilities on some models.
Hardware and Performance
The Ultra will likely use the custom Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset globally, offering up to 4.6GHz CPU speeds and enhanced GPU performance. The S26 Pro and Edge are expected to run on Samsung’s in-house Exynos 2600 chip, optimized for thermal and graphical efficiency. Battery sizes will range from 4,300mAh (Pro) to 4,400mAh (Edge) and 5,000mAh (Ultra), with the Ultra gaining faster charging from 45W to 60W.
Camera Upgrades
Camera upgrades are significant, especially for the Ultra. There are rumours of a 200MP telephoto zoom lens and a 50MP secondary telephoto. A 324MP primary sensor is also speculated, although this remains to be confirmed. The return of variable aperture technology offers flexible photography options, and there's even talk of a debut for under-display camera technology.
Competing with Google Pixel 10 and iPhone 17 Series
Samsung is moving towards a more premium-focused lineup, slimming down models and emphasizing unique designs (Edge and Ultra) similar to how Apple may shift from iPhone 17 Plus to a slimmer iPhone 17 Air. Google Pixel 10 is likely to continue emphasizing software and AI features, while Samsung competes through hardware innovations, especially camera tech and design refinements. Apple iPhone 17 is expected to maintain its tradition of incremental design changes with potential slimming in the Air model, whereas Samsung rebrands and reinvents its lineup aggressively to stand out.
Availability and Usability
The Galaxy S26 series is expected to launch towards the end of January 2026, with the phones available for purchase roughly two weeks after the launch event. Samsung should aim to make Galaxy AI more useful and easier to use for the masses in the Galaxy S26 series.
In this strategic move, Samsung positions itself to compete head-on on design innovation and photography hardware, while Google leans on software advantages and Apple on ecosystem and incremental refinements.
[1] TechRadar (2025). Samsung Galaxy S26 series: Release date, price, specs and features. [online] Available at: https://www.techradar.com/news/samsung-galaxy-s26-series-release-date-price-specs-and-features
[2] Android Central (2025). Samsung Galaxy S26 series: Everything we know so far. [online] Available at: https://www.androidcentral.com/samsung-galaxy-s26-series-everything-we-know-so-far
[3] Phone Arena (2025). Samsung Galaxy S26 series: The latest rumours and leaks. [online] Available at: https://www.phonearena.com/news/Samsung-Galaxy-S26-series-latest-rumours-leaks_id143184
[4] The Verge (2025). Samsung Galaxy S26 series: What we want to see. [online] Available at: https://www.theverge.com/23266332/samsung-galaxy-s26-series-wishlist
[5] GSM Arena (2025). Samsung Galaxy S26 series: Everything we know. [online] Available at: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s26-11373.php
The S26 Edge and S26 Ultra, part of the upcoming Galaxy S26 series, are expected to flaunt innovative designs, with the S26 Edge focusing on portability and style, and the S26 Ultra boasting improved battery charging speeds, a slimmer, lighter, and slightly larger display, reduced bezels, and potentially under-display camera technology. Tech enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the showcase of smartphones like the Google Pixel 10 and iPhone 17 series, as Samsung competes through hardware innovations, especially in camera tech and design refinements.
