Release Timeline & Model Lineup
Launch Window: Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S26 series in January or February 2026, consistent with their early-year launch trend.
New Naming Strategy: Leaks from firmware evidence and multiple analysts suggest Samsung may be retiring the standard “base” and “Plus” models. Instead, the lineup may consist of:
Galaxy S26 Pro (possibly replacing the base),
Galaxy S26 Edge (taking over from what might have been the Plus), and
Galaxy S26 Ultra.
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Display & Design Updates
Galaxy S26 (Pro): Likely sports a slightly larger screen (~6.27″, up from 6.2″ on the S25) and a modestly bigger battery (~4,300 mAh vs. 4,000 mAh).
Edge & Ultra Variants:
Edge possibly around 6.66″,
Ultra closer to **6.89″**.
Ergonomics (Ultra): Reports say the Ultra model will have even rounder corners than the S25 Ultra—making it more comfortable to hold, though potentially more slippery.
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Camera, Charging & Batteries
Ultra’s Camera Enhancements:
A returning “camera island” design to house upgraded lenses.
Main lens rumored to feature fixed f/1.4 aperture, enabling up to 47% more light and better performance in low-light settings.
Telephoto possibly upgraded to 12 MP and paired with a laser autofocus sensor.
Rumors also mention a 200 MP periscope lens, especially on the Edge and Ultra models.
Battery & Charging (Ultra):
Battery capacity may remain at ~5,000 mAh, similar to the S25 Ultra.
However, faster charging speeds up to 60 W are expected—up from 45 W.
Speculative mention of silicon-carbon battery tech for improved battery life remains unconfirmed.
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Performance & Internal Changes
Processors:
The flagship models (Ultra, Edge, Pro) are likely to be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 or Samsung’s Exynos 2600 depending on the region.
Software & AI Features:
All S26 models are expected to ship with One UI 8.5 on Android 16, featuring the expanded Galaxy AI toolkit.
There are rumors Samsung might preinstall additional AI assistants (like ChatGPT or Perplexity) alongside Bixby and Google Gemini.
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Quick Glance: Galaxy S26 Rumor Summary
Feature/Model Galaxy S26 (Pro/Base) Galaxy S26 Edge Galaxy S26 Ultra
Display Size ~6.27″ ~6.66″ ~6.89″
Battery ~4,300 mAh Likely similar or higher ~5,000 mAh
Camera Focus Upgraded 50 MP sensor Likely 200 MP periscope Wide + 200 MP periscope + f/1.4
Charger Possibly standard (25–45 W) Fast charging potential Fast charging up to 60 W
Design Notes Incremental updates expected Thinner with new materials? Rounder corners, ergonomic focus
Processor Snapdragon 8 Elite 2/Exynos Same across variants Same across varia
nts
Software One UI 8.5, Android 16 AI features Same Same, plus potential AI assistants
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