The Samsung Galaxy S series generates more buzz than any other Android device, and we're approaching the launch of the S26. Below, we take a look at all the notable Galaxy S26 rumors we have heard so far, covering their release date, design, AI features, performance, cameras, pricing, and more. These leaks are from well-known sources, but nothing is confirmed until Samsung takes the stage at its next Unpacked event.
When Will Samsung Launch the Galaxy S26 Series?
Samsung plans to unveil "the next evolution of the ever-expanding Galaxy ecosystem"—aka the Galaxy S26—at Unpacked on Wednesday, Feb. 25 , in San Francisco at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET. You can watch live in the video above; we'll also be on the ground in California.
"Samsung will introduce its latest Galaxy innovations that elevate how users connect, create, and immerse themselves in tech," it says. If you can't make it to the West Coast, the company will livestream its presentation on its press site, Samsung.com and Samsung’s YouTube channel.
Galaxy S26 Unpacked Event: Expected Devices
At the Feb. 25 event, Samsung is expected to announce five new products, including three Galaxy S26 smartphones and two Galaxy Buds 4 series earphones. Barring any surprises, we should get a first look at these devices:
- Galaxy S26
- Galaxy S26+
- Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Galaxy Buds 4
- Galaxy Buds 4 Pro
Earlier reports suggested that the Plus variant wasn't among the preferred three smartphones. However, poor performance of the S25 Edge reportedly forced Samsung to cancel the slim phone and retain the Plus model. A separate report also claimed that Edge may never return. Another rumor also suggested that the base variant would be rebranded as the S26 Pro, but that appears to be bogus.
Galaxy S26 Series: Key Specs
Before we dive into detailed rumors about the S26 series, here’s a look at the key specs gathered from various leakers.
Galaxy S26 Design: Imitating Apple?
No major design changes have been reported for the Galaxy S26 series. The only change that’s caught our attention is the iPhone 17-like vertical camera bump. Samsung’s S25 series has a flat back with cameras protruding from the main surface. For the S26 series, however, leaked images of dummy units show cameras placed in a rectangular bump with rounded corners.
When it comes to colors, leaker Ice Universe reports that the S26 Ultra will come in black, white, blue, and ultraviolet (or purple). The leaker backs his claim with photos of the SIM trays. Notably, the color names are no longer preceded by "Titanium," suggesting Samsung may switch from titanium to aluminum for the chassis.
One of the variants, white shadow, appeared in a leak. Though reported to be a dummy unit, it appears that three of S26 Ultra's cameras will be housed within the vertical bump, and one will be placed above the flashlight.
When it comes to screen size, rumors point to a slightly larger display for the S26 Pro, going from 6.2 inches to 6.27 inches, while the other phones are expected to retain their screen ratios. The screens are also expected to get a new built-in privacy layer that dims or completely blocks your display when viewed from the side.
- Galaxy S26: 6.27 inches (~6.3 inches)
- Galaxy S26 Plus: 6.7 inches
- Galaxy S26 Ultra: 6.9 inches
Galaxy S26: Software and AI
The Galaxy S26 series will come with One UI 8 (or 8.5) and Android 16 out of the box, which are already available on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 or Z Flip 7.
Google's Gemini AI currently features prominently on Galaxy devices, but Samsung is reportedly in talks to integrate Perplexity into Galaxy S26 phones. According to sources speaking to Bloomberg, Samsung wants to preload Perplexity on its phones and also integrate the company's search functionality directly into its Internet Browser. (Motorola added Perplexity to its new Motorola Razr series in April.) A recent leak also suggested Samsung was testing the Perplexity-powered Bixby with its One UI 8.5 update.
Galaxy S26: Performance
(Credit: Qualcomm)The Samsung Galaxy S26 series is expected to run the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. According to Qualcomm's tests, the chip is 20% faster and 35% more power efficient than its predecessor, which was already quite powerful.
According to Tom's Guide, Samsung will continue to load the base S26 and the S26 Plus with an Exynos chip in certain markets. It could be the latest Exynos 2600 chip. However, when it comes to the S26 Ultra, Samsung may use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset on all units sold worldwide.
The first Geekbench scores for the Exynos 2600 chip were out recently. And in some good news for Samsung fans, data shows that the Exynos chip is almost as capable as the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
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About the phones' RAM capacity, one rumor suggests that all three phones will get 16GB of RAM, a 4GB bump from the previous generation. Ice Universe, however, counters that claim, stating all three variants will start with 12GB of RAM.
Galaxy S26: Cameras
Some Samsung fans have expressed frustration with the S series cameras lately, and it doesn't appear that the S26 will be a significant upgrade on that front. Expect the base Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus to retain their existing setup, with a 50MP wide lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP 3x telephoto lens.
As for the S26 Ultra, Android Headlines reports it's expected to retain the 200MP primary camera but with a larger f/1.4 aperture. There's an unlikely rumor about a 324MP main camera.
Samsung is rumored to be adding a 24MP setting as well. Users will be able to enable it from Camera Assistant > Advance resolution options, and it will work for both regular photos and portrait mode, IceUniverse says, adding that the feature is exclusive to S26 and won't work with older devices that have the same camera modules and software.
That said, these phones might not need much of a bump. As PCMag's camera analyst Jim Fisher noted in our S25 Ultra review, "Really, what the heck are people using phone cameras for [that would require] going beyond 50MP practically? Heck, I’d argue that 12MP is the right setting for the vast majority."
Galaxy S26: Battery and Charging
Samsung's reportedly planning to offer true Qi2 charging on the S26 series. So far, the flagship lineup hasn't had magnets at the back, as iPhones do, so they haven't been able to make full use of the wireless charging standard.
However, an image of the dummies shared by leaker Sonny Dickson indicates Samsung's finally making room for magnetic rings at the back. Photos of a Magnet Wireless Charger leaked recently, adding further support to this. The Qi2 wireless charging puck resembles Apple's MagSafe charger and appears to support 25W of fast charging when paired with a 45W or higher adapter.
Ice Universe disputes the claim, saying the Galaxy S26 devices will not have built-in magnets. The rumored charging puck would, in that case, require a compatible case.
Another recent leak suggests Samsung is working on a 20W wireless battery pack that attaches to the back of the phones. This one is also expected to support the Qi2 standard and cost around $70.
As for wired charging speeds, leaker Ice Universe reports an upgrade for the S26 Ultra. It may go from 45W on the S25 Ultra to up to 60W on the upcoming device. Samsung has already begun listing the 60W adapter. The leaker expects S26 and S26 Plus to retain their existing capacities of 25W and 45W, respectively.
PandFlashPro reports a bump in battery capacity for the S26 Ultra, going from 5,000mAh to 5,400mAh. The base S26 and the S26, meanwhile, are expected to have battery capacities of 4,300mAh and 4,900mAh, respectively.
Galaxy S26: Pricing
Shortage of DDR RAM is expected to raise the prices of phones and laptops this year, and Samsung's CEO has all but confirmed this for the Galaxy S26 series. "As this situation is unprecedented, no company is immune to its impact," TM Roh told Reuters recently.
Sources tell South Korea's fnnews that this would translate to a hike of $40 to $60 for each S26 phone with 256GB storage. Rounding off the figure to $50 would mean $850 for the S26 (128GB), $950 for the S26 Plus (256GB), and $1,350 for the S26 Ultra (256GB).
If you reserve the Galaxy S26 now, Samsung will give you a $30 credit to be used during the preorder period. There's no obligation to actually purchase the phone once it's announced, so it's an easy way to save thirty bucks. (This will also enter you for a chance to win a $5,000 gift card to use on Samsung.com.)