Samsung Galaxy S26 Release: Samsung is getting ready to introduce its next flagship lineup with the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra. Here’s everything we know about the upcoming phones, from their launch date to expected features and pricing.
When Will Samsung Galaxy S26 Launch?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is expected to launch on February 25, 2026, according to multiple reliable sources. This marks a shift from Samsung’s traditional January timeline, as the company delayed the announcement by nearly two months.
If Samsung follows its usual pattern, the phones should become available for purchase around March 11, 2026, roughly two weeks after the announcement. The launch event will likely be held on a Wednesday, as Samsung has done for its recent Galaxy S events.
Important Dates to Remember:
- Announcement: February 25, 2026
- Pre-orders: Expected to open on announcement day
- Release Date: Around March 11, 2026
- Where to Watch: Samsung Unpacked event (likely livestreamed)
Samsung Galaxy S26 Models and Lineup
Samsung is sticking with a familiar formula for 2026. The company will introduce three main models in the Galaxy S26 lineup:
- Samsung Galaxy S26: The base flagship model with a 6.3-inch display
- Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus: The mid-range flagship at 6.7 inches
- Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: The top-tier model with a 6.9-inch screen and advanced features
There had been rumors about a Galaxy S26 Edge model and a Pro variant, but those now appear unlikely for the February launch. The S26 Edge may arrive later in the year, similar to how the S25 Edge was released in May 2025.
Display and Design Changes
Screen Sizes and Technology
The display upgrades are expected to be one of the major improvements across the S26 lineup. All three models will use Samsung’s M14 OLED panels, the same technology found in Apple iPhones and Google Pixel phones. This should bring better brightness and power efficiency to the S26 series.
The Galaxy S26 will feature a 6.3-inch FHD+ display with peak brightness reaching 2,600 nits, an improvement over the S25’s capabilities. The S26 Plus will retain its 6.7-inch screen, while the Ultra model keeps its 6.9-inch display. However, the Ultra’s display will be significantly brighter and feature improved anti-reflective coating for better outdoor visibility.
The S26 Ultra will get Gorilla Armor 2 glass with DX anti-reflective coating, which can reduce glare by up to 75 percent. The QHD+ 1440×3120 resolution panel supports 120Hz refresh rates and will be roughly twice as bright as the S25 Ultra for better HDR and sunlight visibility.
Size and Weight
Samsung is making some interesting choices with the dimensions. The regular Galaxy S26 will actually get thinner, dropping from 7.2mm to 6.9mm in thickness. The S26 Plus maintains the same 7.3mm thickness as before. The Galaxy S26 Ultra becomes more svelte at just 7.9mm thick and weighs only 214 grams, making it one of the slimmest high-end phones available.
The design will also feature a redesigned pill-shaped camera module, replacing the previous square and rectangular designs. This new look should give the phones a more distinctive appearance compared to the S25 series.
Camera Setup and Photography Features
Standard Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus
The base S26 and S26 Plus models will feature modest camera upgrades. Both phones will have a 200MP main sensor with laser autofocus, a 50MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP 3x telephoto lens. There are some conflicting reports about whether the telephoto will be upgraded to 12MP, but most recent leaks suggest it stays at 10MP.
One improvement is that Samsung may introduce a new main camera sensor for better overall image quality, even if the megapixel count stays the same. The front-facing camera will remain at 12MP, as it has since the S23 generation.
Galaxy S26 Ultra Camera System
The S26 Ultra is where Samsung will push camera innovation. Rumors suggest the Ultra could feature enhanced camera sensors, though exact specifications remain unclear. Some reports mention a 200MP telephoto lens, while others suggest a 324MP main sensor for the Ultra variant, though these reports conflict with more recent leaks.
All S26 models will support 8K video recording at 30fps with the new APV codec, along with 4K60fps front and rear capture with 10-bit HDR10+ log profiles. Advanced stabilization and improved low-light performance will reduce motion blur and noise in challenging conditions.
AI-powered enhancements will help with scene recognition, portrait mode optimization, and real-time HDR adjustments. The Ultra will maintain its 100x Space Zoom capability for extreme telephoto shots.
Performance and Processing Power
Chipsets
Samsung will employ a chip-split strategy for the S26 series, similar to recent flagships. In most markets, the Galaxy S26 models will feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. However, in some international regions, Samsung will use its own Exynos 2600 chip, built on a 2nm process that matches Qualcomm’s performance.
Both processors should deliver significant performance improvements over the S25 generation. All S26 models will come with 12GB of RAM as the base configuration, with the S26 Ultra potentially offering 16GB for users who need extra multitasking power.
Storage will start at 256GB, with Samsung retiring the 128GB option. The S26 Ultra may offer a 1TB storage option for those needing massive capacity.
Software
The Galaxy S26 series will launch with Android 16 and One UI 8.5, Samsung’s latest software experience. The new software is expected to include enhanced AI features and potentially support for alternative virtual assistants beyond Google Gemini and Samsung Bixby.
Rumors suggest Samsung is talking with Perplexity AI about adding it as an optional assistant option. A new “Privacy Display” or “Private Display” feature may also debut, using AI to adjust pixel arrangement for better privacy when viewing sensitive information.
Battery and Charging
Battery Capacity
Battery upgrades are coming, though the improvements are incremental. The Galaxy S26 will feature a 4,300mAh battery, up from the S25’s 4,000mAh. The Plus and Ultra models should see similar modest capacity increases.
Samsung has considered using silicon-carbon battery chemistry for the S26 series, which would allow higher energy density. This means more battery capacity without taking up additional space inside the phone. However, confirmation of this upgrade is still pending.
Charging Speeds
Charging is where we see more interesting upgrades. The Galaxy S26 Ultra will finally get a significant boost to 60W wired charging, jumping from the 45W maximum on the S25 Ultra. This represents the biggest charging speed increase in six years for Samsung’s flagship Ultra model.
The base S26 and S26 Plus are expected to stick with 25W charging, which hasn’t changed much in recent years. However, all three models will support Qi2 magnetic wireless charging, with built-in magnetic arrays for the first time. This brings Samsung’s phones more in line with Apple’s MagSafe approach to wireless charging.
Expected Pricing
Samsung’s pricing strategy for the S26 is somewhat uncertain due to rising component costs. The company has hinted that prices in some regions may increase, though the United States market should see stable pricing.
Expected Samsung Galaxy S26 Pricing (Estimated):
- Galaxy S26: Starting around $799 to $899
- Galaxy S26 Plus: Starting around $999 to $1,099
- Galaxy S26 Ultra: Starting around $1,299 to $1,399
Note: Prices vary by region and storage capacity. A potential increase of $50 to $100 has been rumored for some markets.
Galaxy S26 vs Galaxy S25: Key Differences
| Feature | Galaxy S26 | Galaxy S25 | What’s New |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.3 inches | 6.2 inches | Slightly larger |
| Display Technology | M14 OLED | Standard OLED | Brighter, more efficient |
| Thickness | 6.9mm | 7.2mm | Slimmer design |
| Battery | 4,300mAh | 4,000mAh | Larger capacity |
| Charging (Ultra) | 60W wired | 45W wired | Faster charging |
| Wireless Charging | Qi2 with MagSafe support | Basic wireless | Magnetic accessories support |
| Camera (Base) | 200MP main, 50MP ultra, 10MP tele | 50MP main, 12MP ultra, 10MP tele | Higher megapixel count main |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Snapdragon 8 Elite | More powerful CPU/GPU |
| Software | Android 16, One UI 8.5 | Android 15, One UI 6.1 | Latest Android and Samsung features |
Design Color Options
Based on recent wallpaper leaks, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will be available in multiple colors. Expected color options include:
- Black
- White/Silver
- Blue
- Orange
The exact color lineup will be confirmed when Samsung makes its official announcement on February 25.
AI Features and Software Highlights
Samsung has emphasized that the S26 series will focus on performance, AI, and cameras. AI enhancements will play a larger role in the user experience, with improvements across photography, productivity, and daily tasks.
One UI 8.5 will introduce new AI-powered features, though Samsung hasn’t detailed all of them yet. The company is also working with multiple AI vendors to expand virtual assistant options beyond its current offerings.
Privacy protection is a priority, with features like the rumored “Privacy Display” that adjusts pixel arrangement to prevent shoulder-surfers from seeing sensitive information on your screen.
What’s Not Changing Much
Not everything will be an upgrade. The Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus will keep the same basic camera sensor setup as the S25, with only modest improvements. Charging speeds on the base models remain stuck at 25W for the standard S26 and Plus.
The selfie camera stays at 12MP, a spec that hasn’t changed since the Galaxy S23. Samsung seems to be focused on incremental improvements rather than revolutionary changes this generation.
Should You Wait for the Galaxy S26?
If you currently own a Galaxy S25, the S26 won’t offer a compelling upgrade unless you heavily use the camera or want the faster charging on the Ultra model. The improvements are modest and spread across smaller features rather than game-changing additions.
However, if you’re using an older phone like the S23 or earlier, the S26 will offer noticeable improvements in display quality, performance, and camera capabilities.
Timeline of Galaxy S26 Expectations
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Late January 2026 | Leaked Specs and Renders | Leaked specs and renders appear online confirming most major features of the S26 series |
| February 10, 2026 | Pre-Launch Confirmation | Final confirmation of launch date and potential early information releases from official sources |
| February 25, 2026 | Official Announcement | Samsung officially announces Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra at Samsung Unpacked event |
| February 25 to March 10, 2026 | Pre-Orders Open | Pre-orders open for early purchasers. Units typically ship within 1-2 weeks |
| March 11, 2026 | Official Release | Galaxy S26 series officially available for purchase in stores and online worldwide |
| May 2026 (Possible) | Galaxy S26 Edge Launch | Galaxy S26 Edge may launch as a separate variant, following the S25 Edge release pattern |
Frequently Asked Questions About Galaxy S26
Q: When will the Samsung Galaxy S26 be announced?
Samsung will officially announce the Galaxy S26 series on February 25, 2026. The announcement will likely take place during the Samsung Unpacked event, which will be livestreamed online.
Q: What are the different Galaxy S26 models?
Samsung will introduce three main models: the Galaxy S26 (base model), Galaxy S26 Plus (mid-range), and Galaxy S26 Ultra (top-tier). All three will launch in February 2026. A Galaxy S26 Edge may arrive later in the year.
Q: How much will the Galaxy S26 cost?
Exact pricing hasn’t been confirmed, but the S26 is expected to start around $799-$899, the S26 Plus around $999-$1,099, and the S26 Ultra around $1,299-$1,399. Some regions may see price increases due to rising component costs.
Q: What processor will the Galaxy S26 use?
The Galaxy S26 will primarily use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in most markets. Some regions will get the Exynos 2600 chip, which offers comparable performance. Both are significant upgrades over the previous generation.
Q: Will the Galaxy S26 support MagSafe?
Yes, all three Galaxy S26 models will support Qi2 magnetic wireless charging with built-in magnetic arrays, similar to Apple’s MagSafe. This allows you to use magnetic accessories and cases.
Q: How much better is the Galaxy S26 camera compared to the S25?
The main improvements are on the S26 Ultra with faster charging and possibly improved telephoto performance. The base S26 and S26 Plus will have a higher megapixel main camera (200MP vs 50MP) but similar overall capabilities to their S25 counterparts.
Q: When will Galaxy S26 be available for purchase?
Pre-orders should open on February 25, 2026, the announcement day. The phones are expected to be widely available starting March 11, 2026. Some regions may have slightly different dates.
Is the Galaxy S26 Worth the Wait?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 represents an incremental evolution rather than a revolutionary leap. For Galaxy S25 owners, the upgrades are modest enough that waiting might be a better option. The brighter display, faster Ultra charging, and new design are nice improvements, but not game-changing.
For anyone using an older Samsung phone or switching from another brand, the S26 will feel like a significant upgrade with its improved display, performance, and camera capabilities. The addition of Qi2 magnetic charging brings Samsung more in line with industry standards and offers practical benefits for accessory use.
The real question is whether you value the latest technology and are willing to pay premium prices for modest improvements, or if you’re happy with current-generation phones that already do everything you need. Either way, the Galaxy S26 should be a solid flagship choice when it launches.
Check back on February 25, 2026, when Samsung makes the official announcement for final pricing and confirmed specifications.