At a Glance
- Samsung Galaxy S26 and its variants will launch at a Feb. 25, 2025 Unpacked event in San Francisco.
- The Ultra model features a slimmer 7.9-mm body, 6.9-inch M14 OLED, and a 200-MP main camera.
- The base S26 retains a 50-MP ultrawide lens and a 4,300-mAh battery.
Why it matters: Samsung’s new flagship line signals a stronger push into AI-driven features and a refreshed design language.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 series is finally moving from rumor to reality. After months of speculation about whether the base model would be scrapped or renamed, Samsung has confirmed that the flagship will carry the simple Samsung Galaxy S26 name. The launch is slated for a Feb. 25, 2025 Unpacked event in San Francisco, with the devices expected to ship shortly thereafter.
Release Schedule
Samsung typically hosts several Unpacked events each year. The S25 line debuted on Jan. 22, 2025, with a release on Feb. 7, 2025. This year’s lineup will follow a slightly delayed timeline:
| Event | Date | Location | Devices | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unpacked | Feb. 25, 2025 | San Francisco | S26, S26 Ultra, S26 Plus | First look for 2026 models |
| Unpacked | May 2025 | N/A | S25 Edge | Second event of the year |
| Unpacked | Sep. 2025 | N/A | S25 FE | Third event |
The company may schedule additional releases throughout the year.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Ultra variant is the only model that appears unchanged from the S25 Ultra. Renderings from Android Headlines show a slightly different silhouette:
- Curvier corners compared to the S25 Ultra.
- A 7.9-mm thickness, 0.3 mm thinner than the S25 Ultra.
- A 6.9-inch display that could use new M14 OLED panels, offering higher brightness and better power efficiency.
- Camera layout: four lenses in the same positions, but three housed in a raised vertical bump.
- Camera specs: a 200-MP main sensor, 50-MP ultrawide, 10-MP 3× telephoto, 50-MP 5× telephoto, and a 12-MP front camera. Android Headlines reports a wider aperture for improved low-light performance.
Hardware
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in the US and China; Exynos 2600 elsewhere.
- RAM: 16 GB.
- Storage: up to 1 TB UFS 4.0.
- Battery: 5,000-mAh.
- Charging: 60-W wired.
Colors
Ice Universe lists black shadow, white shadow, galactic blue, and ultraviolet (purple). Leaker Evan Blass names black, white, silver shadow, sky blue, cobalt violet, and pink gold.
Samsung Galaxy S26
Rumors that the base model would be renamed the S26 Pro have been debunked. The S26 retains the traditional S name.
- Display: a slightly larger 6.3-inch screen.
- Camera: a 50-MP ultrawide lens, a vertical bump housing three lenses, and a 12-MP front camera.
- Battery: 4,300-mAh.
- RAM: up to 12 GB.
- Storage: up to 512 GB.
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in the US and China; Exynos 2600 elsewhere.
Software and AI
Samsung’s VP of Mobile Experiences, Daniel Araujo, said in an earnings call that the S26 lineup will “revolutionize the user experience with user-centric, next-gen AI, a second-generation custom AP, and stronger performance, including new camera sensors.” The focus on AI may explain why the Unpacked event is in San Francisco, a hub for AI innovation.
One rumored feature for One UI 8.5 is a “Privacy display” that narrows viewing angles when sensitive apps are open.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge vs. Plus
The S26 Edge was previously rumored to be a super-slim successor to the S25 Edge, with a 5.5-mm thickness and a 6.7-inch screen. However, reports from SamMobile and 9to5Google suggest Samsung might drop the Edge from the 2026 lineup due to poor sales of the S25 Edge.
Instead, the company may replace the S26 Edge with the S26 Plus:
- Display: flat 6.7-inch screen with thin bezels.
- Thickness: 7.35-mm, slimmer than the S26 Plus but not as thin as the rumored Edge.
- Camera: three lenses in a raised vertical bump.
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in some regions; Exynos 2600 in others.
Rumors and Speculations
- The S26 Pro rumor suggested a complete overhaul of the base model, but recent leaks confirm the base will stay the S26.
- The S26 Plus was initially thought to replace the S26 Edge, but the Edge may be omitted entirely.
- The S26 Ultra’s design differences are subtle, primarily in corner curvature and camera bump.
Takeaways
- Samsung confirms the Samsung Galaxy S26 will launch on Feb. 25, 2025.
- The Ultra model offers a slimmer body and a larger camera array.
- The base S26 focuses on AI and a slightly larger display.
- The Edge may be dropped in favor of the Plus.
- Processor choices vary by region, with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in the US and China and Exynos 2600 elsewhere.
Amanda S. Bennett reported on the latest developments, and News Of Los Angeles covered the broader context of Samsung’s strategy.
