Samsung Galaxy S26: Release Date, Price & Specs Rumours

Design

Past potential identify modifications, there’s at the moment no confirmed data relating to particular design parts resembling supplies (glass, metallic, or a mix), color choices, or general aesthetic selections.

There’s an opportunity that the titanium body, which is at the moment unique to the Extremely and Edge, will probably be utilized to different mannequin/s.

Luke Baker / Foundry

On condition that Samsung has modified the design barely on the Galaxy S25 collection, from the Galaxy S24 collection, its successor is more likely to have the identical look. Nevertheless, it’d be good to see the Bluetooth S Pen from the Galaxy S24 Extremely make a return, after it was changed by a much less practical one on the S25 Extremely.

Sources: The Elec |

Show

One vital show improvement may very well be the combination of Color-filter-on-thin-film-encapsulation (CoE) know-how into the S26 Extremely’s show.

This know-how has the potential to make the show thinner, brighter, and extra energy-efficient.

Luke Baker / Foundry

Nevertheless, particulars relating to show measurement, decision, refresh charge, and the inclusion of superior options resembling under-display cameras or fingerprint sensors stay unknown right now.

Efficiency

At this stage, it’s unclear which chipset will energy the Galaxy S26 collection, and by which areas.

One supply suggests Samsung will “undoubtedly” return to prioritising using its personal Exynos processors within the S26 collection. Particularly, it appears like that’ll be Exynos 2600.

Nevertheless, it’s unclear if this would come with North America, which has solely used Snapdragon chipsets lately, even when Exynos-powered non-Extremely fashions have been out there in Europe. It’d be a shock to see no Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 fashions seem in any area.

Certainly, one other report suggests Samsung is working with Qualcomm to develop its personal model of the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 flagship, doubtless with the ‘for Galaxy’ tag as soon as once more.

Apparently, this may very well be greater than the straightforward overclocking we’ve seen on previous fashions. Whereas the common 8 Elite 2 is rumoured to make use of a 3nm course of, Samsung’s model might shift to a extra superior 2nm, which can yield extra vital efficiency positive factors.

Luke Baker / Foundry

Data relating to RAM and storage configurations is but to be revealed. Within the meantime, we’d anticipate it to stay roughly in line with the present Galaxy S25 lineup.

Sources: Jukanlosreve on X | The Bell | The Monetary Information | Android Authority

Cameras

The Galaxy S26 Extremely might function a cutting-edge 200Mp periscope telephoto digital camera, up from 50Mp on the S25 Extremely. Nevertheless, there might solely be one 200Mp sensor, somewhat than two.

This may align Samsung with a rising pattern amongst Chinese language telephone producers who’re more and more incorporating high-resolution periscope lenses into their flagship units. It’d be nice to see the S26 Extremely get such a significant telephoto improve.

Elsewhere, the common Galaxy S26’s major digital camera might include a variable aperture. This may adapt to totally different lighting situations, enhancing each brilliant daylight pictures and low-light efficiency. There are a number of ways in which Samsung might implement this function. The tech big might go for a dual-aperture choice à la the Galaxy S9 (from again in 2019). Or, extra doubtless, Samsung might observe Xiaomi’s lead with the 14 Extremely and allow you to choose from a number of aperture choices.

The common Galaxy S26 is anticipated to retain a 50Mp important rear lens like its predecessor, however the Samsung ISOCELL GN3 that’s been within the final three generations of base mannequin is anticipated to get replaced by an upgraded model from the identical ISOCELL GN household, although the precise sensor isn’t identified.

Luke Baker / Foundry

Nevertheless, the front-facing digital camera may not be so spectacular. The S26 Extremely might function a UDC (Below Show Digital camera) on the entrance, eliminating the punch-hole selfie digital camera we see on the S25 Extremely, although it’s additionally doable that Samsung will maintain off for a bit longer

The issue? Each under-display selfie lens at the moment in the marketplace provides mediocre picture high quality at finest, together with Samsung’s personal Galaxy Z Fold 6. We’d should see a significant improve to make it adequate for individuals who take pleasure in high-quality selfies.

Particulars on the digital camera programs for the remainder of the S26 collection, together with sensor sizes, video recording capabilities, and particular digital camera options resembling superior AI pictures modes, stay below wraps. Nevertheless, one report suggests the digital camera lenses themselves will probably be thinner throughout the vary – might that imply much less of a digital camera bump?

Sources: PandaFlash on X | Ice Universe on Weibo | kro (Good bye) on X | PandaFlash on X (2) | Lanzuk on Naver | Galaxy Membership | The Elec

Battery & Charging

Silicon-carbon battery know-how is a possible contender for the S26 collection, introducing the potential of boosting battery capacities as much as the 6000-7000mAh vary.

This know-how additionally holds the promise of upper power density, probably resulting in improved battery life and sooner charging speeds.

It’s nonetheless doable that the S26 Extremely’s battery received’t be bigger than 5500mAh, although, even when it makes the shift. It’s unclear if a silicon-carbon battery will probably be reserved for the Extremely or out there on different Galaxy S26 fashions.

Nevertheless, a subsequent report suggests Samsung is unconvinced by silicon-carbon batteries and can as a substitute determine to shift to new ‘battery safety models’ and stainless-steel housing for the Galaxy S26 collection. These will supposedly be extra space-efficient, permitting for a bigger capability inside the identical whole space, however any potential positive factors are more likely to be minor.

Luke Baker / Foundry

As a reminder, even the top-end Galaxy S25 Extremely is restricted to a 5000mAh battery with 45W wired charging and 15W wi-fi.

Sources: Ice Universe on Weibo | Jukanlosreve on X | The Monetary Information | PandaFlash on X | Android Authority | The Elec

Software program

The S26 collection is nearly sure to launch with Android 16 as its base working system. Samsung’s One UI 8, which will probably be based mostly on it, is more likely to be operating excessive.

Extra particularly, a report suggests the Galaxy S26 telephones will debut One UI 8.5, although its unclear what additional options this may embody in comparison with One UI 8 itself.

Luke Baker / Foundry

Whereas not rumoured wherever, we’d anticipate Samsung to proceed with its class-leading promise of seven years of each OS and safety updates for all of the Galaxy S26 telephones.

Sources: Tarun Vats on X