Samsung Galaxy S26: Release Date, Price & Specs Rumours

Galaxy S26: In summary

Samsung’s upcoming flagship series of smartphones, likely to launch in early 2026

Likely to consist of three models, with Edge potentially replacing Plus

Could debut Samsung’s One UI 8, which will be based on Android 16

When it comes to flagship smartphones, Samsung doesn’t usually waste any time once a new year comes around.

The company’s Galaxy S25 series launched in January 2025, consisting of three models: The Galaxy S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra. After being teased at the same event, the slimline Galaxy S25 Edge arrived in May.

But what has Samsung got in store for its next generation of high-end handsets, which are almost certain to be known as the Galaxy S26 series? Here’s everything we know so far about their potential release date, price and key features.

When will the Samsung Galaxy S26 be released?

In summary

Galaxy S26 series likely to be announced in January 2026

Should go on sale within a few weeks of being announced

Could include S26 Edge but not S26+

If Samsung adheres to its typical release schedule, we can expect the Galaxy S26 series to launch sometime in early 2026, likely in January or February.

This aligns with the release windows of previous S series flagships, aside from the new Edge model:

Samsung Galaxy S25 – January 2025

Samsung Galaxy S25+ – January 2025

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – January 2025

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge – May 2025

Samsung Galaxy S24 – January 2024

Samsung Galaxy S24+ – January 2024

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – January 2024

Samsung Galaxy S23 – February 2023

Samsung Galaxy S23+ – February 2023

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra – February 2023

Samsung Galaxy S22 – February 2022

Samsung Galaxy S22+ – February 2022

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra – February 2022

As you can see, the new Galaxy devices usually make their debut at the start of the year, and we don’t expect things to be any different in 2026.

Luke Baker / Foundry

There’s a chance Samsung could stop offering the standard Galaxy S model after the S25 series, leaving only the Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26 Ultra in 2026.

However, we could instead see the Galaxy S26+, supposedly the lowest-selling of the Galaxy S25 range, replaced by the Galaxy S26 Edge.

Elsewhere, the S26 Ultra might be rebranded as the S26 Note, emphasising its S Pen integration. Similarly, the S26+ could be renamed the S26 Pro, aligning with the growing trend of ‘Pro’ models seen on other brands.

Sources: Ice Universe on X | The Elec | Yogesh Brar on X

How much will the Samsung Galaxy S26 series cost?

In summary

Galaxy S26 series should start at around £799/$799

No specific pricing rumours yet

Pricing for the Galaxy S26 series remains purely speculative at this stage. However, there will probably be a slight increase from the S25 series.

This is a common trend in the phone market, driven by factors such as rising component costs, ongoing inflation, and the inclusion of increasingly advanced technologies.

Luke Baker / Foundry

There’s also the possibility that prices will remain the same, however. As a reminder, the Galaxy S25 series costs the same as the Galaxy S24 series:

Galaxy S25

128GB – £799/$799.99

256GB – £859/$859.99

Galaxy S25+

256GB – £999/$999.99

512GB – £1,099/$1,119.99

Galaxy S25 Ultra

256GB – £1,249/$1,299.99

512GB – £1,349/$1,419.99

1TB – £1,549/$1,659.99

What specs and features will the Samsung Galaxy S26 have?

In summary

Similar design to Galaxy S25 series is likely

Could return to Exynos chipset in some markets

Ultra could get 200Mp periscope camera and silicon-carbon battery

Design

Beyond potential name changes, there’s currently no confirmed information regarding specific design elements such as materials (glass, metal, or a combination), colour options, or overall aesthetic choices.

There’s a chance that the titanium frame, which is currently exclusive to the Ultra and Edge, will be applied to other model/s.

Luke Baker / Foundry

Given that Samsung has changed the design slightly on the Galaxy S25 series, from the Galaxy S24 series, its successor is likely to have the same look. However, it’d be nice to see the Bluetooth S Pen from the Galaxy S24 Ultra make a return, after it was replaced by a less functional one on the S25 Ultra.

Sources: The Elec |

Display

One significant display development could be the integration of Colour-filter-on-thin-film-encapsulation (CoE) technology into the S26 Ultra’s display.

This technology has the potential to make the display thinner, brighter, and more energy-efficient.

Luke Baker / Foundry

However, details regarding display size, resolution, refresh rate, and the inclusion of advanced features such as under-display cameras or fingerprint sensors remain unknown at this time.

Performance

One source suggests Samsung will “definitely” return to prioritising the use of its own Exynos processors in the S26 series. Specifically, it looks like that’ll be Exynos 2600.

However, it’s unclear if this would include North America, which has exclusively used Snapdragon chipsets in recent years, even when Exynos-powered non-Ultra models were available in Europe. It’d be a surprise to see no Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 two models appear in any region.

For those who don’t remember, the Exynos 990 chipset was scarcely available when the Galaxy S20 launched. But this turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as the processor was underpowered compared to its Snapdragon counterpart.