Follow ZDNET: Add us as a favorite source On Google.
ZDNET Highlights
- Galaxy S26 can be launched with Samsung’s new Exynos 2600 processor.
- Expect meaningful camera upgrades in the Galaxy S26 lineup.
- Rumors are still conflicting, but here’s what the Galaxy S26 could offer.
It’s very early in the Galaxy S26 rumor cycle, but the success of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 could be matched in the flagship lineup.
Misleading information has emerged about Samsung’s upcoming phones. Earlier, there were rumors of Galaxy S26 Pro, but they were later dismissed. Similarly, some speculated that the Korean company would replace its Plus model with the Galaxy S26 Edge, but recently, another report claimed that there will be no Edge after the next variant.
Also: I’ve tested every single Galaxy S25 phone, and I don’t have a favorite flagship model
This all leaves me vague details, but there are a few things to expect from the base, Plus, and Ultra models. Here’s everything I know so far about the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 series.
Exynos will make a comeback after a long hiatus
according to a report According to Korea Economic Daily, the Galaxy S26 lineup will be powered by the in-house Exynos 2600 chipset. The new processor is said to be present in about 50% of Galaxy S26 devices in South Korea and European regions. The US, Japan, and China markets will reportedly get Qualcomm-powered units.
For context, Samsung used to have Exynos-powered flagship Galaxy S-series phones until the Galaxy S22. In recent years, this shifted to Qualcomm, with the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S25 lineup removing Exynos altogether. Samsung returned to its in-house processor this year for the Galaxy Z Flip 7, which was powered by the Exynos 2500 SoC. That said, the Galaxy S26 lineup is said to feature a brand new processor.
Also: I’ve tested every single Galaxy S25 phone, and I don’t have a favorite flagship model
The Exynos 2600 will be made in-house by Samsung Foundry, while Apple and Qualcomm rely on TSMC. According to the report, this chipset is based on a 2nm process, which is supposed to boast a six times faster NPU than Apple’s A19 Pro. By comparison, this NPU is estimated to be 30% faster than Qualcomm’s flagship chipset.
The Exynos 2600 chipset of the Samsung Galaxy S26 is said to deliver 14% better CPU multi-core performance and 75% more GPU performance. The GPU is reportedly 29% better than Qualcomm’s. These are lofty claims, and I’m curious to see the efficiency of Samsung’s next mobile processor. Exynos SoCs of old were notorious for getting very hot. I hope the Exynos 2600 will be better, but time will tell.
Have there been major improvements in the camera?
I expect Samsung to at least put a larger sensor inside the Galaxy S26 Ultra, but the rumors aren’t clear. However one of them claimed that the variable aperture technology could make a comeback with the Galaxy S26 series. Additionally, a new ALoP lens technology can significantly reduce the size of the camera bump.
Also: Best Samsung phones to buy in 2025
The base Galaxy S26 is said to have a new 50MP primary camera sensor, while the Ultra may have upgrade To a larger 1/1.1-inch 200MP Sony sensor. It may offer F1.4 aperture, which will let in 47% more light. As a result, better night photography is expected. Additionally, Samsung may bump the 3x telephoto camera from 10MP to 12MP, while the ultrawide is said to remain the same.
I hope the rumors of a sensor upgrade are true as the Samsung flagship needs a camera overhaul. Over the years, upgrades in optics have diminished, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra couldn’t keep up with the Oppo Find X8 Ultra in my recent comparison.
Is Galaxy S26 Pro or not?
There were rumors that Samsung will replace the base Galaxy S26 model with the Galaxy S26 Pro and the Galaxy S26 Plus with the Galaxy S26 Edge. However, as more details emerge about the Galaxy S26 series, the more confusing it becomes.
as per latest reportThe entry-level Samsung flagship will simply be called the Galaxy S26. a separate report There are claims that Samsung may cancel the Galaxy S26 Edge. So, that leaves the regular suspects: the Galaxy S26, the Galaxy S26 Plus, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Also: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: I tested both devices, and here’s the winner
As noted, the base model is said to get a battery boost with a 4,300mAh battery instead of the 4,000mAh cell found on the current-generation Galaxy S25. While there is no confirmation on the battery capacity of the other two variants, I expect the Galaxy S25 Ultra to also get a battery upgrade – especially since the smaller OnePlus 15 is expected to pack a larger 7,300mAh battery.
Samsung Galaxy S26 release date
A report The claim is that the Galaxy S26 series could be delayed until March, citing that Samsung is still behind in the development of the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus.
However, I don’t think that’s going to happen as other brands are preparing for an earlier launch than usual. The OnePlus 15 is said to be released globally next month – two months before the OnePlus 13 – while other Chinese brands are said to follow suit.
Too: Your Samsung phone has a secret Wi-Fi menu that’s very useful – how to access it
If Samsung delays the Galaxy S26 launch, it will leave a huge release gap for competing devices to challenge Samsung. Another speculation is that the company will release the Galaxy S26 Ultra in January, followed by the base Galaxy S26 in September. I’ve heard rumors of a similar launch cycle for Apple. It could be possible, but I expect at least one Samsung Galaxy S26 smartphone to launch in January 2026.
Get our top stories delivered to your inbox every morning Tech Today Newsletter.
