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ZDNET's key takeaways
Galaxy S26 could launch with Samsung's new Exynos 2600 processor.
Expect meaningful camera upgrades across the Galaxy S26 lineup.
Rumors still conflict, but here's what the Galaxy S26 might offer.
It is very early in the Galaxy S26 rumor cycle, but the flagship lineup has Galaxy Z Fold 7's success to match.
There have been confusing details about Samsung's upcoming phones. Earlier, there were rumors of a Galaxy S26 Pro, but they were later discarded. Similarly, some speculated that the Korean company would replace its Plus model with a Galaxy S26 Edge, but recently, another report claimed that there won't be any Edge after the next variant.
Also: I've tested every single Galaxy S25 phone, and my favorite isn't the flagship model
All of this leaves me with 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 to return after a long hiatus
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According to a report by Korea Economic Daily, the Galaxy S26 lineup will be powered by an in-house Exynos 2600 chipset. The new processor is said to be housed in approximately 50% of the Galaxy S26 devices across South Korea and European regions. The US, Japan, and China markets will reportedly get Qualcomm-powered units.
For reference, Samsung used to have Exynos-powered flagship Galaxy S-series phones until the Galaxy S22. In recent years, it shifted to Qualcomm, with the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S25 lineups dropping Exynos entirely. Samsung returned to its in-house processor for the Galaxy Z Flip 7 this year, which was powered by the Exynos 2500 SoC. That said, the Galaxy S26 lineup is said to have an all-new processor.
Also: I've tested every single Galaxy S25 phone, and my favorite isn't the flagship model
The Exynos 2600 will be made in-house by Samsung Foundry, while Apple and Qualcomm rely on TSMC. As per the report, this chipset is based on a 2nm process, which is touted to boost an NPU that is six times faster than Apple's A19 Pro. When compared, this NPU is speculated to be 30% faster than Qualcomm's flagship chipset.
Samsung Galaxy S26's Exynos 2600 chipset is said to offer 14% better CPU multi-core performance and up to 75% higher GPU performance. The GPU is reportedly up to 29% better than Qualcomm's. Those are high claims, and I am curious to see the efficiency of Samsung's next mobile processor. The Exynos SoCs of yesteryear were infamous for getting too warm. I expect the Exynos 2600 to be better, but time will tell.
Are there major camera improvements?
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
I hope Samsung puts a bigger sensor inside the Galaxy S26 Ultra, at least, but the rumors have been unclear. Although one of them claimed that variable aperture tech could make a comeback with the Galaxy S26 series. Moreover, a new ALoP lens technology could significantly reduce the camera bump size.
Also: The best Samsung phones to buy in 2025
The base Galaxy S26 is said to sport a new 50MP primary camera sensor, while the Ultra could upgrade to a larger 1/1.1-inch 200MP Sony sensor. It could offer an F1.4 aperture, which would let 47% more light in. As a result, expect better night photography. Moreover, Samsung could bump the 3x telephoto camera from 10MP to 12MP, while the ultrawide is said to remain the same.
I hope the sensor upgrade rumors are true because Samsung flagships need a camera overhaul. Year over year, the upgrades in optics have diminished, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra couldn't stand a chance against the Oppo Find X8 Ultra in my recent comparison.
Is there a Galaxy S26 Pro or not?
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
There were rumors of Samsung replacing the base Galaxy S26 model with a Galaxy S26 Pro and the Galaxy S26 Plus with a Galaxy S26 Edge. However, as more information about the Galaxy S26 series trickles in, the more confusing it gets.
According to the latest report, the entry-level Samsung flagship will just be called the Galaxy S26. A separate report claims that Samsung could cancel the Galaxy S26 Edge. So, that leaves the regular suspects: Galaxy S26, 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
That said, the base model is said to get a battery boost with a 4,300mAh battery instead of a 4,000mAh cell found on the current-gen Galaxy S25. While there is no confirmation on battery capacity for the other two variants, I hope the Galaxy S25 Ultra gets a battery upgrade too -- especially when a smaller OnePlus 15 is expected to pack a large 7,300mAh battery.
Samsung Galaxy S26 release date
Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET
A report claims that the Galaxy S26 series could be delayed to March, citing that Samsung is still behind on Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus' development.
However, I don't think that's going to happen since other brands are gunning for earlier-than-usual launches. The OnePlus 15 is said to be released globally next month -- two months earlier than the OnePlus 13 -- while other Chinese brands are said to follow suit.
Also: Your Samsung phone has a secret Wi-Fi menu that's super useful - how to access it
If Samsung delays the Galaxy S26 launch, it would leave a big release gap for competing devices to challenge Samsung. There's another speculation of the company releasing the Galaxy S26 Ultra in January and following it up with a base Galaxy S26 release in September. I've heard a similar launch cycle rumor for Apple. It could be possible, but I expect at least one Samsung Galaxy S26 smartphone to launch in January 2026.
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