Lanh Nguyen / Android Authority
If you’re a Samsung fan, chances are you weren’t thrilled with this year’s Galaxy S25 series. It’s not that Samsung’s S25 phones are bad, but they’re some of the most tepid year-over-year upgrades we’ve ever seen.
Samsung’s hardware designs? Unchanged. Cameras? The same. Battery capacities and charging speeds? You already know the answer.
Samsung has its work cut out for it with the Galaxy S26 series, and if the company wants to win over frustrated fans, there are five key changes next year’s phones need to make.
What change do you want to see with the Galaxy S26 series? 62 votes New designs 18 % Upgraded cameras 31 % Bigger batteries and faster charging 34 % Built-in magnets 5 % S Pen with remote controls 10 % Other (let us know in the comments) 3 %
Meaningful (and fun) design changes
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority Galaxy S25 Ultra (left) and Galaxy S24 Ultra
Let’s start with one of the most obvious changes: new designs. Despite some minor tweaks here and there, Samsung’s Galaxy S phones haven’t undergone a meaningful design change since the Galaxy S23. Every year it’s the same thing over again with only the smallest of refinements.
With the Galaxy S26 series, Samsung needs to step up its design game and show us something new. Visually, we’re long overdue for a new camera housing. It’s also high time Samsung upped its color game, as the fifty shades of gray approach for the Galaxy S25 series wasn’t exactly the most inspired choice.
And from a usability standpoint, I’m begging Samsung to find a way to make its Ultra phone more comfortable and less unwieldy to hold. Phones like the OnePlus 13 prove it’s possible to create a large yet ergonomic phone, and I hope Samsung learns that lesson with the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
... continue reading