Yesterday, Android Authority published an exclusive report detailing what Samsung’s Galaxy S26 lineup could look like next year. And based on what we know, Samsung could be releasing one of the biggest Galaxy S shakeups we’ve ever seen.
Traditionally, we expect Samsung to release three phones: a base model, a Plus variant, and its flagship Ultra — as you see with the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra. However, with the Galaxy S26 series, we may instead get the Galaxy S26 Pro, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra.
There’s a lot to unpack here, but what stands out to me the most is the Galaxy S26 Pro. If this is the phone we think it is, it could fill a missing gap that has long existed in Samsung’s smartphone portfolio. And if executed correctly, it could be everything I’ve wanted out of a Samsung phone for the last several years.
Are you looking forward to the Galaxy S26 Pro? 47 votes Yes! It sounds like the Samsung phone I've been waiting for. 47 % I'm interested, but I'm not convinced yet. 28 % Not if it means losing the cheaper base model. 23 % Other (let us know in the comments). 2 %
The missing puzzle piece in the Galaxy S lineup
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
Ever since 2020, Samsung has maintained a trio lineup for its Galaxy S family each year. The Galaxy S Ultra is the top-of-the-line flagship, the Galaxy S Plus has a similarly big screen with some pared-back specs, and the base Galaxy S is essentially the same phone as the Plus, just with a smaller screen and battery.
This lineup has worked fine over the years, but there’s always been one core issue. If you want Samsung’s best cameras, nicest display, and the most amount of RAM and storage, you have to splurge for the Ultra. That’s fine if you like big smartphones, but if you prefer something more compact, you have no choice but to compromise.
In a world where Google and Apple offer its flagships in two distinct sizes, Samsung’s method doesn’t work. If you want the highest-end Pixel from Google, you have a choice between the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL. Both phones have the same cameras, display tech, RAM, and storage. The XL has a larger battery and, most importantly, a bigger screen, but that’s ultimately it. It’s the same deal with the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. If you want the flagship iPhone, you can get it in whichever size you prefer: compact or gargantuan.
Not everyone who wants a small phone wants to sacrifice their camera, performance, etc.
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