Samsung is reportedly planning a major shake-up to its smartphone lineup with the upcoming Galaxy S26 series. Instead of the familiar base, Plus, and Ultra models, the company is expected to introduce a new trio: Galaxy S26 Pro, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. This change could mean the complete removal of the standard S series model, long considered the best balance between performance and price.
A New Entry Point — at a Higher Price
If the base Galaxy S series disappears, the S26 Pro would become the entry-level flagship. However, without major hardware changes, the “Pro” label might end up being more of a marketing strategy than a true upgrade. This could also lead to a higher starting price for Samsung’s flagship line, making it less accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
The Edge Replaces the Plus
The Plus variant may also be retired, replaced by the Galaxy S26 Edge. Designed to be sleek and ultra-thin, the Edge will likely target style-focused consumers, but its previous version struggled with sales. Samsung will need to deliver significant improvements to make this model appealing.
Expected Upgrades
Across the lineup, Samsung is expected to include:
- Improved displays with smoother refresh rates.
- Enhanced cameras with better low-light performance.
- Larger batteries and faster charging speeds.
- The latest One UI software powered by Galaxy AI on Android 16.
What It Means for Buyers
This shift in strategy mirrors moves by other tech giants that push their lineups further into the premium segment. While it could simplify branding, the removal of the standard model risks alienating long-time customers who prefer a balanced, reasonably priced flagship. Those buyers may have to turn to the Fan Edition or Galaxy A series to get a similar balance of features and cost.
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