Samsung appears to be preparing some major changes for its next flagship series, the Galaxy S26, with new leaks showing unusual design tweaks and a shake-up in how the models will be named and differentiated.
What’s New in Leaks
- The S26 lineup is expected to consist of three, not four, models: Pro, Edge, and Ultra. This suggests Samsung may drop both the base model (currently the standard S-series) and the Plus variant.
- Among the most eye-catching leaks is the Edge model. Its back camera module is rumored to feature a wide horizontal bar with two lenses, a design departure from recent Samsung phones and with visible similarities to leaks for Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro.
- The Pro and Ultra models look more conservative by comparison. The Pro may retain a vertical triple-camera layout, similar to Samsung’s S25 series, but with a more compact camera island. The Ultra is expected to keep its high-end camera setup and more premium build.
Design & Dimension Rumors
- The Galaxy S26 Pro is rumored to feature a 6.3-inch display, thin bezels, and a pill-shaped rear camera island. The phone may be slightly larger in height and width than its predecessor, but also a bit thinner overall.
- All three phones might get a magnetic wireless charging upgrade, possibly adopting Qi2 magnetic charging tech. That could mean changes to wireless accessory compatibility and case design.
- Materials appear to be high quality—glass back, aluminum frame—but with more attention to ergonomics. For example, the sides appear mostly flat but with gentle curves near the edges for comfort.
Rumored Internal Upgrades
- The Pro model is expected to pack about 4,300 mAh battery, a modest bump from its predecessor.
- RAM may be increased—in some leaks to 16 GB for Pro or Ultra variants, especially in higher storage tiers.
- The ultrawide camera sensor is expected to see a big jump, from a 12 MP unit to about 50 MP in some models. This represents a more significant upgrade than many other expected tweaks.
- The chipset is likely to be the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2, with possibly an Exynos version in certain regions.
What the Changes Suggest
- By replacing the standard and Plus models with Pro and Edge, Samsung may be doubling down on its premium strategy—giving fewer model tiers but putting more distinct design and performance differentiators between them.
- The strong design cues in the Edge that echo competitors suggest Samsung may be trying not just to catch up, but to anticipate consumer expectations in styling as much as specs.
- If the battery, camera, and wireless charging improvements are real, the S26 series could represent a meaningful upgrade, particularly for users who prioritize camera performance and modern charging standards.
What to Watch
- How much the “Edge” design affects durability (is the wide camera bar more prone to damage when placed flat, for example?).
- Final weight, thickness, and feel—leaks point toward thinner devices but sometimes these also bring compromises in battery or cooling.
- Pricing: with premium changes and model consolidation, Samsung may charge more, particularly for Pro and Ultra variants.
- Launch timing seems set for early 2026, possibly January or February, though Samsung hasn’t officially confirmed anything.
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