Samsung is preparing to launch its next-generation flagship lineup, the Galaxy S26 series, at a Galaxy Unpacked event in early 2026, with February 2026 being the most widely reported timeframe for the official reveal and global availability. The Times of India+1
Launch Timeline and Event
The Galaxy S26 series—including the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and the premium Galaxy S26 Ultra—is expected to be announced at Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event in late February 2026, with an industry focus on artificial intelligence and advanced mobile technologies. Cinco Días+1
Rumors suggest slight delays compared to Samsung’s usual early-January launches, likely due to final refinements in hardware and software. PhoneArena
Hardware and Performance
Chipset
- Exynos 2600: Samsung’s new in-house SoC built on a 2nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) process will power some regional variants of the Galaxy S26 series. This chipset delivers significant improvements in performance, energy efficiency, and thermal management compared to past Exynos chips. Android Central+1
- Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5: Several certification listings indicate that the S26 Ultra, especially in markets like the United States, will use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for maximum performance. Forbes+1
Memory and Storage
Early leaks indicate 12GB of RAM as the baseline for the S26 Ultra, with storage options likely ranging from 256GB up to 1TB. Tom’s Guide
Display and Design
The Ultra model is expected to feature a 6.9-inch AMOLED display with a refined design, possibly including slimmer bezels and a sleeker chassis compared to its predecessor. Tom’s Guide Design refinements may improve ergonomics and durability without significantly increasing weight.
Camera System
Samsung is anticipated to retain a quad-camera setup on the S26 Ultra:
- 200MP main sensor
- 50MP ultra-wide
- 50MP 5x telephoto
- 12MP 3x telephoto
The main sensor’s larger physical size should improve light capture and image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Tom’s Guide+1
Battery and Charging
Charging capabilities are a notable point of improvement:
- 60W wired charging support is widely reported, a significant step up from previous generations. Digit
- Wireless charging specifications include 25W support on the Ultra, while base models may offer around 20W wireless charging. Digit
Battery capacity leaks vary, though expectations remain around the 5,000–5,400 mAh range depending on the model and final configuration. TechRadar
Software and AI Features
The Galaxy S26 lineup is expected to debut One UI 8.5, built on Android 16, with several AI-driven enhancements:
- AI notification summaries that consolidate and prioritize alerts. Android Central
- AI photo assist and contextual AI tools integrated directly into native apps. Android Central
Samsung has emphasized improved on-device intelligence, pointing to a stronger focus on productivity and smarter user interactions in daily scenarios.
Connectivity
- 5G support, including new modem capabilities for enhanced performance
- Triple-band Wi-Fi 7
- Bluetooth
- UWB (Ultra Wide Band)
- Satellite connectivity for emergency messaging (in certain markets) Gadgets 360
Expected Impact and Market Position
The Galaxy S26 series is shaping up to be a significant upgrade in terms of performance, charging speed, and AI features, though some camera advancements in base models may be more incremental than expected. The premium Ultra model, with its high-end hardware and refined design, aims to keep Samsung competitive in the flagship segment as Android manufacturers and Apple intensify their offerings worldwide.