Samsung Galaxy S26: leaks, rumours and early details

A refined evolution with some notable innovations

​​✨​The Samsung Galaxy S26 is expected to launch on February 25, 2026, with shipping occurring around March 11. Prices may rise slightly in some regions, but in the UK, it should start at £799.00 for the 256GB base model. The phones in the lineup will be slimmer and more ergonomic, with the Galaxy S26 Ultra switching to aluminium, adding new display tech and offering a 16GB RAM/1TB option. Cameras remain mostly the same, though the Ultra sees improved sensors and a 24MP mode. The series is expected to introduce Qi2 wireless charging, faster wired charging for the Ultra, a slight battery boost for the base model and run Android 16 with One UI 8 and expanded AI assistants.

Samsung Galaxy S26: everything we know so far

The Samsung Galaxy S line consistently attracts major attention in the Android world. With the Galaxy S26 on the horizon, excitement is already building. While Samsung hasn't confirmed any details yet, leaks and rumours suggest the flagship will arrive in just over a month, continuing the brand's tradition of early-year releases. With buzz around new features and enhancements growing, here's what you need to know as anticipation builds for the Galaxy S26.

Samsung Galaxy S26 release date

Samsung usually releases the Galaxy S series in late January or early February. However, current reports point to a slightly delayed timeline. According to the South Korean outlet Money Today, the Galaxy S26 range will be unveiled in San Francisco on February 25. This date is later than the Galaxy S25 reveal was, but rumours suggest Samsung moved it to late February due to changes in its product lineup. For reference, the Galaxy S25 was unveiled on January 22, 2025, while the Galaxy S24 was revealed on January 17, 2024. And, according to notorious leaker Evan Blass, "the date of 25 February is 100% correct," suggesting the Galaxy Unpacked event will likely take place in San Francisco on that date. Typically, the phones are made available two weeks after launch, and a report suggests that the Galaxy S26 will start shipping on March 11, 2026.

​​✨​The Samsung Galaxy S26 is expected to be unveiled in San Francisco on February 25, 2026, with shipping likely starting around March 11.

Samsung Galaxy S26 price

Unlike the Galaxy S26's release date, the series' prospective price has been challenging to pin down. Considering the current state of the global economy, price hikes are common and no longer surprising. That said, Samsung has largely avoided significant price hikes for its flagship phones, and the Galaxy S series has maintained a consistent £799 price tag from the Galaxy S21 to the Galaxy S24.

Now, opinions are split on whether Samsung will maintain that price for the S26 or raise it. One rumour suggests the S26 could see a price increase in specific markets, including Korea, with the hike expected to be anywhere from 44,000 won (£22.00) to 88,000 won (£44.00), depending on the model. Other territories, including the UK, may avoid these price hikes to help drive sales, which aligns with tipster Ice Universe's claim that Samsung plans to maintain current pricing across the S26, Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8.

*Reports suggest that in a bid to push higher specifications, Samsung is planning to drop the 128GB base model, and the Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra will start at 256GB of storage.

​​✨​ The Galaxy S26 may see slight price increases in some regions, but the UK is expected to keep current pricing, starting at £859.00 (256GB).

Samsung Galaxy S26 design: echoing Apple's design approach

"Leaks point to Samsung going with a thinner design on all Galaxy S26 models…" – Android Central

The Galaxy S26 lineup has been challenging to keep up with, particularly amid rumours of new entrants. Early reports suggested that a Galaxy S26 Pro could replace the base model, while a Galaxy S26 Edge would replace the Galaxy S26+. Now, it seems these rumours are incorrect, as leaked images of the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+ have surfaced.

One defining feature that separates the S26 range from the S25 line is the return of the camera plateau. Once common on Samsung devices, this feature seems poised for a comeback. The S26 Ultra continues to borrow from the iPhone 17 Pro Max, trading the vinyl record camera ring design for metal rings around each rear-facing camera for a more polished look.

The S Pen is also set to receive a subtle redesign, with an asymmetrical top that better integrates with the S26 Ultra's curved edges. Perhaps the most significant change to the S26 Ultra is Samsung's decision to switch from titanium to aluminium. Apple made a similar change with the iPhone 17 Pro for thermal reasons, so Samsung's move feels logical, though it may leave the S25 Ultra more appealing to users who value a sturdier build.

​​✨​The Galaxy S26 range is likely to be slimmer and more ergonomic, feature a returning camera plateau, incorporate refined iPhone-inspired design cues and see the S26 Ultra switch from titanium to aluminium with new colour options.

Samsung Galaxy S26 display: A new anti-spy screen

"The S26 Ultra display will also incorporate Samsung's upcoming Flex Magic Pixel technology…" – Tech Advisor

A significant upgrade to the S26 Ultra display may include Colour Filter-on-Thin Film (CoE) encapsulation technology. With this technology, the display could be made slimmer, brighter, and more efficient. Other reports suggest it could be paired with "depolariser" tech to reduce internal reflections.

The S26 Ultra is also set to feature Samsung's Flex Magic Pixel technology, a privacy display that limits viewing angles at the pixel level on AMOLED screens, ensuring no one can see sensitive information from off angles. At the same time, brightness and colours remain unaffected for the phone user.

​​✨​The Galaxy S26 range will likely feature minor screen size changes, while the S26 Ultra may get major upgrades like CoE tech, depolarisers and a Flex Magic Pixel anti-spy display.

Samsung Galaxy S26 performance: Major boosts

Performance differences between Exynos and Snapdragon processors appear narrower than ever, suggesting flagship-level power from Samsung's in-house chip. According to tipster Jukan, the Exynos 2600 offers up to 6 times the AI processing power of Apple's A19 Pro, while outperforming the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 by around 30% in NPU tasks and 29% in GPU performance. All signs point towards the Exynos 2600 being Samsung's first 2nm chipset, which could explain its performance boost. The only thing that is official is that the Exynos 2600 will arrive in 2026, as shown in this Samsung video. It's also worth noting that the Galaxy S26 range may still be powered by Snapdragon's newest processor, but only in select territories, such as the US, Japan and China.

In other performance news, reports suggest that the Galaxy S26 range will include an additional Exynos S6568 chip for handling connectivity, with the rest handled by the main processor. This alternative chip may support Bluetooth 6.1 for connecting headphones and smartwatches, which could boost the main chip's everyday performance, especially with temperature control.

And just like Apple's iPhone 17, the Galaxy S26 range is expected to drop the 128GB model and start at 256GB; a move likely intended to avoid a price increase for Samsung's flagship phones. At the top of the range, one source claims the Galaxy S26 Ultra could finally have a 16GB RAM and 1TB storage version.

​​✨​The Galaxy S26 range is expected to feature a dedicated connectivity chip and higher base storage, with the Exynos 2600 chip for the S26 and S26+, a Snapdragon chip for the Ultra and a possible 16GB RAM and 1TB option for the Ultra.

Galaxy S26 cameras: no major upgrades

Some Samsung fans have recently voiced concerns about the S series cameras, and it appears the Galaxy S26 won't bring major upgrades in that area.

Up front, initial leaks pointed to an under-display front camera for the S26 Ultra, but newer information indicates that Samsung has taken a different approach. It seems like the selfie camera will retain its position and feature a slightly larger cut-out than the S25 Ultra. The updated camera could offer an 85-degree field of view, making it easier to include more people in group selfies.

It's rumoured that Samsung will include a 24MP setting, which users can enable from Camera Assistant > Advanced resolution options. This will be available for both portrait mode and regular photos, but Ice Universe says the feature will be exclusive to the S26.

​​✨​The Galaxy S26 and S26+ will likely keep their current cameras, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra upgrades the main sensor's aperture and telephoto lens, adds a 24MP mode and improves the selfie camera's field of view.

Galaxy S26 battery and charging: finally, true wireless charging

Samsung is planning to introduce true Qi2 charging on the Galaxy S26 series. Thus far, the Galaxy S series hasn't had magnets at the back like iPhones do, so it hasn't been able to fully explore the wireless charging standard. However, according to an image shared by leaker Sony Dickson, Samsung is finally making room for magnetic rings at the back of the Galaxy S26 series. We may soon see faster wireless charging speeds on Samsung phones, from 15W to 25W, if the company takes up the newer Qi2.2 standard.

According to leaker Ice Universe, wired charging is also set for a boost, but only for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The report suggests that wired charging speeds for the S26 Ultra may increase from 45W on the S25 Ultra to 60W, with Samsung already officially listing its 60W adapters online.

When it comes to battery capacity, it looks like only the base model will receive a boost, jumping from a 4,000 mAh cell to a 4,300 mAh cell. The Galaxy S26+ and S26 Ultra are set to retain their 4,900 mAh and 5,000 mAh cells, respectively.

​​✨​The Galaxy S26 series looks set to introduce true Qi2 wireless charging with magnetic rings, faster wired charging for the Ultra and a slight battery boost for the base model.

Galaxy S26 software and AI: One UI 8 and new AI assistants

The Galaxy S26 series will probably launch with Android 16 as its base operating system, with Samsung's One UI 8 running on top. Some reports suggest that the Galaxy S26 will launch with One UI 8.5, though it's unclear what additional features this will offer compared to One UI 8.

One thing we do expect is an increase in the number of AI virtual assistants. Currently, Samsung has Google's Gemini and Bixby on the Galaxy S25. Reports suggest Samsung may integrate Perplexity AI into the S26 lineup. According to Bloomberg, Samsung is reportedly planning to integrate its search functionality directly into its internet browser. An even more recent leak points to a perplexity-powered Bixby on the latest One UI 8.5 update. While not mentioned anywhere, we expect Samsung to continue offering its class-leading 7 years of both OS and security updates for the Galaxy S26 phones.

​​✨​The Galaxy S26 series will likely launch with Android 16 and One UI 8, featuring expanded AI assistants.

How to buy an affordable Samsung Galaxy phone

Affordable Samsung phones don't have to compromise on quality. You have several options if you want to buy a budget-friendly Samsung Galaxy phone. The first option is to take advantage of major sales events like Black Friday or Cyber Monday. During these events, most major retailers offer discounts, and you could snag a phone at a great price. But with the year just beginning, November feels a long way off, and waiting that long isn't ideal.

Another option is bundle deals, in which retailers offer a discount when you buy a phone with accessories like headphones or a charger. This is a great option when you actually need the tech and have the budget. However, with a limited budget, it may not be the best choice.

The best way to buy an affordable Samsung Galaxy phone is to shop at Back Market. At Back Market, you will find refurbished Samsung phones available at 20-50% off year-round. Our devices undergo best-in-class refurbishment by industry professionals with a proven track record, including up to a 100-point quality inspection. And for your peace of mind, every purchase includes a 1-year warranty and a 30-day return period. If you need an affordable Samsung phone, trust Back Market to deliver. Here's what one satisfied customer had to say about their experience on Back Market:

"As a first timer with Back Market, I was a little apprehensive. However, all has gone completely smoothly so far. I've been using my Galaxy S24 for a couple of weeks now, and it has been faultless in every respect, just like new and I would have no hesitation in returning when the time comes to renew." - John M. Reviewed 14/07/2025

Why buy a refurbished smartphone

At Back Market, we sell refurbished tech. These are devices that have been professionally restored to premium condition by industry professionals and sold at a fraction of the original price. Every device listed on our product pages undergoes a thorough refurbishment process, including a 25-point defect check, repair and replacement of defective parts and rigorous testing, cleaning and cosmetic enhancements to ensure top-notch quality. All smartphones are sold with at least 80% battery health and include a 1-year warranty for your peace of mind. It doesn't stop there, as the price is excellent too, with devices sold at 20-50% off the price of new.

Additionally, buying refurbished smartphones is great for the planet. Refurbished devices reduce the need for new manufacturing, which in turn lowers the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere. Moreover, by extending the life cycle of devices, refurbished tech plays a vital role in keeping e-waste out of landfills, which is an increasingly urgent concern. So, why choose refurbished? You get reliable tech, keep more cash in your pocket, and support a greener planet.

Trade in your phone for cash

Did you know your old Galaxy phone is still valuable? Thanks to Back Market's Trade-in program, you can give your old phone a new life and get paid for it. The process is simple and includes only 3 steps. First, complete an online assessment about your phone's condition and get an instant quote. Then, ship it to us for free, and once everything is verified, you get paid. It really is that simple. Don't let your old Galaxy phone gather dust. Trade it in for an upgrade or for cash.

Samsung Galaxy phones: prices and availability

The Samsung Galaxy S26 series is expected to be announced on February 25, 2026, at the Galaxy Unpacked event. The series should be available for purchase 2 weeks after the announcement, which would make the Galaxy S26 release date March 11, 2026.

But you can get the older Galaxy models, including the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S25, and Galaxy S25 Ultra, right now from Back Market at a more affordable price. These models still deliver top-notch performance, sleek designs, and all the features you love, so you can enjoy a high-quality smartphone experience while saving money. Here's how much you can save when you buy Samsung Galaxy phones on Back Market:

*Back Market prices taken at the date of publication – these are subject to change.

Final thoughts: a modest upgrade with better value elsewhere

The Galaxy S26 represents a refined evolution of Samsung's flagship lineup, offering slimmer, more ergonomic designs, improved cameras on the Ultra and enhanced performance across the range. While most changes are incremental, the standout innovation is the Ultra's new Flex Magic Pixel privacy display, which limits viewing angles to protect sensitive information without compromising brightness or colour for the user. For buyers mindful of value, refurbished Galaxy S24 and S25 models remain excellent options, delivering high-end performance, quality design and a lower price point.