Potential shifts may be in store for Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S26 series
In an exciting turn of events, Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S26 series is poised to make a significant impact in the smartphone market. According to recent leaks, the lineup will consist of three models: the Galaxy S26 Pro, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. This marks a departure from previous years, as the company drops both the standard base model and the Plus model.
The Galaxy S26 Pro is expected to replace the base model, aiming to offer a better appeal than the traditional entry-level flagship. On the other hand, the Galaxy S26 Edge is set to replace the Plus model and will be positioned as a lighter, sleeker flagship alternative with a curved display. The Galaxy S26 Ultra, as always, will remain Samsung’s top-tier flagship, boasting the highest specifications.
This strategy seems to be driven by sales trends, with Ultra variants consistently selling the most, Plus models the least, and the introduction of "Pro" potentially boosting the middle-tier appeal. The codename for the S26 series, internally reported as "NPA" or "Next Paradigm," suggests a rebranding shift.
The Galaxy S26 series is also rumoured to launch with One UI 8.5 based on Android 16 out of the box, proposed as a mid-cycle update rather than a full OS overhaul. This update is expected to bring UI improvements and new features starting February 2026.
However, details about the design and features of the Galaxy S26 series are still largely unknown. What we do know is that the series is expected to come with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 processor, and Samsung is reportedly testing the Exynos 2600 chip for the series as well.
The first month sales of the Galaxy S25 Edge have been below expectations, which could impact its inclusion in the Galaxy S26 lineup. If the base model is indeed rebranded as the Pro, its price tag may be increased.
The website Android Authority first reported the possible rebranding of Samsung's Galaxy S26 series. The evidence for this line-up rebranding was found in the One UI 8 build, with the product codenames M1, M2, and M3 matching up to be the Galaxy S26 Pro, S26 Edge, and S26 Ultra respectively.
As always, take these leaks with a grain of salt until official announcements are made. However, it's clear that Samsung is aiming to shake things up with its flagship series in 2026. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the expected launch date.
- In line with the rebranding shift, the upcoming Galaxy S26 series might offer an array of smartphones, including the Galaxy S26 Pro, replacing the traditional base model, and the Galaxy S26 Edge, expected to succeed the Plus model.
- This technology-driven strategy by Samsung, as suggested by the codename 'NPA' or 'Next Paradigm', is aimed at positioning the Galaxy S26 Pro, S26 Edge, and S26 Ultra as potential gadgets that cater to various segments in the smartphone market, with the Ultra variants continuing to be popular choices due to their top-tier specifications.
