S26 leaks include a rebrand of the base model to Pro, Perplexity AI integration, and better Qi2 wireless charging compatibility. Based on our experience, here’s what we expect in early 2026.
Samsung usually unveils its flagship Galaxy S series smartphones in January or February, but the rumor mill for the Galaxy S26 series is already abuzz with leaks and speculation.
Below, we’ll examine all the notable rumors we have heard so far, covering design, AI features, performance, cameras, and more. Since these are early leaks, take them with a grain of salt and expect details to change over time.Galaxy S26 Lineup: The Plus Is In Trouble
Samsung currently offers five phones with the S25 tag: the regular S25, the S25 Plus, the S25 Ultra, the slimmer S25 Edge, and the more affordable S25 FE. If you thought five phones were a bit too many for one lineup, rumor has it that Samsung thinks the same way.
Several months ago, multiple reports suggested that Samsung, like Apple, was planning to discontinue the Plus variant due to its poor sales record and limit the next Unpacked event to the base, Ultra, and Edge models.
However, for that to happen, the S25 Edge would need to perform better than the S25 Plus. Korean outlet Elec reported earlier this month that the Edge may not surpass the Plus in sales, and as a result, Samsung recently resumed work on the Plus variant. A component industry insider also tells Elec that they are developing four types of OLED panels for the S26 series and are still unsure whether the Edge will replace the Plus.
The other big news is that the base variant may get rebranded as the S26 Pro. Most leakers are already referring to the base variant by its new unconfirmed name.Galaxy S26 Design: Imitating Apple?
Apple introduced new, rectangular camera bumps on the iPhone 17 last month, and renders of the Galaxy S26 lineup suggest Samsung’s moving in the same direction.
According to multiple leakers, the S26 Pro (base) will have a vertical bump with three cameras; the S26 Edge will have a huge, end-to-end horizontal bump like on the iPhone 17 Pro Max and come with two cameras; and the S26 Ultra will have three cameras in the vertical bump, and one to its right.
