Samsung Galaxy S26 Leaks Reveal Possible Redesign and Specs
Here's a rundown on some of the biggest changes to expect.
The Galaxy S25 series wasn’t exactly a giant leap forward in terms of hardware. Most of the improvements were software and AI-driven, with the exception of the surprisingly fresh S25 Edge design. But that’s by the way.
Now, as we inch closer to 2026, the spotlight is shifting to what’s next: the Galaxy S26 lineup. While Samsung hasn’t confirmed anything yet, a steady stream of leaks and rumours has given us a good idea of what might be coming. Here’s some of what to expect.
Emmanuel Oyedeji
A Subtle Redesign
Samsung seems to be refining rather than reinventing the Galaxy S series. Leaked renders suggest that the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the most premium of the trio, could feature slightly rounder corners than its predecessor, giving it a softer, more uniform look across the lineup. All three models, including the S26 and S26+, reportedly share this new rounded-edge design, making the series feel more cohesive.
The Ultra might also mark the return of a camera island, a pill-shaped module housing three of its four lenses, instead of the individually placed sensors seen on the S25 Ultra. This design change harks back to older Galaxy models and brings it closer in style to competitors like the iPhone and Pixel. Despite these tweaks, the phone is expected to be thinner at 7.9mm, with minimal bezels and a reworked S Pen slot
Under the Hood
The Galaxy S26 lineup is rumoured to launch with Samsung’s new Exynos 2600 chipset in select markets, built on a 2nm process for improved efficiency, while other regions could get Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip. These processors promise faster performance and better AI handling, though early reports suggest that Samsung may focus more on refinement than flashy hardware upgrades this time around.
Camera-wise, the S26 Ultra is expected to keep its 200MP main shooter, 50MP ultrawide, and 50MP periscope telephoto lens, with only the 3x telephoto lens getting a minor resolution bump. It might not sound groundbreaking, but Samsung could rely on AI-powered enhancements and the new chip’s processing capabilities to deliver better results.
Pricing
When it comes to pricing, leaks suggest that Samsung may stick close to the S25 lineup’s pricing or introduce a slight bump. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is rumoured to start around $1,299, while the S26+ could be priced at roughly $999, and the base S26 around $799. These figures are still speculative, but they suggest Samsung isn’t planning any drastic price jumps despite the move to new chip technology and upgraded displays. If accurate, the company might be looking to keep its flagship competitive while still positioning it as a premium device.
Conclusion
For now, all these details remain unconfirmed, from the redesigned body and updated chipset to the expected pricing. Still, the Galaxy S26 series appears to be shaping up as a refined evolution rather than a radical overhaul, with Samsung focusing on performance efficiency, AI-driven enhancements, and subtle design polish. If the leaks prove accurate, we might see the lineup make its debut at Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event on February 25, 2026, in San Francisco.
