Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Series Poised for Major Changes: Insights from Android Police

October 18, 2025

Samsung Galaxy S26 Series: Major Design Shifts on the Horizon

Seoul, South korea – samsung is reportedly preparing significant alterations to its forthcoming Galaxy S26 series, signaling a potential departure from recent design strategies. Industry sources suggest the company is abandoning the “Edge” display variant and rethinking its approach to slim smartphone construction.

The Demise of the Edge and the Rise of the Plus

For years, Samsung’s ‘Edge’ models have offered a distinctive curved-screen experience. Though, recent reports confirm the galaxy S26 Edge has been discontinued, with Samsung rather focusing on a revitalized galaxy S26 Plus model. This decision arrives amidst concerns surrounding the practical usability and production complexities of curved displays.The return of the ‘Plus’ variant is evidenced by recent IMEI listings, suggesting that it will be a core part of the new lineup.

Shifting Away From Ultra-Thin Designs

Samsung is also reportedly reassessing its commitment to producing exceptionally thin smartphones.Following underwhelming sales of earlier, ultra-slim devices, the company appears to be prioritizing more conventional form factors. this suggests a renewed emphasis on battery capacity, internal component space, and overall durability. This pivot mirrors a broader trend within the industry,where manufacturers are balancing aesthetic appeal with functional improvements.According to Counterpoint Research, the demand for larger battery capacities in smartphones increased by 15% in the last year alone.

What Does This Mean for the Galaxy S26 Series?

The anticipated Galaxy S26 series will likely comprise three primary models: the S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra. This streamlined approach allows Samsung to concentrate its design and engineering efforts on fewer devices, potentially leading to higher quality and wider appeal.The S26 Plus is expected to fill the niche previously occupied by the Edge model, offering a larger screen size and enhanced features without the challenges associated with curved displays.

Model	Expected Features	Key Change
Galaxy S26	Standard flagship features	Continues existing line
Galaxy S26 Plus	Larger screen, enhanced features	Replaces Edge model
Galaxy S26 Ultra	Premium specs, advanced camera system	Likely incremental improvements

Did You Know? Samsung’s decision to discontinue the Edge model wasn’t solely based on sales.The curved displays proved more challenging for screen protector manufacturers and increased repair costs.

Pro Tip: when considering a new smartphone, prioritize battery life and overall usability alongside aesthetic features. A phone that performs reliably and meets your daily needs will ultimately provide a more satisfying experience.

The Evolving Smartphone Landscape

Smartphone design has undergone a radical change in recent years, with manufacturers constantly experimenting with new materials, form factors, and features. The trend towards larger displays, enhanced camera capabilities, and longer battery life has driven innovation across the industry. However, maintaining a balance between innovation and practicality remains a key challenge. companies like Apple and Google are also focusing increasingly on software integration and AI-powered features to differentiate their products in a competitive market.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is happening with the Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge? The Galaxy S26 Edge has been cancelled, with Samsung opting to focus on a Galaxy S26 Plus model instead.
• Why is Samsung dropping the curved screen? Samsung is reportedly moving away from curved displays due to practical challenges in usability and manufacturing.
• What is the Galaxy S26 Plus expected to offer? The Galaxy S26 Plus aims to deliver a larger screen and enhanced features, taking the place of the previously offered ‘Edge’ variation.
• Is Samsung still making thin smartphones? Samsung is reportedly scaling back its focus on ultra-thin smartphone designs, prioritizing battery capacity and durability.
• Will the Galaxy S26 Ultra still be a flagship device? Yes, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to remain Samsung’s top-tier smartphone, boasting premium specifications and an advanced camera system.
• What factors influenced Samsung’s decision regarding the S26 series? Low sales of ultra-thin phones and challenges with curved screen production contributed to thes key design changes.
• What shoudl consumers consider when choosing a new Samsung galaxy phone? Prioritize battery life, usability, and features that align with your individual needs.

What are your thoughts on Samsung’s decision to discontinue the Edge model? And do you prioritize sleek design or practical features when choosing a new smartphone? Share your opinions in the comments below!

How might the rumored increase in peak brightness to over 2,600 nits on the Galaxy S26 impact user experience in various lighting conditions?

Display Innovations: Beyond the Dynamic AMOLED

The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 series is generating meaningful buzz, and recent reports from Android Police suggest ample changes are on the horizon, notably concerning display technology. While Samsung’s Dynamic AMOLED displays are already industry-leading, the S26 is rumored to push boundaries further.

* Brighter Panels: Expect a significant increase in peak brightness, perhaps exceeding 2,600 nits, improving visibility in direct sunlight. This is a key area of competition with other flagship smartphones.

* Enhanced refresh Rates: Adaptive refresh rate technology will likely be refined, potentially offering a wider range (1-144Hz) for smoother scrolling and gaming experiences while optimizing battery life.

* Under-Panel Camera (UPC) Improvements: Samsung is reportedly making strides in UPC technology. The S26 could feature a considerably less noticeable front-facing camera, improving the screen-to-body ratio.Early prototypes suggest improved image quality from the under-display camera, addressing a common concern with current implementations.

* New Display Materials: Exploration of new materials beyond traditional OLED is underway, potentially leading to more durable and energy-efficient displays.

Camera System overhaul: Focusing on Computational Photography

The Galaxy S26 camera is expected to receive a major overhaul, with a strong emphasis on computational photography.Android Police’s sources indicate a shift towards software-driven improvements alongside hardware upgrades.

* New Sensor technology: Rumors point to a new primary sensor, potentially a 200MP ISOCELL sensor with improved light sensitivity and dynamic range.

* AI-Powered Image Processing: Samsung is heavily investing in AI to enhance image processing. Expect features like:

* Advanced Night Mode: Significantly improved low-light performance.

* Object Recognition: More accurate scene detection for optimized settings.

* Super Resolution zoom: Enhanced zoom capabilities with minimal loss of detail.

* Periscope Zoom Lens Enhancements: The periscope zoom lens is highly likely to receive upgrades, potentially offering higher optical zoom levels (10x or more) and improved stabilization.

* 8K Video Capabilities: Enhanced 8K video recording with improved stabilization and dynamic range.

Performance and Chipset: snapdragon vs. Exynos

The Galaxy S26 processor will, as usual, be a point of contention.Samsung typically releases different versions with either a Qualcomm Snapdragon or an Exynos chipset.

* snapdragon 8 Gen 4 for Galaxy: Qualcomm is expected to deliver a customized “for Galaxy” version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, offering superior performance and efficiency.

* Exynos 2600: Samsung’s Exynos 2600 is also in development, aiming to close the performance gap with Snapdragon. Reports suggest a new CPU architecture and improved GPU performance.

* RAM and Storage: Expect a minimum of 12GB of RAM,with options for 16GB or even 24GB. Storage options will likely start at 256GB and go up to 1TB.

* Cooling System: An improved cooling system is anticipated to handle the increased processing power and prevent thermal throttling during demanding tasks.

Design and Build Quality: A Refined Aesthetic

While a radical design change isn’t expected, the Galaxy S26 design will likely feature refinements to the existing aesthetic.

* Titanium Frame: Following the trend set by other manufacturers, the S26 could adopt a titanium frame for increased durability and a premium feel.

* Slimmer Bezels: Further reduction in bezel size will contribute to a more immersive viewing experience.

* Improved Durability: Enhanced scratch resistance and water/dust resistance (IP68 rating) are expected.

* Color Options: A range of new color options will likely be offered,potentially including exclusive colors for Samsung’s online store.

Software and Features: One UI 6.1 and Beyond

The Galaxy S26 software will undoubtedly run on the latest version of Android, coupled with Samsung’s One UI.

* One UI 6.1: expect a refined user interface with improved customization options and enhanced privacy features.

* AI Integration: Deeper integration of AI throughout the system, powering features like:

* Live Translation: Real-time translation during phone calls.

* Intelligent Assistant: A more proactive and personalized assistant.

* Enhanced Security: AI-powered threat detection and prevention.

* Extended Software Support: Samsung has committed to providing extended software support for its flagship devices, potentially offering up to seven years of security updates.

Samsung Knox Security Updates

Samsung continues to prioritize security with its Samsung Knox platform. The S26 series will likely feature:

* Enhanced biometric Authentication: Improved fingerprint sensor and facial recognition technology.

* Secure Element (SE): A dedicated hardware chip for storing sensitive data.

* Real-Time Threat Protection: Continuous monitoring for malware and other security threats.

Practical Tips for Galaxy S Series Users

* Optimize Battery Life: Utilize the adaptive battery feature and limit