Samsung usually updates its high-end Galaxy S smartphones early each year, so the Galaxy S25 series will likely be replaced by a newer model soon.
Each year, Samsung usually launches three Galaxy S models:
- The standard Galaxy S26
- The larger Galaxy S26+
- The top-tier Galaxy S26 Ultra
There are also rumors about a slim Galaxy S26 Edge, but if it appears, it will likely come later in the year.
Today, we are focusing on the most affordable option, the Samsung Galaxy S26. Is it a major upgrade from the Galaxy S25 or just a small step forward? Here’s what we know so far.
Samsung Galaxy S26 vs S25: Specifications
| Versions | Samsung Galaxy S26 (rumored) | Samsung Galaxy S25 |
| Display size. | 6.27-inch FHD+ AMOLED | 6.2-inch FHD+ AMOLED |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz Adaptive | 120Hz Adaptive |
| Chipset. | Snapdragon 8L8 Gen 5/Exynos 2600 (region-dependent) | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy. |
| Memory | 12 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage. | 256 GB 512 GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512 GB |
| Clear cameras. | 50 MP main camera, 12 MP ultra-wide, 10 MP 3x telephoto. | 50MP main camera, 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera, 10MP 3x telephoto camera. |
| Front camera. | 12 MP Selfie. | 12 MP Selfie |
| Battery size. | 4,300 mAh | 4,000 mAH |
Samsung Galaxy S26 vs Galaxy S25: Release Date and Price
The Samsung Galaxy S25 launched on February 7, 2025. It was the most affordable model in the S25 lineup, starting at $799 for the 128GB version and $859.99 for the 256GB version. The 512GB model was only available in select regions.
Reports suggest the Samsung Galaxy S26 may launch a few weeks later in 2026, with the Galaxy Unpacked event expected on February 25. This could mean a release in early March, but a newer report hints that Samsung might stick to its usual January announcement.
Rumor has it that Samsung will drop the 128GB base model this year and start with the 256GB instead, which could mean a higher price. Ideally, the $799 starting price will stay to match the 256GB iPhone 17. But if not, it likely won’t go above $899.
Samsung Galaxy S26 vs Galaxy S25: Design and Screen
If the latest leaks are accurate, the Samsung Galaxy S26 will look almost identical to the previous model. This isn’t surprising, since the Galaxy S series design hasn’t changed much since the Galaxy S27 introduced the traffic light camera layout.
Still, there are some small updates, renders from Android Headlines, and leaks showing the S26 with more rounded corners and a bright orange color, similar to the popular Canary Yellow Galaxy S10e.
The phone will be marginally taller and wider but also slightly thinner, the leak claims. The S26 will measure 149.3 x 71.4 x 6.96 mm compared to the S25’s 149.6 x 70.5 x 7.2mm. As a result, the screen is expected to be slightly larger at 6.27 inches, up from 6.2 on its predecessor. The full HD+ resolution should remain on the AMOLED screen with the same 2600 nits brightness.
Samsung Galaxy S26 vs Galaxy S25: Performance
The biggest improvements for the Samsung Galaxy S26 over its predecessor are expected in three areas: speed, storage, and battery life.
The first of these could be guessed, even without leaks. Every new generation of Samsung Galaxy S gets Qualcomm’s latest flagship SoC in the United States, while other regions sometimes get the Exynos equivalent.
This here is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen5, which promises a solid boost in performance, as our benchmarks on Qualcomm’s reference device show.
Territories outside the United States may get the Exynos 2600 instead of Qualcomm’s chip, which might raise concerns. But this year, the chip is expected to deliver a much better performance than before.
Another rumored improvement for the Galaxy S26 is the base storage capacity. According to leaker Ice Universe, the Galaxy S26 will offer either 256GB or 512GB of storage, removing the entry-level 128GB model from the Galaxy S25.
While this is not a direct improvement, since you could get a 256 GB version of the Galaxy S25, it is a definite upgrade if the starting price of $799 is maintained. Previously, doubling the storage to 256 GB would have cost an additional $60.
Finally, there is a rumored boost to battery life. According to leaker Digital Chat Station, Samsung will go from a 4000mAh cell on the Galaxy S25 to a 4300mAh battery in the Galaxy S26. An extra 300mAh is about the same as a smartwatch battery, but the boost is still welcome, especially with the efficiency savings from the new chipset.
Samsung Galaxy S26 vs Galaxy S25: Outlook
As things stand, the Samsung Galaxy S26’s biggest improvements are likely to be internal, with an improved processor, a larger starting capacity of 256 GB, and a slightly larger battery. The camera’s outlook is unclear, but we still expect incremental improvements.
All of this makes the Samsung Galaxy S26 a strong early contender for one of the best phones of 2026, but it’s likely an unnecessary upgrade for satisfied Galaxy S25 users.
Source: Samsung Galaxy S26 vs Galaxy S25: A big leap, or more of the same?
