Today is Samsung Galaxy Unpacked, and the new Samsung Galaxy S26 Series is set to debut. I’ve been following the rumors and teasers, and I’m excited to share with you what we think will happen and how it might affect you. Samsung’s official press invite (Feb 10) even branded this as the “next AI phone,” promising Galaxy AI features that simplify daily tasks.
The big event kicks off on Feb 25, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. PT (1:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. GMT). You (and I) can watch the live stream on Samsung.com, YouTube or Newsroom. Samsung says this Unpacked will be streamed live in San Francisco, so virtually anyone around the world can tune in.
Behind the scenes, Samsung’s website already lets you reserve a Galaxy device – pre-orders begin the moment the show starts. In fact, Samsung offers sweeteners: reserve or pre-order any new Galaxy today and get a $30 Samsung Credit plus entry to win a $5,000 gift card.
There are even up to $900 in trade-in credits or a $150 no-trade-in credit on Samsung.com for reservers. This means as soon as the new Galaxy S26 Series ships (likely around March 11), early buyers in the US can save money. Carriers like AT&T and retailers like Best Buy are taking pre-orders too, so you’ll have options wherever you prefer to shop.
What the Galaxy S26 Series Lineup Looks Like
What is the Galaxy S26 Series like? It is available in three models: base S26, middle S26+, and high-end S26 Ultra. They are all based on the S25 design of rounded edges and an arrangement of a hole-punched camera but upgraded.
1. Galaxy S26 (Base). The entry‑level flagship. It must have a 6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen at approximately 1080p with 120Hz. Probably, Exynos2600 will be used by Samsung in Europe/Asia and Snapdragon8 elite Gen5 in the US. Demand 12GB RAM, and 256 or 512GB storage.
The camera is triple: 50 MP wide, 10⁻ optical zoom telephoto, and 12 ultrawide and front camera 12. It has a 4300mAh battery and can be charged at approximately 25W. Simply stated, the S26 has a bigger screen and battery size in comparison with the S25, known cameras, and an improved processor.
2. Galaxy S26+ (Plus): The big brother. Difference core: size and battery. The screen is 6.7 inches of qhd+ amoled with 120Hz, and has a 4900mAh battery, an improvement of about 4700mAh the year before. The S26 is fairly comparable to Specs: triple camera, 12GB RAM, regionally divided CPU. It has 45W wired charging, which is quicker than the 25W S26. In case you are interested in a larger screen and extended battery, the S26+ is the one you need.
3. Galaxy S26 Ultra: The top‑tier model. It is based on the S25 Ultra of last year but with minor changes. A 6.9-inch 120/120/120Hz QHD+ AMOLED, plus an inbuilt S Pen. There is a camera system: 200 megapixels wide, 50 megapixels 5x optical zoom periscope telephoto, 50 megapixels ultra wide and 10 megapixels 3x telephoto – four lenses altogether. Everyone supports 8K video and advanced features. The Ultra will be powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 on the global scene, having a maximum RAM of 16GB and a 1 TB storage option. A 5000-mAh battery will be retained, but wired charging will increase to approximately 60 W. There have been rumors that Samsung can include a Privacy Display which darkens the display when not looked at.
It provides us almost with a complete spec sheet with leaks. SamMobile has gathered all the rumored specifications of the models. Each of them is powered by Android 16 and OneUI 8.5 with a minimum of 12GB of RAM. Qi-2 magnetic wireless charging magnets (such as MagSafe) are said to be sold out. Physical dimensions: S26 weighs 190g 149.6 x71.7×7.2mm; S26 + weighs 214g 158.4x 75.8x 7.9mm. All of them are compatible with 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, face recognition, stereo speakers, etc.
A quick bullet summary of the models:
- Galaxy S26: ~6.3″ 120Hz FHD+ AMOLED, Exynos 2600/Snapdragon 8 Elite 5, 12GB RAM, 50MP+10MP+12MP rear cameras, 12MP front, 4300mAh battery.
- Galaxy S26+: ~6.7″ 120Hz QHD+ AMOLED, similar internals as S26, 12GB RAM, 50MP+10MP+12MP cameras, 4900mAh battery.
- Galaxy S26 Ultra: ~6.9″ 120Hz QHD+ AMOLED, Snapdragon 8 Elite 5, 12/16GB RAM, quad cameras (200MP main, 50MP 5× tele, 50MP ultrawide, 10MP tele), 5000mAh battery, S Pen support.
Color options haven’t leaked fully, but earlier rumblings and past trends suggest each model will come in multiple colors (likely white, black, blue and purple). We should see those detailed at launch.
Pricing and Availability
Let’s talk about pricing and availability for the Galaxy S26 series. While Samsung hasn’t officially announced prices yet, leaks and analysts give us a good idea. In the U.S., prices are expected to remain similar to last year’s Galaxy S25 models. Here’s what the rumors suggest:
- Galaxy S26: Starting at $799.99
- Galaxy S26+: Starting at $999.99
- Galaxy S26 Ultra: Starting at $1,299.99 (same as the S25 Ultra launch price).
These are likely the starting prices for the base storage models (128GB or 256GB, depending on the variant). For example, one leak lists the S26 base model at €999 for 256GB and the Ultra at €1,469, which roughly converts to $1,099/$1,599. However, in the U.S., the expected launch prices are $799/$999/$1,299, consistent with last year’s S25 lineup.
In Europe, prices might increase slightly due to inflation and VAT, as is often the case. One report even suggests price hikes could happen globally, but the U.S. may see little to no change. In short:
- U.S. buyers: Expect stable pricing compared to the S25.
- European and other regions: Be prepared for potential price increases.
Pre-orders and Release Date
Samsung’s Unpacked event is scheduled for February 25, 2026, and pre-orders will open immediately during the event (around 6 PM GMT). The official release date is expected about two weeks later, around March 11, 2026, according to sources like PhoneArena and Tech analysts.
Samsung’s pre-order promotions will run until March 10, offering perks like credits or discounts. If you pre-order through Samsung’s website or authorized partners (e.g., Best Buy, AT&T), you’ll likely see deals similar to last year’s offers. Even if you’re unsure, reserving early is a good idea since you can cancel later if needed.
The Galaxy S26 series will launch globally, covering major markets like the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Typically, when Samsung announces a release date, it applies to most regions with local variants ready. One confirmed detail:
- Base S26 models outside the U.S. will use Exynos 2600 chips, while the Ultra will feature Snapdragon processors worldwide.
Expect all models to hit shelves or carrier stores on or shortly after the launch date.
What’s New and Worth Watching
AI Features
Samsung is branding the Galaxy S26 series as “AI phones.” Expect new AI-driven features, including:
- Voice and image enhancements.
- Bixby improvements and generative AI tools in One UI 8.5.
- AI-driven UI changes in Samsung Internet.
- “Storage Share”: A rumored feature allowing seamless file access across Samsung devices (phones, tablets, PCs).
In short, the S26 series will focus on software upgrades for AI-powered convenience, running Android 16 with One UI 8.5.
Privacy Display (Ultra Model Only)
The Ultra model may introduce a privacy display with “privacy pixels” that turn off around the edges. This feature prevents people from seeing your screen over your shoulder. Samsung has teased this in their press materials, calling it “A New Layer of Privacy.” If it works as promised, it could be a game-changer for mobile security.
Camera Upgrades
The Ultra model now features a 200MP main camera, likely with a wider aperture for better low-light performance.
- Telephoto and ultrawide cameras: Similar to the S25 hardware but with improved processing.
- S26/S26+ cameras: Mostly unchanged from the S25 but may include new software features like enhanced night mode or AI zoom.
- Ultra video recording: Rumored to support 8Kat 60fps.
Design
The S26 series won’t see a major design overhaul but will feature subtle refinements:
- A more minimalist camera island.
- Softer curves for the S Pen on the Ultra.
- New color options in Samsung’s familiar palette.
- Anti-reflective screen coating on all models (previously Ultra-only), reducing glare.
If you liked the S25’s design, the S26 will feel like an evolution rather than a complete redesign.
Battery and Charging
Here’s a quick recap of battery specs:
- S26: ~4,300mAh, 25W charging.
- S26+: ~4,900mAh, 45W charging.
- Ultra: 5,000mAh, 60W charging.
Wireless charging (15W) and reverse wireless charging (Wireless PowerShare) remain standard. Despite rumors of exotic battery tech, the Ultra sticks with the same 5,000mAh cell, but efficiency improvements from the new chip may slightly boost battery life.
Pricing Pressure
While rising memory costs have put pressure on pricing, leaks suggest Samsung is keeping U.S. prices stable. However, other regions may see slight increases due to external factors like inflation.
Summary
The Galaxy S26 series brings incremental but meaningful upgrades, including AI features, camera improvements, and a potential privacy display on the Ultra. Pricing in the U.S. is expected to remain stable, while European buyers may face slight increases. Pre-orders open on February 25, with a global release around March 11, 2026.
If you’re considering an upgrade, the S26 series offers a refined experience with cutting-edge features, especially for those eyeing the Ultra model.
Wrapping Up
I’ll be watching Samsung’s Unpacked event closely today. By the time you’re done reading this, Samsung will be explaining all of the above in its own words – which means official specs (finally), exact pricing, color choices, and any surprise features. But I hope this rundown has prepared you: the Samsung Galaxy S26 Series seems to be a solid incremental upgrade. You can look forward to bigger screens, bigger batteries, faster chips, and smarter software. If you need a recommendation:
- For the everyday user: The base S26 should be plenty – it’s not dramatically different from last year, but the larger battery and updated processor make it a safe bet.
- For “phablet” fans: The S26+ gives you that extra screen real estate and battery, with no compromises on performance or camera.
- For power users and photographers: The S26 Ultra will have it all – top camera sensors, the S Pen stylus, and the highest-end internals.
Once Samsung finishes unveiling the phones, I’ll be looking at hands-on reviews and benchmarks to see how these specs translate to real-world use. For now, keep an eye on the official livestream (it’s really at 10am PT today!), and pre-order if any of these options sound right for you (don’t forget those credits and trade-in savings).
I hope you found this guide helpful. Enjoy the Unpacked show, and let me know in the comments which Galaxy S26 model you’re most excited about, or what questions you still have after the big reveal!
