Samsung’s next big flagship, the Galaxy S26, is making waves even before its official reveal. Leaks suggest that the upcoming smartphone could mark the return of Samsung’s dual-chip strategy — something fans have loved to debate over the years.
Some regions will reportedly get Samsung’s own Exynos 2600, while others, like the US, may receive Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Elite.
So, what does this mean for users? And what else can we expect in terms of specs, design, battery, launch, and pricing? Here’s a complete breakdown of what’s known (and rumored) so far.
Design
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is expected to come with a refined, slimmer body — think more rounded edges and a smoother in-hand feel. Samsung seems to be dialing in the ergonomics while keeping it sleek and modern. The material finish is likely to remain premium, with a blend of glass and metal, and IP68 water and dust resistance will probably continue for durability.
In terms of aesthetics, users may see some new colours this time — including Cobalt Violet and Glacier Silver, giving the phone a fresh, sophisticated look.
Chipset
Samsung looks set to revive its dual-chip approach for the Galaxy S26 series — a move aimed at controlling costs and supply chains, but one that always stirs performance debates.
Here’s the expected chip distribution:
| Region | Expected Chipset |
|---|---|
| India & Europe | Samsung Exynos 2600 |
| US & Select Areas | Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Elite |
This strategy might not be everyone’s favourite, but it allows Samsung to cater to different markets while still delivering top-tier performance. That said, the Exynos vs Snapdragon debate is bound to heat up again.
Specs
From what we know so far, the Galaxy S26 is shaping up to be a solid upgrade in terms of display and internals. Here’s a quick look:
| Feature | Expected Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.3-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate |
| Brightness | Peak up to 2,600 nits |
| OS & UI | Android 16 with One UI 8.5 |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Storage | Up to 512GB (UFS 4.0) |
| Battery | 4,300mAh |
| Wired Charging | 25W |
| Wireless Charging | 25W |
| Reverse Wireless | 4.5W |
The display, in particular, stands out — a 6.3-inch AMOLED panel with 2,600 nits of peak brightness should ensure great visibility, even outdoors.
Cameras
The Galaxy S26 is likely to stick with a triple-camera setup that balances versatility with performance. Leaks point toward:
- 50MP main sensor
- 10MP telephoto lens
- 12MP ultrawide lens
- 12MP front-facing selfie camera
While this setup isn’t drastically different from the Galaxy S25, the S26 may include software enhancements and AI-powered image processing improvements — thanks to the newer chipsets and Android 16 capabilities.
Launch
Samsung hasn’t confirmed anything yet, but reliable sources suggest that the Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event is scheduled for February 25, 2026. If the usual rollout pattern continues, the Galaxy S26 should be available for purchase by mid-March 2026 in most markets, including India.
Price
Early estimates suggest the Samsung Galaxy S26 will be priced starting at ₹82,999 in India — slightly more than its predecessor. The price hike is reportedly linked to the global AI chip shortage, which has driven up component costs.
Of course, this is only a rumored price, and launch-day offers or trade-in deals could lower the effective cost for early buyers.
Summary
To sum it up, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is shaping up to be a well-rounded flagship, bringing together premium design, improved display brightness, fast performance, and camera versatility. While the return of the Exynos vs Snapdragon split may not please everyone, Samsung seems to be confident in balancing power and pricing.
If you’re looking to upgrade in 2026, and want the latest from Samsung’s flagship stable, the Galaxy S26 looks like a device worth waiting for.
FAQs
When is the Galaxy S26 launching?
Samsung may launch the Galaxy S26 at Unpacked on February 25, 2026.
Which chipset will Galaxy S26 use?
India may get Exynos 2600, while US models use Snapdragon Gen 5.
How much will the Galaxy S26 cost?
The starting price in India is expected to be ₹82,999.
What are the display specs of S26?
It may feature a 6.3-inch AMOLED screen with 2,600 nits brightness.
Will the Galaxy S26 support wireless charging?
Yes, with 25W wireless and 4.5W reverse wireless charging support.
