Samsung Galaxy S26: No Edge Model & Specs Leaks | Money.it

Samsung Galaxy S26: What the Leaks Tell Us About the Future of Flagship Phones

<p>The tech world is buzzing with anticipation for Samsung’s next flagship series, the Galaxy S26. While an official launch date remains unconfirmed – rumors point to February 25th – early leaks are painting a picture of what we can expect.  But perhaps the biggest story isn’t what *is* coming, but what isn’t: the apparent cancellation of the ‘Edge’ variant.</p>

<h3>The Demise of the Edge: A Step Back or a Smart Move?</h3>

<p>For years, Samsung’s ‘Edge’ models offered a distinctive curved display, aiming for a premium aesthetic. However, it appears Samsung is streamlining its lineup, focusing on three core models: the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra.  Sources suggest the decision stems from underwhelming sales of the Galaxy S25 Edge.  The pursuit of an ultra-thin design reportedly compromised key features.</p>

<p>The S25 Edge, in its quest for sleekness, suffered from a relatively small 3,900 mAh battery, a significant drawback for power users.  Reviews consistently highlighted battery life as a major weakness.  Furthermore, the design constraints forced Samsung to omit a telephoto lens, limiting its photographic capabilities. This mirrors a trend seen with other ultra-thin devices – prioritizing form over function.  A recent study by Counterpoint Research showed that consumers consistently rank battery life and camera quality as top priorities when choosing a smartphone.</p>

<h3>Production Estimates: Ultra Still Reigns Supreme</h3>

<p>Current estimates predict Samsung will manufacture 3.6 million units of the Galaxy S26 Ultra, indicating it will remain the flagship’s most sought-after model.  The standard S26 is projected at 700,000 units, and the S26+ at 600,000.  These figures are subject to change in February, with potential adjustments based on early demand for the base and Plus models. This production strategy reflects Samsung’s understanding of consumer preferences, with the Ultra consistently attracting the most dedicated (and often, highest-spending) customers.</p>

<h3>Under the Hood: What to Expect from the Galaxy S26 Specs</h3>

<p>While major overhauls aren’t anticipated, incremental improvements are on the horizon. Battery capacities are expected to see a modest boost, with the base S26 potentially receiving a 4,300 mAh battery (up from the S25’s 4,000 mAh). The S26+ and Ultra are likely to retain their 4,900 mAh and 5,000 mAh batteries, respectively.  This conservative approach suggests Samsung is prioritizing optimization and software efficiency over simply increasing battery size.</p>

<p>Display technology will likely see upgrades, with the S26 potentially featuring a 6.3-inch AMOLED M14 panel with LTPO, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, FHD+ resolution, and HDR10+ support. The S26+ is rumored to boast a larger 6.7-inch AMOLED M14 display with a higher 2K resolution. Both are expected to benefit from Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection and IP68 water and dust resistance.  The move to AMOLED M14 signifies a commitment to improved color accuracy and energy efficiency.</p>

<p>Performance-wise, the Galaxy S26 series is expected to be powered by either the Exynos 2600 or Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipsets, depending on the region.  The camera systems on the S26 and S26+ are anticipated to remain largely unchanged, featuring a triple-lens setup with a 50MP main sensor, 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.  This suggests Samsung is focusing on refining existing technology rather than introducing radical changes.</p>

<div class="pro-tip">
    <strong>Pro Tip:</strong> Keep an eye on benchmark scores for the Exynos 2600 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 as they become available. These scores will provide a clearer picture of the performance gains you can expect.
</div>

<h3>The Bigger Picture: Trends in Smartphone Innovation</h3>

<p>The Galaxy S26 leaks highlight several key trends shaping the smartphone industry.  Firstly, the cancellation of the ‘Edge’ model demonstrates a growing recognition that design flourishes shouldn’t come at the expense of core functionality.  Consumers are increasingly prioritizing practical features like battery life and camera performance over purely aesthetic elements.  </p>

<p>Secondly, the incremental upgrades in battery capacity and display technology suggest a shift towards optimization and refinement.  Manufacturers are finding it increasingly difficult to deliver significant leaps in performance, so they’re focusing on improving the efficiency and usability of existing technologies.  This is particularly evident in the display arena, where advancements in LTPO and AMOLED technology are delivering noticeable improvements in power consumption and image quality.</p>

<p>Finally, the continued dominance of the ‘Ultra’ model underscores the demand for premium features and uncompromising performance.  Consumers are willing to pay a premium for the best possible smartphone experience, and manufacturers are responding by focusing their resources on developing high-end devices.</p>

<h2>FAQ</h2>

<ul>
    <li><strong>Will the Galaxy S26 have a headphone jack?</strong>  Highly unlikely. Samsung has removed the headphone jack from its flagship devices for several generations.</li>
    <li><strong>What about expandable storage?</strong>  Expandable storage is also unlikely to return. Samsung, like many manufacturers, is pushing users towards cloud storage solutions.</li>
    <li><strong>When will the Galaxy S26 be released?</strong>  Rumors point to a February 25th launch, but an official date hasn't been confirmed.</li>
    <li><strong>Will the S26 support faster charging?</strong> While not confirmed, faster charging speeds are always a possibility with new generations.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Did you know?</strong> Samsung is a major investor in battery technology, exploring solid-state batteries which promise significantly higher energy density and faster charging times.  These advancements could appear in future Galaxy devices.</p>

<p>Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the official launch of the Samsung Galaxy S26.  What features are you most hoping to see in the next generation of Samsung’s flagship phones? Share your thoughts in the comments below!</p>