Samsung Galaxy S26: A Refined Experience, But Exynos Returns to Europe
Samsung is gearing up to unveil its new Galaxy S26 series, and the latest leaks reveal almost all the technical details ahead of schedule. The launch is imminent, and the specifications promise to divide opinions, particularly among users in Europe.
The Return of Exynos to the European Market
According to data from WinFuture, Samsung’s strategy for 2026 focuses more on software refinement, through One UI 8.5 and new artificial intelligence (AI) tools, than on drastic hardware changes. But, the news that may disappoint many enthusiasts in Portugal and the rest of Europe is the confirmation of the Exynos 2600 processor for the Galaxy S26 and S26+ models.
While there was hope that the entire range would receive the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 from Qualcomm, this component will be exclusive to the Ultra version. Samsung defends that its new 2nm chip offers comparable performance, but past experiences with the Exynos line keep demanding users on alert.
Photography and Displays: Incremental Improvements for the Galaxy S26
Regarding the camera, continuity seems to be the key word for the Galaxy S26 and S26+, which are expected to reuse the sensors from the previous generation, relying on AI processing to achieve better results.
The real technological leap is reserved for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which will feature a 200 MP main sensor with a generous f/1.4 aperture, as well as an ultra-wide-angle lens that finally climbs to 50 MP.
The Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays maintain dimensions ranging from 6.3 to 6.9 inches, now featuring Gorilla Glass Armor 2 protection. While guaranteeing refresh rates of up to 120 Hz and resolutions reaching 3K on the superior models, critics point out that Samsung may be losing ground to other Chinese competitors that have invested in panels with brighter and more disruptive technologies.
Memory, Battery, and Availability
A welcome change happens in memory management. Samsung seems to have understood that 128 GB of storage is insufficient for a flagship in 2026, establishing 256 GB as the base configuration.
All models will be equipped with at least 12 GB of RAM, essential for handling local AI tasks.
In terms of power, the Galaxy S26 sees its battery increase to 4300 mAh, while the Plus model reaches 4900 mAh. The Galaxy S26 Ultra maintains the 5000 mAh cell, but receives an update in wired charging speed, which now supports 60W.
The official presentation is expected on February 25, 2026, with starting prices of 999 euros for the base version.
| Characteristic | Galaxy S26 | Galaxy S26+ | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.3″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, FHD+, 120 Hz | 6.7″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 3K, 120 Hz | 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 3K, 120 Hz |
| Processor | Exynos 2600 (Europe) | Exynos 2600 (Europe) | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
| RAM | 12 GB | 12 GB | 12 GB (16 GB in the 1 TB version) |
| Storage | 256 GB / 512 GB | 256 GB / 512 GB | 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB |
| Main Camera | 50 MP f/1.8 | 50 MP f/1.8 | 200 MP f/1.4 |
| Telephoto Lens | 10 MP 3x | 10 MP 3x | 50 MP periscope 5x + 10 MP 3x |
| Ultra Wide Angle | 12 MP | 12 MP | 50 MP with PDAF |
| Video | 8K 30 fps / 4K 120 fps | 8K 30 fps / 4K 120 fps | 8K 30 fps / 4K 120 fps |
| Battery | 4300 mAh, 25 W charging | 4900 mAh, 45 W charging | 5000 mAh, 60 W charging |
| Wireless Charging | 15 W Qi2 | 15 W Qi2 | 25 W Qi2 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, BT 5.4, NFC, IP68 | Wi-Fi 7, BT 5.4, NFC, IP68 | Wi-Fi 7, BT 5.4, NFC, IP68 |
| SIM | NanoSIM + eSIM | NanoSIM + eSIM | Dual NanoSIM + eSIM |
| Starting Price (Europe) | 999 € | 1269 € | 1469 € |
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