Samsung sets February 25 launch for Galaxy S26 series

Samsung has confirmed that it will unveil its next flagship smartphone lineup, the Galaxy S26 series, at its Galaxy Unpacked event taking place on February 25 in San Francisco, signalling a pivotal moment for the mobile technology sector as the company pushes deeper into AI-powered devices and refined hardware. The highly anticipated event, scheduled to begin at 10 a. m. Pacific Time, will be livestreamed globally and is expected to showcase the full breadth of Samsung’s flagship ambitions for 2026.

The Galaxy S26 series is widely expected to comprise three models: the standard S26, the larger S26+, and the premium Galaxy S26 Ultra. Leaks and early information indicate that Samsung will continue its practice of regional chipset differentiation, with the Exynos 2600 processor powering base and Plus models in many markets, while the Ultra likely runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, promising significant performance uplift for demanding applications and AI tasks. These chip choices underscore the company’s strategy of balancing power efficiency with cutting-edge on-device intelligence.

Early render leaks and specification details suggest the design of the new series will maintain the visual language of its predecessor while incorporating subtle refinements. The Galaxy S26 Ultra, in particular, is shown in leaked images with a unified camera island inspired by the Galaxy Z Fold 7, replacing the distinct ring-style arrangement seen in earlier models. This streamlined design is seen as an attempt to modernise the aesthetic while improving structural integrity and component layout. Screenshots circulating online depict the Plus and Ultra models in a sophisticated black finish, which may appeal to users seeking both style and functionality.

Display technologies are expected to remain at the forefront of the lineup’s appeal. The base Galaxy S26 may feature a 6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate, while the S26+ could offer a larger 6.7-inch screen with higher resolution. The Ultra model is tipped to boast a 6.9-inch Quad HD+ display, delivering peak brightness levels and adaptive refresh rates that rival competing flagship displays. These specifications, if accurate, would position Samsung strongly against other premium Android smartphones in terms of visual performance.

Photography and videography improvements appear to be central to Samsung’s pitch for this generation. The Ultra variant may incorporate a 200 MP primary sensor paired with a suite of advanced lenses, including telephoto and periscope zoom capabilities that enhance long-range capture and low-light performance. Meanwhile, more moderate but still capable camera arrays are expected on the Galaxy S26 and S26+, which could include a 50 MP main sensor complemented by wide and telephoto lenses. Camera upgrades like these reflect broader industry trends prioritising computational imaging and AI-assisted enhancements.

Software is another area where Samsung is refining the user experience ahead of launch. The S26 series is likely to debut with One UI 8.5, an iteration of Samsung’s custom Android interface that integrates Galaxy AI features more deeply into daily use. A recent beta release of One UI 8.5 for existing devices has introduced tools such as live voicemail transcription and advanced call routing, hinting at the level of polish Samsung aims to bring to the new models at launch. These software enhancements aim to differentiate Samsung’s devices in a crowded premium smartphone market increasingly defined by AI-driven capabilities.

Samsung’s marketing in the lead-up to the Unpacked event has placed particular emphasis on Galaxy AI, positioning it as a cornerstone of everyday smartphone interaction that will weave together performance, productivity, and creativity. While exact feature lists will be confirmed at the event, teasers and official statements suggest on-device AI assistance, smarter workflows, and responsive user interfaces will be key talking points. This focus on AI integration reflects broader shifts within the mobile industry toward making artificial intelligence a core differentiator in flagship devices.

Pre-order activity around the S26 launch has already begun in some regions, with incentives such as trade-in credits and bonus vouchers being offered to early registrants. Samsung’s promotional push includes benefits that extend beyond the phones themselves, with accessories and ecosystem products bundled into reservation offers. These commercial strategies are designed to build momentum ahead of the Unpacked showcase and stimulate early adoption among enthusiasts and general consumers alike.