Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S lineup could get its biggest refresh in years with the Galaxy S26 next year. While rumors indicate the company may ditch the Plus in favor of an even slimmer Edge model, Samsung supposedly wants to ditch the base model as well. Instead, it wants to focus more on premiumization by offering Pro, Edge, and Ultra models.
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Bigger gap between models
The Android Authority folks have found evidence of Samsung revamping its flagship lineup for 2026 in an internal One UI 8 build. As part of the refresh, it will launch the Galaxy S26 Pro, S26 Edge, and S26 Ultra. It seems Samsung plans to follow in Apple’s footsteps, as rumors suggest the iPhone 17 lineup will include four models: the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and Pro Max.
The Galaxy S25 Edge has not sold as well as Samsung expected. Yet, it appears the company will go ahead and replace the Plus with the Edge next year.
The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max feature the same specs and cameras, with display size and battery life being the only differentiating factors. Even Google does something similar with the Pixel 9 Pro and its XL sibling — they only differ in their display size and battery capacity.
Galaxy S26 Pro could be a beefed-up S26 Plus?
Ideally, if Samsung is copying Apple and Google’s blueprint, the Galaxy S26 Pro should pack the same specs as its Ultra sibling. But that’s unlikely to happen.
If anything, the company might position the Galaxy S26 Pro as a beefed-up version of what would have been the S26+, offering upgraded specs but with a smaller display. It would sit right below the Ultra, with the Edge standing out in the lineup with its super-thin design.
This move will also enable Samsung to hike prices. After all, it won’t sell the Pro or Edge model for the same price as the Galaxy S25.
The Galaxy S26 lineup is over six months away from its official unveiling. So there’s a lot that could change by then. Still, based on the growing chatter online, a major shake-up certainly seems possible.
