Samsung is reportedly planning a major overhaul for its Galaxy S26 flagship smartphone series, set for a January 2026 launch, with substantial upgrades expected for cameras, displays, and battery capabilities across the lineup.
Insider reports indicate all Galaxy S26 models will feature an upgraded 3x optical zoom telephoto camera. This camera is expected to use a larger 1/2.55-inch, 12-megapixel sensor, designed to capture more light and deliver clearer zoomed images.
This marks a notable improvement over previous generations, which utilized smaller 10-megapixel sensors. The high-end Galaxy S26 Ultra is rumored to receive an even more significant upgrade, potentially boasting a 50-megapixel telephoto lens.
The standard Galaxy S26 and S26+ models are also set for significant camera enhancements. Their main camera is expected to upgrade to a 50-megapixel sensor, measuring 1/1.3 inches, matching the size of the 200-megapixel sensor currently found in the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
The ultrawide camera on these models is also rumored to increase to 50 megapixels, up from 12 megapixels.
Display technology will see an upgrade across the entire series. All S26 models will reportedly incorporate new Samsung-manufactured M14 OLED panels with QHD resolution.
The base S26 will feature a 6.3-inch screen, expanding from the S25’s 6.2-inch 1080p display. The S26+ and S26 Ultra will offer 6.7-inch and 6.9-inch screens, respectively.
Under the hood, Samsung plans to continue its regional chipset strategy. Smartphones sold in the United States, China, and Japan will likely be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, featuring an 8-core CPU with speeds up to 4.60 GHz.
In contrast, models destined for South Korea, Europe, and other global markets are expected to use Samsung’s proprietary Exynos 2600 chipset. This processor reportedly has a 10-core CPU with a maximum speed of 3.55 GHz.
Battery capacity is also set to improve, especially for the premium Ultra model. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is rumored to increase its battery from 5,000 mAh to 5,400 mAh, while maintaining its slim physical design.
Reports also detail a new, ultra-slim model, unofficially referred to as the “Galaxy S26 More Slim.” This device is said to feature a 6.6-inch QHD display, 50-megapixel main and ultrawide cameras, and a maximum 4,300 mAh battery.
Specifications for its telephoto camera are not yet available. Uncertainty remains regarding the status of the previously rumored Galaxy S26 Edge, with no confirmation on whether the “More Slim” variant replaces or complements it.