Samsung Galaxy S26: first details about the base model

According to verified insiders, Samsung is radically rethinking the approach to its flagship lineup. The company will unveil the Galaxy S26 in January 2026, where the base model will get significant hardware improvements for the first time in years.

• The display will grow from 6.2 inches to 6.27 inches without increasing the size of the body
• Battery capacity will increase by 7.5% (from 4,000 to 4,300 mAh)

But the most interesting —possible rebranding. According to recent reports, the familiar Galaxy S26 could get the «Pro» prefix, which would emphasize its new status as a full-fledged compact flagship. This would be in response to numerous user complaints about too modest upgrades to base models in recent years.

«If the information is confirmed, it would be the first time a standard S-series model has received such notable improvements in a single refresh cycle», —notes mobile market analyst David Richards.

Simultaneously, Samsung continues to evolve its model differentiation strategy:

• S26 Pro — a compact flagship
• S26 Edge — a device with a curved screen
• S26 Ultra — a technological masterpiece with a better camera

The Ultra version is expected to get 60-watt charging and a revolutionary camera system, while the Edge will retain the signature curved display.

It’s notable that these changes come amid Google’s preparations for the Pixel 10 unveiling, set for August 20. Clearly, Samsung intends to give a worthy answer to its rivals in 2026.

The Galaxy S26 is expected to be officially announced in January 2026. Traditionally, the first devices will go on sale four to six weeks after the presentation.