Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026: Everything You Need to Know About the Galaxy S26 Launch

Samsung's next big smartphone reveal is almost here. On February 25, 2026, the company will take the stage in San Francisco to introduce its newest flagship phones, fresh wearables, and whatever other tech it's been cooking up in the labs. If you've been waiting to see what Samsung's flagship strategy looks like for the next generation, this event matters.

Here's the thing: every year, Samsung Unpacked events set the tone for the entire smartphone industry for the next twelve months. What Samsung does with its camera sensors, chip partnerships, battery tech, and AI integrations influences how every other phone maker approaches their own flagships. The Galaxy S26 launch will be no exception.

But unlike Apple, which tends to surprise us with features we didn't know were coming, Samsung leaks. A lot. Weeks before the official announcement, renders circulate, spec sheets get posted by reliable leakers, and the internet collectively figures out what Samsung's going to announce. This gives us an unusual advantage: we can actually prepare for what's coming instead of waiting for the big reveal.

Over the next few weeks, you'll see countless rumors, speculation posts, and YouTube videos analyzing blurry images of potential prototypes. Some of it will be accurate. Some will be completely wrong. This guide cuts through the noise and focuses on what the most reliable sources have confirmed, what patterns suggest is likely, and what remains genuinely uncertain.

We're going to walk through everything from the design changes (spoiler: they're subtle) to the chip upgrades, from camera improvements to battery capacity bumps, and from AI features to the accessories Samsung will probably announce alongside the phones. By the time February 25 rolls around, you'll know what to expect, what might surprise you, and what's probably just internet speculation.

Let's dig in.

TL; DR

• Event Date & Location: Samsung Galaxy Unpacked happens February 25, 2026, at 10 AM PT in San Francisco, livestreamed on Samsung.com and YouTube
• Main Focus: The Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra will be the centerpiece, with minimal design changes from the S25 generation
• Processor Upgrade: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and possibly Exynos 2600 chips will power the new lineup with enhanced AI capabilities
• Camera & Display: Expect larger screens (S26 gets 6.3 inches), improved camera sensors on the Ultra, and possibly new S Pen tech without the digitizer
• Other Devices: Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro will likely launch alongside, with potential tablet or wearable announcements
• Bottom Line: The S26 generation is about incremental evolution rather than revolutionary changes, focusing on AI processing power and subtle hardware refinements

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is estimated to outperform Exynos 2600 in key areas like CPU and gaming performance, maintaining its historical edge. Estimated data based on past trends.

When and Where Is Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026 Happening?

The Official Announcement and Date

Samsung made the announcement official on February 10, 2026. The company sent out press invitations confirming that Galaxy Unpacked 2026 will take place on February 25, 2026. The keynote presentation kicks off at 10:00 AM Pacific Time (1:00 PM Eastern Time) from San Francisco. This is pretty typical for Samsung's schedule. They usually host their flagship announcement events in late February or early March, right when we're getting tired of winter and companies are ready to talk about the next chapter of their product lines.

The livestream will be available on multiple platforms. You can watch live on Samsung.com, through Samsung's newsroom, or on Samsung's official YouTube channel. This multi-platform approach means there's no excuse to miss the announcement unless you're completely offline.

What Samsung Said About This Event

In the official invitation, Samsung included a tagline that hints at the focus: "a new phase in the era of AI as intelligence becomes truly personal and adaptive." Now, if you've paid attention to tech industry announcements over the past two years, you've heard similar language from Google, Apple, OpenAI, and basically every other major tech company. The phrase "AI as intelligence becomes truly personal" is almost a cliché at this point.

But that doesn't mean it's meaningless. What Samsung is probably saying here is that the S26 generation will focus on on-device AI processing. Instead of sending your data to the cloud every time you need AI assistance, the S26 will be capable of running complex AI models directly on your phone, with your data staying local. That's actually a meaningful difference from the previous generation, and it's something we'll explore more deeply when we talk about the processor upgrades.

Location Significance

San Francisco, California, is where Samsung chose to hold this event. That's not random. San Francisco is the heart of tech innovation, home to major companies like Google, Apple, OpenAI, and countless AI startups. By holding the event there, Samsung is positioning itself as part of the cutting edge of AI development, not just adopting technology that other companies pioneered.

The Galaxy S26+ offers a larger screen and battery than the base model but shares the same camera setup. The Ultra model provides the most advanced features, including a superior camera.

The Galaxy S26 Base Model: What We Know

Design and Build

The base Galaxy S26 won't look dramatically different from the Galaxy S25. Samsung's design language has stabilized over the past couple of generations, and the company seems comfortable with this approach. You'll get the same flat front screen and frame that Samsung introduced several generations ago. The back of the phone still features rounded corners, and the camera sensors still sit in that vertical pill-shaped plateau that's become Samsung's signature.

This is actually a good decision. Phone design has reached a point where any dramatic changes feel weird to hold and use. People know what a flat-framed phone feels like. They're comfortable with it. Changing it for the sake of change would only frustrate existing customers who expect consistency.

Where subtle refinements might occur: the materials used for the frame. The screen glass might be slightly more durable or have better oleophobic coating (the stuff that resists fingerprints). The back might have a slightly different matte finish to reduce smudging. But these are the kind of changes you only notice if you hold the phones side by side.

Display Specifications

The Galaxy S26 will reportedly feature a 6.3-inch FHD+ display. That's a small bump up from the Galaxy S25's 6.2-inch screen. We're talking about a difference of just 0.1 inches, which most people won't even notice day-to-day. But in a market where screen real estate matters, even small increases add value.

FHD+ refers to the resolution, which is 2340 x 1080 pixels. This is a standard resolution for Samsung's base-model flagship phones. It's sharp enough that individual pixels are imperceptible to the human eye at normal viewing distance. The refresh rate will almost certainly remain at 120 Hz, the same as the S25, which means smooth scrolling and responsive touch interaction.

The panel is probably an AMOLED display, as Samsung has been using AMOLED (or their own OLED variant) on every Galaxy S flagship for years. AMOLED screens offer perfect blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent viewing angles compared to traditional LCD screens.

Battery and Charging

The S26 will reportedly pack a 4,300mAh battery, which is slightly larger than the S25's battery. That's a modest improvement. In real-world usage, it might give you an extra 30 minutes to an hour of screen time, depending on how you use the phone. For power users who spend all day scrolling through apps, streaming video, and gaming, that extra capacity could mean the difference between finishing the day with battery left versus needing a top-up by evening.

Charging speeds probably won't change significantly. Samsung has been conservative with charging speeds compared to some Android competitors. The company prioritizes long-term battery health over maximum charging speed, which is actually a smart trade-off most users don't appreciate until their phone battery degrades after two years of use.

Camera System

Here's where it gets interesting: the base Galaxy S26 is not expected to get a camera overhaul. The camera setup will reportedly remain the same as the Galaxy S25. You're looking at a 50-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, a 10-megapixel 3x telephoto camera, and a 12-megapixel selfie camera.

That might sound like Samsung is phoning it in, but consider this: camera performance comes down to software processing, sensor quality, and lens design more than megapixel count. Samsung's computational photography algorithms have been improving annually. The same 50-megapixel sensor combined with better image processing can deliver noticeably improved photos compared to the previous generation.

Where we might see improvements: night mode performance, color accuracy, video stabilization, and portrait mode bokeh quality. These are all software-based enhancements that Samsung can deploy without changing the hardware.

Memory and Storage

The S26 will come standard with 12GB of RAM. That's unchanged from the S25. For the vast majority of users, 12GB is more than sufficient. Only intense mobile gamers or people running multiple demanding apps simultaneously ever push against those limits.

Storage options will be 256GB or 512GB. There's no 128GB option, which aligns with market trends. Nobody's excited about 128GB phones anymore—the baseline expectation is now 256GB. This pushes users toward the higher-capacity variant if they want future-proofing, which increases Samsung's average transaction value.

RAM and Processing

Samsung will include the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor in most markets. This is Qualcomm's flagship chip designed for 2026. In some regions, particularly in Korea, Samsung's own Exynos 2600 chip might appear in some Galaxy S26 devices. This regional variation strategy has been part of Samsung's playbook for years. The Snapdragon version typically has slightly better sustained performance due to superior thermal management in Qualcomm's design, while the Exynos version can sometimes match it in peak performance but may throttle slightly under sustained load.

The primary advantage of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is its improved neural processing engine. AI models run noticeably faster on this chip compared to the previous generation. That aligns with Samsung's messaging about AI becoming more personal and adaptive.

The Galaxy S26+: The Middle Child Nobody Asked For

Why the S26+ Exists

Samsung offers three tiers: the base model, the Plus model, and the Ultra. The Plus model has become the middle child of Samsung's lineup. It doesn't get as many upgrades as the Ultra, but it costs more than the base model. If you're Samsung, you need to justify this SKU, or customers will just buy the base phone or spring for the Ultra.

The S26+ exists primarily for people who want a bigger screen than the base model but don't want to pay Ultra prices. It's a practical option, and there's definitely a market segment that appreciates it. But it's not the phone that generates excitement.

Design and Specifications

The S26+ keeps the design language consistent with the base S26. Same flat frame, same rounded corners, same pill-shaped camera plateau. The main difference is sheer size. The S26+ features a 6.7-inch display compared to the S26's 6.3 inches. For people who watch a lot of video or do a lot of reading on their phones, that extra screen real estate makes a real difference.

The 6.7-inch display matches the size of the S25+, maintaining consistency across generations. The resolution remains FHD+, which means the screen density (pixels per inch) is slightly lower than the base model due to the larger screen. For most users, this isn't noticeable. The screen is still sharp.

Battery Capacity

With a larger phone, Samsung can fit a larger battery. The S26+ reportedly gets a 4,900mAh battery. Compare that to the base model's 4,300mAh, and you're getting about a 12% capacity increase. In real-world usage, a larger phone with a larger battery typically delivers all-day battery life comfortably. The S26+ is probably the sweet spot for people who want solid battery life without having to charge mid-day.

Camera and Processor

Here's the compromise: the S26+ doesn't get upgraded cameras. It keeps the same camera setup as the base S26. You get the same 50-megapixel main, 12-megapixel ultrawide, 10-megapixel 3x telephoto, and 12-megapixel selfie cameras. If camera performance is your primary concern, the S26+ doesn't justify its higher price over the base model. You're paying for the larger screen and battery, not improved image quality.

The processor is the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (or Exynos 2600 in some regions). Performance is identical to the base model, so you're not getting any speed advantage by buying the Plus variant.

The Value Proposition

The S26+ is best for people who prioritize screen size and battery life. If you hate charging your phone midday and you like watching videos or reading on a bigger display, it's worth the premium. But if you mostly care about performance or camera quality, the base S26 gets you there for less money.

The Galaxy S26 features a slightly larger screen size of 6.3 inches compared to the S25's 6.2 inches, with the same resolution and refresh rate. Estimated data based on typical specifications.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra: Where Samsung Gets Bold

Design Changes and Materials

The S26 Ultra is where we expect to see the most significant changes. According to leaks and reports from Engadget, the camera bump on the S26 Ultra will be slightly more raised and prominent than the S25 Ultra. Samsung is reportedly giving it a new metallic finish that makes the camera system stand out visually rather than blending into the back of the phone.

This is interesting from a design perspective. Camera systems are one of the key differentiators for flagship phones, so drawing attention to the camera bump actually makes sense. It says, "This phone's camera is important. Look at it."

The frame material is another potential change. The S24 and S25 Ultras both used titanium frames, which Samsung promoted heavily for their lightness and durability. Rumors suggest the S26 Ultra might switch back to aluminum. This could be a cost-saving measure, or it could be part of a larger redesign that hasn't been fully leaked yet. Titanium is more premium and harder to machine, so switching to aluminum would simplify manufacturing and reduce costs.

If Samsung does switch to aluminum, it would be a downgrade from a materials perspective, though most users wouldn't notice in day-to-day use. Aluminum is still a premium material compared to plastic, and it's more than durable enough for modern phones.

The S Pen and Qi 2 Compatibility Challenge

Here's where things get complex. The S Pen stylus is a signature feature of the Galaxy S Ultra line. But there's a technical problem: the S Pen digitizer—the layer of the phone that detects the stylus—interferes with Qi 2 wireless charging alignment.

Qi 2 is the new wireless charging standard that uses magnets for precise alignment. Perfect alignment means faster, more efficient charging. But those magnets can interfere with the S Pen's electromagnetic digitizer. For the past couple of generations, Samsung has included Qi 2 support on the Ultra phones while keeping the S Pen digitizer, creating a weird situation where the phone technically supports Qi 2 but needs a special case to make it work properly.

Rumors suggest Samsung might finally solve this problem on the S26 Ultra by removing the traditional S Pen digitizer layer and replacing it with a new method for accepting stylus input. We don't know what that new method will be yet. It could be based on pressure sensors, capacitive sensing with special stylus firmware, or something entirely novel. The key advantage would be that the S26 Ultra could work perfectly with Qi 2 accessories without any workaround.

This is a meaningful engineering challenge. The S Pen is beloved by Ultra users who use it for note-taking, drawing, and markup. Samsung needs to ensure the new input method is just as responsive and accurate as the current digitizer. If they get this right, it's a genuine innovation. If they get it wrong, Ultra users will be frustrated.

Camera Improvements

The S26 Ultra is where Samsung typically puts its best sensors. While the base and Plus models stick with proven camera setups, the Ultra gets new hardware. We don't have exact specs yet, but historically, the Ultra typically features upgraded main sensor, telephoto lenses, and improved overall light-gathering ability.

Expect improvements in sensor size, which translates to better low-light performance. Larger sensors can capture more light information, which means less reliance on computational photography to fix underexposed photos. Samsung's AI processing has gotten very good at reconstructing details in dark photos, but there's no substitute for capturing more light in the first place.

Screen and Battery

The S26 Ultra will presumably keep a display around 6.8 inches, consistent with the Ultra tier's positioning. The refresh rate will almost certainly be 120 Hz, possibly with an adaptive refresh rate that drops to 10 Hz or lower when you're not actively scrolling to save battery.

Battery capacity for the Ultra will likely be around 5,000mAh or slightly larger. The Ultra is the device for people who want maximum battery life combined with maximum performance, and Samsung knows that. The larger form factor allows for larger batteries.

The Real Story with the Ultra

The S26 Ultra is ultimately about refinement rather than revolution. The S25 Ultra was already an excellent flagship phone. The S26 Ultra improves upon it in meaningful but subtle ways. If you own an S25 Ultra, upgrading to the S26 Ultra isn't critical unless you specifically want the new S Pen technology or the upgraded camera system.

But if you're coming from an older phone or you're buying your first Samsung flagship, the S26 Ultra is genuinely premium. It's the device Samsung wants positioned as the best Android phone available.

Processor Comparison: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 vs. Exynos 2600

Understanding the Processor Split

Samsung's strategy of using different processors in different regions confuses many consumers. Why would Samsung split its own flagship lineup between two different chips? The answer comes down to manufacturing partnerships, regional supply chains, and historical relationships.

Qualcomm, an American company, is Samsung's primary processor partner for the global market. The Snapdragon 8 Elite series powers most Android flagships worldwide. But in Korea, Samsung is both a customer and a competitor to Qualcomm. Samsung's own semiconductor division manufactures chips through its Foundry Services division. To keep that division profitable and to have independence from Qualcomm, Samsung develops its own processors called Exynos.

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Advantages

Historically, Snapdragon chips have had an edge in performance benchmarks and sustained performance under load. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 features an improved neural processing engine specifically designed for AI workloads. This aligns perfectly with Samsung's messaging about AI becoming more personal.

The Snapdragon variant also typically has better thermal management, meaning the phone can sustain peak performance for longer before throttling down. For gaming or intensive video editing, this matters. You get consistent performance for longer, which translates to a smoother user experience.

In real-world testing from previous generations, Snapdragon devices consistently outperform Exynos devices in CPU-intensive benchmarks by roughly 10-15%. For most everyday tasks, the difference is imperceptible. But power users notice.

Exynos 2600 Capabilities

Samsung's new Exynos 2600 is Samsung's effort to close that performance gap. The exact improvements we can expect aren't fully confirmed, but Samsung wouldn't bother manufacturing and deploying the chip unless it was competitive. Previous-generation Exynos chips were decent but noticeably slower in benchmarks and sometimes struggled with thermal throttling under sustained load.

The Exynos 2600 likely includes improvements to memory bandwidth, cache architecture, and thermal design to address previous generation complaints. Samsung has had several years to learn from the Exynos 2500 and earlier variants, so we can expect meaningful improvements.

Which Should You Care About?

If you're in the United States, Europe, or most other regions, you'll get the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. If you're in Korea, you might get the Exynos 2600. If you're buying an imported phone, pay attention to which variant you're getting. The Snapdragon variant will perform slightly better, but the Exynos variant will still be plenty fast for everything except the most demanding gaming or professional apps.

For most people, the processor difference is academic. Both chips are flagship-grade processors that will handle any app or game you throw at them without breaking a sweat.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra stands out with a larger display, higher battery capacity, and enhanced camera features compared to the S26 and S26+.

The Qi 2 Magnetic Charging Situation

What Is Qi 2 and Why Does It Matter?

Qi 2 is the next-generation wireless charging standard, introduced to replace the older Qi standard. The key innovation is magnetic alignment. Previous Qi charging required you to place your phone very precisely on the charging pad. Even a millimeter off-center would reduce charging efficiency. Qi 2 uses magnets to automatically align your phone perfectly with the charging coils, ensuring maximum charging speed every time.

Magnetism matters because it means faster charging, better efficiency, and fewer dead zones on the charging pad. You can just plop your phone down and it snaps into the perfect position automatically.

Samsung's Magnetic Reluctance

Here's the frustrating part: Samsung has been slow to adopt Qi 2. The company released Qi 2-compatible phones, but many users reported that they only worked perfectly with Qi 2 cases attached. Without a case, the magnetic alignment didn't work properly, defeating the entire purpose of Qi 2.

Why? Because the S Pen digitizer layer—the technology that makes the S Pen stylus work—is sensitive to magnetic fields. Magnets can interfere with the digitizer's ability to detect the stylus position accurately. So Samsung faced a design dilemma: either fully support Qi 2 (no magnets) or keep the S Pen digitizer (which doesn't like magnets).

Their solution has been to include Qi 2 support on paper while requiring special cases with magnetic rings for it to work properly. It's unsatisfying for consumers who paid premium prices for a flagship device and expect features to just work.

Potential Solution for S26 Ultra

If Samsung removes the traditional digitizer and implements a new S Pen input method (possibly pressure-based or capacitive), the company could finally enable full Qi 2 support without needing workaround cases. This would be a meaningful improvement that actually affects everyday usability.

But this is also risky. If the new S Pen input method doesn't feel as responsive or accurate as the current digitizer, Samsung will have made a huge mistake. Professional note-takers and artists rely on the stylus, and any degradation in experience would be deal-breaking.

What We Expect for S26 and S26+

The base S26 and S26+ don't have S Pens, so Qi 2 compatibility should work perfectly out of the box. There's no digitizer to interfere with magnetic alignment. This is one area where the non-Ultra models actually have a practical advantage.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 4: The Next Generation Earbuds

Design Evolution

Samsung released the Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro in 2024 with a major redesign. The new design moved away from Samsung's distinctive style toward something more similar to Apple's AirPods. The idea was to make the earbuds less conspicuous, more neutral-looking, and more acceptable in professional settings.

The Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro will likely continue this design direction. Expect a similar form factor with possible refinements to fit and comfort. Samsung might tweak the stem design or adjust the earbud angle to sit more naturally in the ear canal. These seem like small changes, but fit is everything with earbuds. Uncomfortable earbuds are expensive paperweights.

Noise Cancellation and Sound

Here's where improvements usually happen between generations. Samsung's noise cancellation algorithms improve annually. The Buds 4 Pro probably feature improved active noise cancellation that's more effective at blocking environmental sounds while still allowing voice calls to come through clearly.

For sound quality, expect refined drivers with better bass response and cleaner midrange. Samsung tends to err toward balanced profiles rather than bass-heavy signatures, which is good for critical listening and all-day comfort.

Battery Life

Wireless earbud battery life has pretty much plateaued around 6-8 hours per charge with the case offering 20-30 additional hours of capacity. The Buds 4 will probably keep pace with this standard. There's not much room for improvement without dramatically changing the physical size of the buds, and making them larger would defeat the purpose of designing them to be less conspicuous.

Touch Controls and Gesture Recognition

Expect the Buds 4 to feature improved touch controls. Samsung might add new gestures or make existing controls more responsive. The company could also integrate better voice control that recognizes more commands and responds more accurately.

Buds 4 Pro Differences

The Pro variant will likely include enhanced noise cancellation, better microphone quality for calls, and possibly higher-quality audio codecs. If Samsung supports the SSAP 2 codec (Samsung's proprietary high-quality Bluetooth codec), the Pro model would be the first to support it.

The Pro model justifies its higher price primarily through better noise cancellation and call quality, making it suitable for people who take a lot of calls or who commute on noisy public transportation.

Samsung's Qi2 adoption is hindered by S Pen digitizer issues, resulting in lower compatibility scores compared to competitors. Estimated data.

AI Features and Integration

What Samsung Probably Means by "Personal AI"

When Samsung talks about AI becoming "truly personal and adaptive," they're likely referring to on-device AI processing. Previous generations of smartphone AI relied on cloud processing—your photos went to Samsung's servers, the AI analyzed them, and results came back. This is powerful but has privacy implications and requires internet connectivity.

On-device AI means the processing happens entirely on your phone. Your data never leaves your device. Samsung's new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 features an enhanced neural processing engine specifically designed for this. The Exynos 2600 presumably also gets improvements to handle on-device AI tasks.

Real-World AI Applications

What does this look like in practice? Imagine taking a photo and asking the phone, "Make me look thinner." Instead of sending the photo to the cloud, the AI processes it right on your phone and shows you results instantly. No upload time, no privacy concerns, no need for internet.

Or consider live translation. You point your camera at text in another language, and the S26 instantly translates it without needing to send anything to the cloud. It all happens locally, which means faster response times and zero latency.

Call screening is another area where on-device AI helps. The phone can analyze incoming calls, detect spam patterns, and block them—all without sending call data to any server.

Integration with Samsung's Ecosystem

Samsung probably won't reinvent AI from scratch. Instead, expect integration with existing AI services Samsung already uses. Google's AI capabilities (Samsung uses Google Search, Google Assistant, and Android AI features) will likely be enhanced. Samsung might also introduce its own AI assistant or enhance the existing Bixby assistant.

The key is that more of the heavy lifting happens on-device rather than in the cloud. This balances privacy with functionality.

What About Other Devices at Unpacked 2026?

Galaxy Tablets Possibilities

Samsung releases new tablets periodically, and February 2026 could be the time. A refresh to the Galaxy Tab S series with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and improved displays is plausible. Tablets are a good complement to the phone announcement, giving developers and enthusiasts another device to get excited about.

Galaxy Wearables

Samsung's smartwatch and fitness tracker lineup might also see updates. The Galaxy Watch 7 could be announced, featuring improved battery life, better health sensors, and tighter integration with the new S26 phones. Expect enhanced sleep tracking, blood pressure monitoring, and possibly ECG functionality.

A new Galaxy Ring might also debut if Samsung decides to expand its wearable strategy. Samsung acquired popular fitness tracker company Whoop several years ago, so Samsung clearly sees the potential in wearable health monitoring.

VR and AR Headsets

Samsung collaborated with Google on the Spatial Computing Platform, a joint effort to bring XR (extended reality) to consumers. Samsung might announce VR or AR accessories that work seamlessly with the S26. This could be a Galaxy VR headset or AR glasses concept.

Accessories and Ecosystem

Expect numerous accessory announcements. Cases, chargers, screen protectors, and keyboards for tablets will all be introduced. Samsung tries to position itself as a complete ecosystem where all devices work seamlessly together.

Estimated pricing for the Samsung Galaxy S26 series suggests a slight increase from the S25 series, with regional variations affecting final costs.

The Magnetic Ring Situation: Why Samsung Isn't Including Built-in Magnets

The Qi 2 Magnet Problem Revisited

We touched on this earlier, but it deserves deeper exploration. Qi 2 requires magnets for proper alignment. But as we mentioned, magnets interfere with the S Pen digitizer. For phones without S Pens (S26 and S26+), including built-in magnets is a no-brainer.

But for the Ultra model, Samsung has been stuck. The solution has been to sell aftermarket cases with magnetic rings that provide Qi 2 alignment without interfering with the digitizer.

Samsung's Accessory Strategy

By not including built-in magnets, Samsung created a market for Qi 2-compatible cases. This is actually profitable for Samsung—they manufacture and sell these cases at healthy margins. Consumers who want full Qi 2 support buy the case, and Samsung makes additional revenue.

It's not the most customer-friendly approach. Ideally, a $1,200+ flagship phone should have Qi 2 support built in without needing special cases. But from a business perspective, selling cases makes sense.

What Leaks Tell Us

Reports suggest Samsung will continue this strategy for the S26 series, with accessory cases providing magnetic Qi 2 support rather than built-in magnets. Unless Samsung finally removes the S Pen digitizer, this probably won't change.

For the base S26 and S26+, which don't have S Pens, built-in magnets might finally appear. That would be a genuine improvement.

Camera Sensor Expectations and Improvements

What Didn't Change

As we mentioned, the base S26 and S26+ keep the same camera setup as the S25. This seems conservative, but it's actually reasonable. Camera software improvements matter enormously, and Samsung can improve photo quality without changing hardware.

What Probably Changed on the Ultra

The S26 Ultra will likely feature upgraded camera sensors. This might mean a larger main sensor, better 3x and 5x telephoto lenses, or both. Samsung typically introduces new sensors on the Ultra line and trickles them down to non-Ultra phones in future generations.

Computational Photography Advances

With the more powerful AI processing on the S26, we can expect Samsung's computational photography to be noticeably smarter. Night mode could be much better, portrait mode bokeh could be more natural, and zoomed photos could have less processing artifacts.

Zoom quality is particularly important. When you zoom 10x or 20x, you're essentially cropping the digital image and upscaling it. AI can help reconstruct lost detail and reduce pixelation. With better on-device processing power, the S26 should deliver cleaner zoom results.

Video Recording

Video is where flagship phones often show off their capabilities. The S26 could shoot at higher bitrates, offer better stabilization, and include new shooting modes. We might see 8K video recording (though 4K is more practical for most users), or improved low-light video performance.

Macro and Ultra-Wide Improvements

The ultra-wide camera might benefit from improved stabilization and better low-light performance. The macro camera (if Samsung includes one) could get autofocus improvements that make close-up shots sharper and more usable.

Battery Technology and Daily Battery Life

Chemistry and Capacity

Samsung works with battery manufacturers to develop custom battery chemistries. The S26 generation might introduce a new battery variant with slightly improved energy density, allowing more capacity in the same physical space, or the same capacity in smaller space.

Graphene-enhanced batteries have been talked about for years as the next breakthrough. Samsung probably hasn't implemented fully graphene-based batteries yet, but slight graphene incorporation could improve performance marginally.

Real-World Battery Life

What matters to users is hours of screen-on time. A phone with a 4,300mAh battery can last all day if the processor is efficient and the display isn't constantly at high brightness. With the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5's improved power efficiency, the S26 should deliver solid all-day battery life on mixed usage.

For heavy users, the S26+ and S26 Ultra with larger batteries are better choices. The 4,900mAh battery in the S26+ and 5,000mAh+ in the Ultra should comfortably last a full day even with heavy usage.

Charging Speed

Samsung has remained conservative with charging speeds. While some competitors offer 120W+ charging (which works but generates heat), Samsung sticks with 25-45W charging. This slower speed generates less heat, which is better for long-term battery health.

You might wait 90 minutes for a full charge instead of 30 minutes, but your battery will still be 80% healthy after 2 years instead of degrading faster. For most users, this trade-off is worth it.

Design Language and Aesthetic Consistency

The Flat Frame Philosophy

Samsung committed to flat frames several years ago and doesn't plan to abandon them. Flat frames are functional—they make the phone sit flat on tables, reduce accidental drops, and make it easier to use in one hand. They're also part of Samsung's current design identity.

The camera plateau is distinctly Samsung. While other manufacturers have copied the general concept, Samsung's implementation with the vertical pill shape is uniquely theirs. It's become iconic, so changing it would confuse the brand.

Color Options

Samsung typically launches with 4-5 color options. Previous years included colors like Phantom Black, Cream, and Green. For the S26, expect a mix of neutral tones (black, white, silver) and possibly a signature color that changes yearly (maybe a new blue or a warm rose tone).

Color options vary by region and carrier, so not all colors are available everywhere. Samsung uses color choice as a way to differentiate across markets.

Size and Weight

Phones are reaching equilibrium on size. The S26 at 6.3 inches is right in the mainstream sweet spot. Not too small, not too large. The weight will probably be slightly heavier due to the larger battery, but Samsung probably keeps the increase to under 5 grams to maintain the feeling of lightness.

Pricing Expectations and Market Positioning

Historical Pricing Patterns

Samsung's Galaxy S phones have been priced consistently over generations. The S25 Ultra launched at around

The S25 base model was around

These prices can vary significantly by region, carrier, and local taxes. In Europe, prices are higher due to VAT. In Asia, prices might differ due to local manufacturing costs.

Early Adopter vs. Wait-and-See

If you own an S23 or S24, the S26 upgrade is meaningful. If you own an S25, the improvements are incremental. The decision comes down to whether you value the new AI processing, S Pen improvements (if you use it), and camera upgrades. For most S25 owners, waiting until the S27 generation is probably smarter financially.

Trade-in Values

Carriers and Samsung offer trade-in credits for older phones. If you trade in an S25, you'll get much more credit toward an S26 than if you trade in an older phone. This encourages upgrades from the previous generation.

What to Expect from the Livestream

Typical Unpacked Format

Samsung's Unpacked events usually follow a predictable format. Executive introductions take 10-15 minutes. Then demos of new features take up the bulk of the presentation. Hands-on time is usually available immediately after the official presentation.

Demonstrations focus on camera, display, AI capabilities, and performance. Usually, there's a celebrity or influencer segment showcasing the phone in real-world scenarios. It can feel a bit long if you watch the entire livestream, but the key announcements happen in the first 45 minutes.

What Won't Be Surprising

Don't expect Samsung to announce a radical new form factor like a rollable phone (though Samsung has been working on that technology). Don't expect a price reduction. Don't expect any feature that directly copies what Apple did with the iPhone 17 series.

Samsung's innovation tends to be incremental. The company makes good phones better rather than inventing entirely new categories.

Embargoes and Reviews

Samsung provides the S26 phones to reviewers 2-3 days before the Unpacked event. This means detailed reviews from major tech outlets will hit the internet right around February 25-26. YouTube reviews, camera comparisons, and performance benchmarks will be available within 48 hours.

If you wait until the reviews come out, you'll have all the information you need to make a purchasing decision.

Timeline from Announcement to Release

Immediate Availability

Historically, Samsung makes the S-series phones available for preorder immediately after Unpacked. Preorders typically run for 7-10 days, and phones start shipping around mid-March.

So the timeline probably looks like this:

• February 25: Unpacked event and announcement
• February 25-26: Preorders open
• March 6 or 13: First phones ship to preorder customers
• March 20 or so: General availability in retail stores

Carrier Availability

US carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile get the phones at the same time as Samsung's direct store. However, carrier-exclusive colors or storage options might not be available on Samsung.com.

International Availability

The S26 rolls out globally over the course of a few weeks. Some regions might see it a few days after the US launch, while others wait 1-2 weeks. This is mostly logistics—Samsung manufactures phones in various countries and distributes through regional channels.

FAQ

What devices will Samsung announce at Galaxy Unpacked 2026?

Samsung will announce the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra as the main focus of the event. The company will also likely introduce the Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro. Additional announcements might include updated tablets, smartwatches, or other wearables, depending on Samsung's product cycle.

When and where is Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026 happening?

Galaxy Unpacked 2026 takes place on February 25, 2026, at 10:00 AM Pacific Time (1:00 PM Eastern Time) in San Francisco. The livestream will be available on Samsung.com, Samsung's newsroom, and Samsung's official YouTube channel.

What are the main differences between the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra?

The S26 features a 6.3-inch display and 4,300mAh battery. The S26+ has a larger 6.7-inch display and 4,900mAh battery but keeps the same camera setup as the base model. The S26 Ultra is larger, features upgraded cameras, a more raised camera bump with metallic finish, and possibly a new S Pen input method that fully supports Qi 2 charging without special cases.

What processor will power the Galaxy S26 phones?

The Galaxy S26 lineup will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in most markets. Some regions, particularly Korea, might receive Samsung's Exynos 2600 processor instead. Both chips are flagship-grade and feature enhanced AI processing capabilities.

Does the Galaxy S26 support Qi 2 wireless charging?

The S26 and S26+ should support Qi 2 charging with built-in magnets for proper alignment, as they don't have S Pen digitizers that interfere with magnets. The S26 Ultra's Qi 2 support depends on whether Samsung successfully implements a new S Pen input method without the traditional digitizer layer. If the new method works, the Ultra will finally get proper Qi 2 support without workaround cases.

Will the Galaxy S26 have the same cameras as the Galaxy S25?

The base S26 and S26+ are expected to keep the same camera setup as the S25 generation. The S26 Ultra will likely receive upgraded camera sensors, particularly for the main sensor and telephoto lenses, maintaining Samsung's tradition of reserving the best hardware for the Ultra variant.

How much will the Galaxy S26 cost?

Pricing hasn't been officially announced, but historical patterns suggest the S26 base model will cost around

When will the Galaxy S26 be available for purchase?

Preorders typically open immediately after the Unpacked announcement on February 25. The phones usually start shipping 7-10 days later, around March 6 or 13. General retail availability follows shortly after, with most stores carrying the phones by late March.

Should I upgrade from my Galaxy S25 to the S26?

If you own an S25, the upgrade is mostly incremental. The S26 brings slightly improved displays, new AI processing, and subtle camera enhancements, but these aren't dramatic enough to justify the $800+ cost for most users. If you own an S23 or older, the S26 offers meaningful improvements in every category. If you use the S Pen, waiting for a confirmed new input method is wise.

What about the Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro?

The Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro will likely be announced at Unpacked with incremental improvements over the Buds 3 generation. Expect better noise cancellation, improved sound quality, refined touch controls, and better integration with the S26 phones. The Pro model will justify its higher price through superior noise cancellation and call quality.

Conclusion

Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event on February 25 marks the arrival of the next chapter in flagship smartphone evolution. The Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra represent incremental progress rather than revolutionary change. This is actually a good thing. Phones have matured to the point where radical redesigns feel unnecessary and often counterproductive.

The real story of the S26 generation is efficiency and on-device AI processing. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor enables AI features that run entirely on your phone without uploading data to the cloud. That's meaningful for privacy and performance. The slightly improved displays, larger batteries, and refined cameras all contribute to a phone that's measurably better than the S25, even if the differences aren't immediately obvious.

For the S26 Ultra, the potential removal of the S Pen digitizer and implementation of a new stylus input method is genuinely interesting from an engineering perspective. If Samsung pulls it off, the Ultra finally gets proper Qi 2 support. If they don't, it's a misstep that will frustrate stylus users.

The Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro continue the trend of incremental improvement. They'll be solid earbuds that work great with Samsung phones and reasonably well with non-Samsung devices.

The broader ecosystem announcements—tablets, smartwatches, and possibly AR/VR hardware—flesh out Samsung's vision of a connected device ecosystem. The company wants you to buy multiple Samsung products that all work together seamlessly.

Will any of this revolutionize mobile technology? Probably not. Will it deliver meaningful improvements that make daily life with your phone noticeably better? Absolutely. That's the realistic goal of flagship phone evolution in 2026.

If you're considering upgrading, wait for reviews to drop a few days after the announcement. Real-world testing reveals issues that demos hide. If you're happy with your current phone, there's no urgent reason to upgrade unless you specifically want the new AI processing or S Pen improvements.

February 25 will be exciting for Samsung enthusiasts and tech journalists. For everyone else, it's another opportunity to see what the best Android hardware can do. Even if you don't buy the S26, its innovation sets the bar for the entire industry for the next twelve months.

We'll be watching from San Francisco on February 25, and we can't wait to see what Samsung surprises us with.

Key Takeaways

• Galaxy Unpacked 2026 occurs February 25, 2026, at 10 AM PT in San Francisco with livestream available globally
• Samsung S26 and S26+ feature subtle design evolution with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 focus on on-device AI processing
• S26 Ultra introduces potentially significant S Pen technology overhaul to enable true Qi 2 magnetic charging support
• Base S26 and S26+ retain previous-generation cameras while S26 Ultra gets upgraded sensors, following Samsung's established hardware strategy
• Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro will likely launch with incremental improvements in noise cancellation and audio quality

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