Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026: S26 Predictions and What to Expect

Samsung just announced its next Galaxy Unpacked event, and honestly, the smartphone world is holding its breath. On February 25, 2026, the company will unveil its latest flagship lineup from San Francisco, and everything points to a significant shift in how Samsung thinks about AI, personalization, and what a flagship phone actually does.

The leaks have been coming fast. Korean tech journalists are already digging through patent filings. Render artists have published what appear to be final design images. And the rumor mill is spinning harder than it has in years, because this generation feels different. Samsung isn't just iterating on last year's formula. They're pivoting.

We've covered every Samsung launch for over a decade. We've held pre-release units. We've tested the beta features that don't make it into the final announcement. And right now, based on everything we're seeing from supply chain reports, official hints, and industry whispers, the Galaxy S26 is shaping up to be one of the most interesting flagship launches we've seen in a while.

This isn't just about faster chips and better cameras, though both are coming. It's about Samsung finally addressing the things people have been asking for since the S25 launched. It's about AI that doesn't feel bolted on as an afterthought. It's about wireless charging that actually works without workarounds. And it's about Samsung making a genuine bet that the future of smartphones is way more personal than we've seen before.

Let's walk through everything we know, what we're confident about, and what remains pure speculation as we count down to February 25.

TL; DR

• Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra launching February 25, 2026 in San Francisco with keynote starting 10AM PT
• Design stays familiar with flat edges and vertical camera pill, but internal hardware gets significant upgrades
• Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 expected in all models with regional Exynos 2600 variants for improved on-device AI
• Display upgrades include a 6.3-inch screen on base S26, slightly larger than S25, with improved brightness and color accuracy
• Qi 2 magnetic charging finally coming to S26 Ultra after years of Samsung resistance, requiring removal of S Pen digitizer
• Galaxy Buds 4 successor rumored to arrive with better noise cancellation, ultra-wideband integration, and improved battery life
• Bottom line: February 25 is shaping up to be Samsung's biggest personal AI push yet, with meaningful upgrades across the board

The Galaxy S26 features notable upgrades over the S25, including a new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, a larger display, and improved battery capacity. Estimated data for display brightness improvements.

When and Where Is Galaxy Unpacked 2026 Happening?

Samsung dropped the official invites on February 10, 2026, and the event details are locked in. Mark your calendar for February 25, 2026. The main keynote kicks off at 10AM Pacific Time (that's 1PM on the East Coast if you're stateside). If you're on the other side of the world, do the timezone math, but Samsung always times these for Silicon Valley, so plan accordingly.

The event is happening in San Francisco, which makes sense. That's where Apple announces things. That's where Google tends to do their hardware events. San Francisco is the gravitational center of consumer tech, and Samsung knows how to leverage that stage.

You'll be able to watch it live from basically anywhere. Samsung's streaming the keynote on Samsung.com, their newsroom, and their YouTube channel. That's the standard playbook, and they've gotten pretty good at it over the years. Expect professional production, slick transitions, and probably a few moments where they really lean into the AI angle because, well, that's what everyone's doing right now.

The announcement itself included this line: "A new phase in the era of AI as intelligence becomes truly personal and adaptive." It's marketing language, sure, but it's also telling. Samsung isn't just adding AI features. They're trying to position themselves as the company that got AI right on phones. Whether that's true remains to be seen, but that's definitely the narrative they're building toward.

One thing worth noting: Samsung hasn't announced pre-orders or availability dates yet. Usually they do that during or immediately after the keynote. Don't expect to walk into a store the next day, but if history holds, you're looking at shipping within a week or two after the announcement.

Estimated data suggests users with S23 or older models show higher interest in upgrading to S26, while S25 users show moderate interest. Users from other brands also consider S26 as a potential option.

The Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra: Design and Form Factor

Here's the honest truth about Samsung's design philosophy right now: they're playing it safe. And that's probably the right call. The flat-edge design language that arrived with the S25 works. People like it. It's instantly recognizable. So instead of throwing it away, Samsung's taking the evolutionary approach.

Based on leaked renders and official hints, the S26 lineup is going to look almost identical to the S25 lineup at first glance. Same flat front screen. Same flat frame (no curves here). Same rounded corners that feel good in your hand. Same vertical pill-shaped camera module on the back that houses all the lenses in a neat, organized way.

But zoom in and you start seeing the differences. The camera plateau on the back of the S26 Ultra is reportedly more raised, with a new metallic finish that catches light differently. It's subtle, but it matters when you're trying to differentiate between generations. The Galaxy S26 and S26+ will likely stick with the more integrated look their predecessors had.

One major shift: the frame material on the Ultra model. Samsung spent two years experimenting with titanium on the S24 and S25 Ultras, but the S26 Ultra is expected to go back to aluminum. Titanium is expensive, and it can scratch easier than people expect. Aluminum is lighter, more durable, and honestly just as premium if you do the finish right. This is a practical move disguised as a cost-cutting measure, which is fine. Most people won't notice or care.

The size specs are getting tweaked too. The standard S26 is reportedly getting a 6.3-inch display, which is literally 0.1 inches larger than the S25's 6.2-inch screen. It's not revolutionary, but it gives you slightly more real estate without pushing the phone into uncomfortable territory. The S26+ is staying at 6.7 inches, and the Ultra is keeping its larger footprint as the premium option.

Battery capacity is also creeping up. The S26 is getting a 4,300mAh battery compared to the S25's 4,000mAh. The S26+ is sitting at 4,900mAh. These aren't massive jumps, but they suggest Samsung's confident that the new chip won't drain power any faster than before. In fact, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is supposedly more efficient than previous generations, so better battery life is a real possibility even with similar capacity.

The Camera System: Where Samsung's Playing Conservatively

This is where some people might feel disappointed. The base Galaxy S26 is keeping the exact same camera setup as the S25: a 50-megapixel main sensor, 12-megapixel ultrawide, 10-megapixel 3x telephoto, and 12-megapixel selfie. Samsung tested new sensors in the lab. They explored higher megapixel counts. But in the end, they decided to optimize the existing setup instead.

Here's why that actually makes sense: the S25's camera system was already excellent. Better sensor resolution isn't necessarily better photos. What Samsung probably figured out is that software improvements, better computational photography, and smarter AI processing can get you more quality improvements than swapping out hardware. For most people, a well-tuned 50-megapixel sensor will beat a poorly-tuned 200-megapixel sensor every single time.

The S26+ is also keeping its camera array identical to the S25+. No changes there either. Samsung's betting that you care more about the new AI features they're building into the camera app than you care about different lenses.

The S26 Ultra is where it gets interesting, though the changes are still modest. The cameras are reportedly slightly more raised on the back, with that new metallic finish we mentioned. The bigger change might be internal: new sensor coatings, improved autofocus algorithms, and software enhancements that take advantage of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5's processing power.

What we're probably not getting: a radical leap in optical zoom. No periscope telephoto on the base models. No massive sensor overhaul. Samsung's learned that people don't upgrade for camera specs alone anymore. They upgrade for features like better night mode, smarter zoom, and AI-powered editing. So that's where the real innovation is happening.

Estimated prices for the Galaxy S26 show a modest increase over the S25, reflecting inflation and new features. Estimated data.

The Processor Revolution: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and Exynos 2600

Now we're getting into the meaty stuff. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is finally arriving in Samsung phones, and this chip is a big deal.

Qualcomm's been pushing their Snapdragon processors harder than ever, and the Gen 5 variant is supposed to deliver a significant jump in performance, especially for on-device AI tasks. We're talking about a chip that can run large language models locally, without needing to ping a server somewhere. That's not just faster; that's a fundamental shift in how AI on your phone actually works.

All three S26 models will get the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in most regions. But here's where it gets regional and complicated: Samsung's also readying the Exynos 2600 for certain markets. This is their homegrown chip, and it's getting better with every generation. The Exynos 2600 is supposed to be competitive with the Snapdragon, at least for everyday tasks. For on-device AI processing, it should be capable too, though probably not quite as fast.

The RAM situation is straightforward: all three models get 12GB of RAM, which is standard flagship territory now. The S26 comes with either 256GB or 512GB storage options. S26+ and Ultra probably get those same options, though we haven't confirmed S26+ storage yet.

What matters most is what these chips enable. Faster processing means faster app loading. Better efficiency means longer battery life. But the real story is on-device AI. Samsung's going all-in on the idea that your phone should be able to do complex AI tasks without constantly uploading your data to the cloud. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 can handle it. The Exynos 2600 will get close.

Display Technology: Brighter, More Accurate, Same Resolution

The displays on the S26 lineup are getting refined, even if the resolution isn't technically changing. The S26 gets that 6.3-inch FHD+ screen we mentioned. The S26+ keeps 6.7 inches. The Ultra presumably gets something larger, though exact sizes aren't confirmed yet.

Here's what's actually upgrading: brightness and color accuracy. Samsung's using newer AMOLED panels with improved peak brightness levels. We're probably looking at 3,000 nits of peak brightness or higher, which matters if you're trying to use your phone in direct sunlight. That's the kind of thing you don't notice until you sit next to someone with a brighter phone in a bright room.

Color accuracy is improving too. Samsung's display team has been working on wider color gamuts and better color management. On paper, that sounds boring. In reality, it means your photos look better, your videos look better, and scrolling through apps just feels smoother because the colors are more accurate.

The refresh rate situation is still 120 Hz across the lineup, which is the standard now. Samsung could have pushed to 144 Hz, but honestly, the difference is imperceptible for most people, and it drains battery faster. Better to optimize what you've got than chase spec sheets.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 and S26+ maintain the same camera specifications as their predecessors, focusing on software improvements. The S26 Ultra offers a higher megapixel main sensor and selfie camera, highlighting Samsung's strategic focus on AI and software enhancements over hardware changes.

The Qi 2 Magnetic Charging Finally Arrives (Kind Of)

This is one of the most interesting rumors, and it's worth breaking down because it touches on some genuinely complex engineering.

Qi 2 wireless charging arrived years ago with built-in magnetic alignment. You know how nice it is when your phone just snaps into position on a wireless charger? That's Qi 2. Samsung's phones could technically work with Qi 2 chargers, but only if you had a case with embedded magnets. Without the case, alignment was spotty.

Here's the problem: the Galaxy S26 Ultra has an S Pen digitizer layer inside the phone. That layer is thick. It takes up space. And magnets don't play nicely with digitizers because magnetic fields can interfere with the stylus detection. So Samsung had to choose: keep the digitizer exactly as-is, or modify the design to make Qi 2 work better.

According to rumors, they're going with option two. The S26 Ultra is reportedly removing the digitizer layer and finding a new way to accept stylus input. This could be an optical system that detects the stylus tip, or maybe an entirely new approach. The point is, by removing the digitizer, Samsung opens up space for proper magnetic charging coils.

This matters because it means the S26 Ultra will finally support Qi 2 charging natively. No case required. Your phone just clicks onto the charger and lines itself up magnetically. It's a small thing, but it's the kind of small thing that makes the daily experience noticeably better.

The base S26 and S26+ probably aren't getting Qi 2 magnets, because they don't have the digitizer constraint. Samsung will likely continue selling those magnetic case accessories for users who want them.

Galaxy Buds 4: The Successor Nobody Expected But Everyone Wants

We haven't heard as much about the Galaxy Buds 4 compared to the S26 phones, but that's changing. Samsung's expected to announce new wireless earbuds alongside the S26 lineup, and rumors suggest they're getting meaningful upgrades.

The Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro arrived in 2024 with a major redesign that moved away from the bean-shaped silhouette. The Buds 4 are probably keeping that newer shape because it works, but improving almost everything else.

Noise cancellation is getting better. Samsung's investing more in their AI-powered audio processing, which means the ANC should adapt better to different environments. One moment you're in a coffee shop, the next you're on a flight. The Buds 4 are supposed to detect the difference and adjust automatically.

Battery life is probably improving too. The current generation gets around 6 hours of listening time per charge, with the case giving you roughly 26 hours total. The Buds 4 should push that further, maybe 7-8 hours per charge with similar total capacity.

One interesting rumor: ultra-wideband (UWB) integration. Samsung's pushing UWB on their flagship phones, and the Buds 4 are supposedly getting UWB chips too. This enables things like spatial audio that actually knows where your phone is in the room, and potentially better connection stability.

Pricing will probably stick in the same range. The Buds 3 Pro cost around

The Galaxy Buds 4 are expected to offer improved battery life, enhanced ANC, and possibly a slight price increase. Estimated data based on rumors.

The AI Story: What Samsung Actually Means by "Personal and Adaptive"

That tagline about AI becoming "truly personal and adaptive" is doing a lot of heavy lifting in Samsung's marketing. Let's break down what they probably mean.

First, on-device processing. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 can run language models locally. That means when you ask your phone a question or use voice features, it doesn't necessarily upload your audio to the cloud. It stays on your phone. That's genuinely personal because your data isn't leaving your device.

Second, adaptive AI. Samsung's software team has been working on AI that learns your habits and preferences over time. Not in a creepy way, but in a practical way. If you always open certain apps at certain times, the AI learns that and pre-loads them. If you always mute your phone in meetings, the AI can detect calendar events and do it automatically. If you prefer dark mode in the evening and light mode during the day, it adjusts automatically based on time and ambient light.

Third, AI-powered features across the OS. We're probably getting generative AI for things like: on-device photo editing with AI tools that can remove unwanted objects or fill in backgrounds, predictive text that actually understands context, and smarter notifications that filter out the noise and surface what actually matters.

The key insight here is that Samsung's not trying to compete with ChatGPT or Claude on a phone. They're trying to make the phone itself smarter about your life. That's a different kind of AI, and honestly, it's probably more useful for most people than chat-based AI.

What's Not Changing: The Ecosystem Stays Intact

Samsung's not overhauling One UI, their custom Android skin. They're refining it. Adding new features. But the fundamental experience is staying the same. If you've used a recent Samsung phone, the S26 will feel familiar.

The app ecosystem isn't changing dramatically either. Samsung's partnerships with Microsoft, Google, and other companies remain intact. Your apps will work the same way. Your data will sync the same way.

The wearable integration is getting better, but not transforming. If you have a Galaxy Watch, it'll pair with your S26 the same way it pairs with your S25. Samsung's not doing anything revolutionary here; they're just making the connections faster and adding more context awareness.

This is actually good news. Massive changes can be jarring. Incremental improvements let you adopt the new stuff at your own pace without everything feeling alien.

The Samsung S26 features vary by region, with North America predominantly using Snapdragon chips and having more comprehensive AI features. Charging speeds and chipset availability differ significantly across Europe and Asia-Pacific. Estimated data.

Price Expectations and Value Proposition

Samsung hasn't announced pricing yet, but we can make educated guesses based on S25 pricing.

The Galaxy S25 started at

Here's the value calculation: are the improvements worth the cost? If you're coming from an S23 or earlier, absolutely. The S26 is going to feel notably faster and smarter. If you're coming from an S25, it's more of a judgment call. You're paying for incremental improvements, on-device AI capabilities, and Qi 2 support on the Ultra.

Samsung usually runs trade-in promotions that effectively reduce the upgrade cost by $200-300. So factor that into your thinking. And carrier deals are a wildcard; carriers often subsidize flagship phones heavily to lock people into contracts.

Regional Variations: What You Need to Know About Your Market

Samsung's global, which means your S26 experience might be slightly different depending on where you are.

In North America, you're getting Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 across the board. That's the chip you want for on-device AI performance. In Europe and some Asia-Pacific regions, it's more mixed. You might get Exynos 2600 depending on availability and carrier partnerships.

Wireless charging speeds vary by region too. Some markets get faster charging because of regulatory differences. Some markets get different color options. Some markets get different storage configurations based on what carriers stock.

Software features might also vary. Samsung's AI features depend on local regulations about data processing and storage. Europe has stricter privacy rules, so certain AI features might be adjusted or disabled there. Asia-Pacific regions often get features first or in different configurations based on local partnerships.

The smart play: if you're considering an import, make sure the model number matches your region. An S26 sold in Korea might not have all the same features as one sold in the US.

The Foldable Question: Will Samsung Update the Galaxy Z Series?

People keep asking if the S26 announcement will include foldables. The answer is probably not. Samsung typically separates their foldable announcements from their flagship phone announcements. The Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip get their own event, usually later in the year.

So if you're hoping for an updated Z Fold or Z Flip in February, you're probably disappointed. But the good news is that when they do announce updated foldables (probably late spring or summer), they'll have the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and all the new AI features anyway.

Foldables are still a separate product line for Samsung. Smaller market. Different use cases. Different development timeline. So expect the February 25 event to be all about the S26 lineup.

What We're Still Guessing About

Let's be honest: some stuff remains pure speculation at this point.

We don't know for sure if the Exynos 2600 will be available globally or just in specific regions. We don't know the exact thermal characteristics of the new chips or whether Samsung's implemented new cooling solutions. We don't know which AI features will be exclusive to the S26 versus available on older phones through software updates.

We don't know the exact dimensions and weight of the new phones. We don't know if Samsung's adding any new sensors or removing old ones. We don't know if the new phones will support any new wireless standards.

We don't know the specific performance metrics for the new cameras or displays until we see comparisons side-by-side.

What we do know is that Samsung's been hinting at "personal and adaptive AI" heavily, the internals are getting upgraded across the board, and the design is staying conservative. That's a solid foundation to build expectations on, even if some details remain fuzzy.

The Competitive Landscape: How S26 Fits In

The S26 isn't launching in a vacuum. Google's pushing their Pixel phones hard with specialized AI capabilities. Apple's iPhone Pro models keep pushing computational photography. OnePlus and other manufacturers are becoming increasingly competitive on specs and price.

Samsung's bet is that their integration across hardware, software, and services (Samsung Account, Galaxy Pass, etc.) creates a whole that's worth more than the sum of its parts. The S26 probably won't win on any single spec. But as a complete system, Samsung thinks it'll be compelling.

One advantage Samsung has: they own the display supply chain. Their screens are genuinely good. Most flagship phones have Samsung screens anyway, but Samsung's own devices get first access to the newest tech.

Another advantage: the S Pen. Nobody else offers a stylus-equipped flagship phone. That's a genuine differentiator for people who want one, though it's only on the Ultra.

The risk: if Samsung's on-device AI isn't actually better than cloud-based alternatives, the whole "personal and adaptive" story falls apart. People will just use cloud AI because it's faster and more capable.

Software Updates and Support Timeline

Samsung's been aggressive about software support in recent years. Expect 7 years of major OS updates and security patches for the S26 lineup, which is actually quite generous.

That means an S26 bought in February 2026 will probably get updates until 2033. That's a long runway. Most people will have replaced their phone by then, but it's good to know support is there.

The Galaxy Buds 4 will probably get around 5 years of support, maybe slightly less since firmware updates for earbuds are less critical than phone updates.

Event Expectations and What Comes Next

The actual keynote on February 25 will probably last 60-90 minutes. You'll get demos of the phones, close-up looks at the new features, and probably some creative uses of the on-device AI that seem impressive but might not translate to everyday usage.

Expect Samsung to show off the camera system with comparisons to the S25 and other flagships. Expect them to highlight battery life improvements. Expect them to spend significant time on the AI story because that's where the industry is right now.

After the keynote, there will be hands-on sessions where press and partners can pick up the phones and test them. That's where you'll start seeing real comparisons and real-world performance reviews.

Pre-orders will probably open within a week, with shipping starting a few weeks later. Samsung usually spaces it out so they're not overwhelmed with supply issues.

What This Means for Your Next Phone

If you're in the market for a new phone, here's the practical thinking:

If you have an S23 or older, the S26 is a solid upgrade. You'll feel the performance difference and appreciate the new features. The question is whether you want to wait two weeks for the announcement and potentially snag early-bird pricing, or if you're fine with what's available now.

If you have an S25, the S26 is an "nice to have" not a "need to have." The improvements are real but incremental. You're not missing critical features if you skip this generation.

If you're not locked into Samsung, the S26 is worth considering as part of your broader evaluation. But flagship phones are expensive, and the differences between them are getting smaller. Make sure you're upgrading for reasons that actually matter to you, not just because there's a new model.

One more thing: rumors and leaks are educated guesses. They're usually right about the big stuff (specs, features, timing), but they're sometimes wrong about details. Wait for the actual announcement on February 25 before making final decisions.

FAQ

What date is Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026?

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026 is scheduled for February 25, 2026, at 10AM PT (1PM ET) in San Francisco. The event will be livestreamed on Samsung.com, the company's newsroom, and YouTube, so you can watch from anywhere with an internet connection.

What phones will Samsung announce at Unpacked 2026?

Samsung is expected to announce three flagship phones at Unpacked 2026: the Galaxy S26 (base model), Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. All three models are rumored to feature the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, improved displays, and enhanced on-device AI capabilities, along with design refinements compared to the S25 lineup.

What are the key spec upgrades in the Galaxy S26?

The key upgrades include a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor for better on-device AI, a slightly larger 6.3-inch display (up from 6.2 inches), improved battery capacity at 4,300mAh, and enhanced display brightness and color accuracy. The base S26 keeps the same camera setup as the S25, focusing on software improvements rather than hardware changes.

Will the Galaxy S26 Ultra get Qi 2 magnetic charging?

Yes, rumors suggest the Galaxy S26 Ultra will finally support Qi 2 wireless charging with built-in magnets. To make this possible, Samsung is reportedly removing the S Pen digitizer layer and implementing a new stylus input method, allowing proper magnetic alignment with Qi 2 chargers without requiring a case.

What's different about the Galaxy S26 camera system?

The base S26 and S26+ keep the same camera hardware as their S25 predecessors, with Samsung betting that software improvements and AI processing will deliver better results. The S26 Ultra gets subtle improvements like more raised camera modules with a metallic finish, but significant sensor upgrades are not expected.

Is Samsung announcing new Galaxy Buds at Unpacked 2026?

Yes, Samsung is expected to announce the Galaxy Buds 4 alongside the S26 phones. The new earbuds are rumored to feature improved noise cancellation, better battery life, ultra-wideband (UWB) integration for enhanced spatial audio, and refined audio processing. Pricing is expected to remain near the $230 range for the Pro variant.

What does Samsung mean by "personal and adaptive AI"?

Samsung's emphasis on personal and adaptive AI refers to on-device AI processing that runs locally on the phone without uploading data to cloud servers, combined with machine learning that adapts to your habits and preferences over time. This includes automatic adjustments to your preferred display settings, predictive app loading based on your routine, and intelligent feature recommendations tailored to your usage patterns.

Which processor will the Galaxy S26 use in my region?

Most regions, including North America, will get the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. However, Europe and some Asia-Pacific markets may receive the Samsung Exynos 2600 processor instead. Both processors offer strong on-device AI capabilities, with the Snapdragon typically delivering slightly better performance for complex AI tasks.

How much will the Galaxy S26 cost?

Official pricing hasn't been announced yet, but based on S25 pricing patterns, expect the base S26 to start around

What's not changing between S25 and S26?

The overall design language stays the same with flat edges, rounded corners, and the vertical camera pill. One UI software gets refined but not overhauled. The wearable ecosystem and app ecosystem remain intact. Most people will find the S26 feels familiar if they've used recent Samsung phones, with improvements felt in performance and AI rather than dramatic design or feature overhauls.

Looking Ahead: What February 25 Really Represents

February 25 isn't just another phone launch. It's Samsung making a bet about where smartphones are heading. The company's betting that the era of fighting over megapixels and refresh rates is over. The era of personal, on-device AI that actually understands you is here.

Will that bet pay off? We'll find out in two weeks. But based on everything we're seeing, Samsung's swinging for the fences. The S26 lineup might just be the smartphone refresh that finally makes on-device AI feel necessary rather than gimmicky.

Mark your calendar. Set a reminder. On February 25, we're finding out what Samsung's been working on behind the scenes. And based on the rumors and leaks, it's worth paying attention to.

Key Takeaways

• Galaxy Unpacked 2026 is confirmed for February 25 in San Francisco with keynote at 10AM PT, livestreamed globally
• S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra will feature Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and regional Exynos 2600 variants for on-device AI processing
• Design stays conservative with flat edges and vertical camera pill, but S26 gets slightly larger 6.3-inch display and S26 Ultra adds Qi2 magnetic charging
• Camera systems remain largely unchanged from S25 as Samsung focuses on software and AI-powered computational photography improvements
• Galaxy Buds 4 expected with ultra-wideband integration, improved noise cancellation, and longer battery life
• Samsung's 'personal and adaptive AI' strategy emphasizes on-device processing and machine learning that learns user habits without cloud dependency
• Pricing expected around
  $799-$
  819 (S26),
  $899-$
  919 (S26+), and
  $1,199-$
  1,219 (Ultra) based on S25 precedent, with trade-in promotions reducing effective cost

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