Samsung Galaxy S26: Leaks, rumours & expected features

Initially rumoured to serve as a test bed for the Galaxy S26 series and potentially replace the Plus variant, recent reports indicate that Samsung has scrapped plans for a Galaxy S26 Edge altogether.

Return of Exynos chips?

Samsung’s chip strategy for the Galaxy S flagship has varied over the years. While the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S25 series are powered entirely by Qualcomm processors, the Galaxy S24 series adopts a split approach by using both Exynos and Qualcomm chips.

According to a tipster, Samsung is planning to significantly increase the use of Exynos chips across the Galaxy S26 series. The company recently unveiled the Exynos 2600, which is widely seen as the leading candidate to power some Galaxy S26 models.

Since the Exynos 2600 lacks an integrated modem, it is likely to be accompanied by the new Exynos Modem 5410. The new modem is stated to deliver lower standby power consumption and improved efficiency.

Display privacy feature

As smartphone displays continue to grow, so too does the loss of privacy from people in public spaces taking intentional or unintentional peeks at our screens. This will no longer be an issue on the Galaxy S26 series as Samsung confirms a privacy-related feature is coming.

Galaxy S26 users can choose to enable this feature on specific apps or when keying in sensitive information. The visibility level can also be adjusted according to your preference.

Speaking of displays, the Galaxy S26 is said to feature a slightly larger 6.3-inch display, while the Galaxy S26+ will still have a 6.7-inch screen. The Galaxy S26 Ultra should have a 6.9-inch display.

Silicon-carbon battery technology

Samsung is reportedly exploring the use of silicon-carbon batteries in its smartphones.

For those unfamiliar, silicon-carbon batteries offer significantly higher energy density than conventional lithium-ion cells, allowing manufacturers to pack more capacity in the same size. The trade-off, however, is a shorter cycle life.

With Chinese flagship and premium smartphone brands having adopted the technology for several years, Samsung may finally be ready to follow suit. A tipster claims the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra will feature a 10% larger battery than its predecessor, increasing capacity to 5,500mAh.

Variable aperture lens could make a comeback

Variable aperture lens, which allows you to control the amount of light reaching the camera sensor, was once a feature of the Galaxy S series phones from 2018 to 2019. However, Samsung removed them from the Galaxy S20 series.

A well-known tipster shared that Samsung is bringing back variable aperture to the primary rear camera on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. This would give the flagship model better low-light performance, a more natural bokeh effect, and greater dynamic range.

Impact of the AI boom on Galaxy S26 prices

Surging demand for AI chips has exacerbated the global memory shortage, as manufacturers divert capacity from mobile memory chips to high-bandwidth memory (HBM) used in AI servers.

Counterpoint Research estimates memory prices will rise another 40% through the second quarter of the year. Combined with TSMC’s move to raise prices for advanced manufacturing processes below 5nm, a price increase for the Galaxy S26 series now appears increasingly likely.

Launch event, pre-order and retail availability

According to numerous reports, the next Galaxy Unpacked event could be held on February 25 in San Francisco. If the company keeps to the same playbook, pre-orders will commence on the same day, with collection and retail availability starting about two weeks later.

Something new that we can confirm is that a special deal for the new Samsung device will be rolling out soon in conjunction with The Straits Times and The Business Times. We heard the offer and discount are enticing, so watch this space on HardwareZone!