The late February launch mirrors the timing of the Galaxy S23 in 2023 and the Galaxy S22 in 2022, suggesting Samsung isn’t straying too far from its established rhythm. However, the return to a late-month unveiling evokes memories of the Galaxy S9 era, a time when Samsung arguably faced a different competitive landscape. Is this a nostalgic nod, or a calculated move to optimize market impact?
Historically, Samsung has often used the early months of the year to set the tone for the Android smartphone market. A slightly later launch could allow the company to fine-tune its marketing strategy based on competitor announcements and early consumer feedback from the CES trade show.
Early rumors hinted at a potential rebranding of the base Galaxy S26 to “Galaxy S26 Pro” and the Plus model to “Galaxy S26 Edge.” However, those plans appear to have been scrapped. Android Police reports that Samsung is sticking with the familiar naming convention: Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and Galaxy S26 Ultra.
While the “Edge” moniker might be absent from the Plus model, the dream of a slim, design-focused phone may not be dead. The Galaxy S26 Edge could still see the light of day, potentially launching later in the year, similar to the delayed release of the S25 Edge.
One of the most intriguing rumors surrounding the Galaxy S26 series is the potential inclusion of Samsung’s own Exynos 2600 chipset, even in the coveted Ultra model. Early benchmark scores have been promising, hinting at a significant performance leap compared to previous Exynos iterations.
Samsung has also teased enhancements to the camera system and AI capabilities in the upcoming flagship line. During a recent earnings call, executives highlighted advancements in both hardware and software, suggesting a renewed focus on computational photography and intelligent features. The company will need this given how much ground Google and Apple have made in this area.
While the late February launch date offers a concrete target for Samsung enthusiasts, the details surrounding the Galaxy S26 series remain fluid. The final product lineup, chipset configurations, and software features are all subject to change as Samsung refines its strategy in the coming months. The delay, whether intentional or circumstantial, gives Samsung more time to nail the details and potentially deliver a truly groundbreaking flagship. But with competition fiercer than ever, they’ll need every advantage they can get.
