What’s new in the base Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+?
Samsung’s new smartphones were announced today: the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. While the Ultra model offers the most advanced features on the list, it also comes at a premium price. If you’re not willing to spend that much, you might want to consider the Galaxy S26 or Galaxy S26+. Here’s what’s new about those two models.
The Galaxy S26 has a larger battery, while the Galaxy S26+ has faster wireless charging
The Galaxy S26 features a slightly larger 6.3-inch display compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy S25. To support the large screen, Samsung has equipped it with a 4,300mAh battery, which is 300mAh larger than the one in the Galaxy S25. Base storage has also been upgraded to 256GB, replacing the entry-level 128GB option offered in the previous generation.
The Galaxy S26+ introduces Bluetooth 6.0, an improvement over the Bluetooth 5.4 used in the Galaxy S25+. It also supports 20W fast wireless charging thanks to Qi2.2 certification. However, it does not include the built-in magnetic alignment of wireless chargers.
Both phones are powered by the Exynos 2600, the world’s first 2nm smartphone chipset. According to Samsung, it delivers 7 percent faster CPU performance, 29 percent faster GPU, and 40 percent faster NPU compared to the Exynos 2500 used in the Galaxy Z Flip 7.
Both are faster with slightly better camera performance
The Exynos 2600 also features an advanced image signal processor that improves image processing. Although the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+ use the same camera hardware as their predecessors, Samsung says the new processor helps deliver better detail, improved color reproduction, and a wider dynamic range.
Camera setup includes:
- 50MP main camera with OIS
- 12MP ultrawide camera
- 10MP telephoto camera with OIS and 3x optical zoom
- 12MP front-facing camera with autofocus
Samsung says the new phones can capture photos and videos with low noise levels. An advanced image signal processor is also designed to improve the color accuracy and texture of selfies. Additionally, the Galaxy S26 series supports an advanced Super Steady video mode that enables video recording with horizontal lock, similar to stabilization features found in action cameras.
New software and better features for Galaxy AI
The Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+ ship with Android 16 and One UI 8.5 pre-installed. Samsung has committed to seven major Android OS updates and seven years of security updates. This means that the devices are expected to receive updates with Android 23, one version beyond the Galaxy S25 series.
They also come with new Galaxy AI features, including an improved Now Bar and Now Brief. They also have Now Nudge, which suggests the right information at the right time to improve your productivity and save you time.
