Highlights
- The leaked GSMA IMEI database shows no Galaxy S26 Plus and a new Galaxy S26 Edge (SM-S947) in the upcoming Galaxy S26 lineup.
- Samsung will reportedly ditch its ISOCELL HP2 sensor for a Sony-developed 200MP sensor measuring ~1/1.1.”
- Galaxy S26, S26 Edge and S26 Ultra are all likely to launch together in January 2026.
Rumours are getting stronger for Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 lineup. Just after launching its latest foldables, new leaks hint at the end of the familiar “Plus” variant and the introduction of a new “Edge” model instead. Here’s everything we know so far.
Galaxy S26 Lineup – No Plus Model?
According to a new listing in the GSMA IMEI database, three model numbers have surfaced –
- Model SM-S942 – likely the Galaxy S26
- Model SM-S947 – rumoured to be the Galaxy S26 Edge
- Model SM-S948 – expected to be the Galaxy S26 Ultra
If you haven’t noticed, the usual Plus model is missing from this list.
In the Galaxy S25 lineup, the model numbers were SM-S931 (base), SM-S936 (Plus), and SM-S938 (Ultra). The jump to SM-S942 for the S26 base model could point to some serious upgrades, possibly folding in features that previously belonged to the Plus variant.
If accurate, the S26 Edge might step in as the new mid-tier option, offering a sleeker, performance-driven design. It appears to build on the Galaxy S25 Edge, which launched later than the base and Ultra models. But this time, all three S26 models may launch together in January 2026, suggesting a more unified release strategy.
It is official yet and Samsung’s plans could still change. But the missing SM-S946 and the appearance of a new Edge variant suggest the Plus model could be phased out.
Samsung May Ditch ISOCELL for Sony’s Bigger 200MP Sensor
Another big rumour surrounding the Galaxy S26 Ultra is a potential camera hardware switch. Samsung might finally move away from its own ISOCELL HP2 sensor, used in the S23 Ultra, S24 Ultra and expected S25 Ultra, and adopt a Sony-developed 200MP sensor instead.
Shared by Weibo tipster FocalDigital, the leak claims Samsung is testing a Sony sensor that’s nearly 1 inch in size, significantly larger than its current 1/1.3-inch HP2 sensor. While the megapixel count stays the same, the larger sensor could capture more light and detail, especially in low-light settings, something that could push smartphone photography even closer to DSLR levels.
Sony’s rumoured 200MP sensor is said to measure around 1/1.1 inches, about 20% larger than Samsung’s HP2. That size boost alone could bring a noticeable jump in photo quality.
Samsung hasn’t confirmed any of this yet. However, it lines up with earlier rumours from March, which suggested Sony was developing a new 200MP sensor designed for Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (now reportedly called Snapdragon 8 Elite 2) devices launching in 2025.
With a January 2026 launch window, we’ll likely hear more soon.
FAQs
Q1. Is Samsung discontinuing the Galaxy S26 Plus model?
Answer. Yes, according to the GSMA IMEI database, the usual Plus model is missing from the lineup. Instead, Samsung may introduce a new Galaxy S26 Edge as the mid-tier option, replacing the Plus variant.
Q2. What camera upgrade is rumoured for the Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Answer. Samsung might switch from its ISOCELL HP2 sensor to a Sony-developed 200MP sensor measuring around 1/1.1 inches, offering better low-light performance and enhanced image quality.
Q3. When is the Galaxy S26 series expected to launch?
Answer. Leaks suggest that all three models, Galaxy S26, S26 Edge, and S26 Ultra, may launch together in January 2026, marking a shift from Samsung’s previous staggered release strategy.
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