Highlights
- Samsung may replace the base Galaxy S26 model with the new “Galaxy S26 Pro,” hinting at a lineup reshuffle that excludes the usual “Plus” variant.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to feature Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, 60W fast charging and a thinner design with enhanced camera hardware and Android 16-based One UI 8.5.
- While the Ultra sticks with Snapdragon, the S26 Pro and Edge may use Samsung’s Exynos 2600 chip, promising better performance and thermal efficiency.
Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 lineup is shaping up to be more than a routine update. Reports based on new regulatory listings and firmware leaks indicate we should brace for significant branding and hardware changes. Here’s what we know so far.
Galaxy S26 Lineup – Expected Changes
In recent reports, the name “Galaxy S26 Pro” has once again surfaced, this time hinting at a possible replacement for the traditional base model in the Samsung flagship series.
Recent findings from One UI 8 reveal that the Galaxy S26 series will include three models, Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy S26 Edge and a new Galaxy S26 Pro. This come with no mention of a standard or “Plus” variant. Earlier leaks used the codenames NP1, NP2, and NP3, where “NP” stood for “Next Paradigm.”
However, the new One UI 8 firmware points to updated codenames, M1 (S26 Pro), M2 (S26 Edge), and M3 (S26 Ultra).
While the S26 Edge has long been rumoured to replace the Plus model, the arrival of the S26 Pro is unexpected and suggests a reshuffle in the series’ hierarchy.
According to SammyPolice, new GSMA listings discovered by Android Authority support this shift. Originally, model number SM-S942U was labelled simply as “Galaxy S26” in a listing dated July 10.
But a more recent listing from July 29 updates that name to “Galaxy S26 Pro,” now featuring a “1” suffix after the model number. The older listings for Galaxy S26 Edge and S26 Ultra, dated June 23, remain unchanged and there is still no sign of a Galaxy S26 Plus.
Although the listings make the Pro model’s existence more credible, its exact position in the lineup remains unclear. It seems to replace the base Galaxy S26, but the “Pro” branding is unusual for an entry-level flagship, especially when compared to other “Pro” phones like the Pixel 10 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro.
On the other hand, if the S26 Pro is positioned as a premium model, it would raise questions about how it fits alongside the Ultra and Edge variants.
Galaxy S26 Ultra – What’s New?
Caption – A look at Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 1.2mm bezels. (Image credit – Samsung)
Meanwhile, leaked One UI 8.5 firmware has revealed several key upgrades for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. According to SamMobile, the device will be powered by Qualcomm’s next-generation chip, likely to be named Snapdragon 8 Elite 2.
The firmware also confirms support for 60W fast charging, which will be a notable upgrade over the 45W charging offered by the S25 Ultra. Although the battery capacity remains at 5,000mAh, the boost in charging speed could be a welcome improvement for users.
A user on X @erenylmaz075 also verified the 60W charging support through firmware analysis.
Samsung is reportedly working to make the S26 Ultra thinner and lighter than its predecessor, aiming for under 7mm thickness and a lower weight than the S25 Ultra. Camera enhancements are expected as well, including a new main sensor, a redesigned 3x telephoto lens, and a fresh 5x periscope zoom system.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra will ship with One UI 8.5 based on Android 16. Samsung is currently testing the software internally, and the firmware discovered on Samsung’s servers carries the serial PMK8850, strongly suggesting the use of the new Snapdragon chip, according to GSMArena.
While the S26 Ultra is expected to stick with Snapdragon, other models in the series might use Samsung’s in-house Exynos 2600 chip. The Exynos variant is said to deliver better CPU and GPU performance along with improved thermal efficiency, which could be featured in the S26 Pro and S26 Edge.
FAQs
Q1. What new model is expected to replace the base Galaxy S26?
Answer. According to recent listings and firmware leaks, the “Galaxy S26 Pro” is expected to replace the traditional base model in Samsung’s flagship series.
Q2. What upgrades will the Galaxy S26 Ultra feature?
Answer. The Galaxy S26 Ultra will be powered by Qualcomm’s next-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chip and support 60W fast charging, a thinner design, camera improvements, and Android 16-based One UI 8.5.
Q3. Which chipset will the non-Ultra Samsung models use?
Answer. While the S26 Ultra sticks with Snapdragon, the S26 Pro and Edge may use Samsung’s in-house Exynos 2600 chip, which is said to offer better CPU/GPU performance and improved thermal efficiency
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