End of an era for Galaxy S! Samsung prepares radical changes, inspired by Apple and Google

Samsung is preparing to significantly shake up its flagship lineup for 2026. According to leaked information from an internal One UI 8 build, the Korean manufacturer plans to completely cancel the base Galaxy S26 model and replace it with the Galaxy S26 Pro. This model is expected to offer more compact dimensions combined with premium features, a strategy that Apple and Google have successfully employed for a long time.

Larger Battery and New Camera

According to available information, the Galaxy S26 Pro will feature a battery with a typical capacity of 4300 mAh, representing an increase of 300 mAh compared to the Galaxy S25 model, which has a 4000mAh battery. The new model is expected to carry the internal designation M1 and model number SM-S942. Regarding charging performance, specific information is still missing, but it will likely remain at 25 W, similar to the Z Flip7 and Z Fold7 foldable models.

Interesting changes are also expected in the camera department. Samsung is reportedly replacing the current 50MP ISOCELL GN3 sensor, which it used in the S23, S24, and S25 models. Speculation suggests the deployment of the ISOCELL GN5 sensor, which, while offering the same 50MP resolution and similar chip size (1/1.56″), brings improved autofocus and Front Deep Trench Isolation technology for Dual Pixel sensors. This would not be an increase in resolution, but a qualitative shift in image processing.

Complete Change to the Galaxy S Series

Samsung is apparently abandoning the traditional trio of models Galaxy S, Galaxy S Plus, and Galaxy S Ultra. Instead, a completely new portfolio is expected, including the Galaxy S26 Pro, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. The S26 Edge model, which will replace the current Plus variant, should receive a 4200 mAh battery, 300 mAh more than the current S25 Edge, while still being thinner than the current 5.8mm model.

The series’ flagship, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, is finally expected to surpass the current 45W charging performance and offer up to 60W charging. However, sources differ regarding battery capacity – some speak of a 10% increase to 5500 mAh, while others claim it will remain at the current 5000 mAh.

Why is this change important?

Samsung’s previous strategy had one fundamental problem – if you wanted the best cameras, display, RAM, and storage, you had to opt for the Ultra model, which is too large for many users due to its dimensions. Unlike Apple and Google, who offer their flagship phones in two sizes with the same specifications (iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL), Samsung never offered such a choice.

If the speculations are confirmed, the S26 Pro should bring top-tier features in a more compact body with a display around 6.2–6.3 inches. We could see a significantly improved camera (speculation even suggests a 200MP main sensor and a 50MP ultrawide camera), base storage of 256 GB instead of the current 128 GB, 16 GB RAM, and possibly Gorilla Armor 2 glass with excellent anti-reflective coating.

Pricing Questions and Availability

However, it remains to be seen how this transformation will affect the price. It is very likely that renaming the base model to “Pro” will also mean a price shift upwards. Samsung may thus follow the trend of Apple and Google, who have raised the prices of their flagship models in recent years.

Another question is whether Samsung will fill the resulting gap with a cheaper model, for example, by strengthening the FE (Fan Edition) series, which could take on the role of a more affordable variant. This would make sense given that Samsung has already implemented a similar strategy for tablets, where it offers FE models as more affordable alternatives to top-tier models.

According to Samsung’s traditional schedule, the Galaxy S26 Pro should be unveiled in early 2026, likely in January or February. By then, we will surely learn more details about this significant strategic change in the South Korean giant’s portfolio.

Do you think it’s right for Samsung to replace the base model with a Pro series?

Source: 9to5google, AndroidAuthority