Samsung is preparing changes! The Galaxy S26 series is said to receive major new features

The Samsung Galaxy S26 series is just starting to appear in information leaks, and it’s already causing confusion. While we typically get a standard dose of model numbers and regulatory records, this time the leaks bring more questions than answers. A new report suggests that the base Galaxy S26 model will see a significant jump in its model number, which could signal that Samsung is preparing significant hardware changes.

Unconventional Change in Model Numbers

For many years, Samsung has followed a predictable system for model designations of its flagship phones. The base model always ended with the digit “1” (e.g., Galaxy S25 is designated SM-S931), the Plus version with “6”, and the Ultra variants with “8”. However, according to the GSMA database discovered by SammyPolice, a mysterious model SM-S942 has now appeared, which could be the base Galaxy S26. Alongside it are models SM-S947 (Galaxy S26 Edge) and SM-S948 (Galaxy S26 Ultra).

What’s even more interesting, however, is that there is no model with a designation ending in “6”, which would correspond to the traditional Galaxy S26 Plus. This absence has sparked a wave of speculation that Samsung may be completely abandoning the Plus variant and replacing it with the Edge model, which we first saw in this year’s S25 series.

Edge instead of Plus? A Smart Strategic Move

Replacing the Plus variant with the Edge model would make sense for several reasons. According to sources close to Samsung, the Plus model has long struggled with lower sales figures than its siblings. Last year, Samsung reportedly planned to sell 37.7 million units of the Galaxy S series, but the Plus model accounted for only 6.7 million, which is significantly less compared to the other variants.

The Galaxy S25 Edge, which Samsung introduced this year, particularly impressed with its exceptionally thin design (only 5.8 mm) and an improved main camera with a 200MP sensor borrowed from the Ultra model. Although the Edge had fewer cameras than the Plus, it offered a more distinctive design element and clearer differentiation from the base model, making it a more attractive offer for customers.

Furthermore, the Plus model has long struggled for its place in Samsung’s portfolio – it’s more expensive than the base model but doesn’t offer as many premium features as the Ultra. The Edge variant, on the other hand, has a clearer identity.

What Does the Change in the Base Variant’s Model Number Mean?

The base Galaxy S26 with the model number SM-S942 (instead of the expected SM-S941) signals something that is not common in Samsung’s hierarchy. The last time the Korean manufacturer similarly surprised with a numbering change, it eventually introduced the unexpected Galaxy S25 Edge variant, which effectively surpassed the Plus model.

Samsung is preparing changes! The Galaxy S26 series is said to receive major new features Jakub Kárník News Jakub Kárník News

The increase in the digit in the model designation of the base version could indicate that Samsung plans to significantly improve the base model, likely by adopting some features that previously belonged to the Plus variant. This could include a larger display or a stronger battery. The manufacturer is thus trying to simplify its offering while ensuring that even the base model is sufficiently attractive.

When Can We Expect the Official Introduction?

According to current information, Samsung could traditionally introduce the Galaxy S26 series in January next year. Specifically, Wednesday, January 21, 2026, is speculated as the most likely launch date. Until then, we will certainly see more leaks that will either confirm or refute these changes.

What do you think about these potential changes?