Samsung Galaxy S26 Pro surfaces online, suggesting a significant shift in series design philosophy
Samsung is set to introduce a new addition to its Galaxy S series with the anticipated launch of the Galaxy S26 Pro. This model is expected to replace the standard S26 model, marking a shift in Samsung's flagship phone lineup.
The Galaxy S26 Pro is designed to offer a truly "Pro" level experience, differentiating itself from the standard model by delivering superior camera capabilities, faster charging, and enhanced performance.
Camera Enhancements
The S26 Pro is rumoured to feature a 200MP primary camera, a significant upgrade from the standard model. Additionally, it is expected to boast a 5x zoom camera, a marked improvement over the standard 3x telephoto found in the base S26. This setup may even include two telephoto lenses, similar to the Ultra model, providing a more advanced imaging experience.
Battery and Charging
The S26 Pro will come with a larger battery, around 4,300 mAh, compared to the base model's smaller battery. To justify the "Pro" branding, the Pro is expected to feature faster charging speeds, likely 45W or higher, allowing it to recharge its battery in about 30 minutes.
Design and Form Factor
The Galaxy S26 Pro aims to offer an almost Ultra-like experience but in a more compact form factor, with a screen size around 6.2 to 6.3 inches. It is expected to feature a premium design with materials like Titanium framing and advanced Gorilla Glass Armor 2 for improved durability and anti-reflective properties.
Performance and Storage
The Pro may come with increased RAM, potentially up to 16GB, and larger base storage starting from 256GB, elevating its performance capabilities beyond the standard model.
Other Features
The Pro is expected to retain flagship-grade features like advanced cooling systems and full Qi2 wireless charging support, further enhancing its competitive edge as a high-end compact flagship.
In contrast, the standard S26 (sometimes referred to as the Edge variant) will likely have a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, a smaller battery, and fewer camera and possibly charging speed enhancements, maintaining a more conventional flagship profile without the higher-end Pro-level specifications.
The Galaxy S26 Pro targets users seeking a compact but genuinely high-end flagship device with superior camera capabilities, faster charging, and enhanced performance compared to the standard S26 model. Samsung seems to be moving away from a separate "Plus" model by introducing this Pro variant, which combines compact size with near-Ultra class features.
Details about the Galaxy S26 Pro come from SammyPolice, which found changes in the GSMA database pointing to a shift from Galaxy S26 to Galaxy S26 Pro for model number SM-S942U. The Galaxy S Plus model may be dropped from the line-up and replaced by the Galaxy S26 Edge.
The introduction of the Galaxy S26 family could signal a change of direction for Samsung's popular Android phones. The Galaxy S26 Pro is likely to be the entry-level device in the Galaxy S26 family. Samsung might be looking to elevate the naming of the regular Galaxy S26 in comparison to its biggest market rivals without adding any "pro" features.
The Galaxy S26 family is expected to be announced at a Galaxy Unpacked event in January 2026. Samsung may announce more details about its plans for the Galaxy S26 family before the announcement in January 2026.
Comparatively, the Galaxy S25, in comparison to the iPhone 16, has a flagship hardware, excellent display, premium build quality, triple camera arrangement, and seven years of software updates. Apple's equivalent handset has fewer cameras, less powerful hardware, and a lesser display than the iPhone 16 Pro.
Samsung is potentially making the Galaxy S devices more distinctive to better compete with Chinese phone brands. If the Galaxy S26 Pro replaces the regular S26, it would result in the Galaxy S26 family offering the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Pro. It is unclear if the Galaxy S26 Pro will have additional "pro" features compared to the standard model.
- In addition to the Galaxy S26 Pro's anticipated superior camera capabilities and enhanced performance, it is rumored that it will also come with faster charging speeds, likely 45W or higher, setting it apart from the standard S26 model.
- Not only will the Galaxy S26 Pro offer a more advanced imaging experience with its 200MP primary camera and potential inclusion of two telephoto lenses, but it is also expected to feature a larger battery compared to the standard S26, ensuring longer usage times between charges.
