Tag: Galaxy S26

  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Price Hike Expected with New Chips

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Price Hike Expected with New Chips

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung may take several months to release the Galaxy S26 series, but price hike discussions are already occurring.
    2. Component costs for the Galaxy S26 series are rising, with camera hardware and mobile chipsets increasing by 8% and 12%.
    3. LPDDR5 RAM prices have surged by over 15%, affecting overall production costs.
    4. External factors, like US tariffs, are influencing Samsung’s pricing strategy for the Galaxy S26 series.
    5. Despite rising costs, Samsung previously maintained prices for the Galaxy S25 series, suggesting possible minimal or no price increases for the upcoming models.


    Samsung is thought to still be several months away from introducing new models to replace its current Galaxy S25 series. However, discussions about potential price hikes for the upcoming flagship candybar smartphones have already started circulating from various sources.

    Speculations on Pricing

    According to a report from ET News, increasing costs of components are likely to lead to higher prices for the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. The report references industry insiders and Samsung Electronics’ semi-annual statements, indicating that camera hardware and mobile chipsets have seen price increases of 8% and 12% compared to last year. For the Galaxy S26 series, Samsung is expected to utilize the Exynos 2600 in select markets while using the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in others.

    Rising Component Costs

    Moreover, the expense of acquiring LPDDR5 RAM has reportedly surged by more than 15%. Furthermore, external factors, such as tariffs imposed by the US, are said to be on Samsung’s mind as they make decisions regarding the pricing of the Galaxy S26 series. To give some perspective, the Galaxy S25 series was believed to be set for a considerable price increase compared to its Galaxy S24 predecessors, largely due to the inclusion of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.

    Historical Context

    After the release of the Galaxy S25 Ultra (currently priced at $1,025 on Amazon), analyses of the bill of materials pointed out that Qualcomm’s chipset was responsible for the increased production costs. Nevertheless, Samsung chose not to transfer these expenses to consumers, maintaining the price of the Galaxy S25 series to match that of its previous models. Given Samsung’s past practices, it seems plausible that we might see only slight price increases, or even no price hikes at all, in an ideal scenario.

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  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Launch Date Leaked for February 25 Unpacked

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Launch Date Leaked for February 25 Unpacked

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung will unveil the Galaxy S26 series on February 25, 2026, during its Unpacked event in San Francisco.
    2. The later event date allows Samsung more time to implement strategic changes in its product offerings.
    3. San Francisco’s reputation in artificial intelligence aligns with Samsung’s focus on AI advancements in the new smartphone lineup.
    4. The Galaxy S26 series will maintain a traditional three-model structure: Base, Plus, and Ultra, instead of introducing “Pro” or “Edge” models.
    5. The decision to avoid “Edge” models is influenced by the underperformance of the previous S25 Edge.


    Samsung is getting ready to unveil its next flagship smartphone series. Reliable sources in the industry have indicated that the company has chosen February 25 for its Unpacked event in early 2026, where it will introduce the highly awaited Galaxy S26 series. The event is expected to take place in San Francisco, USA.

    Timing Adjustments

    Traditionally, Samsung kicks off the new year with its Unpacked events either in late January or early February, but this year they’ve decided to change things up. The later date in February is said to provide the tech giant additional time, likely due to strategic changes in the product offerings for the S26 series.

    Location Matters

    The decision to hold the event in San Francisco, known as a center for artificial intelligence tech, appears to be strategic. Insiders hint that the city’s reputation makes it a fitting location for Samsung to reveal its innovative AI strategy. The company plans to highlight its advancements in the “AI smartphone” space with the new S26 lineup.

    Model Structure

    This strong emphasis on AI has led to some important hardware choices. Reports suggest that Samsung will stick with its traditional three-model setup—the Base, Plus, and Ultra Galaxy versions—rather than going with the speculated “Pro” or “Edge” models. This choice comes after assessing the market, especially since the previous S25 Edge did not perform as well as expected.

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  • Samsung Galaxy S26: New Features and Camera Sensors Revealed

    Samsung Galaxy S26: New Features and Camera Sensors Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Confusion surrounds the Galaxy S26 series, including camera details and chipset choices.
    2. The Galaxy S26 Edge has been canceled, and the return of the Galaxy S26 Plus may delay the release to March 2026.
    3. Samsung’s vice president hinted at significant advancements in user experience, including next-gen AI and a new second-generation chipset.
    4. The Exynos 2600 chip may be used for some Galaxy S26 models, potentially matching Qualcomm’s 3nm chip performance.
    5. New camera sensors are expected, with minor updates to the telephoto lens on the Galaxy S26 Ultra and enhancements for the Galaxy S26 and S26+.


    The rumors surrounding the Galaxy S26 series have been quite chaotic and rather disappointing till now. There isn’t much fresh information about the cameras, the possible switch to the Exynos 2600 instead of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and the surprising cancellation of the Galaxy S26 Edge. The return of the Galaxy S26 Plus might mean a delay, pushing everything to March 2026.

    Exciting Developments Ahead

    During the announcement regarding the financial results for the third quarter of 2025, Samsung’s Mobile Experience division vice president, Daniel Araujo, dropped hints about some promising advancements for the Galaxy S26 series. This seemed aimed at calming investors’ nerves amidst the confusion.

    According to Araujo, the Galaxy S26 series is set to “transform the user experience with next-gen AI, alongside its own second-generation chipset, enhanced performance, and newer camera sensors.” This statement likely confirms the Exynos 2600 for several Galaxy S26 models in specific regions. Thanks to the new 2nm technology, this chip could perform comparably to the 3nm Qualcomm chip, as indicated by recent benchmark leaks.

    Camera Upgrades

    The mention of new camera sensors is quite intriguing. Besides a likely minor replacement for the 10-megapixel 3x telephoto lens on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, previous leaks suggest that both the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+ will have new camera sensors. If the leaks are accurate, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to mainly gain from a brighter lens.

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  • Exynos 2600 Chipset Performance in Samsung Galaxy S26 Benchmarks

    Exynos 2600 Chipset Performance in Samsung Galaxy S26 Benchmarks

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung is expected to use the Exynos 2600 chipset in the Galaxy S26 series.
    2. The Exynos 2600 has shown performance similar to Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and Dimensity 9500 in recent benchmarks.
    3. It achieved a single-core score of 3,455 and a multi-core score of 11,621, indicating significant performance improvements.
    4. The chipset features six efficiency cores at 2.76 GHz, three cores at 3.26 GHz, and a prime core at 3.80 GHz.
    5. Historically, Exynos chipsets have underperformed compared to Qualcomm, but the Exynos 2600 may change that trend.


    Samsung is highly anticipated to include the Exynos 2600 chipset in its Galaxy S26 series. This particular chipset has appeared on Geekbench multiple times in the recent months, showcasing a range of results, and has now been seen on the benchmarking site once more.

    Performance Comparison

    During this latest testing, the Exynos 2600 shows performance levels similar to that of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and the Dimensity 9500. However, it’s important to mention that the tests were conducted on a reference design unit. The chipset achieved a single-core score of 3,455 and a multi-core score of 11,621. Both scores are notable improvements compared to the chipset’s previous Geekbench results, and they are on par with the performance of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 found in the iQOO 15.

    Core Configuration Details

    This benchmark listing reveals the Exynos 2600 with what seems to be its final core setup: six efficiency cores clocked at 2.76 GHz, three cores running at 3.26 GHz, and a prime core operating at 3.80 GHz. Traditionally, Exynos chipsets have not performed as well as their Qualcomm counterparts over the last few years, but the Exynos 2600 appears to be a different story.

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  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Launch Delayed: Two New Signs Emerging

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Launch Delayed: Two New Signs Emerging

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Galaxy S26 series may be launched in March 2026, a two-month delay from earlier expectations.
    2. Samsung plans to begin production of the Galaxy S26 Ultra in December 2025, while the Galaxy S26 and S26+ will start in January 2026.
    3. Development for the Galaxy S26 base model and Ultra version is complete, but mass production may be delayed for the base model until the S26+ is finished.
    4. Only the OLED “Privacy Display” for the S26 Ultra has been approved for production so far.
    5. The cancellation of the Galaxy S26 Edge may have impacted the timeline and finalization of the S26 series.


    Initial whispers about the Galaxy S26 family launching in March are coming from Greece. A report from this Southern European nation suggests that Samsung enthusiasts might need to wait an extra two months more than they thought for the next version of the Galaxy S25 Ultra (you can find it here on Amazon). At first, we were a bit doubtful about whether the launch would actually be delayed by that much. However, more and more sources are hinting at a significant postponement. The well-known leaker Setsuna Digital mentioned on Weibo that the Galaxy S26 series may now be revealed in March 2026.

    Reasons for the Delay

    A South Korean trade publication, TheElec, recently presented solid reasons for the partial delay of the Galaxy S26 lineup. The report pointed out that insiders in the industry indicated Samsung plans to start making the Galaxy S26 Ultra in December 2025 as originally scheduled, while the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+ (which reportedly began development later) are likely to begin production in January. Sources mentioned that even though the development for both the base model and the Ultra version has wrapped up, it would be logical to delay mass production of the Galaxy S26 until the Galaxy S26+ is completed, considering how similar these two devices are, apart from their dimensions.

    Production Status

    The report also disclosed that only the OLED “Privacy Display” of the S26 Ultra has been officially greenlit for production at this moment. The supposed cancellation of the Galaxy S26 Edge late in its development process—allegedly due to the underwhelming sales of the S25 Edge—could have influenced the finalization of the Galaxy S26 series after all. It remains uncertain whether Samsung will decide to delay the Galaxy Unpacked event for all three models or possibly advance the launch of just the Ultra model.


     

  • Galaxy S26 Series Delay Likely: What to Expect Now

    Galaxy S26 Series Delay Likely: What to Expect Now

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung is returning to its original naming scheme for the Galaxy S26 series, eliminating the Galaxy S26 Edge model.
    2. There is a reported delay in the release of the Galaxy S26 series, with speculation on whether it will still launch in February or move to March.
    3. The delay’s cause is unclear, but it may involve last-minute adjustments to the lineup.
    4. The Galaxy S26 series will have a simpler trio of models, with no Galaxy S26 Pro expected.
    5. Samsung is facing software challenges with Android 16 based One UI 8, having pulled the update for existing Galaxy S series models shortly after release.


    The Galaxy S26 smartphone series appears to be encountering several challenges, whether it’s the strategy for the lineup, the rumored specifications, or the timeline for its launch. Recently, it was reported that Samsung is reverting to its original naming scheme for the three new phones and will not be releasing the Galaxy S26 Edge. Adding to the speculation, another leaker has hinted at a delay in the release.

    Historical Release Patterns

    Samsung usually reveals its Galaxy S flagship series in January or at the start of February. For instance, the Galaxy S20 series was introduced in early February, while the Galaxy S21 series made its debut in January. The Galaxy S22 and S23 series returned to an early February announcement, but the Galaxy S24 and S25 series were also shown in January. Initially, it was thought the Galaxy S26 series would follow suit in January, but well-known leaker Ice Universe has noted on Weibo (translated from Chinese) that there has been a postponement.

    Unclear Delay Details

    The leaker confirms the delay, but does not specify the source or the new timeframe for the release. It could be just a few weeks, keeping the February launch cycle intact, or it could push into March, as suggested by a Greek news site last week.

    The cause of the delay remains uncertain, but there could be multiple factors at play. It seems the company has made significant last-minute adjustments to the Galaxy S26 lineup, returning to a simpler trio of models. Reports indicate that there will be no Galaxy S26 Pro or Galaxy S26 Edge, which was previously anticipated. One of the models is expected to have the Exynos 2600 SoC instead of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, likely the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Earlier reports suggested that the Exynos 2600 would be exclusive to the Galaxy S26 Pro, but that model no longer exists.

    Software Challenges

    On the software front, Samsung has also been facing issues with Android 16 based One UI 8 for its Galaxy S22, Galaxy S23, and Galaxy S24 series. The company pulled the update shortly after its release, without providing any explanation for the sudden action.

  • Samsung May Reverse Galaxy S26 Series Changes: Report

    Samsung May Reverse Galaxy S26 Series Changes: Report

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung is reverting to its original naming scheme for the Galaxy S26 series, likely including the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and Galaxy S26 Ultra.
    2. The previously rumored Galaxy S26 Edge and Galaxy S26 Pro names are no longer being pursued, suggesting a return to simpler model designations.
    3. There is uncertainty around the Galaxy S26 Edge, as its development may have been halted due to disappointing sales of the Galaxy S25 Edge.
    4. Consumer preferences indicate a declining interest in thin and light phones, influencing Samsung’s decision-making.
    5. Similar trends are seen with Apple’s iPhone Air, which may also face cancellation due to poor sales.


    From what appeared to be a major change for the Galaxy S26 series, it seems that Samsung is reversing its plans. Initially, the company was rumored to rebrand the standard Galaxy S26 and completely remove the Plus version. However, new details from a reliable leaker suggest that Samsung is returning to its previous naming system and lineup for its upcoming flagship series.

    Background of Changes

    Back in July, there were reports indicating that the Korean tech giant intended to revamp the Galaxy S26 series. It was claimed that the Galaxy S26 Edge would take the place of the Galaxy S26 Plus, while the standard Galaxy S26 would be renamed to Galaxy S26 Pro. This change would also imply that neither a Galaxy S26 nor a Galaxy S26 Plus would be part of the future lineups.

    Current Insights

    Recently, tipster Yogesh Brar shared on X that Samsung is reverting to its original naming scheme. No sources were cited for this information. As a result, the upcoming flagship series will likely consist of the Galaxy S26, the Galaxy S26 Plus, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Additionally, the leaker pointed out that the company seems to be stepping away from creating thin and light phones for the time being, indicating the potential absence of a Galaxy S26 Edge.

    It appears that most of the leaks regarding the Galaxy S26 Pro will apply to the Galaxy S26 instead. However, the leaks concerning the Galaxy S26 Edge now seem uncertain. Notably, this is not the first instance of Samsung possibly abandoning the Edge model. Earlier this month, a Korean news outlet, The Elec, reported that the development of the Galaxy S26 Plus was being revived, suggesting that this model is not going away anytime soon. Furthermore, another well-known leaker mentioned last week that the Galaxy S26 Edge has been scrapped due to disappointing sales of the Galaxy S25 Edge (available on Amazon for 37% off).

    Consumer Preferences

    It appears that consumers are signaling a preference against thin and light phones. Similarly, Apple’s iPhone Air seems to be encountering the same problem, as there are reports suggesting its cancellation is also being considered.


     

  • Exynos 2600 Benchmarks Reveal Surprising CPU Performance Drops

    Exynos 2600 Benchmarks Reveal Surprising CPU Performance Drops

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung’s Exynos 2600 processor is highly anticipated for the Galaxy S26 series, but recent benchmark results show a significant drop in performance.
    2. The Exynos 2600 achieved a multi-core score of 10,025 and a single-core score of 3,047, lower than previous tests which showed scores of 11,256 and 3,309, respectively.
    3. New scores indicate that the Exynos 2600 is now performing worse than the existing Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite, which has better benchmark results.
    4. The decrease in performance is attributed to a change in testing configuration, with lower CPU frequencies in the latest tests compared to earlier assessments.
    5. Potential explanations for the lower clock speeds include thermal throttling issues or Samsung testing the chip’s performance at lower frequencies to assess efficiency.


    Samsung has been working hard on its next big processor, the Exynos 2600, which is highly anticipated for the upcoming Galaxy S26 series. Expectations are soaring for this chip, as early tests suggested it could rival other powerful processors in the market. However, recent changes in benchmark results have raised some questions about how well the Exynos 2600 will actually perform.

    Recent Benchmark Updates

    Just a few hours ago, new scores were published in the Geekbench database for the Exynos 2600. Unfortunately, these scores indicate a significant drop in processing power compared to earlier tests. Specifically, the Exynos 2600 System on Chip (SoC) achieved a multi-core score of 10,025 and a single-core score of 3,047 on Geekbench.

    Context of the Scores

    To better understand these numbers, consider that Geekbench results from late August had shown the same chip scoring much higher: 11,256 for multi-core and 3,309 for single-core tests. Moreover, some reports even claimed that the Exynos 2600 was set to outperform its competitors, suggesting it would have up to 14% more CPU power than Apple’s A19 Pro and 29% better GPU performance than the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.

    Changing Performance Landscape

    The new benchmark results, however, tell a different story. The latest scores are now lower than those of the currently available Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite, which is already in devices like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, achieving scores of 3,186 and 10,042 for single-core and multi-core tests, respectively.

    Technical Reasons for Downgrade

    It’s important to note that there is a technical reason behind the drop in scores: a modification in the chip’s testing configuration. The most recent Geekbench entry indicates that the Exynos 2600 was assessed at considerably lower CPU frequencies than before. Initially, it was running with 6 cores at 2.76 GHz, 3 cores at 3.26 GHz, and 1 core at 3.80 GHz. Now, the new tests show a setup of 6 cores at 2.46 GHz, 3 cores at 2.96 GHz, and 1 core at 3.55 GHz.

    Possible Explanations

    There are two main reasons that could explain this decrease in clock speed. In a less than ideal situation, Samsung might have encountered thermal throttling issues, where the chip uses more power or produces more heat than what is suitable for long-term usage. Alternatively, the company may simply be evaluating the current chip’s performance at these lower frequencies.

    In conclusion, it is doubtful that the final version of the Exynos 2600 will mirror these disappointing benchmark results, as that would position it far behind its main competitors. Nonetheless, one can only hope that Samsung manages to strike the right balance between high performance and effective power consumption before the Galaxy S26 is launched.

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  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Launch Delayed for Months Due to Setbacks

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Launch Delayed for Months Due to Setbacks

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung has canceled the Galaxy S26 Edge due to poor sales of the Galaxy S25 Edge and will instead release the Galaxy S26 Plus.
    2. There are rumors of delays in the launch of the Galaxy S26, possibly pushing it to March 2026.
    3. The delays might lead to a staggered release or a postponed Galaxy Unpacked event.
    4. Skepticism surrounds the rumors, as the source of the delay is not considered very trustworthy.
    5. A February launch for the Galaxy S26 is still possible, as seen with previous releases like the Galaxy S23.


    It’s a common occurrence. News about delays regarding Samsung’s upcoming camera flagship models tends to emerge just as fall begins. In theory, the year 2025 could bring more changes than previous years due to Samsung’s recent decision to cancel the sleek Galaxy S26 Edge at the very last moment because the Galaxy S25 Edge did not perform well in sales. Instead, they plan to reintroduce the Galaxy S26 Plus as a substitute.

    Potential Launch Changes

    As suggested by a Vietnamese leaker, this situation might indeed lead to delays in the launch, possibly resulting in either a staggered release or a postponed Galaxy Unpacked event. A report from the Greek site Techmaniacs claims that the Galaxy S26’s launch may not occur until March 2026, which is about two months later than the usual January timeframe for Galaxy Unpacked events.

    Skepticism About the Rumors

    However, it’s reasonable to be doubtful about this rumor, as noted by SamMobile. The site does not provide much detail regarding the reasons behind the significant delay. Generally, this source is not regarded as very trustworthy, so it’s fair to be skeptical. Even a launch in February wouldn’t be out of the ordinary for Samsung; for instance, the Galaxy S23 was launched on February 17, 2023, and it wasn’t until the Galaxy S24 that the Unpacked event was moved to January.

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  • Analyst: Apple iPhone Fold Launch in 2026 Uncertain

    Analyst: Apple iPhone Fold Launch in 2026 Uncertain

    Key Takeaways

    1. The launch of the Galaxy S26 is rumored to be delayed from January 2026.
    2. Apple’s foldable device, possibly named iPhone Fold, may not debut until 2027 due to production challenges.
    3. The iPhone Fold is expected to feature a 7.58-inch internal display and a 5.38-inch cover screen.
    4. The iPhone 18 series may see a staggered launch, with some models delayed until spring 2027.
    5. Analysts predict modest sales for the iPhone Fold, estimating 5 to 7 million units in its first year compared to typical iPhone sales.


    Delays are everywhere you turn. The Galaxy S26, which is anticipated to arrive in January 2026, is rumored to be pushed back from its original timeline. Similarly, Apple’s initial foldable gadget might not debut in September 2026 as was previously thought. This information comes from the Japanese analyst company Mizuho Securities, as stated in a report by the South Korean publication TheElec. Their analysis indicates that Apple may struggle to mass-produce crucial parts for the foldable device, possibly named the iPhone Fold, particularly the hinge, during the third quarter of 2026, which is necessary for a release to coincide with the iPhone 18 series.

    A Shift to 2027?

    This situation makes a 2027 launch more and more probable. As of now, the initial foldable iPhone is rumored to come with a 7.58-inch internal LTPO AMOLED display by Samsung and a 5.38-inch cover screen. Similar to Samsung’s existing foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 7, these screens are slimmer due to CoE technology, eliminating the need for a polarizer. Looking ahead, there are also expectations for a “MacBook Fold” featuring an 18.9-inch foldable display, which analysts predict could release no sooner than 2028.

    iPhone 18 Launch Plans

    Mizuho Securities has also shared insights on the rumors regarding a staggered iPhone 18 launch. According to their report, both the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e will be postponed until spring 2027, while only the pricier models, such as the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 18 Air, and perhaps the iPhone 18 Fold, are set to launch in September 2026. Overall, analysts forecast relatively modest sales for the first iPhone Fold, estimating around 5 to 7 million units, which pales in comparison to the average new iPhone base model that usually sells about 20 million units in its first year.

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