Tag: Samsung Galaxy S26

  • Samsung Galaxy S26: Store-Only Colors Coming to Other Retailers

    Samsung Galaxy S26: Store-Only Colors Coming to Other Retailers

    Key Takeaway

    – Samsung reportedly plans to bring the exclusive colors Silver Shadow and Pink Gold for the Galaxy S26 into regular retail (beyond Samsung’s own stores), per the BlueSky post by Roland Quandt.
    – If true, these colors could be purchasable from non-Samsung retailers once the change is implemented.
    – No date is announced yet; major retailers currently list four other colors (Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue, White, Black) as available.
    – It’s not yet confirmed whether this will apply to the Galaxy S26 Plus and Galaxy S26 Ultra; the post mentions all three models but confirmation is pending.

    When Samsung launches new flagship smartphones, color options are often reserved for the Samsung online store and Samsung Experience Stores, a pattern fans have come to expect. In the case of the Galaxy S26 series, the exclusive colors are Silver Shadow and Pink Gold, and these shades are touted as limited editions that entice collectors and enthusiasts alike. Now, a reliable leaker has revealed that the two colors will soon be available at other retailers.

    Retailer expansion hints

    Details of the scoop come from a post on BlueSky by Roland Quandt, whose track record on device leaks is well known among enthusiasts. According to a translation of the post, “Samsung is pushing the exclusive colors for the Galaxy S26 into regular retail”. The implication here is clear: these two colors will be available to buy from other stores other than Samsung’s.

    Details from BlueSky

    While the post specifically mentions the Galaxy S26, it is important to note that all three Galaxy S26 models are available in the aforementioned exclusive colors. However, given the phrasing, we cannot say with certainty whether this expansion to regular retail will include the Galaxy S26 Plus and Galaxy S26 Ultra, or if the approach will be limited to the base model only.

    In addition, there’s no date yet for when this will happen, and when we checked major retailer sites, only the four other colors — Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue, White, and Black — are available, with no current listing for Silver Shadow or Pink Gold at those locations.

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  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Price Hike: Is It Justified?

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Price Hike: Is It Justified?

    Key Takeaway

    1. The Galaxy S26 is a refined, well-built smartphone with a bright OLED display and strong performance but offers limited camera improvements and modest charging speed.
    2. It features a long update cycle of seven years and maintains strong wireless and reception quality.
    3. The price has increased by $100, mainly due to the discontinuation of the 128 GB model, with the 256 GB version now serving as the entry point, positioning it as more expensive than some competitors but cheaper than an iPhone 17.

    Design and Display

    The Galaxy S26 is a sleek and compact device that continues the tradition of premium build quality. It’s small enough to fit comfortably in your hand, and despite its size, it packs a 6.3-inch OLED display providing bright, vivid colors and sharp images. The screen’s quality makes it a pleasure to use whether you’re browsing the web, watching videos, or gaming. The design has been refined from previous models, ensuring a modern and elegant look that feels premium.

    Performance and Battery Life

    Powered by the Exynos 2600 processor, the S26 handles everyday tasks with ease and offers snappy performance. The 4,300-mAh battery supports a whole day’s worth of usage, although charging speed is somewhat disappointing at just 25 watts. During heavy use, some throttling of performance was observed, which slightly affects high-demand activities. Nonetheless, the overall build delivers reliable performance suitable for most users, and Samsung promises a long update cycle of seven years to keep it secure and current.

    Camera and Connectivity

    Camera improvements seem minimal, with little noticeable difference from the previous generation. The quality is decent but not groundbreaking, and low-light shots could be better. Connectivity options are solid, with strong wireless and reception quality, making it reliable for calls, streaming, and downloads. The device’s overall connectivity performance further cements its position as a well-rounded daily driver, even if it doesn’t push camera tech forward.

    Pricing and Storage

    Compared to the earlier model, the starting price has increased by $100, making the new Galaxy S26 more expensive, especially since the basic 128 GB option was discontinued. The current 256 GB version, which now acts as the entry-level model, was previously priced at around $900 last year. Interestingly, despite the higher price, Samsung has not increased the cost for the basic model significantly but instead removed an affordable storage option. The price remains competitive when compared to other Android brands but is still more costly than Apple’s latest iPhone 17.

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    • Samsung Galaxy S26 vs Snapdragon: Exynos 2600 Disadvantages

      Samsung Galaxy S26 vs Snapdragon: Exynos 2600 Disadvantages

      Key Takeaway

      1. The Snapdragon version of the Galaxy S26 outperforms the Exynos model in CPU and GPU benchmarks, as well as in battery life and gaming stability.
      2. Despite advanced 2 nm manufacturing, the Exynos 2600 exhibits higher power consumption and lower performance compared to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
      3. Samsung’s regional release patterns result in European customers receiving the less powerful Exynos variant, while other regions get the superior Snapdragon version.

      Samsung’s New Flagship Phones Still Show Regional Differences

      When samsung released the Galaxy S25 globally, it was equipped with a Snapdragon chip, leading some to think they might stick with this model. But, nope, they backtracked in a way, with the new Galaxy S26 ($899) and Galaxy S26+ showing different chips depending on the region. Europeans are getting the Exynos 2600, while most other places, especially USA and China, are receiving the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. That’s kinda confusing for buyers.

      Performance Gap Between Exynos and Snapdragon

      Even though the Exynos processor is built using the advanced 2 nm process tech, it just doesn’t seem to perform as expected. In a battery test, the US version of Galaxy S26 lasted about three hours longer, ending at 09:26 hours. That means it consumes less power or uses it more efficiently, despite the is powering a more demanding chip. Geekbench results tell a different story, showing that the Exynos 2600 is slower compared to Snapdragon. The European version (Exynos) scores around 3,085 in single-core and 10,484 in multi-core, whereas the Snapdragon version hits 3,677 and 11,163 respectively, so the Snapdragon is notably faster—almost 20% in CPU performance.

      Gaming and Graphics Performance

      In terms of graphics, the differences are just as clear. A popular YouTube channel, Techmo, tested the phones and found that even the AMD Radeon-based GPU in the Exynos struggles against Qualcomm’s fastest chip. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon leads by about 9% with a score of 7,786 in 3DMark Wild Life Extreme. The Snapdragon also made a big difference in AnTuTu v11 benchmarks, being over 20% ahead. When it comes to gaming, the Snapdragon model not only keeps a steadier frame rate but also runs cooler by 1.3°C, despite similar power draw. So, overall the European Galaxy S26 doesn’t stack up quite as well as its counterparts elsewhere, and it looks like Samsung might be delivering a lesser experience for European consumers again this time around.

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    • Galaxy S26 Could Be More Repairable Than iPhone 17, Teardown Reveals

      Galaxy S26 Could Be More Repairable Than iPhone 17, Teardown Reveals

      Key Takeaways

      1. The Samsung Galaxy S26 has a modular design, earning a repairability rating of 9 out of 10.
      2. Key repair features include easy battery replacement and accessible parts, though some repairs are time-consuming.
      3. The Galaxy S26’s repairability score matches that of the high-end Galaxy S26 Ultra.
      4. There is a positive trend in smartphone serviceability, with recent iPhones also improving in this area.
      5. Future models, like the Galaxy S27, are anticipated to aim for a perfect repairability score of 10/10.

      A new teardown video from the YouTube channel PBKreviews has shown a detailed view of the internal parts of the standard Samsung Galaxy S26. The disassembly looks at how simple it is to repair the base S26 model.

      Modular Design

      When you open it up, the Galaxy S26 reveals a quite “modular” internal structure, which is why PBKreviews gave the Galaxy S26 a repairability rating of 9 out of 10. This rating is the same as the one given for the high-end Galaxy S26 Ultra by the same channel.

      The S26 received top marks for how available the parts are, how easy it is to replace the battery, and how simple it is to change out other components like the USB-C charging port. However, it didn’t score as high in the “internal design” section because some repairs take longer than others.

      Industry Trends

      This impressive score continues a trend of better serviceability in the smartphone market. The latest series of iPhones has also made strides in this aspect, especially with easier battery removal methods to meet new regulations.

      Last year, the Galaxy S25 was rated 9/10 for repairability by PBKreviews, while the iPhone 16 received a score of 7.5/10 due to Apple’s design choices, making the charging port replacement trickier – according to the folks over at PBK, of course.

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    • Samsung Galaxy S26+ Debuts with Exynos 2600 and One UI 8

      Samsung Galaxy S26+ Debuts with Exynos 2600 and One UI 8

      Key Takeaways

      1. The Galaxy S26 series includes the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra, featuring the new Exynos 2600 chipset.
      2. The S26+ offers up to 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of non-expandable storage, maintaining the same dimensions as its predecessor.
      3. Camera features remain unchanged from the S25+, with a 50 MP main camera and a 12 MP front-facing camera.
      4. The device runs on Android 16 with One UI 8.5, promising seven major OS updates and seven years of security updates.
      5. Pre-orders for the Galaxy S26 start at €1,249, with an official launch date of March 11 and various color options available.

      Samsung has unveiled its new S26 series during the Galaxy Unpacked event. The S26 series features the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra smartphones. We have previously discussed the base model and the ultra version, and you can find that information in our earlier articles.

      New Chipset and Specs

      The Galaxy S26+ serves as the direct upgrade to the Galaxy S25+ (currently priced at $1,053 on Amazon), particularly for the European market. The S26+ is equipped with Samsung’s latest Exynos 2600 chipset, paired with up to 12 GB of RAM and a maximum of 512 GB internal storage, which unfortunately does not allow for expansion. In terms of measurements, it remains identical to its predecessor, with a thickness of 7.3 mm (0.28 inches) and a weight of approximately 190 grams (0.41 lbs).

      Camera Features

      In terms of camera capabilities, the S26+ mirrors the S25+. It features the same 50 MP main camera with optical image stabilization, along with a 12 MP ultrawide camera and a 10 MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom. For selfies and video calls, it includes a 12 MP front-facing camera. The only alteration is in the design of the camera housing.

      Software and Display

      The smartphone operates on Android 16 with One UI 8.5 right out of the box, and Samsung guarantees seven major OS updates (up to Android 23) along with seven years of security updates until 2032. Additionally, it features a 6.7-inch dynamic AMOLED 2X display that supports QHD+ resolution and a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate. Sadly, there haven’t been any improvements in battery performance, as it continues to utilize the same 4,900 mAh battery found in the S25+ and supports 45 W wired and 20 W wireless charging. Other notable features include an in-display fingerprint sensor, IP68 water resistance, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity.

      The Samsung Galaxy S26 is now open for pre-orders at a retail price of €1,249. The official launch is set for March 11, and it will be available on Samsung’s website and through authorized retailers. Buyers can select from color options such as cobalt violet, white, black, and sky blue.

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    • Best Buy Offers Galaxy S26 Ultra Pre-Order Deals with Free Storage

      Best Buy Offers Galaxy S26 Ultra Pre-Order Deals with Free Storage

      Key Takeaways

      1. The Galaxy Unpacked event is on February 25, featuring preorder incentives for the Galaxy S26 series.
      2. In the US, Samsung offers a $30 credit and trade-in deals up to $900 for Galaxy S26 preorders.
      3. Customers in select regions can receive a free storage upgrade for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, getting 512GB for the price of 256GB.
      4. Best Buy provides better preorder offers, including a $30 coupon and trade-in values up to $1,100, along with complimentary storage upgrades.
      5. The Galaxy S26 Ultra will have faster 60W charging and a new Privacy Display screen, launching without integrated magnets.

      The upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event is set for today, February 25. As is typical, Samsung has shared preorder incentives ahead of the release. This year, however, the company is only providing a complimentary storage upgrade for Galaxy S26 Ultra preorders in Europe and some parts of Asia, excluding North America.

      Preorder Offers in the US

      To summarize, in the United States, Samsung is providing a $30 credit for those who preorder the Galaxy S26, along with trade-in offers that can reach up to $900. Customers will also be entered automatically into a drawing for a chance to win $5,000 to spend on Samsung’s website. In regions such as Malaysia, Germany, and the UK, Samsung sweetens the deal by offering a free storage upgrade, allowing customers to get 512GB for the price of 256GB.

      Best Buy’s Competitive Edge

      For those in the US eager to preorder the Galaxy S26 series, Best Buy has introduced more enticing offers. They have revealed new preorder bonuses for the Galaxy S26, which are available until February 25, 2026, at 11:59 a.m. CT. Similar to Samsung, Best Buy provides a $30 coupon code with Galaxy S26 preorders, but their trade-in values can reach as high as $1,100, surpassing Samsung’s $900. Additionally, every Galaxy S26 preorder includes a complimentary upgrade to larger internal storage.

      Exciting Features of the Galaxy S26 Ultra

      The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is set to launch without integrated magnets but will feature substantial improvements, including faster 60W wired charging and a new Privacy Display screen. Be sure to tune into the official Galaxy Unpacked livestream to catch all the details about this exciting event.

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    • Galaxy S26 Pre-Order Deals Leak Ahead of Galaxy Unpacked Event

      Galaxy S26 Pre-Order Deals Leak Ahead of Galaxy Unpacked Event

      Key Takeaways

      1. The Galaxy S26 series will start at €999 (around $1,175) for the 256 GB model, moving away from the 128 GB option.
      2. Samsung is offering a complimentary storage upgrade from 256 GB to 512 GB in Europe and the UK, but not in North America.
      3. Pre-ordering the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus includes a €100 trade-in bonus.
      4. Pre-ordering the Galaxy S26 Ultra provides a €150 discount with an older device trade-in, lowering the price to €899 (about $1,059) for the 512 GB model.
      5. Pre-orders are expected to start shipping on March 11.

      Samsung is just a day away from its upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event. Along with the event announcement, the company revealed launch specifics and some initial pre-order vouchers. A well-known leaker, billbil-kun, has expanded on Samsung’s previous hints.

      Pricing Details for Galaxy S26 Series

      According to billbil-kun’s post on Dealabs, the Galaxy S26 series will officially kick off at €999 (around $1,175) for the Galaxy S26 with 256 GB of storage. This marks a significant shift, as Samsung is finally moving away from the base-level 128 GB option that was part of the Galaxy S25 lineup (currently priced at $414 renewed on Amazon). The company will also have several stackable discounts available.

      Storage Upgrade and Trade-In Bonuses

      Samsung has previously stated that it will provide a complimentary upgrade from 256 GB to 512 GB of storage in regions like Europe and the UK. However, this offer may not be available in North America. Billbil-kun mentioned that there will also be €100 trade-in bonuses for those who pre-order the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus.

      Discounts for Galaxy S26 Ultra

      In addition, those who pre-order the Galaxy S26 Ultra will benefit from a €150 discount when trading in an older device. This effectively brings the starting price of the Galaxy S26 series down to €899 (about $1,059) for the 512 GB model during the pre-order period. Samsung has indicated that pre-orders are expected to start shipping on March 11.

      Billbil-kun and Dealabs continue to provide valuable insights into the upcoming event.

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    • New Galaxy S26 Leak: Samsung May Omit Qi2 Magnets

      New Galaxy S26 Leak: Samsung May Omit Qi2 Magnets

      Key Takeaways

      1. Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S26 series on February 25, 2026, with various leaks revealing key details about the devices.
      2. Recent leaks indicate that the Galaxy S26 series may not include built-in Qi2 magnets for wireless charging, unlike expectations based on recent Google Pixel features.
      3. Some leaked clear cases for the Galaxy S26 series are magnetic, suggesting that magnetic charging could be an optional feature rather than standard.
      4. There are rumors of Samsung developing magnetic accessories, like power banks and a 25W wireless charger, which may indicate future support for magnetic charging.
      5. Built-in magnets could conflict with Samsung’s Wireless Power Share feature, leading to speculation that the Galaxy S26 series may lack built-in magnets altogether.

      Samsung is likely to reveal the Galaxy S26 series on February 25, 2026, and several important details about these flagship devices have come out through various leaks. A recent leak has provided insights into the official accessories that will be available with the new phones, but it also brings some disappointing news.

      Qi2 Magnet Expectations

      Since Google launched its Pixel Snap feature with the latest Pixel phones, many thought Samsung would include Qi2 magnets in the upcoming Galaxy S26 series. This addition would allow Samsung’s new phones to have the same wireless charging ease as the latest Apple iPhones.

      However, a leak from the Dutch website Nieuwemobiel suggests that the Galaxy S26 series might not come with built-in Qi2 magnets. The leak shows several clear cases, some of which are magnetic while others are not, indicating that magnetic charging could be an option for users rather than a standard feature.

      Potential for Built-in Features

      If the phones had built-in magnets, all of the clear cases would likely be magnetic. Nevertheless, this doesn’t entirely eliminate the possibility that the Galaxy S26 series could eventually support built-in Qi2 magnetic charging. Previous leaks hinted at magnetic power banks and a 25W wireless charger with a MagSafe-like design that Samsung is supposedly developing.

      These leaked accessories would seem illogical if they needed a separate magnetic case to function. However, the reported specifications for the Galaxy S26 phones mention Wireless Power Share, which is Samsung’s feature for reverse wireless charging.

      Conflicts with Reverse Charging

      In devices that come with built-in magnetic arrays, reverse wireless charging is often removed because it can conflict with the internal magnets. For instance, Google eliminated this feature in the Pixel 10 series (128GB Pixel 10 price currently at $649 on Amazon), which supports native magnetic wireless charging. Therefore, it wouldn’t come as a shock if the Galaxy S26 series phones also lack built-in magnets at this stage.

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    • Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Leaked: First Official Promo Poster

      Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Leaked: First Official Promo Poster

      Key Takeaways

      1. The Samsung Galaxy S26 series, including the S26 Ultra, features a new unified camera module design with a three-tiered layout.
      2. The camera design has shifted from three distinct lenses to a more integrated look, with the 3x telephoto lens and other sensors repositioned.
      3. The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a slimmer profile at 7.9 mm and is 4 grams lighter than its predecessor, the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
      4. The overall housing design has rounder corners, moving away from the Galaxy Note style, while the S Pen remains a feature with a redesigned tip.
      5. The Galaxy S26 lineup is set to be officially announced on February 25, 2026, during a Galaxy Unpacked event.

      The first official images of the Samsung Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra leaked last Friday, creating a buzz. Recently, Evan Blass provided a more detailed view of the updated camera on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. While it still looks like a Samsung camera, there are some noticeable changes. The three distinct lenses with their bulky, questionable optical rings have been replaced. Instead, a unified camera module has returned, featuring a three-tiered design upon closer examination.

      Camera Design Changes

      The 3x telephoto lens and other sensors, including the LED flash, are again positioned to the right of the camera module. The overall housing design has also shifted, with the corners appearing significantly rounder, distancing itself from the Galaxy Note style. The S Pen remains a familiar feature, having endured another year, with its tip now redesigned to match the new rounded housing.

      Size and Weight Adjustments

      When comparing it to the Galaxy S25 Ultra, the Galaxy S26 Ultra has a slightly slimmer profile that should be noticeable. At 7.9 mm thick, it occupies 0.3 mm less space in a snug pocket, and at 214 grams, it is 4 grams lighter. Nevertheless, it is a tad larger in height and width and doesn’t seem to incorporate titanium as part of its build. A recent teaser poster leak suggests that the Galaxy S26 lineup will be officially announced on February 25, 2026, during a Galaxy Unpacked event.

       

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    • YouTube Blocks Browser Workarounds: Background Playback for Premium Only

      YouTube Blocks Browser Workarounds: Background Playback for Premium Only

      Key Takeaways

      1. YouTube Premium offers ad-free viewing and allows background playback, which saves battery life for other smartphone activities.
      2. Previous workarounds for ad-free and background playback on YouTube are no longer effective due to new security measures enforced by the platform.
      3. Users previously relied on browser tricks, like desktop mode and picture-in-picture, which have now been disabled.
      4. The community has reacted negatively to these changes, accusing Google of degrading the free experience to promote YouTube Premium subscriptions.
      5. Discussions about new methods to bypass restrictions, such as scripts and modified clients, are emerging as users seek alternatives.

      YouTube Premium offers more than just an ad-free experience; it also allows for background playback when the app is minimized or the screen is off. This feature is beneficial as it helps save battery life, making it simpler to use a smartphone (for instance, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is currently priced at about $608 on Amazon) for other activities like browsing or messaging while still listening to music or podcasts. Up until recently, the nearly $14 monthly subscription fee has deterred many users. Ad blockers effectively managed ads, and various browser tricks permitted background playback without any cost. However, these solutions are no longer working, which might make subscribing to YouTube Premium a more appealing option for many users in the future.

      Workarounds Become Ineffective

      Most of the previous workarounds relied on accessing YouTube via a web browser. But starting in late January, the platform has enforced new security measures. Common tactics like using desktop mode, picture-in-picture, or specific browser add-ons have ceased to function. Now, when the screen goes dark, the browser is minimized, or the tab is sent to the background, playback halts. This issue impacts mobile browsers such as Samsung Internet, Firefox, Brave, Vivaldi, and Microsoft Edge.

      Community Reaction

      Google has confirmed this update to Android Authority, making it clear that background playback is now a feature exclusive to YouTube Premium and will be strictly applied across all platforms to maintain consistent usage. The feedback from the community has been largely negative. On Reddit, numerous users have accused Google, YouTube’s parent company, of intentionally lowering the quality of the free experience to lure users toward a Premium subscription. Meanwhile, conversations about new scripts, browser add-ons, and modified clients have already started. For many users, it seems like the ongoing struggle between the platform and its users is entering yet another phase.

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