Samsung is preparing for its next big flagship launch, and if history is any guide, the Galaxy S26 series should arrive in January 2026. But this time, things may not be as straightforward as past years. Recent reports suggest that Samsung could change up the lineup, tweak the naming strategy, and finally push forward with faster charging and new wireless standards. Let’s take a look at the latest Galaxy S26 leaks and what they reveal.
Goodbye Galaxy S Plus?
One of the biggest talking points is the lineup itself. For years, Samsung offered the standard, Plus, and Ultra models. Now, leaks suggest the Plus might be gone. In its place, a new Galaxy S26 Edge could arrive, bringing back branding last seen in the Galaxy S6 and S7 era.
There are also whispers that the base model might be rebranded as the Galaxy S26 Pro, while the Ultra keeps its familiar name. Some reports still hint at the possibility of four devices, but what seems certain is that the S26 family will look a little different on paper.
Snapdragon and Exynos Split Returns
The S25 series shipped worldwide with Snapdragon chips, but Samsung may return to its old dual-chip strategy. According to early rumors:
- Galaxy S26 Ultra → Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
- Galaxy S26 Edge and Pro → Exynos 2600
The Exynos 2600 is built on a 2nm process, and production reportedly started earlier than expected. Not every region will see the Exynos, though markets like the US and South Korea are likely to stick with Snapdragon.
Faster Charging at Last?
Charging speed has been one of Samsung’s weaker points. The Galaxy S25 Ultra was capped at 45W, which felt underwhelming compared to rivals. Fresh leaks suggest the S26 Ultra could step up to 60W wired charging. It’s still not class-leading, but it finally narrows the gap and makes Samsung less of an outlier.
Qi2 Wireless Charging & Magnets
Wireless charging could also get an upgrade. Reports point to Qi2 support, at least for the Galaxy S26 Edge and Ultra. The Edge may feature built-in magnets, aligning it more closely with Apple’s MagSafe system and the upcoming Pixel 10.
The Ultra’s story is a bit more complicated. Early leaks hinted that Samsung might have to drop the S Pen to make room for Qi2 magnets. However, more recent reports claim the S Pen is staying and may even debut with a subtle redesign.
Bottom Line
While nothing is confirmed until Samsung makes it official, the Galaxy S26 leaks suggest some of the most interesting changes in years. From a possible lineup reshuffle to faster charging and magnetic wireless support, 2026 could bring a fresh look and feel to Samsung’s flagship series.
For now, all eyes are on January, when Samsung is expected to reveal whether these rumors hold true.
