Significant upgrades
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus is anticipated to come back with numerous sensible enhancements reminiscent of a sooner and extra energy-efficient SoC, a greater main sensor for enhanced images, and a fair higher battery endurance.
Professionals
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for considerably higher common and AI efficiency
- Silicon-carbon battery and MagSafe assist anticipated
- Android 16 (with One UI 8.5) and 7 years of OS & safety updates
Cons
- No vital design adjustments anticipated
- Nonetheless rumored to come back with 45W charging
Does all of it
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus stays a well-balanced Android flagship that gives a vibrant high-resolution show, top-notch {hardware} specs, and a flexible triple-lens digicam setup. It will even be supported for years to come back.
Professionals
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite continues to be highly effective but thermally environment friendly
- All-day battery life
- Implausible digicam efficiency with Log video assist
Cons
- Digital camera {hardware} unchanged over the previous couple of generations
- No built-in magnets for correct Qi2 assist
So, what precisely are you able to anticipate from the Galaxy S26 Plus (if it is even referred to as that!) when it goes official? Extra importantly, is it value ready for, or must you simply purchase the Galaxy S25 Plus that is out there now? We take a speculative take a look at the Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus vs. Galaxy S25 Plus and attempt to reply these questions.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus vs. Galaxy S25 Plus: Naming, value, and availability
The previous few months have seen a barrage of conflicting info surfacing on-line about Samsung’s plans for the Galaxy S26 line-up. Most of the earlier leaks claimed that the corporate was planning on introducing the Galaxy S26 Professional to succeed the Galaxy S25, in addition to launching the Galaxy S26 Edge to take over the mantle from the Galaxy S25 Plus, with the Galaxy S26 Extremely changing the Galaxy S25 Extremely as the usual bearer of the brand new collection.
Nonetheless, in accordance with the newest rumors, the chaebol will probably be sticking to its common naming scheme and introduce the bottom Galaxy S26, the larger Galaxy S26 Plus, and the stylus-toting Galaxy S26 Extremely. The explanation for this determination is alleged to be the Galaxy S25 Edge’s lackluster gross sales, which have failed to draw consumers. Actually, Samsung may even discontinue the super-slim ‘Edge’ collection altogether after only one mannequin.
No matter its identify, the Galaxy S26 Plus is prone to have the identical beginning value of $999 for the 256GB storage model. That stated, you might need to attend a bit longer to get your palms on Samsung’s new flagships, as a latest leak claims the collection’ launch has been postponed to March, quite than the standard January 2026 timeline.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus vs. Galaxy S25 Plus: Design, show, and {hardware}
Barring this yr’s Galaxy S25 Extremely, the design of Samsung’s top-tier telephones has remained largely unchanged over the previous couple of generations. Nonetheless, if some CAD renders shared by tipster OnLeaks (by way of Android Headlines) are something to go by, we would lastly have some visible updates, even when they’re actually minor.
In these renders, the three rear cameras of the bottom Galaxy S26 (and presumably the Galaxy S26 Plus, since they’re going to share the identical design) may be seen sitting atop a vertical pill-shaped island, quite than immediately on the again panel like they’re with the Galaxy S25 collection.
Additionally, leaked renders of the Galaxy S26 Extremely counsel the identical design change is perhaps utilized to all members of the Galaxy S26 line-up. Clearly, the inspiration for this comes from the Galaxy S25 Edge and the Galaxy Z Fold 7. We would see barely extra rounded corners and slimmer bezels too, however apart from that, the brand new telephones will retain their common boxy design with flat sides, all-glass back and front panels, and IP68 certification.
The Galaxy S26 Plus may get a slightly bigger and brighter show, however that display will not be a lot totally different than what its soon-to-be predecessor has. That is a superb factor, because the Galaxy S25 Plus’s 6.7-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED panel is an absolute delight to take a look at. From the 120Hz adaptive refresh fee to the super-high pixel density, it has all the pieces!
|
Class |
Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus (Rumored/anticipated) |
Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus |
|---|---|---|
|
Dimensions |
158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm (6.24 x 2.98 x 0.29 in) |
158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm (6.24 x 2.98 x 0.29 in) |
|
Sturdiness & Case Materials(s) |
IP68 ranking for mud and water resistance, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (back and front), Aluminum body |
IP68 ranking for mud and water resistance, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (back and front), Aluminum body |
|
Weight |
190 g |
190 g |
|
Show |
6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED (1440×3120 pixels decision), LTPO, 120Hz variable refresh fee |
6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED (1440×3120 pixels decision), LTPO, 120Hz variable refresh fee |
|
Chipset / SoC |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (for Galaxy) |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (for Galaxy) |
|
RAM |
12GB |
12GB |
|
Storage |
256GB/512GB |
256GB/512GB |
|
Sensors |
Underneath-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity sensor, Compass, and Barometer |
Underneath-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity sensor, Compass, and Barometer |
|
Wi-fi Connectivity |
Wi-Fi 7, 5G (mmWave and Sub-6), Bluetooth 5.4, GPS, NFC, UWB, and USB-C 3.2 (with DisplayPort) |
Wi-Fi 7, 5G (mmWave and Sub-6), Bluetooth 5.4, GPS, NFC, UWB, and USB-C 3.2 (with DisplayPort) |
|
Different Options |
Samsung DeX (wired & wi-fi), Galaxy AI |
Samsung DeX (wired & wi-fi), Galaxy AI |
|
Battery & Charging |
4,900mAh (Si/C), 45W (wired) and 15W (wi-fi) charging, Full Qi2 Help |
4,900mAh (Li-Ion), 45W (wired) and 15W (wi-fi) charging, Qi2 Prepared |
|
Cameras (Rear) |
50MP wide-angle, 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom), 12MP ultrawide | 8K video recording |
50MP wide-angle, 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom), 12MP ultrawide | 8K video recording |
|
Digital camera (Entrance) |
12MP wide-angle | 4K video recording |
12MP wide-angle | 4K video recording |
|
OS & Replace Coverage |
Android 16 with One UI 8.5 (preinstalled), seven years of OS and safety updates |
Android 15 with One UI 7 (preinstalled), seven years of OS and safety updates |
Coming to specs, that is the place we will anticipate some main adjustments. The S-series smartphones have all the time packed in the most effective {hardware} within the enterprise, and the Galaxy S25 Plus is not any totally different. It is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite (for Galaxy) SoC, together with 12GB of RAM and as much as 512GB of blazing-fast storage.
As famous by Android Central’s Derrek Lee in his Galaxy S25 Plus overview, the smartphone makes fast work of even essentially the most demanding of video games and apps, all whereas staying thermally environment friendly. After all, that is all to be anticipated from a smartphone of its caliber.
Now, the Galaxy S26 Plus (and all its siblings) are all however confirmed to be pushed by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, which is Qualcomm’s latest top-tier chipset. In comparison with the last-gen mannequin, it claims to ship a leap of as much as 25% in single-core efficiency and a lift of as much as 20% in multi-core workloads. It’s also possible to anticipate some stable beneficial properties in gaming and AI workflows.
It is also value mentioning right here that Samsung may revert to a dual-chipset strategy with the Galaxy S26 line-up, with its upcoming flagships utilizing a homegrown SoC, the Exynos 2600, in some markets. And it would truly be a superb factor this time round, as a latest report claims that the brand new chipset will pack some severe punch, with efficiency which may put it in the identical league because the freshest SoCs from Qualcomm and Apple.
It goes with out saying that the Galaxy S26 Plus will seemingly include all the standard connectivity and I/O choices, together with Wi-Fi 7, multi-band 5G, and USB Sort-C 3.2 with DisplayPort performance.
As unbelievable as all that’s, newer {hardware} should not be your “solely” purpose to choose the Galaxy S26 Plus. The Galaxy S25 Plus continues to be among the many greatest Android telephones cash should buy, and it may stay so for a really very long time, even when it is not the latest factor on the town.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus vs. Galaxy S25 Plus: Cameras, software program, and battery
It ought to come as no shock that the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus ranks among the many greatest Android digicam telephones out there available in the market now. The triple-lens system is comprised of a 50MP main sensor, a 10MP telephoto unit with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide module.
The setup permits you to seize stable photographs with plenty of element and dynamic vary, and low-light efficiency is nice too. For movies, you rise up to 8K recording and Log video seize performance. Add to it the standard assortment of modifying choices and AI-based options, and you’ve got a superb on a regular basis digicam array.
However even with all that goodness, the digicam {hardware} is strictly the identical because it has been during the last a number of generations. In line with rumors, this pattern is prone to proceed with the Galaxy S26 Plus, because it’ll carry ahead the identical triple-lens association but once more, though the 50MP main sensor may get an replace.
Even so, the brand new cellphone may get a greater digicam efficiency on account of its improved processing, however that is one thing we’ll solely be capable to check as soon as we get our palms on the Galaxy S26 Plus and we put it by means of its paces.
Speaking about software program, it is all however sure that the Galaxy S26 Plus and all of its siblings will launch with Android 16 out of the field. Samsung has already began rolling out the newest model of the working system to the Galaxy S25 collection of telephones, and the rollout is anticipated to achieve different units quickly.
The corporate’s construct of Android 16 comes spruced up with the One UI 8 customized overlay, which incorporates options like enhanced multitasking, extra highly effective AI capabilities, and enhancements to the ‘Now Bar’ and ‘Now Temporary’ modules. As for the Galaxy S26 lineup, it would launch with One UI 8.5, which is already in beta testing and can convey options reminiscent of AI-based notification summaries, precedence notifications, and extra.
After all, all these options can even make their technique to the Galaxy S25 collection smartphones and different eligible units.
Rounding off the spectacular specs of the Galaxy S25 Plus is its unbelievable battery life. Regardless of having the identical battery dimension as its predecessor, the Galaxy S25 Plus can go a full day earlier than needing a top-up.
There is not a lot details about what the Galaxy S26 Plus may convey to the desk on this division, but when the rumors in regards to the Galaxy S26 getting an even bigger battery maintain any weight, it isn’t unreasonable to anticipate Samsung to provide the identical therapy to the ‘Plus’ mannequin.
Some leaks have hinted on the Galaxy S26 smartphones getting silicon-carbon batteries, one thing we would like to see since many Chinese language flagships (e.g., Vivo X200 Professional) have already adopted the know-how. We would like all the Galaxy S26 collection to get 65W quick charging as nicely, however Samsung’s unlikely to do this.
The Galaxy S26 Plus ought to hopefully embrace built-in magnets for correct MagSafe wi-fi charging, however we aren’t certain whether or not it should assist the newer Qi2 25W normal. Nonetheless, the Galaxy S26 Plus ought to have higher battery life (theoretically) over the Galaxy S25 Plus on account of its newer and extra power-efficient internals.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus vs. Galaxy S25 Plus: Is ready value it?
Despite the fact that the leaks and rumors up to now have been (and proceed to be) all over, there isn’t any denying that the upcoming launch of the Galaxy S26 collection is shaping as much as be a hotly anticipated one. And whereas nothing’s confirmed but, the small print we’ve up to now level to the Galaxy S26 line-up being a bit extra than simply one other incremental replace. So, the actual query is, should you’ve been fascinated with getting the Galaxy S25 Plus, must you simply purchase one or await the Galaxy S26 Plus?
The reply to that query is dependent upon many elements, reminiscent of your use case, funds, and the way urgently you want a brand new smartphone. Should you’re an influence person who takes loads of photographs together with your smartphone and plan on utilizing your subsequent machine for a very long time, ready for the Galaxy S26 Plus is smart, even when which means having to carry on to your present cellphone for a bit longer.
However, should you want a feature-laden Android flagship that’ll final you years and could not care much less in regards to the newest chipset or the latest assortment of AI instruments, getting the Galaxy S25 Plus now (and even higher, through the festive-season promotions like Black Friday) is the appropriate alternative. It has nearly all the pieces you could possibly need in a top-of-the-line Android smartphone and can get software program assist for years to come back.
New and improved
The upcoming Galaxy S26 Plus is anticipated to characteristic Qualcomm’s latest top-tier chipset, together with an up to date main digicam sensor, a large assortment of AI-powered instruments, and MagSafe assist.
Ticks all of the containers
About to be a last-generation mannequin quickly, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus continues to be a powerhouse that gives cutting-edge {hardware}, nice cameras, years software program assist, and a battery that may go all day.
