These Samsung Galaxy S26 leaks suggest the biggest performance change I’ve seen yet

Kerry Wan/ZDNET

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• Galaxy S26 could launch with Samsung’s new Exynos 2600 processor.
• Expect meaningful camera upgrades across the Galaxy S26 lineup.
• Rumors still conflict, but here’s what the Galaxy S26 might offer.

It is very early in the Galaxy S26 rumor cycle, but the flagship lineup has Galaxy Z Fold 7’s success to match. 

There have been confusing details about Samsung’s upcoming phones. Earlier, there were rumors of a Galaxy S26 Pro, but they were later discarded. Similarly, some speculated that the Korean company would replace its Plus model with a Galaxy S26 Edge, but recently, another report claimed that there won’t be any Edge after the next variant.

Also: I’ve tested every single Galaxy S25 phone, and my favorite isn’t the flagship model

All of this leaves me with vague details, but there are a few things to expect from the base, Plus, and Ultra models. Here’s everything I know so far about the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 series.

Exynos to return after a long hiatus

Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET

According to a report by Korea Economic Daily, the Galaxy S26 lineup will be powered by an in-house Exynos 2600 chipset. The new processor is said to be housed in approximately 50% of the Galaxy S26 devices across South Korea and European regions. The US, Japan, and China markets will reportedly get Qualcomm-powered units.

For reference, Samsung used to have Exynos-powered flagship Galaxy S-series phones until the Galaxy S22. In recent years, it shifted to Qualcomm, with the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S25 lineups dropping Exynos entirely. Samsung returned to its in-house processor for the Galaxy Z Flip 7 this year, which was powered by the Exynos 2500 SoC. That said, the Galaxy S26 lineup is said to have an all-new processor.

Also: I’ve tested every single Galaxy S25 phone, and my favorite isn’t the flagship model

The Exynos 2600 will be made in-house by Samsung Foundry, while Apple and Qualcomm rely on TSMC. As per the report, this chipset is based on a 2nm process, which is touted to boost an NPU that is six times faster than Apple’s A19 Pro. When compared, this NPU is speculated to be 30% faster than Qualcomm’s flagship chipset.

Samsung Galaxy S26’s Exynos 2600 chipset is said to offer 14% better CPU multi-core performance and up to 75% higher GPU performance. The GPU is reportedly up to 29% better than Qualcomm’s. Those are high claims, and I am curious to see the efficiency of Samsung’s next mobile processor. The Exynos SoCs of yesteryear were infamous for getting too warm. I expect the Exynos 2600 to be better, but time will tell.

Are there major camera improvements?

Kerry Wan/ZDNET

I hope Samsung puts a bigger sensor inside the Galaxy S26 Ultra, at least, but the rumors have been unclear. Although one of them claimed that variable aperture tech could make a comeback with the Galaxy S26 series. Moreover, a new ALoP lens technology could significantly reduce the camera bump size.

Also: The best Samsung phones to buy in 2025

The base Galaxy S26 is said to sport a new 50MP primary camera sensor, while the Ultra could upgrade to a larger 1/1.1-inch 200MP Sony sensor. It could offer an F1.4 aperture, which would let 47% more light in. As a result, expect better night photography. Moreover, Samsung could bump the 3x telephoto camera from 10MP to 12MP, while the ultrawide is said to remain the same.

I hope the sensor upgrade rumors are true because Samsung flagships need a camera overhaul. Year over year, the upgrades in optics have diminished, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra couldn’t stand a chance against the Oppo Find X8 Ultra in my recent comparison.

Is there a Galaxy S26 Pro or not?

Kerry Wan/ZDNET

There were rumors of Samsung replacing the base Galaxy S26 model with a Galaxy S26 Pro and the Galaxy S26 Plus with a Galaxy S26 Edge. However, as more information about the Galaxy S26 series trickles in, the more confusing it gets.

According to the latest report, the entry-level Samsung flagship will just be called the Galaxy S26. A separate report claims that Samsung could cancel the Galaxy S26 Edge. So, that leaves the regular suspects: Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Also: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max: I tested both devices, and here’s the winner

That said, the base model is said to get a battery boost with a 4,300mAh battery instead of a 4,000mAh cell found on the current-gen Galaxy S25. While there is no confirmation on battery capacity for the other two variants, I hope the Galaxy S25 Ultra gets a battery upgrade too — especially when a smaller OnePlus 15 is expected to pack a large 7,300mAh battery.

Samsung Galaxy S26 release date

Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET

A report claims that the Galaxy S26 series could be delayed to March, citing that Samsung is still behind on Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus’ development.

However, I don’t think that’s going to happen since other brands are gunning for earlier-than-usual launches. The OnePlus 15 is said to be released globally next month — two months earlier than the OnePlus 13 — while other Chinese brands are said to follow suit.

Also: Your Samsung phone has a secret Wi-Fi menu that’s super useful – how to access it

If Samsung delays the Galaxy S26 launch, it would leave a big release gap for competing devices to challenge Samsung. There’s another speculation of the company releasing the Galaxy S26 Ultra in January and following it up with a base Galaxy S26 release in September. I’ve heard a similar launch cycle rumor for Apple. It could be possible, but I expect at least one Samsung Galaxy S26 smartphone to launch in January 2026.

Get the morning’s top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter.