TL;DR
A recent South Korean report says Samsung has reverted to keeping the Galaxy S26+ in its lineup, limiting time for hardware changes. The phone is expected to reuse the S25 Plus display and battery with only small tweaks such as magnets to boost wireless charging.
What happened
Samsung appears to have backtracked on an earlier plan to replace the Plus model in its next flagship line with an 'Edge' variant. According to reporting from The Elec, the company ultimately decided to keep the Galaxy S26+ and, because that decision came late, chose a verified specification rather than the newer OLED panel originally developed for the shelved Edge concept. The S26+ is said to retain the 6.66-inch AMOLED QHD+ panel used in the Galaxy S25 Plus, with only some auxiliary component changes. Production timing reported by the same outlet indicates the Galaxy S26 Ultra entered production in December, while the S26 and S26+ are expected to begin production this month. Other reportedly unchanged elements include a 4,900mAh battery and 45W wired charging, while built-in magnets are expected to allow wireless charging speeds above the previous 15W cap.
Why it matters
- A late reversal to keep the Plus model constrained Samsung’s ability to make major hardware changes.
- Reusing prior display and battery components may reduce differentiation between consecutive flagship models.
- Smaller, incremental upgrades (like magnets for faster wireless charging) could affect buyers’ upgrade decisions.
- Component cost pressures and timing may push Samsung toward price adjustments despite limited hardware changes.
Key facts
- Samsung initially considered replacing the Plus model with a slimmer 'Edge' variant but later decided to keep the Galaxy S26+.
- The Galaxy S26+ is reported to use the same 6.66-inch AMOLED QHD+ panel as the Galaxy S25 Plus, with only some supplementary component changes.
- Samsung reportedly opted for a 'verified specification' instead of the OLED panel designed for the proposed S26 Edge.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra had entered production in December; the Galaxy S26 and S26+ are expected to follow this month.
- The S26+ is said to retain a 4,900mAh battery pack, matching its predecessor.
- Wired charging speeds are reportedly unchanged at 45W.
- Built-in magnets are expected to allow wireless charging faster than the S25 Plus’ 15W limit.
- Reports note industry-wide semiconductor cost increases that could influence pricing for the S26 series.
- Samsung moved its Unpacked event to February 25, with retail availability expected in early March.
What to watch next
- Official specifications and confirmations at Samsung's February 25 Unpacked event.
- Whether the built-in magnets produce meaningful real-world wireless charging speed improvements — not confirmed in the source.
- How Samsung prices the S26 series globally amid reported component cost pressures, and whether any markets are exempt — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- AMOLED QHD+: A type of high-resolution OLED display technology offering deep blacks and high contrast; QHD+ refers to a resolution above standard QHD.
- OLED panel: A display component that uses organic light-emitting diodes, allowing thin, high-contrast screens that can be flexible or curved.
- mAh: Milliampere-hour, a unit measuring battery capacity; higher numbers generally indicate longer potential battery life.
- Wireless charging: A method of charging a device without a wired connection, typically using magnetic induction or resonance between the phone and a charging pad.
- Unpacked: Samsung's product launch event brand where it unveils new devices and official specifications.
Reader FAQ
Will the Galaxy S26+ get major hardware upgrades over the S25 Plus?
No major hardware upgrades are reported; the display and battery are said to remain largely the same.
Why did Samsung keep the Plus model instead of launching the Edge?
Reports say Samsung reversed an earlier plan and chose a verified specification for the S26+ because the decision came late in the development cycle.
When will Samsung reveal the Galaxy S26 series?
Samsung moved its Unpacked event to February 25, with retail availability expected in early March.
Is a price increase for the S26 series confirmed?
A price increase has been reported as possible due to rising component and semiconductor costs, but final pricing is not confirmed.
The Galaxy S26+ may play it safe in the hardware department By Chethan Rao Published 28 minutes ago Chethan is a reporter at Android Police, focusing on the weekend news…
Sources
- The Galaxy S26+ may play it safe in the hardware department
- Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Design Leaks via OneUI 8.5
- Tech news wrap: Samsung's creaseless display, Motorola's …
- Galaxy S26 Plus is Samsung's most conservative S26 model
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