With most of the Chinese-origin Android flagships already launched, all eyes are now on Samsung and its highly anticipated Galaxy S26 series. Details regarding Samsung’s 2026 flagship smartphone series, the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra, have surfaced through an early test build of the company’s upcoming One UI 8.5 software, providing an initial glimpse into what Samsung is cooking for 2026. Internally, the project is hailed as ‘Miracle’.
And based on what the leaks reveal, it seems that Samsung is going to repeat the formula once again. The leak suggests the next generation of Galaxy flagships will focus less on radical transformation and more on subtle refinement, and a major software leap with the introduction of Android 16.
Here is everything we know about the Samsung Galaxy S26 series so far.
Samsung Galaxy S26 design changes
The most notable design change revealed in the rough renders extracted from the One UI 8.5 test firmware, as reported by Android Authority, points to a familiar camera aesthetic across all three models.
Samsung appears to be adopting the visual design language of its foldable line, with the rear cameras featuring individual circular cut-outs housed on a subtly raised island. This move creates a cleaner, more uniform look, bringing the S-series closer to the sophisticated design language seen on the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
Furthermore, the renders hint that the top-tier Galaxy S26 Ultra may soften its signature boxy profile, suggesting rounder corners and a more ergonomic silhouette compared to its current predecessor.
Android 16 with One UI 8.5
Perhaps the biggest takeaway for power users is the confirmation that the Galaxy S26 series will debut with One UI 8.5, built directly on Android 16.
While the One UI 8.5 update is described as an incremental yet meaningful refinement of the previous interface, it is poised to deliver significant improvements. Expectations include smoother animations, more efficient multitasking, and a deeper integration of AI-driven features. The software is also expected to enhance customisation options, such as more intuitive widgets and greater lock-screen personalisation, while tightening cross-device continuity across Samsung’s ecosystem of phones, tablets, and wearables.
Other hardware upgrades
Though specific hardware specifications remain under wraps, the Galaxy S26 line is widely expected to be powered by Qualcomm’s latest generation Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset in most global regions, with Samsung’s own Exynos processors likely filling out select markets. The Ultra model, in particular, is tipped to receive significant upgrades to its camera hardware and computational photography capabilities, thus helping it stay ahead of the competition.
Following Samsung’s typical flagship release cycle, the Galaxy S26 series is widely projected to be officially unveiled at an Unpacked event in February 2026.
As far as the prices are concerned, Samsung could try to position its Galaxy S26 devices more competitively to Apple’s iPhone 17 series in India.
