The Samsung Galaxy S26 series launches with three tiers—S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra—featuring the new Exynos 2600 AI‑focused chip, up to 16 GB RAM, and a 60 W fast‑charging option on the Ultra model. Across the lineup you get Android 14 with One UI 6, AI‑enhanced photography, real‑time translation, and tighter integration with Samsung’s smart‑home ecosystem.
What’s Inside the Box
All three phones arrive with the standard accessories: USB‑C charger, USB‑C to USB‑A cable, a clear case, and a quick‑start guide. The base S26 includes a 6.2‑inch Dynamic AMOLED display, 120 Hz refresh, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB storage, and a 4,500 mAh battery with 25 W charging. The S26 Plus steps up to a 6.7‑inch panel, 12 GB RAM option, 256 GB storage, and a 5,000 mAh battery, still at 25 W. The flagship S26 Ultra packs a 6.8‑inch QHD+ screen, 16 GB RAM, up to 1 TB UFS 3.1 storage, and a 4,800 mAh battery that supports 60 W fast charging.
Performance & AI Engine
The heart of the S26 line is the Exynos 2600, built on a 4‑nm process and equipped with a dedicated AI accelerator. This on‑chip AI engine cuts inference latency for TensorFlow Lite models by roughly 50 %, delivering smoother real‑time translation and image‑recognition tasks. While the GPU still trails Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in raw power, the AI‑first design gives the S26 Ultra a noticeable edge in AI‑driven apps.
Camera System
Samsung sticks with a familiar triple‑camera layout but upgrades the main sensor on the Ultra to 108 MP, paired with a 12 MP ultra‑wide lens and a 10 MP periscope telephoto that offers 10× optical zoom. The S26 and S26 Plus retain a 50 MP primary sensor, 12 MP ultra‑wide, and a 10 MP telephoto, with the Plus adding a 3× optical zoom lens. All models feature “Galaxy AI” enhancements for night mode, portrait processing, and scene optimization.
Battery & Charging
The base S26 charges at 25 W, topping out at about 30 minutes for a full charge. The Plus shares the same rate but benefits from a larger 5,000 mAh cell for longer endurance. The Ultra’s 60 W fast‑charging cuts the full charge time by roughly 30 minutes compared to the lower‑tier models, though it still falls short of competitors offering 80 W or higher.
Pricing & Availability
Pricing starts around $799 for the S26, $999 for the S26 Plus, and $1,299 for the S26 Ultra. The phones become available through Samsung’s online store and authorized retailers later this month, with pre‑orders already open for the Ultra variant.
Who Should Buy Which Model
- S26: Ideal for users who want a solid flagship experience without the premium price tag.
- S26 Plus: Fits power users who need extra storage and a larger display but don’t need the Ultra’s top‑tier camera.
- S26 Ultra: Targets enthusiasts who want the highest‑resolution sensor, 60 W fast charging, and the full AI engine capabilities.
Bottom Line
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 launch refines a proven three‑tier strategy while injecting fresh AI‑centric hardware. The Exynos 2600 delivers faster on‑device AI processing, the Ultra’s 108 MP camera pushes the resolution envelope, and 60 W charging narrows the gap with faster‑charging rivals. If you’re already in the Samsung ecosystem, the S26 line offers seamless device syncing and AI features that could reduce reliance on cloud processing. However, the charging speed still lags behind some high‑power competitors, and the GPU performance remains behind Snapdragon’s flagship. Overall, the S26 series gives you a clear choice across three price points, each anchored by a next‑gen AI engine.
