Samsung Galaxy S26+
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, S26 Plus and S26 hands-on
Pros
- Features powerful, region-specific latest generation chipsets.
- Screen benefits from software-driven improvements to sharpness, contrast, and color gradients.
- Camera gains new software features like APV video format and enhanced Super Steady.
Cons
- Lacks camera hardware changes from the previous year.
- Ultrawide camera still does not include autofocus.
- Exhibits minimal hardware advancements overall.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus largely retains its hardware, with no significant camera upgrades and the ultrawide camera still lacking autofocus. Its screen size remains the same, though new chipsets are said to improve display quality through software. Performance is strong, powered by either the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy or the Exynos 2600, depending on the region.
Overall, the S26 Plus shows minimal hardware evolution, with Samsung focusing on new AI functionalities to differentiate the series.
“So there you have it, the new Galaxy S26 series. As we saw last year, not too much has changed on the hardware side, but Samsung is hoping that its new AI functionality will be enough to make a splash.”
Samsung Galaxy S26 / S26+ / S26 Ultra: Oh, it's going to be loud
Pros
- Cameras have been improved through software enhancements.
- Significant improvement in NPU performance for artificial intelligence.
- Increase in CPU and GPU power in the Exynos 2600 processor.
Cons
- No change in charging speed (still 45W).
- Noticeable price increase across the S26 series.
- The 512GB S26+ version is not cost-effective compared to the S26 Ultra.
- Return of Exynos processors raises performance concerns.
The Samsung Galaxy S26+ will face significant challenges in the Polish market, mainly due to the return of Exynos processors and general price increases. Nevertheless, the cameras have received software enhancements, and the Exynos 2600 processor shows increases in CPU, GPU, and especially NPU performance for AI functions.
However, the lack of change in 45W charging and the close pricing of the 512GB S26+ model to the base S26 Ultra version make it a less attractive purchase. The reviewer expresses concerns about Samsung's success in Poland, pointing to the historical perception of Exynos and higher prices as the main obstacles.
“My dear friends, after such first impressions spent with this device, as I said at the beginning of today's material, Samsung will have a hard time, or at least will have a hard time in Poland.”
“However, in Poland, due to the return of Exynos, and however this Exynos may be, we remember what the previous Exynos were like, and due to price increases, it will not have an easy time.”
“I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Samsung, but I suspect it won't be easy at first.”
Samsung Galaxy S26/Ultra Impressions: 1 Crazy Display Feature!
Pros
- Equipped with a powerful new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip
- The new chip includes NPU optimization for AI features
- Features slightly faster 45-watt charging
Cons
- The price has increased by $100 for the Samsung Galaxy S26+
- Reviewer notes a general "price creep" across the lineup
- The price increase is not seen as justified by new features or innovations
“The base phones going up by a hundred bucks. Not so excited about that...”
“seems like they didn't try a whole lot of other stuff with—with those phones.”
Samsung Galaxy S26 / S26+ / S26 Ultra - First Impressions, Mobzilla Flesz Episode 128
Pros
- Faster wireless charging at 25W
- Return of the proprietary Exynos 2600 processor in the S26 Plus
- Addition of horizon lock mode during video recording
- High overall performance confirmed by Antutu score
Cons
- No changes in screen parameters for the S26 Plus
- Removal of dedicated night mode and dual video from the interface
- Significant price increase of 600 zł compared to the predecessor
- Minimal aesthetic changes and overall evolutionary approach
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus features minimal changes compared to its predecessor, offering only a few improvements. It gains faster wireless charging up to 25W and reverts to the Exynos 2600 processor, which supposedly offers better thermal management, though this needs confirmation.
Despite these minor upgrades, the phone is significantly more expensive, by as much as 600 zł, which is seen as a major drawback given the lack of innovation. The reviewer critically assesses Samsung's development direction, pointing out insufficient improvements relative to the increased price, which raises concerns about the series' future.
“For the [...] S26 Plus 600 zł [...] On top of that, at a much higher price than last year.”
“I think that at this trajectory, Samsung will end up like Nokia, but I don't know, maybe I'm wrong.”
Galaxy S26 series: ONLY the new stuff!
NEW Galaxy S26+ (What Changed in Samsung S26 Plus?)
Pros
- Powered by the industry-leading Snapdragon Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip.
- Guaranteed seven years of software and security updates.
- Features a bright and high-quality 6.7-inch Quad HD+ display.
- Offers efficient battery life with robust 45W wired and 20W wireless charging.
- Includes advanced AI capabilities for enhanced user interaction and photo editing.
Cons
- Lacks a periscope telephoto lens, falling behind some competitors at its price point.
- Camera hardware is largely unchanged from the base model and could be improved.
- Does not feature the new privacy display found on the S26 Ultra.
- Perceived as expensive given the camera hardware offered for $1,100.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus presents a powerful package with a stunning 6.7-inch Quad HD+ display and the top-tier Snapdragon Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip, ensuring excellent performance across all tasks. Its commitment to seven years of software and security updates, alongside robust battery life and advanced AI features, makes it a compelling and long-lasting device.
However, the camera hardware, specifically the absence of a periscope telephoto lens at its $1,100 price, is a notable disappointment and positions it behind some rivals. Despite these camera concerns, the S26 Plus offers a strong foundation of core features and future-proofing.
“the chip on the inside is now the Snapdragon Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy. Essentially it is the best chip you can get on any Android phone out there.”
“this phone and all the other Galaxy phones coming out in the S series are rated for seven years of updates for security and software.”
“it really is quite a good display. It's a 1 to 120 Hz refresh rate. It goes up to 2600 nits brightness”
Samsung's New Secret Screen (Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Unboxing)
Pros
- The camera system offers great versatility with significant improvements and usable zoom.
- It provides top-tier performance thanks to the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip.
- The S26+ features a bright 6.7-inch display with a modern, symmetrical design.
- It supports fast 45W wired charging and 20W wireless charging.
Cons
- Activating the privacy display feature reduces the maximum screen brightness.
- The 30x zoom, while usable, results in resolution loss when cropped.
“We have the latest chip, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.”
“Display sizes of course have to scale up as well. So 6.3, 6.7, 6.9.”
“Batteries get bigger as you go [...]. So 4,300 mAh, 4,900 mAh, and 5,000 milliamp hours on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra variant.”