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Samsung has announced new devices across its product lines, including the flagship Galaxy S26 series and the midrange Galaxy A57.
Galaxy S26 Series Overview
The Galaxy S26 series is expected to feature minimal hardware changes compared to the S25 series. The camera hardware remains largely unchanged, including a 200MP main lens, 50MP ultrawide, and a pair of telephoto lenses (50MP with 5x optical, 10MP with 3x optical). The design is also anticipated to be similar to the S25 series. The battery capacity for the S26 Ultra stays at 5,000 mAh, though charging speed may improve, with the phone potentially reaching 75% charge in 30 minutes.
Release and Event Details
Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event is scheduled for February 25 at 1 p.m. ET. The event will be livestreamed on Samsung's YouTube channel, Samsung.com, and the Samsung Newsroom. Based on previous patterns, the S26 series is speculated to launch between March 11 and 13.
Design and Features
- Dimensions: The S26 Ultra measures 7.9mm thick, thinner than the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
- Display: The S26 Ultra features a 6.9-inch dynamic AMOLED display with a 3120 x 1440 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Build: The S25 Ultra's titanium frame is reportedly being replaced with Armor Aluminum. Core color options include Black, White, Cobalt Violet, and Sky Blue, with Ultraviolet positioned as a key color.
- Ports and Slots: Includes a USB-C port, SIM tray, S-Pen, and speaker. It does not include a microSD slot.
- Biometrics: The fingerprint reader is integrated into the display.
Key Features and Updates
Artificial Intelligence (AI) features are expected to be a significant focus for the S26 series. Enhancements aim to compete with AI capabilities from other manufacturers.
- Now Brief: Provides calendar info, news, weather, and YouTube recommendations.
- Call Assist: Automatically screens calls and provides transcripts.
- Other Tools: Includes AI features for text message writing and photo editing.
Camera Improvements: Rumors suggest the S26 Ultra may feature a wider f/1.4 aperture for its main camera.
Performance: The S26 Ultra, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, is reported to achieve Geekbench single-core scores of up to 3,852 and multicore scores of up to 11,738.
Storage and Battery: All Galaxy S26 models are rumored to offer 256GB as the base storage. The S26 series may offer 1,200 charge cycles.
S Pen & Software: Early rumors of the S Pen digitizer removal have been contradicted by later leaks. The full One UI 8.5 update is expected alongside the lineup. The S26 lineup may also receive an enhanced Samsung DeX mode.
Privacy Display: A long-running rumor suggests the S26 Ultra could incorporate a software-controlled privacy display feature, adjusting pixels to reduce viewing angle visibility.
Other Models and Accessories
- The Galaxy S26 Plus is likely to appear at Unpacked.
- The fate of a potential Galaxy S26 Edge is uncertain, with conflicting rumors.
- New Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro are expected to debut alongside the series.
Camera
The camera system is largely unchanged from the S25 Ultra, featuring:
- Rear Cameras: 200MP wide, 50MP ultrawide, and a 50MP telephoto lens.
- Performance: Photos are reported to exhibit vibrant colors and detail, with strong low-light performance.
- Front Camera: A 12MP selfie lens.
Battery Life
Under heavy use, the S26 Ultra can operate for approximately 30 hours on a full charge. Even with a 50-60% charge, it can last about 12 hours with the always-on display activated.
Pricing and Colors
- Korean pricing rumors suggest a potential cost increase for the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
- The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is available from $1,299 for the 256GB version, with the 1TB model priced at $1,799.
Midrange Phone Comparison: Google Pixel 10A vs. Samsung Galaxy A57
Both phones are priced at $499 and offer distinct features.
Design and Build
- Pixel 10A: 6.3-inch screen, plastic back with aluminum frame, 9mm thick, 183 grams.
- Galaxy A57: 6.7-inch screen, glass back with Gorilla Glass Victus Plus, 6.9mm thick, 179 grams.
- Both phones have IP68 dust and water resistance.
Performance and Battery
- Pixel 10A: Tensor G4, 8GB RAM, 5,100mAh battery, 30W wired charging, 10W wireless charging.
- Galaxy A57: Exynos 1680, 8GB/12GB RAM, 5,000mAh battery, 45W wired charging, no wireless charging.
- Both run Android 16. Google promises 7 years of OS updates; Samsung promises 6 years.
Cameras
- Pixel 10A: 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide; 13MP front camera.
- Galaxy A57: 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro; 12MP front camera.
- Both phones support AI photo features like Auto Best Face and AI Eraser.
Pricing
- Both phones are priced at $499.
Samsung Galaxy A57 5G: Performance and Limitations
The Galaxy A57 5G features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED 120Hz display, Exynos 1680 chipset, and a 5,000mAh battery.
Performance Issues
- Facial Recognition: Inconsistent, often taking several seconds or failing.
- WiFi Connectivity: Unreliable in rooms with weak signal.
- AI Object Eraser: Did not function during testing.
- General Performance: Day-to-day performance was adequate.
Software Limitations
The device runs Android 16 with One UI 8.5 but lacks advanced Galaxy AI features. It includes only basic AI tools: object eraser, voice transcription, Best Face, and Circle to Search.
Camera Quality
- Daytime: Photos are adequately crisp and colorful.
- Zoom: No telephoto lens; digital zoom up to 10x yields poor quality.
- Macro: Photos tend to be slightly blurry.
- Nighttime: Photos often appear blurry.
Battery Life
Approximately 24 hours of solid use per charge.
Comparison with Alternatives
Competing devices at similar price points include the Pixel 10a ($499), the iPhone 17e ($599), and the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro ($499).