Samsung Galaxy S26 vs Samsung Galaxy S26+

Samsung Galaxy S26

US models get Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5; global models get Samsung's Exynos 2600. Both are powerful chips, but the Exynos split's return is a sore point. 12GB RAM and 256GB base storage are the standard.

• The Exynos/Snapdragon split returns after the S25 was Snapdragon-only globally — a disappointing regression for non-US buyers
• 12GB RAM and 256GB base storage are adequate, and the storage doubling from 128GB is a genuine positive

Samsung Galaxy S26+

US models get the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, while the rest of the world gets Samsung's Exynos 2600 on a 2nm process. The return of the Exynos split after the globally-Snapdragon S25 series is a disappointment. The Exynos 2600 benchmarks slightly lower on CPU but has a slightly faster GPU.

• The return of Exynos for non-US markets is a step backwards after the S25 went Snapdragon globally — the Exynos 2600 scores ~15% lower on CPU benchmarks
• US buyers get the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, which is a genuine performance powerhouse — but this creates an unfair two-tier system
• 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB/512GB storage options — the 256GB base is a welcome upgrade from 128GB

Samsung Galaxy S26

The S26 adopts more angular, Ultra-like corners for a unified family design. The Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 provide solid durability. At ~7.3mm and ~162g, it's pocketable and lightweight.

• The unified design language across the S26 family gives even the base model a premium, Ultra-like aesthetic
• At 162g it remains one of the lightest flagships available — ideal for users who prioritize pocketability

Samsung Galaxy S26+

The S26+ adopts a more "Ultra-like" design with less rounded corners for a unified family look. The Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection are solid. At ~7.3mm thin and ~190g, it's comfortable to hold.

• The more angular design brings it closer to the Ultra aesthetic — Samsung is creating a more unified design language across the S26 family
• IP68 water resistance and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 mean the S26+ remains one of the more durable options in its class

Samsung Galaxy S26

The 4,300 mAh battery, 25W wired charging, and 15W wireless charging are all unchanged from the S25. At $900, the lack of any charging upgrade feels particularly stingy — the S26 is the only model in the lineup that doesn't get Qi2.

• 25W wired and 15W wireless charging are unchanged — at $900, Samsung is asking more money for the exact same charging experience
• No Qi2 wireless charging — the S26 is the only model in the lineup left out of the new standard

Samsung Galaxy S26+

The 4,900 mAh battery pairs with 45W wired charging (unchanged) and 20W Qi2 wireless charging (up from 15W). A modest wireless charging improvement, but no increase in wired speed or battery capacity.

• Qi2 wireless charging at 20W is a nice bump from 15W, and confirms Qi2 adoption across the S26 lineup (except the base S26)
• 45W wired charging is unchanged from the S25+ — Samsung reserves its 60W upgrade for the Ultra only

Samsung Galaxy S26

At $899.99, the base Galaxy S26 is $100 more expensive than the S25 launched at, making it the steepest relative price increase in the lineup. Samsung partially offsets this with 256GB base storage, but the unchanged cameras, charging, and missing features make this the hardest sell in the S26 family.

• At $900, the base S26 is pricing itself out of the value tier — competing with phones that offer more hardware per dollar
• Critics say Samsung lacks innovation on the base model, raises prices, and misses key improvements that competitors deliver at lower prices
• Don't make the mistake of pre-ordering a Galaxy S26 today — wait for full reviews and inevitable carrier deals

Samsung Galaxy S26+

At $1,099.99, the S26+ is $100 more than the S25+ launched at. Samsung partially justifies this with the 256GB base storage (up from 128GB), but reviewers widely agree the price hike is hard to swallow given the recycled camera hardware and incremental upgrades.

• Better, but not $100 better — the price increase is hard to justify given the incremental nature of upgrades on the non-Ultra models
• The Galaxy S26 pricing saga is getting out of hand — no one to blame but Samsung for pricing that outpaces the value of upgrades
• Upgrade only if you're on an S23 or older — S24+ and S25+ owners will find only subtle refinements here