Samsung Galaxy S26 Launch: Changes, Ultra Upgrades, and the Edge

Samsung Galaxy S26 lineup changes and what’s next for the Edge.

While we’ve heard whispers about “Pro” and “Edge” variants for months, we finally have some strong evidence of what’s truly hitting the shelves.

The Final Lineup According to leaked promotional documents from Samsung Colombia, the “Edge” and “Pro” names are absolutely off the table for the initial launch. Instead, Samsung is sticking to the tried-and-true triple threat: the Galaxy S26, the Galaxy S26+, and the monstrous Galaxy S26 Ultra.

The Last-Minute Pivot But here’s where it gets exciting. Samsung actually canceled the Galaxy S26 Edge relatively late in the development process. Because the decision to replace it with the S26+ happened so late, the corporation is now apparently in a “scramble” to have the Plus model ready for next month’s introduction.

The Screen Dilemma This last-minute tweak has had a major effect on the hardware. Initially, Samsung wanted to take the stunning new display panel they built for the Edge and put it on the Plus. However, they finally opted against it, leaving them with zero time to develop a replacement portion.

The result? Insiders suggest that the Galaxy S26+ will sport a display panel almost identical to the current Galaxy S25+. While we could see some new glass on the front, the real tech under the hood of that screen isn’t getting the substantial improvement we were expecting.

Is the “Edge” Dead? Now, don’t count the “Edge” out just yet. While it won’t be present at launch, there is still a chance Samsung might pull a surprise and release it later in the year, much like they’ve done with prior experimental models. Let’s unbox this riddle once and for all. But remember, time shall tell.

Okay, The vanilla Galaxy S26 is receiving a larger display—it will reportedly measure 6.27”, making it 0.11” bigger than the 6.16” panel on the outgoing Galaxy S25. Maybe the S26 Edge panel would have been bigger, given last year’s S25+ and S25 Edge both featured 6.7” panels. Or maybe the firm had further changes in store; we may never know.

The Elec’s report adds other fascinating material. The Galaxy S26 Ultra entered into commercial production last month. This is in part because it was the phone it was always meant to be (unlike the other two, which replace the planned S26 Edge and S26 Pro, respectively), but also because Samsung chose to prioritize acquiring components for the Ultra.

Right now the production targets are 3.6 million Ultras, 700,000 vanilla phones, and 600,000 Plus devices. These targets will be adjusted in February. Samsung will reportedly be targeting greater numbers for the vanilla and Plus models while toning back manufacture for the Ultra.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Leaker shows two key upgrades and high-end storage configuration.

There probably won’t be many new features in the Galaxy S26 series, which makes Samsung’s planned improvements for 2026 all the more significant. Both the camera and the display will gain from upgrades, at least on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, as recently verified by a leaker, and the top configuration will probably offer more RAM than originally promised.

The latest information about the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra isn’t actually new. Last year, leakers first revealed two key advancements in the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which have recently been confirmed by Ahmed Qwaider on X. Accordingly, the aperture of two of the four rear cameras on the Galaxy S26 Ultra will be substantially wider to let in more light.

Camera features.

The aperture of the 50 MP 5x telephoto camera will go from a below-average f/3.4 to at least f/2.9, while the 200 MP main camera will see an improvement from f/1.7 to a very good f/1.4. In both cases, this offers less noisy and perhaps less blurry images, especially in low light, as the shutter speed and ISO may be changed with the same exposure.

Together with the potentially improved 3x telephoto lens thanks to a new 12 MP sensor, the Galaxy S26 Ultra may still produce better photographs and movies than the Galaxy S25 Ultra, despite otherwise unchanged sensors. However, a considerably bigger camera upgrade is already hinted at for the Galaxy S27 Ultra in 2027.

The front of the Galaxy S26 Ultra will also have something new: Samsung’s latest M14 AMOLED panel with a privacy protection function, dubbed Privacy Display. Ahmed Qwaider also verifies this in an X post, referring to the automatic capability for specific apps such as WhatsApp, already known from prior leaks. A demo film from Mobile World Congress 2024 illustrates how the Privacy Display is projected to behave in practice.

Top-of-the-line storage configuration with 16 GB RAM

Last but not least, the leaker has also offered confirmation of the top-of-the-line storage option for the Galaxy S26 Ultra with 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage, but some caution is also urged here. As earlier hints from Ice Universe suggest, this configuration will not be accessible worldwide; certain nations may only get 12 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage. Where exactly the 16 GB edition will be supplied remains to be seen.

Will the Galaxy S26 Ultra S Pen bring back Bluetooth features?

Samsung’s next flagship, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, is already garnering attention ahead of its expected launch in February 2026. While the phone itself is gaining a fresh new look, the S Pen is also changing, but not in the way many fans were hoping.

Let’s jump directly to the point: will the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra’s S Pen bring back Bluetooth capabilities or not? Based on current information, the answer looks to be no.

That said, the S Pen is still getting attention from Samsung. The Galaxy S26 Ultra comes with more rounded sides, getting even further away from the crisp, boxy Galaxy Note design. To complement this softer form, Samsung has softly tweaked the top of the S Pen. The higher tip is now curled and clipped so it matches better with the phone’s rounded body.

This may sound like a tiny alteration, but it’s pretty noticeable. Leaked dummy units and early case photos reveal that the S Pen slot has been repositioned closer to the edge of the phone. Because of this, the S Pen feels different when you pull it out. Longtime Galaxy Note and S Ultra users will plainly sense this shift while holding the phone without the S Pen inside.

However, this update is purely about design and feel. There is no evidence of Bluetooth making a comeback. Samsung already dropped Bluetooth functionality, like Air Actions, from the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s S Pen. The Galaxy S26 Ultra appears to continue the same trend. There are no leaks indicating a battery or charging system inside the pen, which indicates Bluetooth functioning is extremely implausible.

Samsung’s recent moves also hint at a bigger change. The Samsung has deactivated S Pen capability from the Galaxy Z Fold 7, and reports claim future Ultra phones may no longer have a built-in S Pen. The screen may still accept stylus input, but buyers could have to buy the S Pen separately.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra will purportedly launch on February 25, 2026, and go on sale on March 11. While the S Pen looks different and feels new, it seems to remain a basic stylus—ideal for writing and sketching, not sophisticated Bluetooth controls. Samsung hasn’t confirmed anything yet, so we will have to wait for official announcements.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is slated to make its formal debut at Samsung’s Unpacked event on February 25th, 2026, with a global release date scheduled for March 11th. This timeline provides an opportunity for potential consumers to investigate its new features and experience its performance firsthand. Pre-orders are anticipated to commence immediately after the reveal, with early adopters likely to benefit from exclusive pricing and packages.

A Flagship That Redefines Expectations

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is more than simply a smartphone—it’s a technological powerhouse that merges innovation, performance, and usefulness in a single gadget. From its unique Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip to its superior camera system and AI-powered tools, the S26 Ultra establishes a new benchmark for premium devices.

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a professional, or a casual user, this device presents a comprehensive package that redefines what a smartphone can achieve.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a clean and modern design that balances aesthetics with practicality. One of its most notable features is the dual-layer camera module, which not only enhances the phone’s sleek appearance but also shows Samsung’s attention to rigorous design.

While the greater camera bump adds a dramatic visual feature, it may create moderate swaying when the gadget is laid on flat surfaces. However, this is a modest trade-off for the premium build quality and the improved capabilities of the camera system. The device also boasts a strong glass and aluminum frame, ensuring it feels as beautiful as it looks.

Samsung has also increased the ergonomics of the S26 Ultra, making it comfortable to hold despite its big display. The 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen offers amazing visuals with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making it great for gaming, streaming, and productivity.