Samsung Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus are getting better cameras and battery boosts

According to recent reports, Samsung is preparing significant updates for the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus, its next high-end phones. With the first sales anticipated to start in early February of next year, it appears that these new models will be unveiled in late January. Before the formal launch event, Samsung is said to have completed determining the final specifications for these devices.

The cameras are one of the most significant changes. Two entirely new camera sensors—one for the primary shots and another for the telephoto zoom function—are anticipated to be included in the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus.

It is claimed that the base S26 and the S26 Plus share the same full camera system, which includes:

• A primary 50-megapixel sensor.
• A 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera.
• A 12-megapixel zoom (telephoto) camera.
• A 12-megapixel selfie camera on the front.

The S25 series’ sensor will be swapped out for a new 50MP one in the primary camera. According to reports, the zoom lens will also receive an upgrade, switching from a 10-megapixel sensor to a new 12-megapixel sensor that will still provide 3x optical zoom. However, it is anticipated that the ultra-wide and selfie cameras will retain the same components as the previous model.

There’s also good news for those who like to record videos. Similar to the more expensive Ultra model, the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus will now support APV (Advanced Professional Video). As a result, users will be able to capture incredibly clear 4K videos at 60 frames per second.

The standard Galaxy S26 is expected to get a useful boost in battery power, with a capacity increase of roughly 300mAh over the Galaxy S25. The top-tier Galaxy S26 Ultra is also not expected to see a battery capacity increase, and the Galaxy S26 Plus is reportedly sticking with its current, sizable 4,900mAh battery size.

Samsung is trying to make the phones thinner in terms of their physical design. The base Galaxy S26 may be as thin as 6.9mm. As the company is also working to upgrade the battery (on the base model) and add magnets for the new Qi2 wireless charging standard—a feature that is anticipated to be included in all models across the S26 lineup—this is particularly impressive.

According to news related to the series, Samsung is likely to use its own Exynos 2600 processor in many parts of the world. All Galaxy S26 phones in nations like South Korea are most likely to run the company’s new Exynos processor, even though major markets like the US and China might still get Qualcomm Snapdragon chips. Using Samsung’s proprietary technology, this approach aims to provide customers with a more optimized experience that includes enhanced performance and longer battery life.