What is new on the base Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+?

Samsung’s new smartphones were announced today: the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. While the Ultra model offers the most advanced features in the lineup, it also comes at a premium price. If you are not willing to spend that much, you may want to consider the Galaxy S26 or the Galaxy S26+. Here is what is new with those two models.

The Galaxy S26 features a slightly larger 6.3-inch display compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy S25. To support the larger screen, Samsung has equipped it with a 4,300mAh battery, which is 300mAh larger than the one in the Galaxy S25. The base storage has also been upgraded to 256GB, replacing the 128GB entry-level option offered in the previous generation.

The Galaxy S26+ introduces Bluetooth 6.0, an upgrade over the Bluetooth 5.4 used in the Galaxy S25+. It also supports faster 20W wireless charging thanks to Qi2.2 certification. However, it does not include built-in magnetic alignment for wireless chargers.

Both phones are powered by the Exynos 2600, the world’s first 2nm smartphone chipset. According to Samsung, it delivers 7 percent faster CPU performance, a 29 percent more powerful GPU, and a 40 percent faster NPU compared to the Exynos 2500 used in the Galaxy Z Flip 7.

The Exynos 2600 also features an upgraded image signal processor that improves image processing. Although the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+ use the same camera hardware as their predecessors, Samsung says the new processor helps deliver better detail, improved color reproduction, and a wider dynamic range.

The camera setup includes:

Samsung says the new phones can capture photos and videos with lower noise levels. The enhanced image signal processor is also designed to improve color accuracy and texture in selfies. Additionally, the Galaxy S26 series supports the enhanced Super Steady Video mode that allows video recording with horizontal lock, similar to stabilization features found in action cameras.

The Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+ ship with Android 16 and One UI 8.5 preinstalled. Samsung has committed to seven major Android OS updates and seven years of security updates. This means the devices are expected to receive updates through Android 23, one version beyond the Galaxy S25 series.

They also come with newer Galaxy AI features, including improved Now Bar and Now Brief. They also have Now Nudge, which suggests relevant information at the right time to improve your productivity and save your time.