The Galaxy S26 proves why Samsung shouldn’t have canceled the S26 Pro
Source: Android Authority
I loved last year’s Galaxy S25. Its small size and lack of weight felt refreshing after years spent with Samsung’s Ultra phones. I should love the Galaxy S26, then. It’s still small, it still weighs practically nothing, and it has a larger battery than last year. Despite those changes, I’m disappointed by the Galaxy S26, not because of what it is, but because of what it could have been.
The Galaxy S26 Pro: What might have been
Hadlee Simons / Android Authority
With how quickly the rumor mill accelerates, I wouldn’t blame you for forgetting about the Galaxy S26 Pro. Last summer, the rumored Galaxy S26 lineup looked drastically different from what Samsung launched. For a time, it seemed Samsung would release a Galaxy S26 Pro, S26 Edge, and S26 Ultra—yet only one of those phones exists.
Fans have been asking for something smaller than the Ultra model without losing its flagship features. Imagine a compact 6.3‑inch Samsung phone with a 200 MP primary sensor, a 50 MP ultrawide, and a 50 MP 5× telephoto lens—a camera‑focused device that fits comfortably in one hand. The S Pen and a 10 MP 3× lens could be omitted to save space, allowing the Ultra to retain its unique accessories.
The Galaxy S26 is just more of the same
Zac Kew‑Denniss / Android Authority
Reality turned out very different from this fantasy. The Galaxy S26 is essentially an S25 with a new chip, higher base storage, and a marginally larger display and battery. Its rear cameras are identical to those on the Galaxy S22 from 2022—decent, but they fall behind competitors in this price range, especially when you factor in the shutter lag that still plagues Samsung’s phones.
Quick specs snapshot
- MSRP: $899.99
- Key points: Powerful performance • New Galaxy AI features • Bigger battery
- Positioning: Compact flagship with solid battery life, fast performance, and the full suite of Galaxy AI features in a more affordable package.
I’m not saying the Galaxy S26 is a bad phone—I loved the S25, and I’m sure I’d enjoy the S26 if I had one. However, the device feels like an inherently flawed parts‑bin special that costs more than last year despite offering few meaningful upgrades.
We can speculate why the Galaxy S26 Pro never materialized—component costs, supply shortages, or perhaps the rumor was never accurate. Regardless, Samsung’s customers deserve better than a phone that feels like a recycled design.
How do you feel about the Galaxy S26? Do you think Samsung missed a trick by not giving it the overhaul it deserves? Let us know in the comments.