Samsung Galaxy S Series

The latest S Series models include the Samsung Galaxy S26, Samsung Galaxy 26+ and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, which were released on 11 March 2026. Pre-order for the three smartphones started on 25 February.
All three devices are considered AI phones, with integrated Galaxy AI. Enhanced features include:

• Now Nudge – a digital personal assistant that learns your habits and provides context-aware suggestions to help with everyday tasks.

• Bixby – you can now talk to Galaxy’s default voice assistant in a natural tone. With One UI acting as the brain behind Bixby, it can scan your smartphone, upon request, for information in emails or messages.

• Gemini Live – share your camera or screen mid-conversation for troubleshooting support and suggestions based on what the camera sees

• Photo Assist – move, remove or add objects within your shots

• Circle to Search with Google – look up multiple objects in one picture, simultaneously

• Audio Eraser – remove unnecessary background noise from your videos

• Nightography – powered by the Advanced ProVisual Engine for advanced low-light shots and videos

Plus, for quick questions, you can rely on Google Gemini and Perplexity, pre-installed on Galaxy S26 models.
All three smartphones boast new processors, optimised for intensive gaming and AI workflows. The Galaxy S26 and S26+ feature Samsung’s industry-first 2nm chipset, the Exynos 2600, whereas the S26 Ultra is powered by Qualcomm’s latest one, the Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 built for Galaxy, which is the fastest chipset ever put in a Galaxy.
In terms of display, the entire S26 Series features immersive AI displays – with a size upgrade for the Galaxy S26, which now has a 6.3-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X dislpay compared to the 6.2-inch screen of the Galaxy S25. The Galaxy S26+ and S26 Ultra also come with ProScaler: an AI-powered display technology for sharper, more lifelike visuals.
The S26 Ultra stands out in terms of display features, since it comes with a Privacy Display to protect your information.
Upgraded camera specifications, including aperture and AI tools, as well as a significant battery upgrade for the Galaxy S26 are also part of the list of enhancements.

Samsung usually releases a new Galaxy S Series range once a year, typically in February or March. Pre‑orders often open straight after the launch event and usually last around two weeks, with retail sales following in early March.
Each S Series generation normally includes the base model, a Plus model and an Ultra model. The base model offers the core flagship features, while the Plus version adds a larger display and bigger battery. The Ultra model stands out with a superior camera system, premium materials and S Pen support, replacing what the Note range used to offer. This three‑tier line‑up has been Samsung’s pattern for several years, giving customers a clear choice of size, specs and features. With that said, Samsung also released a Galaxy S25 Edge model in July 2025, which boasted a sleek design and many of the flagship specifications.
Pre‑order benefits vary each year, and the most in‑demand models can sell out quickly.

The Galaxy S26 range offers three flagship options, each designed for different needs and budgets. All models share most Galaxy AI features and an immersive Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, but they differ in size, camera power and premium features.
Samsung Galaxy S26 – best compact flagship
The smallest and lightest option with an upgraded 6.3-inch display, making it ideal if you want top‑tier performance in a pocketable size. It offers powerful performance thanks to the Exynos 2600 chipset, a strong triple-camera system, a 4,300mAh battery and IP68 water and dust resistance rating. It delivers flagship performance, at a more affordable price.
Samsung Galaxy 26+ – best balanced flagship
A step up with a 6.7-inch display and larger, 4,900mAh battery. Boasting the Exynos 2600 and some additional AI features, this is a great option if you want a bigger screen for streaming or multitasking without jumping to Ultra‑level pricing.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra – best overall performance
The top-tier choice with a 6.9-inch display, the most powerful processor ever put in a Galaxy, a quad-camera system with a 200MP main camera, 60W super-fast charging and S Pen support. Ideal for creators, productivity‑focused users and anyone who wants the absolute best camera Samsung offers.
Check out our in-depth comparisons:

• Samsung Galaxy S26+ vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

• Samsung Galaxy S26 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

• Samsung Galaxy S26 vs Samsung Galaxy S26+

Yes, the Galaxy S Series justifies its premium price for users who prioritise performance, longevity and advanced features.
What you get with the S Series:

• Superior performance: Samsung’s fastest processors deliver smooth multitasking and reliability.

• Professional-grade cameras: Advanced AI photography, superior low-light performance and optical zoom capabilities exceed mid-range alternatives.

• Premium build quality: Reinforced materials, enhanced durability and refined design that lasts.

• Extended support: over five years of OS updates and security patches, which is far longer than budget phones.

How it compares:

• The Galaxy A Series focuses on essential features at lower prices. The Galaxy S Series, on the other hand, delivers flagship power for users who demand maximum capability.

• The Galaxy Z Series sits at the top of Samsung’s range due to innovative folding displays. The S Series, however, provides comparable flagship performance in a proven, traditional design, which makes it the ideal choice for premium technology without the foldable price tag.

Choosing the right S Series phone is all about what matters to you most, because each model is designed for a different type of user.
In short, these are our top picks and what they’re best at:

• Galaxy S26 Ultra – best overall performance

• Galaxy Z Fold7 – best for productivity

• Galaxy 26+ – best balanced flagship

• Galaxy S26 – best compact flagship

• Galaxy Z Flip7 – best for foldable style

• Galaxy S25 Ultra – best value flagship

• Galaxy S25 Edge – best for thin design

• Galaxy A56 5G – best in mid-range smartphons

• Galaxy A36 5G – best budget 5G smartphone

For a detailed review, visit our Best Samsung phones page

Here’s a timeline including all the Samsung Galaxy S mobile phones.

• 2025: Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G, S25+ 5G, S25 5G, S25 Edge 5G

• 2023: Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G, S23+ 5G, S23 5G, S23 FE 5G

• 2022: Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, S22+ 5G, S22 5G and Galaxy S21 FE 5G

• 2021: Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, S21+ 5G, S21 5G

• 2020: Galaxy S20 FE 5G, S20 FE, S20 Ultra 5G, S20+ 5G, S20 5G, S20, S20 Enterprise edition

• 2019: Galaxy S10e, S10+ 5G, S10 5G, S10 Lite

Preceding Galaxy S series ranges:

• 2018 - Galaxy S9

• 2017 - Galaxy S8

• 2016 - Galaxy S7

• 2015 - Galaxy S6

• 2014 - Galaxy S5

• 2013 - Galaxy S4

• 2012 - Galaxy S3

• 2011 - Galaxy S2

• 2010 - Galaxy S

¹Requires manual activation in settings to function. Privacy Display feature is not AI-powered.
²Results may vary depending on light condition, subject and/or shooting conditions.
³Samsung account login is required. Six types of sound can be detected: voices, music, wind, nature, crowd and noise. Results may vary depending on audio source and conditions of the video.
⁴Requires network connection and Samsung account login. A visible watermark is overlaid on the saved image to indicate it was generated by Galaxy AI. Accuracy of output not guaranteed.
⁵Compared to Galaxy S25.
⁶Typical value tested under third-party laboratory conditions. Rated minimum capacity of Galaxy S26 is 4,175mAh.
⁷Samsung account login is required for certain AI features.
⁸Compatible with select languages only. Google Account login and network connection required. If Gemini UI or Google apps are in view: Google and Gemini / YouTube / Maps etc. are trademarks of Google LLC. Check responses. Setup required. Compatibility and availability vary. 18+.
⁹Typical value tested under third-party laboratory conditions. Rated minimum capacity of Galaxy S26+ is 4,755mAh.
¹⁰Pre-installed on Galaxy S26 Series devices. Requires network connection and a Perplexity account. To initiate Perplexity from the side button, users must assign it to the side button in device settings.
¹¹Samsung account login and network connection required. Supported apps only. Supports 13 languages from launch (English, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Polish, Hindi, Thai, Vietnamese).
¹²Compatible with select languages only. Google Account login and network connection required. If Gemini UI or Google apps are in view: Google and Gemini / YouTube / Maps etc. are trademarks of Google LLC. Works on compatible apps and surfaces. Results may vary depending on visual matches. Check responses for accuracy.
¹³Samsung account login is required. Requires network connection.
¹⁴Samsung account login is required. Certain languages may require language pack download. Service availability may vary by language. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Available in 20 languages from launch.
¹⁵Requires network connection and Samsung account login. A visible watermark is overlaid on the saved image to indicate it was generated by Galaxy AI. Accuracy of output not guaranteed.
¹⁶Samsung account login is required. Requires network connection.
¹⁷Samsung account login is required. Available on Samsung Video Player and Samsung Gallery. May not be available on certain video file types. Accuracy of results not guaranteed.
¹⁸Results may vary depending on light condition, subject and/or shooting conditions.

¹ Samsung account login required.

² Compatible with select languages only. Google account login and network connection required. Google and Gemini are trademarks of Google LLC. Samsung account login is required for certain AI features.

³ Typical value tested under third party laboratory condition. Rated minimum capacity of S25 FE is 4,755mAh.

¹ Front only. The back of the device is protected by Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus 2®.

² Actual battery life varies by network environment, feature and apps used, frequency of calls and messages, the number of times charged, and many other factors. Estimated against the average usage profile compiled by UX Connect Research. Independently assessed by UX Connect Research between 12 March 2025 and 20 March 2025 in the United States with pre-release versions of SM-S937 under default setting using LTE and 5G Sub6 networks. Not tested under 5G mmWave Network.

Samsung account login required for certain AI features. Actual UI may differ.

¹ Compatible with selected languages only. Google account login required. Requires network connection. Availability of search functions and its supported apps may vary by country, language, and device.

¹Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Rated minimum capacity for S23 and S24 Ultra is 4,855mAh / S24+ 4565mAh / S24 3785mAh.

²Available in 15 languages from launch.

³Available in 35 languages from launch.

¹ Optical quality zoom is enabled by the Adaptive Pixel sensor. 2x zoom must be enabled in the Camera Assistant app settings. Camera Assistant can be downloaded from the Galaxy Store. 30X Space Zoom includes 3x optical zoom and 30x digital zoom with Super Resolution technology. Zoom distances past 3x zoom may express some image deterioration. AI Zoom is applied to distances between digital zoom lengths. Accuracy of results isn’t guaranteed. Results may vary depending on light condition and/or shooting conditions including multiple subjects, being out of focus or moving subjects.

² Generative Edit requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. Editing with Generative Edit results in a resized photo up to 12MP. A visible watermark is overlaid on the image output upon saving in order to indicate that the image is generated by AI. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output isn’t guaranteed.

³ Live Translate requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. Live Translate is only available on the pre-installed Samsung Phone app. Certain languages may require language pack download. Service availability may vary by language. Accuracy of results isn’t guaranteed.

⁴ Requires compatible Galaxy device. Samsung account log in and language pre-set (English and Spanish pre-installed; other languages require free download). Results may vary.

⁵ Galaxy AI features by Samsung will be provided for free until the end of 2025 on supported Samsung Galaxy devices.

⁶ Results may vary depending on visual matches. Requires internet connection. Users may need to update Android to the latest version. Product functionality may be dependent on your app and device settings. Some functions may not be compatible with certain apps. Availability of the service varies by country and language. Accuracy of results isn’t guaranteed.