Samsung Galaxy S Series

The latest S Series lineup spans two waves of releases. The Samsung Galaxy S26, Samsung Galaxy S26+ and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra arrived first, released on 11 March 2026, with pre-order starting on 25 February. The range has since expanded with the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE, a Fan Edition that launches on 28 August and brings the S Series experience to more people. All four 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 the smartphones boast capable 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. The Galaxy S26 FE, meanwhile, is powered by the Exynos 2500 with 8GB of memory — smooth and responsive across everything you do, from ray-traced gaming to everyday scrolling. 

In terms of display, the S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra feature immersive AI displays – with a size upgrade for the Galaxy S26, which now has a 6.3-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display 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 Galaxy S26 FE keeps pace with a 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display of its own. The S26 Ultra stands out in terms of display features, since it comes with a Privacy Display to protect your information. 

The camera story is strong across the board. Upgraded camera specifications, including aperture and AI tools, feature on the S26 trio, while the Galaxy S26 FE pairs a 50MP Wide, 8MP 3x Zoom and 12MP Ultra Wide triple-lens rear camera – powered by Samsung's AI-enhanced ProVisual Engine – with a 12MP front camera. Standout FE camera features include My FanCam, Super Steady Video with Horizontal Lock and Photo Assist. A significant battery upgrade is also part of the list of enhancements, and the Galaxy S26 FE's 4,900mAh battery with 45W Super-Fast Charging keeps it powered for heavy use, too. 

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. 

Samsung has also established a growing FE (Fan Edition) tradition – a more affordable entry point into the S Series that brings key flagship features to a lower price. The Galaxy S26 FE, launching on 28 August, is the latest example, joining predecessors like the S23 FE and S25 FE. The FE sits alongside special editions such as the S25 Edge, giving customers even more choice across size, specs and budget. 

Pre‑order benefits vary each year, and the most in‑demand models can sell out quickly. 

The Galaxy S26 range offers four options, each designed for different needs and budgets. All models share most Galaxy AI features and an immersive AMOLED 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 S26+ – 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. 

Samsung Galaxy S26 FE – best value flagship 

The most accessible way into the S26 family. It shares the same Galaxy AI experience and a 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display as the S26+, but is powered by the Exynos 2500 processor with 8GB of memory. Its 50MP + 12MP + 8MP triple-lens camera is paired with a 12MP front camera and backed by the AI-powered ProVisual Engine, with standout features including My FanCam and Super Steady Video with Horizontal Lock, alongside Photo Assist and Nightography. With a 4,900mAh battery, 45W Super-Fast Charging and an ultra-slim 7.4mm design available in Pistachio, Blueberry or Graphite, it's the pick if you want the S Series feel without the flagship price tag. 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. And with the addition of the Galaxy S26 FE, the gap between mid-range and flagship has narrowed – you no longer have to stretch to the top tier to get the core S Series experience. 

What you get with the S Series: 

• Superior performance: Samsung's fastest processors deliver smooth multitasking and reliability. The S26 FE's Exynos 2500 with 8GB of memory brings the same smooth, responsive performance to a lower price point. 

• Professional-grade cameras: Advanced AI photography, superior low-light performance and optical zoom capabilities exceed mid-range alternatives. The S26 FE's 50MP triple-lens system with the AI-powered ProVisual Engine, My FanCam and Nightography is a clear step up from mid-range cameras. 

• Premium build quality: Reinforced materials, enhanced durability and refined design that lasts. The S26 FE's sculpted 7.4mm aluminium-and-glass body in Pistachio, Blueberry or Graphite carries the same understated sophistication as the rest of the FE Series. 

• 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 — and the S26 FE now makes that flagship power accessible closer to mid-range pricing.

• 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 S26+ – best balanced flagship 

• Galaxy S26 – best compact flagship 

• Galaxy S26 FE – best value 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 smartphones 

• 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. 

• 2026: Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G, S26+ 5G, S26 5G, S26 FE 

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

• 2024: Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G, S24+ 5G, S24 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)

¹²Samsung 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.

¹³Results 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.