Samsung Galaxy S26 release date tipped online: Here’s what you need to know

Samsung Galaxy S26 series may launch later than usual. Check expected launch date, features, availability and more.

Samsung is set to release its latest flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S26 series, later than it has for previous models. Industry sources suggest that the upcoming phones will be available for purchase on Wednesday, March 11, following a launch event scheduled for Wednesday, February 25.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 series is set to launch soon. (Bloomberg)

By MD Ijaj Khan

Ijaj Khan is a technology journalist and Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, with over three years of experience covering the consumer technology industry. His work spans smartphones, laptops, wearables, gaming, appliances and AI - from hands-on reviews, comparison and buying guides to breaking news and in-depth features that help readers cut through the noise and make informed decisions. Before joining HT Tech, he worked with Jagran New Media, where he sharpened his instincts for fast-paced digital reporting. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi. Whether he's testing the latest flagship smartphone, tracking a major AI announcement, or putting a gaming laptop through its paces, Ijaj approaches every story with the same goal - making technology feel relevant and easy to understand for everyday users, not just enthusiasts. When he's not in front of a screen for work, he's usually travelling to a new city, hunting for great food, or keeping tabs on what's next in tech before everyone else catches on.

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The timing marks a shift compared with the 2025 Galaxy S25 launch, when Samsung unveiled its devices on January 22, and they went on sale just under two weeks later on February 3. According to tipster Ice Universe, the Galaxy S26 series is set to be unveiled in San Francisco at the end of February, with sales set to begin in early March.

Other reports suggest that Samsung will maintain pricing for the S26 series and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Flip 8 models, with no increase expected this year. Analysts note that Samsung often separates announcement and sale dates, but the 2026 schedule suggests a later start compared with the previous year’s timeline.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Launch: Three Models Expected

Industry insiders say the shift in timing could be linked to decisions about the lineup. Reports suggest that the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge underperformed, with Samsung subsequently discontinuing the model and bringing back the Plus variant. The expected Galaxy S26 lineup now includes the standard Galaxy S26, the Galaxy S26 Plus, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra. A refreshed mid-range Galaxy S25 FE may follow later in the year.

Galaxy S26 Ultra: Key Specifications (Rumoured)

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is likely to feature a 6.9-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. The device is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, optimised for Samsung devices, with up to 16GB RAM and up to 1TB of internal storage.

As for the optics, Samsung is likely to include a quad-camera system on the Ultra model, with a 200MP main sensor, 50MP ultra-wide lens, 50MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 10MP additional sensor. The device will run One UI 8.5 on Android 16 and is reported to house a 5,000mAh battery with 60W wired charging and 20W wireless charging support. Design changes are expected to be minimal, with subtle updates to the camera module.