Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus: What to Expect from Samsung’s Flagship “Plus” Return

Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus: What to Expect

While Samsung’s upcoming flagship lineup has remained firmly in the spotlight, the fate of the “Plus” variant has become one of the most-discussed aspects. After an uncertain period, the Galaxy S26 Plus appears poised for a return — and with it, a host of meaningful upgrades that aim to justify the premium.

A Revival of the Plus Variant

Samsung originally appeared ready to retire the “Plus” model in favor of a more stylised “Edge” design for its 2026 flagship series. Some leaks suggested the lineup would consist of the base Galaxy S26, a slimmer S26 Edge and the S26 Ultra. Cinco Días+3India Today+3Business Standard+3
However, recent reports indicate Samsung has revisited this decision — the S26 Plus is back in the works, likely spurred by weaker-than-expected sales of the Edge variant. Android Central+1
For buyers, this is good news: the Plus variant traditionally hits the sweet spot between the base and Ultra models, offering size and specs without going full Ultra.

What Upgrades Will It Bring?

Although nothing is confirmed officially, leaks and spec-sheets provide a strong hint of what the S26 Plus could offer:

• Display & size: Expect a 6.7″ Dynamic AMOLED panel with QHD+ resolution, LTPO and a 120Hz refresh rate. The design and size may mirror its predecessor, ensuring continuity. Android Central+1
• Chipset: The S26 Plus is likely to use Samsung’s 3nm class silicon (e.g., Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for some regions) or Samsung’s own Exynos equivalent in others. IGeeKphone+1
• Camera system: Leaks suggest improvements across the board — a 50 MP main sensor, a 50 MP ultra-wide, and a 50 MP (or improved) telephoto lens may appear. IGeeKphone+1
• Battery & charging: A capacity of ~4,900 mAh is referenced by multiple sources, with improved efficiency thanks to 3nm architecture and better heat management. Beebom Gadgets
• Software & features: The device is expected to ship with a modern version of One UI (anticipated One UI 8.x) based on Android 15/16, and to lean more heavily into on-device AI features. M Power global

Why It Matters

For users who find the “Ultra” models too large or the base models not quite premium enough, the Plus version occupies an important niche. If Samsung indeed upgrades the Plus variant with top-tier silicon, strong camera hardware and a refined design, it could become a very compelling proposition.

Moreover, the return of the Plus model suggests Samsung listened to market feedback. Reports pointed to sluggish sales of the Edge and a desire by Samsung to maintain a more familiar and trusted naming-strategy. TechRadar

Release Outlook

While an official launch date hasn’t been confirmed, several leaks point to early 2026 — potentially late January or February — consistent with Samsung’s typical flagship launch cadence. Beebom Gadgets+1
That means potential buyers may have a few months to wait — but also to consider whether to upgrade now or wait for the new model.

Final Thoughts

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus is shaping up to be more than just an incremental update. If the rumours hold true, it will deliver meaningful enhancements in performance, cameras and software. For fans of the “Plus” form-factor — a large screen without the bulk of the Ultra — this could be a sweet spot.

However, as with all rumours, caution is wise. Specs may change, regional differences may apply, and release details may shift. Still, the early picture is promising, and the return of the Plus variant itself is a positive sign for buyers seeking flagship-level experiences with balance.