By Rumors suggest Samsung will drop the standard Galaxy S26 with its compact screen, keeping only the Galaxy S26 Plus and Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Amidst increasingly tough competition in the smartphone market, Samsung is believed to be planning significant changes to its Galaxy S series. While the Galaxy S25 arriving next year will still be offered in three models: regular, Plus, and Ultra, its successor, the Galaxy S26, will probably no longer include a standard version.
This isn’t the first time Samsung has modified the structure of its product line. Previously, the company chose to remove the Galaxy Tab S10 (11 inches) and only introduce the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus (12.4 inches) and Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra (14.6 inches). So it’s possible that Samsung will follow a similar path with the Galaxy S26 series.
A Shift Towards Larger Models Amid Growing Competition
Clarifying why the Galaxy S26 wasn’t launched, leaker Ice Universe mentioned that Samsung’s flagship will struggle to compete with upcoming small Chinese flagships, which will have better hardware specifications. A prime example is the OPPO Find X8 model expected to launch next month.
Also, according to Ice Universe, Chinese phone manufacturers like Xiaomi, OPPO, and vivo are soon going to concentrate on making compact-sized phones like Samsung and Apple, but with much better hardware. They all will have powerful configurations with efficient heat management, large batteries, and excellent camera systems.
While Apple can still depend on iOS to keep users attached to the small-screen iPhone, Samsung may not. As a result, the company will probably drop the Galaxy S26 because it won’t stay competitive. This also comes from the close similarities between the regular and Plus versions of the Galaxy S in recent times. Despite some variations in size, battery, and fast charging, Samsung may no longer find it worthwhile to keep both models.
What general users are asking about the Standard Galaxy S26
1. What are the rumors about Samsung discontinue the Galaxy S26?
Rumors suggest that Samsung may discontinue the standard Galaxy S26 model, which features a compact screen, and will instead focus on the Galaxy S26 Plus and Galaxy S26 Ultra versions.
2. Why is Samsung planning to make changes to the Galaxy S26 lineup?
Samsung is reportedly responding to increased competition in the smartphone market. Chinese manufacturers like OPPO and Xiaomi are launching compact phones with superior hardware, making it difficult for the Galaxy S26 to compete effectively.
3. Will the Galaxy S25 still have a standard version?
Yes, the Galaxy S25, expected early next year, will still be available in three versions: regular, Plus, and Ultra. However, the Galaxy S26, which follows, may not include a standard version.
4. Has Samsung made similar changes before?
Yes, Samsung previously eliminated the smaller Galaxy Tab S10 (11 inches) and focused on the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus (12.4 inches) and Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra (14.6 inches). This suggests that Samsung could adopt a similar approach for the Galaxy S26 series.
5. What are the reasons for not releasing the Galaxy S26?
According to leaker Ice Universe, the Galaxy S26 would struggle to compete with upcoming compact Chinese flagships, such as the OPPO Find X8, which is expected to have superior hardware. Chinese brands are focusing on compact phones with better performance and features.
6. How do Chinese manufacturers like Xiaomi and OPPO compare to Samsung?
Chinese companies like Xiaomi, OPPO, and vivo are producing smaller phones with powerful hardware, including efficient heat management, large battery capacities, and excellent cameras. These phones could outshine Samsung’s smaller models in the same segment.
7. Why can Apple keep its small-screen iPhone while Samsung can’t?
Apple benefits from its exclusive iOS ecosystem, which keeps users loyal to its small-screen iPhones. Samsung, on the other hand, relies on Android and faces stiff competition from other Android-based compact phones, making it harder to maintain market share.
8. Will the Galaxy S26 Plus and Ultra still be available?
Yes, it is expected that Samsung will continue with the Galaxy S26 Plus and Galaxy S26 Ultra models, focusing on these larger and more premium devices.
