Samsung's activities in 2025 included fresh foldable devices, an innovative slim design, and the debut of Google's XR system. Following reveals at CES 2026, the firm is set to hold its initial Galaxy Unpacked gathering of the year next month, unveiling the Galaxy S26 collection.
Engadget plans to provide live updates from Galaxy Unpacked, followed by practical reviews of Samsung's latest handsets shortly after their debut. In advance of any formal invitation, this overview covers the anticipated introductions at the opening Galaxy Unpacked of 2026.
To start, what is the timing for Unpacked? A photo released by reliable tipster Evan Blass points to the event occurring on February 25, 2026. Given Blass's track record of accurate information, this schedule appears solid, leaving uncertainties around the exact hour and time zone. Official confirmation from Samsung is pending, expected to clarify these points.
Samsung's conservative strategy for phone refreshes seems poised to persist with the Galaxy S26 models. From circulated prototypes of the series, the manufacturer won't overhaul the appearance of the Galaxy S26, S26+, or S26 Ultra, opting instead for a layout akin to the Galaxy S25. Expect flat displays and edges with curved edges, plus rear lenses arranged in a upright rectangular module. In contrast to Apple's shift from the iPhone 16 Pro to 17 Pro, the primary updates here involve inner elements such as panels, processors, and imaging hardware.
All Galaxy S26 variants are projected to incorporate Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, although reports from South Korean outlet Yonhap News indicate the recently developed Exynos 2600 might appear in select units based on market, echoing prior practices. Regardless of the choice, these devices should deliver enhanced capabilities over their predecessors, with Snapdragon-equipped ones excelling in local AI tasks.
A potential standout upgrade from the Galaxy S25 to S26 involves the display. Details from tipster Ice Universe suggest a 6.3-inch FHD+ panel, a marginal increase from the 6.2-inch size on the prior model. The S26 is also said to include 12GB RAM, storage options of 256GB or 512GB, and a modestly bigger 4,300mAh power cell. The imaging setup on this base model remains unchanged per leaks, retaining the 50MP primary sensor, 12MP wide-angle, 10MP 3x zoom, and 12MP front camera from before. Modifications to the Galaxy S26+ look even subtler; apart from the updated processor, it should keep the 6.7-inch FHD+ screen, 4,900mAh battery, 12GB RAM, and identical lens configuration as the standard S26.
Distinctions between the Galaxy S26 Ultra and its S25 counterpart are more defined, per Android Headlines. The upgraded model's lenses will protrude a touch more, highlighted by a fresh metallic coating. Samsung might revert to an aluminum chassis for the S26 Ultra, moving away from the titanium builds on the S24 and S25 Ultras. Crucially, to enable full Qi2 compatibility beyond mere compatibility via cases, speculation points to eliminating the S Pen sensing layer and implementing an alternative stylus recognition approach. The specifics of this alternative remain unclear, but it could improve integration with Qi2 gear while preserving stylus functionality.
Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro back in 2024, featuring a significant redesign that aligned them closer to Apple's AirPods aesthetic. The forthcoming Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro, expected at the event, may not alter this direction drastically, but images from the Samsung Tips application show a slimmer charging case and smoother, less pointed earpiece stems.
Both iterations of the new Galaxy Buds are tipped to support head movements for managing incoming calls, a capability found on Apple's AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4. According to SamMobile, the Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro could include an upgraded Ultra Wideband component, facilitating better location tracking via Google's Find Hub service.
In late 2025, Samsung introduced the Galaxy Z TriFold without specifying North American launch timelines for the foldable that transforms into a tablet. Those particulars emerged on January 27, confirming a US release on January 30 at $2,900. With hands-on demos at CES 2026 already underway and prospective buyers able to view or purchase it beforehand, Samsung probably won't dedicate much, if any, attention to the TriFold during Unpacked.
The 2025 debut of the Galaxy S25 Edge raised speculation that Samsung might swap out its Plus variant for a distinctive body style, mirroring Apple's iPhone Air choice. Reports have varied, but evidence suggests Samsung will maintain the Galaxy S26 Edge as a separate choice rather than a replacement.
This handset is expected to serve as an additional pick, similar to how foldables cater to those uninterested in conventional slabs. Per Android Headlines, the Galaxy S26 Edge may sport a revised look from its predecessor, including a broad square camera housing evoking Google's Pixel series and the elevated ellipse from Apple's iPhone Air. Additionally, it could measure just 5.5mm thick, a slight reduction from the 5.8mm of the S25 Edge.
Samsung routinely serves as Google's initial showcase for Android AI enhancements, yet it's pursuing further AI collaborations. A Bloomberg article from June 2025 noted Samsung's advanced talks with Perplexity to embed its AI search tool into OneUI and its proprietary mobile web browser. Perplexity's existing partnership with Motorola on Razr devices makes a Samsung tie-up noteworthy mainly due to the established Google ties.
Samsung inadvertently revealed an updated Bixby AI helper, which may incorporate Perplexity elements and position itself as a rival to Google Gemini. Showcasing an enhanced Bixby alongside expanded Perplexity features aligns well with the software highlights suitable for Galaxy Unpacked.