Samsung’s Galaxy S Plus Series Might Be Ending in 2026
Samsung could be making a bold move in 2026 by removing the long-standing “Plus” model from its flagship Galaxy S lineup. A report from Korean publication The Elec suggests that the upcoming Galaxy S26 series will no longer include a “Plus” variant, breaking a tradition that has lasted for nearly a decade.
Galaxy S26 Lineup: What to Expect
New Configuration: Standard, Edge, and Ultra
According to leaks, the Galaxy S26 family will consist of three devices:
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Galaxy S26 – Compact and entry-level flagship
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Galaxy S26 Edge – A slim, curved mid-tier option
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Galaxy S26 Ultra – The powerhouse with top-end specs
This restructured lineup seems to phase out the Galaxy S Plus model in favor of the newer Edge variant, which made its debut with the Galaxy S25 lineup in 2025.
The Galaxy Edge Takes Over the Middle Tier
The Galaxy S25 Edge was first introduced in May 2025 as a sleek, thin version of the regular Plus. Initially thought to be a one-off experiment, its success appears to have convinced Samsung to position the Edge as a permanent replacement for the Plus variant.
Display Sizes (Based on Current Leaks)
Here’s what we know so far from panel order leaks:
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Galaxy S26 – 6.27 inches
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Galaxy S26 Edge – 6.66 inches
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Galaxy S26 Ultra – 6.89 inches
The Edge version neatly fills the space between the base and Ultra models, offering a balance of size, performance, and aesthetics.
A Look Back: What Happens to the Plus Legacy?
The Plus model has been a mainstay in the Galaxy S lineup since the Galaxy S8+ era. It offered users a larger screen and better battery life than the base model, without the price tag of the Ultra.
The Galaxy S25 lineup, for reference, included:
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S25 – 6.2-inch screen
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S25 Plus – 6.7-inch screen
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S25 Edge – 6.7-inch screen
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S25 Ultra – 6.9-inch screen
Retiring the Plus model in 2026 would streamline Samsung’s flagship offerings, potentially reducing production complexity and giving consumers more distinct choices.
Why Is Samsung Making This Change?
While Samsung hasn’t officially confirmed the move, several factors could be behind the decision:
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Consumer overlap between the Plus and Edge models
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Shifting market demand toward slim, premium-looking devices
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Desire to simplify product differentiation between three models
The introduction of the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset in all three models also suggests Samsung is doubling down on performance consistency, regardless of form factor.
Galaxy S26 Launch Timeline
Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026, most likely during its annual Unpacked event in January or February. With trial production reportedly underway and display panels in manufacturing, final plans could already be locked in.
Expect a global release shortly after the reveal, continuing Samsung’s tradition of early-year flagship launches.
What This Means for Galaxy Buyers
If you’ve been a fan of the Plus models, this may feel like the end of an era. But the Galaxy S26 Edge could fill that gap, offering a refreshed look, slightly smaller profile, and competitive specs without needing to step up to the expensive Ultra.
Whether this change boosts sales or alienates loyal users remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Samsung is evolving its flagship strategy for 2026.
Final Thoughts
The rumored retirement of the Galaxy S Plus line is a major turning point in Samsung’s smartphone roadmap. With the Edge model taking center stage, the tech giant appears ready to embrace a new era of design and differentiation.
As more details surface ahead of the Galaxy S26 launch, we’ll know exactly how this shift affects the future of Android flagships.
