If you thought January was busy with AI software updates, get your wallet ready for February. February 2026 is shaping up to be "Samsung Month".
After a relatively quiet 2025, the South Korean giant is fighting back against the "boring smartphone" narrative with two massive weapons: a highly refined flagship series and a completely new form factor that could kill the small tablet market forever.
Based on the latest supply chain leaks, benchmark drops, and "Galaxy Unpacked" rumors, here is your definitive guide to the Galaxy S26 Series and the elusive Galaxy Z Tri-Fold.
The Galaxy S26 Series: Refinement Over Revolution
Mark Your Calendar: February 25, 2026
While Apple and Google moved their launches to earlier in the year, Samsung is holding its ground. Leaks point to a February 25th Unpacked event, with devices hitting shelves by March 11.
The S26 lineup (Ultra, Plus, and Base) isn't reinventing the wheel—it's perfecting it. The focus this year is entirely on On-Device AI performance.
The Core Specs: A Tale of Two Chips
For the first time in years, the "chipset drama" might have a surprise ending.
- Galaxy S26 Ultra: Will globally feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. This chip is a monster, specifically tuned for generative AI tasks.
- Galaxy S26 & S26 Plus: In many regions, these will sport the Samsung Exynos 2600. Usually, this triggers a groan from tech enthusiasts. But wait until you see the benchmarks (more on that below).
The "Ultra" Difference
The S26 Ultra is solidifying its position as the "King of Android."
- Screen: A massive 6.9-inch QHD+ display using the new M14 OLED panel, capable of a searing 2,600 nits brightness.
- Camera: The 200MP main sensor returns but with a larger f/1.4 aperture for better low-light shots. The zoom is getting an upgrade to a 50MP 5x telephoto, finally ditching the lower-res sensors of the past.
- RAM: 16GB is now the standard, not the upgrade. Why? Because running local AI models (like Gemini Nano) requires massive memory bandwidth.
The Exynos 2600: The Comeback Kid?
Why You Shouldn't Fear the "Non-Ultra"
For years, the rule was simple: Buy the Snapdragon version. In 2026, Samsung Foundry might have finally cracked the code with their 2nm manufacturing process.
Leaked Geekbench scores for the Exynos 2600 are shocking analysts:
- Multi-Core Score: ~13,400 (Rumored)
- Single-Core Score: ~4,200 (Rumored)
If these numbers hold up, the Exynos 2600 doesn't just match the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5—it beats it in multi-core efficiency. This is primarily due to Samsung's new "10-core" architecture.
The Verdict: If you live in a region getting the Exynos S26 (like Europe or parts of Asia), you don't need to import a US model anymore. The battery life and thermal performance are finally on par with the best.
The Main Event: Samsung Galaxy Z Tri-Fold
The "One More Thing" of 2026
The S26 is polished, but it's safe. The Galaxy Z Tri-Fold is the risk.
Rumored for a limited Q1 2026 release (likely teased at Unpacked), this device is Samsung's answer to the stagnation of foldables. It doesn't fold once; it folds twice.
The "Tablet in Your Pocket"
- Folded: It looks like a thick (12.9mm) standard smartphone with a 6.5-inch cover screen.
- Unfolded: It expands into a massive 10-inch QXGA+ display.
This 10-inch size is the "magic number." It basically matches the screen real estate of a standard iPad.
The Killer App: "Tri-Tasking"
With a 10-inch canvas, you aren't just splitting the screen; you are running three full-sized apps in portrait mode side-by-side.
- Window 1: Zoom Call.
- Window 2: Google Docs.
- Window 3: Slack.
This is the productivity dream. It is likely the first phone that can legitimately claim to replace your laptop for 80% of tasks.
The Price of Innovation
Innovation isn't cheap. Supply chain analysts predict a starting price of $2,500 - $2,800. This is a "Halo Device"—meant to show off technology rather than sell millions of units immediately.
Samsung vs. The Market
Where Does This Leave Apple and Google?
Samsung's strategy for early 2026 is clear: Hardware Dominance.
- Google is winning on Software (Gemini).
- Apple is winning on Ecosystem (Continuity).
- Samsung wants to win on specs.
By offering the brightest screens (2,600 nits), the most RAM (16GB standard), and the most radical form factor (Tri-Fold), they are appealing to the "Power User" demographic that feels left behind by the incremental updates of the iPhone 17 rumors.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?
If you are due for an upgrade in 2026, your choice comes down to what kind of user you are.
Wait for the Galaxy S26 Ultra if:
- You want the refined, reliable "superphone" experience.
- You take photos and video professionally.
- You need a battery that lasts 2 days (5,400 mAh rumored).
Wait for the Tri-Fold if:
- You are an early adopter who craves the "bleeding edge."
- You travel constantly and want to ditch your tablet/laptop.
- You have $2,800 burning a hole in your pocket.
Either way, February 25th is going to be a massive day for tech. Make sure you're subscribed to our feed—we'll be breaking down the official specs the moment they drop.
Stay tuned for our full "Exynos vs. Snapdragon" battery test comparison coming in March.