Hot on the heels of the Galaxy S25 Edge launch on May 13, a rumor from South Korea suggests Samsung might axe the Galaxy S26+ in favor of a Galaxy S26 Edge for its 2026 lineup. With the Plus model underperforming, the “razor-thin” Edge could take its place alongside the S26 and S26 Ultra, mirroring Apple’s strategy with the iPhone 17 series.
Sources cited by The Elec claim Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series, codenamed “NPA,” is in early development with three models: S26, S26 Edge, and S26 Ultra. Notably absent is the S26+, which has been the weakest seller in Samsung’s flagship lineup, with only 6.7 million of the 37.7 million targeted S25 series units, compared to 13.6 million for the S25 and 17.4 million for the S25 Ultra.
The S26 Edge, expected to retain the ultra-slim design, could replace the S26+ to capitalize on the trend toward thinner phones, a strategy echoed by Apple’s rumored iPhone 17 Air (roundup). However, the decision hinges on the S25 Edge’s sales, which carry a $1,099 price tag but compromise on battery (3,900mAh) and telephoto cameras. More details about the Galaxy S25 Edge here. Confusion over the S25+ and Edge coexistence suggests a refined S26 Edge with better battery tech, like silicon-carbon, could address critiques.
Samsung is developing four OLED panels for the S26 series, leaving room for a last-minute S26+ revival if the Edge underperforms. Set for a January 2026 launch, the S26 Edge might feature a 6.7-inch AMOLED and a Snapdragon 8 Elite 2.
The S25 Edge packs a 200MP main camera alongside a 12MP ultrawide, but lacks a telephoto lens. The S25 Plus, at least, includes a 10MP 3x telephoto—albeit with a tiny 1/3.94″ sensor that’s been there since the Galaxy S22 series—adding a bit more versatility to its camera system. Will the next Edge model include something similar to bridge the gap and replace the Plus model? Let’s keep an eye out as we get closer to the launch.
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