The Oppo Find X9, announced in October 2025, is an excellent all-around flagship smartphone. The AMOLED screen is bright and crisp, and the Dimensity 9500 ensures buttery-smooth performance, even under heavy load. The cameras are also promising, capturing great details across various lighting conditions. Still, that’s not enough to beat the competition.

There are equally compelling options from other brands that might offer superior value for your money. We’ve picked the five best alternatives that deserve your attention.

Here are the 5 best alternatives to Oppo Find X9

1. Vivo X300

The Vivo X300 (review) is one of the strongest alternatives to the Find X9 on the list, featuring a more capable camera setup. It replaces the Find X9’s 50MP primary sensor with a 200MP sensor, while also offering a higher resolution 50MP selfie camera.

Besides better cameras, the Vivo X300 also offers a brighter AMOLED screen with LTPO support for improved power efficiency. The Oppo Find X9, however, excels in battery capacity.

Vivo X300 specs:

• Display: 6.31-inch LTPO AMOLED, 1216 x 2640 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, HDR Vivid, 4500 nits (peak brightness)
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9500 (3 nm)
• Software: Android 16, up to five major Android upgrades
• Rear camera: 200MP (wide) + 50MP (periscope telephoto, 3x optical zoom) + 50MP (119˚ ultrawide)
• Selfie camera: 50MP
• Battery: 6040mAh
• Charging: 90W (wired), 40W (wireless), reverse wired
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2

2. OnePlus 15

The biggest advantage of getting an OnePlus 15 over the Find X9 is the faster, more efficient Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. (click here for a detailed chip comparison) So, if you’re into hardcore gaming or editing stuff, this could make a notable difference.

Furthermore, the OnePlus smartphone offers a slightly bigger 6.78-inch display with a higher 165Hz refresh rate and tougher Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. The camera specs, though, are pretty much identical. The rear camera setup boasts a 50MP primary shooter, a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with a slightly higher 3.5x optical zoom, and a 50MP ultrawide shooter. The selfie camera has a 32MP resolution, just like the Oppo phone.

Both smartphones offer nearly the same set of connectivity features, but their battery capacities and charging speeds differ. The OnePlus 15 takes the lead with a larger 7,300mAh battery and 120W quicker wired charging.

OnePlus 15 specs:

• Display: 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED, 1272 x 2772 pixels, 165Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR Vivid
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
• Software: Android 16, up to four major Android upgrades
• Rear camera: 50MP (wide) + 50MP (periscope telephoto, 3.5x optical zoom) + 50MP (116˚ ultrawide)
• Selfie camera: 32MP
• Battery: 7300mAh
• Charging: 120W (wired), 50W (wireless), 10W (reverse wireless), 5W (reverse wired)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2

3. Realme GT 8 Pro

Realme GT 8 Pro is a strong flagship smartphone that outperforms the Oppo Find X9 in several key aspects. To begin with, it comes with a more powerful processor, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. The GT 8 Pro also offers a bigger 6.79-inch screen, featuring a higher 144Hz refresh rate and nearly twice the local peak brightness.

Both smartphones share identical camera specs, except for a higher 200MP resolution on the periscope telephoto lens of the Realme phone. This should result in superior detail in zoom shots. The battery capacities are almost the same, but the Realme phone has an edge in the wired charging speed (120W vs 80W).

Realme GT 8 Pro specs:

• Display: 6.79-inch AMOLED, 1440 x 3136 pixels, 144Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, HDR Vivid, Dolby Vision, 7000 nits (peak brightness)
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
• Software: Android 16, up to four major Android upgrades
• Rear camera: 50MP (wide) + 200MP (periscope telephoto, 3x optical zoom) + 50MP (116˚ ultrawide)
• Selfie camera: 32MP
• Battery: 7000mAh
• Charging: 120W (wired), 50W (wireless), 10W (reverse wireless), 5W (reverse wired)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, USB Type-C 2.0

4. Xiaomi 17

The Xiaomi 17 (review) is a compact flagship phone, featuring a 6.3-inch LTPO AMOLED screen and a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset inside for top-tier performance and efficiency.

The Xiaomi phone boasts a triple rear camera setup, all with 50MP sensors similar to the Oppo Find X9, but excels on the other side with a higher-resolution 50MP selfie camera.

The battery capacity of 6,300 mAh doesn’t match the Find X9, but the Xiaomi 17 excels in wired charging speed. It also offers faster reverse charging.

Xiaomi 17 specs:

• Display: 6.3-inch LTPO AMOLED, 1220 x 2656 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, HDR Vivid, Dolby Vision, 3500 nits (peak brightness)
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
• Software: Android 16, up to five major Android upgrades
• Rear camera: 50MP (wide) + 50MP (telephoto, 2.6x optical zoom) + 50MP (102˚ ultrawide)
• Selfie camera: 50MP
• Battery: 6330mAh
• Charging: 100W (wired), 50W (wireless), 22.5W (reverse wireless), 22.5W (reverse wired)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2

5. Samsung Galaxy S26

Finally, we have a non-Chinese smartphone on the list, boasting strong flagship specs in the price segment Oppo Find X9 falls into. The Galaxy S26 offers a 6.3-inch LTPO AMOLED panel with tougher Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection on both sides.

The chipset you get depends on where you buy the device from. In the US, Canada, China, and Japan, the Galaxy S26 chips ship with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, while the rest of the world gets an Exynos 2600 variant. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 has an upper hand over the Dimensity 9500 and Exynos 2600, but there’s no major difference between the other two.

While the S26 takes good photos and videos, the Find X9 may have an edge in secondary cameras. This means you’ll get better zoom and ultrawide shots on the Find X9 than on the S26, but the latter produces better, natural shots with its main camera. And, the big gap of battery capacity and charging speed between Galaxy phones and their Chinese rivals still exists.

Samsung Galaxy S26 specs:

• Display: 6.3-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 1080 x 2340 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, 2600 nits (peak brightness)
• Processor:
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) – US, Canada, China, Japan
  • Samsung Exynos 2600 (2 nm) – Rest of the world
• Software: Android 16, up to seven major Android upgrades
• Rear camera: 50MP (wide) + 10MP (telephoto, 3x optical zoom) + 12MP (120˚ ultrawide)
• Selfie camera: 12MP
• Battery: 4300mAh
• Charging: 25W (wired), 15W (wireless), 4.5W (reverse wireless)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2

The post Top 5 alternatives to Oppo Find X9 appeared first on Gizmochina.

The Vivo X300 FE is a great-looking high-end smartphone with premium hardware, including a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, a 50MP triple rear camera setup, and an excellent 6,500mAh battery with fast charging. While it’s a solid pick in the INR 70-90K segment, it’s far from being the only showstopper in this segment.

There are some excellent alternatives to the Vivo X300 FE that offer more value for the same price, including one that’s a no-brainer pick over the X300 FE.

5 Best alternatives to Vivo X300 FE

1. Vivo X300

This is the one we were referring to. The Vivo X300 (review) is a far better option than the X300 FE in terms of hardware. To begin with, the X300 is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9500, which is about 15-20% faster than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 inside the X300 FE. (Read the full chip comparison here)

The X300 also offers a much better rear camera setup, particularly the primary and ultrawide sensors. They are higher-resolution sensors that capture greater clarity and more detail. The ultrawide lens also has a greater field of view.

The X300’s battery capacity is the only weak link here, but it’s just a difference of 500 mAh, which isn’t very concerning. The charging capabilities, however, remain the same.

What surprises me most is that the more premium X300 is actually INR 4,000 cheaper than the X300 FE, currently available for purchase at INR 75,999. And with bank discounts, you can easily bring it down to around INR 65,000. That makes the Vivo X300 one of the best options at this price, and a far better option than the X300 FE.

Vivo X300 specs:

• Display: 6.31-inch LTPO AMOLED, 1216 x 2640 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, HDR Vivid, 4500nits (peak brightness)
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9500 (3 nm)
• Software: Android 16, up to five major Android upgrades
• Rear camera: 200MP (wide) + 50MP (periscope telephoto, 3x optical zoom) + 50MP (119˚ ultrawide)
• Selfie camera: 50MP
• Battery: 6040mAh
• Charging: 90W (wired), 40W (wireless), reverse wireless, reverse wired
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2

2. OnePlus 15

Another excellent option is the OnePlus 15, which gives the Vivo X300 FE a run for its money. One of its biggest advantages is the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, which offers more than 30% faster CPU and about 30-40% better gaming performance, along with a more robust ISP and connectivity upgrades.

The OnePlus 15 also offers a larger 6.78-inch AMOLED screen with a higher refresh rate and stronger screen protection. The device also integrates a robust camera setup with a higher resolution ultrawide sensor and a more capable telephoto shooter.

The OnePlus 15 also excels in higher battery capacity and faster charging (both wired and wireless). It also supports the newer Bluetooth v6.0 standard and offers much faster data transfer over a wired connection.

You’re getting all the big upgrades packaged into the OnePlus 15 for a few thousand rupees cheaper than the Vivo X300 FE, thereby making it an excellent pick.

OnePlus 15 specs:

• Display: 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED, 1272 x 2772 pixels, 165Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, HDR Vivid
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
• Software: Android 16, up to four major Android upgrades
• Rear camera: 50MP (wide) + 50MP (periscope telephoto, 3.5x optical zoom) + 50MP (116˚ ultrawide)
• Selfie camera: 32MP
• Battery: 7300mAh
• Charging: 120W (wired), 50W (wireless), 10W (reverse wireless), 5W (reverse wired)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2

3. Oppo Find X9

The Find X9 (review) closely matches the Vivo X300 on the spec sheet and is therefore a better option than the X300 FE. This one features a Dimensity 9500 processor and a larger screen with Ultra HDR image support.

The rear camera setup also outperforms the one on the Vivo X300 FE, particularly the 50MP ultrawide sensor (vs. an 8MP on the X300 FE). The Oppo Find X9 also features a higher battery capacity of 7,025 mAh, with support for 80W wired and 50W wireless charging, as well as 10W reverse wireless charging.

On top of better hardware, you’ll also save at least INR 5,000 with the Oppo Find X9, making it a stronger pick over the Vivo X300 FE.

Oppo Find X9 specs:

• Display: 6.59-inch AMOLED, 1245 x 2760 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, HDR Vivid, 3600nits (peak brightness)
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9500 (3 nm)
• Software: Android 16, up to five major Android upgrades
• Rear camera: 50MP (wide) + 50MP (periscope telephoto, 3x optical zoom) + 50MP (120˚ ultrawide)
• Selfie camera: 32MP
• Battery: 7025mAh
• Charging: 80W (wired), 50W (wireless), 10W (reverse wireless)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, USB Type-C

4. Google Pixel 9 Pro

If you prioritize a great software experience and excellent camera outputs over anything else, the Pixel 9 Pro could be a compelling choice.

The triple camera setup on the back excels at zooming and delivers greater detail in ultrawide shots. Plus, you get Google’s computational magic, which handles tricky backlighting, high-contrast scenes, and skin tones very effectively.

The smartphone launched with an older Android 14 OS, but 7 years of OS updates are enough to beat the X300 FE. On top of it, Pixel users receive OS updates well ahead of other brands. At its core, the Pixel 9 Pro is powered by an in-house Tensor G4 chip. The chip doesn’t shatter benchmark scores, but it’s strong enough for smooth everyday operations.

The Pixel 9 Pro’s battery capacity and charging capabilities may disappoint you compared to Chinese rivals, but it should be enough for a day of normal use on a single charge. The charging time is also a little higher.

Google Pixel 9 Pro specs:

• Display: 6.3-inch LTPO OLED, 1280 x 2856 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, 3000nits (peak brightness)
• Processor: Google Tensor G4 (4 nm)
• Software: Android 14, up to seven major Android upgrades
• Rear camera: 50MP (wide) + 48MP (periscope telephoto, 5x optical zoom) + 48MP (123˚ ultrawide)
• Selfie camera: 42MP
• Battery: 4700mAh
• Charging: 27W (wired), 21W (wireless, with Pixel Stand), 12W (wireless, with Qi compatible charger)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2

5. Samsung Galaxy S26

The Galaxy S26 is another solid flagship phone, offering premium hardware at a price cheaper than the Vivo X300 FE. The device is offered with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor in the US and Canada, while the rest of the world, including India, gets the Exynos 2600 variant. Both variants offer more than 20% faster performance than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 inside the Vivo phone.

Software support is another big plus for the S26, as it will continue to receive OS updates through Android 23, while the X300 FE will receive two fewer upgrades. The battery capacity, however, may be disappointing, as it houses only a 4,300mAh battery, which is lower than the 6,500mAh on the X300 FE. The charging speeds aren’t faster, either.

As for the optics, it features a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP primary shooter, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide sensor. It has a 12MP camera for selfies and video calls.

While the Galaxy S26’s spec sheet doesn’t outperform the Vivo X300 FE, it’s a reliable non-Chinese alternative that offers better performance, excellent camera outputs, and longer software support.

Samsung Galaxy S26 specs:

• Display: 6.3-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 1080 x 2340 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, 2600nits (peak brightness)
• Processor:
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) – US, Canada, China, and Japan
  • Samsung Exynos 2600 (2 nm) – other regions
• Software: Android 16, up to seven major Android upgrades
• Rear camera: 50MP (wide) + 10MP (telephoto, 3x optical zoom) + 12MP (120˚ ultrawide)
• Selfie camera: 12MP
• Battery: 4300mAh
• Charging: 25W (wired), 15W (wireless), 4.5W (reverse wireless)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2

The post Top 5 alternatives to Vivo X300 FE appeared first on Gizmochina.

The Vivo X300 (review) is a highly rated flagship smartphone that promises excellent performance and top-tier camera capabilities. It quickly became one of the most demanding flagship smartphones after its release in December 2025. However, it’s not the only showstopper in the price segment the device falls in. There exist some great alternatives that give the Vivo X300 a serious run for its money.

Here are the 5 best alternatives to Vivo X300.

5 phones you can buy instead of Vivo X300

1. Oppo Find X9

The Oppo Find X9 (review) is the closest competitor to the Vivo X300, offering a similar flagship experience but scaling up in important aspects. It offers a 6.59-inch AMOLED screen, which is larger than Vivo X300’s for media consumption but not unwieldy as “Ultra” phones.

Both smartphones feature competitive camera performance, but the Hasselblad colour tuning on the Find X9 should yield more natural skin tones. Plus, the Oppo phone offers a 16% higher battery capacity and faster wireless charging.

Oppo Find X9 specs:

• Display: 6.59″ AMOLED, 1256 x 2760 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HDR Vivid, 3600nits (peak)
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9500 (3 nm)
• Software: Android 16, up to four major Android upgrades
• Rear camera: 50MP (wide) + 50MP (periscope telephoto, 3x optical zoom) + 50MP (120˚ ultrawide) + 2MP (monochrome)
• Selfie camera: 32MP
• Battery & charging: 7025mAh; 80W (wired), 50W (wireless)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC  

2. Samsung Galaxy S26

The Galaxy S26 doesn’t outshine the Vivo X300 on the spec sheet, but it’s a reliable choice for people looking for a compact flagship phone with longer software support. Also, it’s the only non-Chinese alternative on this list.

While the screen sizes are almost identical, the Galaxy S26 features tougher Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection on both sides. The Galaxy device also offers a tougher Armour aluminium 2 frame than the standard aluminium frame on the Vivo X300.

The Galaxy S26 ships with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in the US, Canada, China, and Japan, which offers better performance than the Dimensity 9500 inside the Vivo X300. But the rest of the world gets the Exynos 2600, which is slightly weaker compared to the Dimensity 9500.

Samsung phones win big when it comes to software support, and the Galaxy S26 is no different. It promises Android updates up to seven generations, while the Vivo X300 only promises four major Android updates.

Samsung Galaxy S26 specs:

• Display: 6.3″ Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 1080 x 2340 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, 2600nits (peak)
• Processor:
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) – the US, Canada, China, Japan
  • Samsung Exynos 2600 (2 nm) – rest of the world
• Software: Android 16, up to seven major Android upgrades
• Rear camera: 50MP (wide) + 10MP (telephoto, 3x optical zoom) + 12MP (120˚ ultrawide)
• Selfie camera: 12MP
• Battery & charging: 4300mAh; 25W (wired), 15W (wireless)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC

3. OnePlus 15

The OnePlus 15 is a solid choice here, with several key upgrades, including a more powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and a larger 6.78-inch screen with tougher Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection.

OnePlus 15 also outperforms the Vivo X300 in battery capacity and charging speeds. The former has a 7,300mAh battery with 120W wired charging support, while the latter has a smaller 6,040mAh battery with 90W wired charging support. The OnePlus phone also offers faster wireless charging.

OnePlus 15 specs:

• Display: 6.78″ LTPO AMOLED, 1272 x 2772 pixels, 165Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HDR Vivid, 1800nits (HBM)
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
• Software: Android 16, up to four major Android upgrades
• Rear camera: 50MP (wide) + 50MP (periscope telephoto, 3.5x optical zoom) + 50MP (116˚ ultrawide)
• Selfie camera: 32MP
• Battery & charging: 7300mAh; 120W (wired), 50W (wireless)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC

4. Xiaomi 17

Xiaomi’s high-end phones offer robust hardware, and Xiaomi 17 is no different. The smartphone ships with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, which is faster and more efficient than the Dimensity 9500 inside the Vivo X300.

The Xiaomi 17 (review) packs a bigger 6,330mAh battery (versus 6,040mAh on Vivo X300) and offers faster wired and wireless charging.

Xiaomi 17 specs:

• Display: 6.3″ LTPO AMOLED, 1220 x 2656 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HDR Vivid, 3500nits (peak)
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
• Software: Android 16, up to five major Android upgrades
• Rear camera: 50MP (wide) + 50MP (telephoto, 2.6x optical zoom) + 50MP (102˚ ultrawide)
• Selfie camera: 50MP
• Battery & charging: 6330mAh; 100W (wired), 50W (wireless)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC

5. Realme GT 8 Pro

The Realme GT 8 Pro features a larger 6.79-inch AMOLED screen with a higher resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. The peak brightness of 7,000 nits is also much higher than the 4,500 nits on the Vivo X300. The Realme smartphone also delivers better performance and efficiency, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor.

The GT 8 Pro’s camera specs are competitive with the Vivo X300, but it outperforms the Vivo phone in battery capacity and charging speeds.

Realme GT 8 Pro specs:

• Display: 6.79″ AMOLED, 1440 x 3136 pixels, 144Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HDR Vivid, 7000nits (peak)
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
• Software: Android 16, up to four major Android upgrades
• Rear camera: 50MP (wide) + 200MP (periscope telephoto, 3x optical zoom) + 50MP (116˚ ultrawide)
• Selfie camera: 32MP
• Battery & charging: 7000mAh; 120W (wired), 50W (wireless)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC (360˚)

The post Top 5 alternatives to Vivo X300: More value for the same price appeared first on Gizmochina.

We’ve been putting the Samsung Galaxy S26 up against flagships from across the market. If you’re curious, it’s already faced off against the OnePlus 15 and the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro.

Today, we’re comparing the Galaxy S26 with a more recent flagship, the Vivo X300s, which launched just last week in China. Both phones sit in the increasingly competitive “affordable flagship” tier. But the two are very different ideas of how a flagship phone should be in 2026. 

Vivo is about bigger battery, higher megapixel counts, faster charging, while Samsung offers refinement, long-term support, and a more compact form factor. Let’s go through them in detail here. 

Design and size

The Galaxy S26, as you might know, is a relatively compact flagship. At 149.6mm tall and weighing just 167 grams, it’s noticeably smaller and lighter than the Vivo X300s. You can actually use it one-handed without thinking about it.

The Vivo X300s, by comparison, is large, and unapologetic about it. At 162mm tall and 217 grams, it’s closer to what you’d expect from an “ultra” phone. The extra size makes room for its bigger battery and camera system, but it also means you’ll feel it in your pocket.

Both phones use glass and aluminum builds, but Samsung uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both sides and Armor Aluminum 2 for the frame. Meanwhile, Vivo offers IP68/IP69 ratings, which technically give it an edge in ingress protection.

Display

No prize for guessing, Vivo gives you more screen in almost every sense. The X300s has a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED panel with a 144Hz refresh rate, compared to the S26’s 6.3-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display at 120Hz.

On paper, Vivo offers a higher refresh rate, higher resolution (1260 x 2800), and features like 2160Hz PWM dimming and HDR Vivid. But in everyday use, you’re unlikely to notice a major difference between Samsung and Vivo.

Performance

Both phones run flagship chips, but from different ecosystems.

The Vivo X300s uses the MediaTek Dimensity 9500, built on a 3nm process with a peak clock speed of 4.21GHz. Samsung’s Galaxy S26, meanwhile, uses different chips depending on the region: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in some markets and Exynos 2600 in others.

On paper, Samsung’s Snapdragon variant is slightly more aggressive, with a 4.74GHz peak core speed. But these are flagship SoCs, so everyday performance will feel smooth on either device.

Where Samsung pulls ahead is software longevity. The S26 promises up to seven major Android updates, compared to five on the Vivo. That’s a meaningful gap if you plan to keep your phone for several years.

Cameras

When it comes to cameras, the Vivo X300s goes all-in on hardware. It features a 200MP main sensor, a 50MP periscope telephoto, and a 50MP ultrawide. It even supports optional external zoom lenses with Zeiss optics.

Samsung, on the other hand, opts for a 50MP main sensor, a 10MP telephoto, and a 12MP ultrawide.

There’s no doubt Vivo has the edge in flexibility. Higher-resolution sensors allow for more cropping, and the periscope lens — plus optional add-ons — suggests it’s built for users who want to experiment with zoom and detail.

Samsung’s advantage lies in predictability. Features like Best Face, strong HDR processing, and consistent video performance make it easier to get reliable results without much effort.

Battery and charging

The Vivo X300s packs a massive 7100mAh battery, significantly larger than the Galaxy S26’s 4300mAh cell.

Charging speeds widen the gap further. Vivo supports 90W wired and 40W wireless charging, while Samsung sticks to 25W wired and 15W wireless. Even with Samsung’s efficiency optimizations, it’s hard to see it competing on endurance or charging time.

The S26 does offer reverse wireless charging and tighter accessory integration, but that doesn’t change the core difference: the Vivo is built to last longer and charge faster.

The bottom line

The Vivo X300s and Galaxy S26 don’t really compete on the same terms, even though they sit in the same category.

The Vivo X300s is all about maximizing hardware — a bigger battery, faster charging, higher-resolution cameras, and a larger, faster display. It’s trying to win on specs.

The Galaxy S26 is more restrained. It focuses on usability, long-term software support, and a compact design that’s increasingly rare among flagship Android phones.

Ultimately, it comes down to what you value more: raw hardware or a more balanced, long-term experience.

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The post Vivo X300s vs Samsung Galaxy S26: Specs vs Longevity appeared first on Gizmochina.

Samsung has shifted to a 2nm process node for its latest flagship chipset, the Exynos 2600, while Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 still relies on TSMC’s 3nm node. While Exynos chips have struggled with power efficiency and thermal control in the past, this move to 2nm suggested a significant improvement in that area. Early leaks also pointed to notable efficiency gains compared to the Exynos 2500, leading users to expect comparable power efficiency between the Snapdragon and Exynos variants of the Galaxy S26 and S26+.

Unfortunately, recent performance and battery life tests between the two chips, including one from YouTube channel AndroidAddicts, have dampened those expectations for users outside the US and China, where the Galaxy S26 and S26+ are powered by the Exynos 2600.

In a previous test, the Galaxy S26 (Exynos 2600) consumed 40% more power than the OnePlus 15, which is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and a significantly larger battery. However, what makes this Galaxy S26 vs Galaxy S26 comparison more interesting is that nearly all the hardware, apart from the chipset, remains identical. Performance tuning between the Galaxy S26 and the OnePlus 15 is also quite different, which can heavily influence power consumption. In contrast, it should be nearly identical between the two Galaxy S26 variants.

The test from AndroidAddicts was designed to simulate real-world usage rather than measure peak performance. It included a mix of tasks such as phone calls, video recording, Google Maps navigation, video calls, YouTube, and other social media apps.

The result? The Exynos variant lasted 6 hours and 48 minutes, while the Snapdragon variant reached 9 hours and 26 minutes. That’s a substantial gap for two nearly identical versions of the same flagship. It’s also surprising, given that the 2nm node was expected to deliver better efficiency, and disappointing at the same time, especially since most regions are getting the Exynos variant.

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For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

(Source)

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Samsung seems to be running a quiet little deal on the Galaxy S26 in India, and unless you walk into a store and ask, you probably won’t hear about it. There’s no mention on the official website or major e-commerce platforms, but offline buyers might have a small advantage right now.

The base 12GB + 256GB variant of the Galaxy S26 launched at ₹87,999 in late February. But between March 21 and March 31, some retail stores are reportedly offering it for ₹79,999, a straight ₹8,000 drop. The catch? It’s a cash-only deal, and it’s not being advertised openly. You’ll likely need to check with store staff directly to confirm if it’s available.

The offer was first pointed out by tipster Abhishek Yadav. With a significant portion of buyers leaning toward Amazon or Flipkart for convenience, these kinds of in-store deals are one way to keep retail partners in the game.

The Galaxy S26 series launched with noticeable price hikes across the board, which didn’t go unnoticed. While pre-order buyers got some added value through storage upgrades and launch offers, those who picked it up at full price after that window might feel this a bit more. Walking into a store now and getting the same phone for less, especially with a simple cash payment, doesn’t exactly feel great in hindsight.

That said, the deal doesn’t seem to be universal. Availability could vary depending on the store, location, and stock. Some retailers may not even bring it up unless you ask.

With the offer expected to run till the end of the month, it might be worth checking a nearby store if you were already considering the S26. Just make sure to compare it with any ongoing bank or exchange offers online, because sometimes those can close the gap more than you’d expect.

(Source)

The post Samsung’s hidden Galaxy S26 deal knocks ₹8,000 off—if you pay cash appeared first on Gizmochina.

This post was last updated on April 18, 2026.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is Qualcomm’s most advanced smartphone chipset for Android devices, promising superior performance, efficiency, and agentic AI capabilities. Soon after its announcement in September 2025, smartphone brands rushed to launch devices with this processor.

Now there are dozens of options powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and the list continues to grow steadily. Here’s an updated list of Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 smartphones launched so far.

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 phones list

• Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy S26+
• Samsung Galaxy S26
• Xiaomi 17 Ultra
• Xiaomi 17 Pro Max
• Xiaomi 17 Pro
• Xiaomi 17
• OnePlus 15
• OnePlus 15T
• Vivo X300 Ultra
• iQOO 15 Ultra
• iQOO 15
• Realme GT 8 Pro
• POCO F8 Ultra
• Nubia RedMagic 11 Pro+
• Nubia RedMagic 11 Pro
• Nubia Z80 Ultra
• Honor Magic 8 Pro
• Honor Magic 8

Samsung phones with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

The Galaxy S26 series, launched in February 2026, features a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. It’s worth noting that only the S26 Ultra gets this chip worldwide, while the S26 and S26+ get the Snapdragon chip in select regions, including the US, Canada, Japan, and China. Other regions, including India, get Exynos 2600.

Besides a flagship chipset, one of the biggest highlights of the Galaxy S26 series is Privacy Display.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

• Display: 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 2600nits (peak)
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
• Rear camera: 200MP (wide), 10MP (telephoto, 3x optical zoom), 50MP (periscope telephoto, 5x optical zoom), 50MP (ultrawide)
• Front camera: 12MP
• OS: Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades
• Battery: 6500mAh
• Charging: 60W (wired), 25W (wireless), 4.5W (reverse wireless)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2

Galaxy S26+

• Display: 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 2600nits (peak)
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) (region-specific)
• Rear camera: 50MP (wide), 10MP (telephoto, 3x optical zoom), 12MP (ultrawide)
• Front camera: 12MP
• OS: Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades
• Battery: 4900mAh
• Charging: 45W (wired), 20W (wireless), 4.5W (reverse wireless)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2

Galaxy S26

• Display: 6.3-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 2600nits (peak)
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) (region-specific)
• Rear camera: 50MP (wide), 10MP (telephoto, 3x optical zoom), 12MP (ultrawide)
• Front camera: 12MP
• OS: Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades
• Battery: 4300mAh
• Charging: 25W (wired), 15W (wireless), 4.5W (reverse wireless)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2

Xiaomi phones with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

The Xiaomi 17 (review) was the first phone in the world to launch with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. It was launched in September 2025.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra

• Display: 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 3500nits (peak)
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
• Rear camera: 50MP (wide), 200MP (periscope telephoto, 3.2-4.3x continuous optical zoom), 50MP (ultrawide)
• Front camera: 50MP
• OS: Android 16, up to 5 major Android upgrades
• Battery: 6000mAh
• Charging: 90W (wired), 50W (wireless), 22.5W (reverse wired), 10W (reverse wireless)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2

Xiaomi 17 Pro Max

• Display: 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 3500nits (peak)
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
• Rear camera: 50MP (wide), 50MP (periscope telephoto, 5x optical zoom), 50MP (ultrawide)
• Front camera: 50MP
• OS: Android 16, up to 5 major Android upgrades
• Battery: 7500mAh
• Charging: 100W (wired), 50W (wireless), 22.5W (reverse wireless)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2

Xiaomi 17 Pro

• Display: 6.3-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 3500nits (peak)
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
• Rear camera: 50MP (wide), 50MP (periscope telephoto, 5x optical zoom), 50MP (ultrawide)
• Front camera: 50MP
• OS: Android 16, up to 5 major Android upgrades
• Battery: 6300mAh
• Charging: 100W (wired), 50W (wireless), 22.5W (reverse wireless)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2

Xiaomi 17

• Display: 6.3-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 3500nits (peak)
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
• Rear camera: 50MP (wide), 50MP (telephoto, 2.6x optical zoom), 50MP (ultrawide)
• Front camera: 50MP
• OS: Android 16, up to 5 major Android upgrades
• Battery: 6330mAh
• Charging: 100W (wired), 50W (wireless), 22.5W (reverse wireless), 22.5W (reverse wired)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2

OnePlus phones with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

OnePlus 15 was launched in October 2025 as the company’s first phone with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. In March 2026, OnePlus 15T arrived in China with the same chipset. It could be released in the international market as the OnePlus 15s.

OnePlus 15

• Display: 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED, 165Hz, 3600nits (peak)
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
• Rear camera: 50MP (wide), 50MP (periscope telephoto, 3.5x optical zoom), 50MP (ultrawide)
• Front camera: 32MP
• OS: Android 16, up to 4 major Android upgrades
• Battery: 7300mAh
• Charging: 120W (wired), 50W (wireless), 10W (reverse wireless), 5W (reverse wired)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2

OnePlus 15T

• Display: 6.32-inch AMOLED, 165Hz, 3600nits (peak)
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
• Rear camera: 50MP (wide), 50MP (telephoto, 3.5x optical zoom)
• Front camera: 16MP
• OS: Android 16
• Battery: 7500mAh
• Charging: 100W (wired), 50W (wireless), 10W (reverse wired)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, USB Type-C 2.0

Vivo, iQOO phones with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

The iQOO 15 was launched in October 2025 as the company’s first phone with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. In February 2026, the iQOO 15 Ultra arrived with the same chipset, but as a more premium phone, and a month later, the Vivo X300 Ultra landed in China, with the global rollout kicking off in April.

Vivo X300 Ultra

• Display: 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED, 144Hz
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
• Rear camera: 200MP (wide), 200MP (periscope telephoto, 3.7x optical zoom), 50MP (ultrawide)
• Front camera: 50MP
• OS: Android 16
• Battery: 6600mAh
• Charging: 100W (wired), 40W (wireless)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2

iQOO 15 Ultra

• Display: 6.85-inch LTPO AMOLED, 144Hz, 8000nits (peak)
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
• Rear camera: 50MP (wide), 50MP (periscope telephoto, 3x optical zoom), 50MP (ultrawide)
• Front camera: 32MP
• OS: Android 16, up to 5 major Android upgrades
• Battery: 7400mAh
• Charging: 100W (wired), 40W (wireless)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2

iQOO 15

• Display: 6.85-inch LTPO AMOLED, 144Hz, 6000nits (peak)
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
• Rear camera: 50MP (wide), 50MP (periscope telephoto, 3x optical zoom), 50MP (ultrawide)
• Front camera: 32MP
• OS: Android 16, up to 5 major Android upgrades
• Battery: 7000mAh
• Charging: 100W (wired), 40W (wireless)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2

Realme phones with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

Realme GT 8 Pro is the only phone from the brand launched with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset.

Realme GT 8 Pro

• Display: 6.79-inch AMOLED, 144Hz, 7000nits (peak)
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
• Rear camera: 50MP (wide), 200MP (periscope telephoto, 3x optical zoom), 50MP (ultrawide)
• Front camera: 32MP
• OS: Android 16, up to 4 major Android upgrades
• Battery: 7000mAh
• Charging: 120W (wired), 50W (wireless), 10W (reverse wireless), 5W (reverse wired)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, USB Type-C 2.0

POCO phones with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

POCO was also quick to launch the F8 Ultra with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. This smartphone was launched in November 2025, and is still one of the most affordable phones with 8 Elite Gen 5.

POCO F8 Ultra

• Display: 6.9-inch AMOLED, 120Hz, 3500nits (peak)
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
• Rear camera: 50MP (wide), 50MP (periscope telephoto, 5x optical zoom), 50MP (ultrawide)
• Front camera: 32MP
• OS: Android 16, up to 4 major Android upgrades
• Battery: 6500mAh
• Charging: 100W (wired), 50W (wireless), 22.5W (reverse wireless)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2

Nubia phones with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

The RedMagic 11 Pro+ arrived as the company’s first phone with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in October, but it’s been exclusive to China, so far. A month later, the RedMagic 11 Pro was introduced in the global market. In October, the company also launched Nubia Z80 Ultra with the same chipset for non-gaming people.

Nubia RedMagic 11 Pro+

• Display: 6.85-inch AMOLED, 144Hz, 2000nits (peak)
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
• Rear camera: 50MP (wide), 50MP (ultrawide)
• Front camera: 16MP
• OS: Android 16, up to 2 major Android upgrades
• Battery: 7500mAh
• Charging: 120W (wired), 80W (wireless)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2
• Others: Built-in cooling fan, pressure sensitive zones

Nubia RedMagic 11 Pro

• Display: 6.85-inch AMOLED, 144Hz, 1800nits (peak)
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
• Rear camera: 50MP (wide), 50MP (ultrawide)
• Front camera: 16MP
• OS: Android 16, up to 2 major Android upgrades
• Battery: 7500mAh
• Charging: 80W (wired), 80W (wireless)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2
• Others: Built-in cooling fan, pressure sensitive zones

Nubia Z80 Ultra

• Display: 6.85-inch AMOLED, 144Hz, 2000nits (peak)
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
• Rear camera: 50MP (wide), 64MP (periscope telephoto, 2.7x optical zoom), 50MP (ultrawide)
• Front camera: 16MP
• OS: Android 16
• Battery: 7200mAh
• Charging: 80W (wired), 80W (wireless)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2

Honor phones with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

Honor is also on the list with Magic 8 Pro (review) and Magic 8, powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. Both phones were unveiled in October 2025.

Honor Magic 8 Pro

• Display: 6.71-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 6000nits (peak)
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
• Rear camera: 50MP (wide), 200MP (periscope telephoto, 3.7x optical zoom), 50MP (ultrawide)
• Front camera: 50MP
• OS: Android 16, up to 7 Android upgrades
• Battery: 7100mAh
• Charging: 100W (wired), 80W (wireless)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2

Honor Magic 8

• Display: 6.58-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 6000nits (peak)
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
• Rear camera: 50MP (wide), 64MP (telephoto, 3x optical zoom), 50MP (ultrawide)
• Front camera: 50MP
• OS: Android 16, up to 7 Android upgrades
• Battery: 7000mAh
• Charging: 90W (wired), 80W (wireless)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2

We’ll update the list periodically to ensure it remains fresh and up-to-date.

The post Every Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 phone so far: Complete list appeared first on Gizmochina.

Samsung has quietly expanded the accessory lineup alongside its Galaxy S26 Series announcement with the launch of a new 25W magnetic wireless charger. The accessory makes charging simpler and more stylish for Galaxy owners, especially those who want a sleek magnetic solution rather than a traditional charging pad.

What’s New: Qi2 Magnetic Charging at 25W

Unlike most generic wireless chargers, Samsung’s new Magnet Wireless Charger uses the Qi2 standard, which is the latest wireless charging protocol that supports magnetic alignment similar in concept to Apple’s MagSafe. This helps ensure better alignment between the phone and charger for more efficient power transfer. Despite this magnetic alignment, Samsung’s latest flagships do not have built-in magnets for Qi2 by default. Meaning, you still need a compatible magnetic case to properly secure the device to the charger for full power delivery.

The charger itself is super-thin (about 4.4mm) and includes a 1.5m USB-C cable with a fabric exterior for durability and daily flexibility. Samsung claims this magnetic charger can deliver up to 25W of wireless power, specifically supported on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26, on the other hand, are capped at about 20W and 15W, respectively.

Samsung claims that the new 25W magnetic charger can bring the Galaxy S26 Ultra to around 50% charge in just under an hour. This new charging accessory carries a minimalist and ultra thin design with a textured USB-C cable to resist fraying and tangling. The brand has already listed the Magnet Wireless Charger in some regions, including the US, where it is listed for 49.99 US Dollars. The global release in other regions, like India, is expected to kick off soon.

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Samsung has officially unveiled its latest flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+, along with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, at the Galaxy Unpacked event.

Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+ Specifications

The Galaxy S26 features a 6.3-inch FHD+ (2340 x 1080 pixels) Infinity-O Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, while the Galaxy S26+ offers a larger 6.7-inch QHD+ (3120 x 1440 pixels) display. Both displays boast a 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate and are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

The Galaxy S26 series comes with two chipset options, depending on the region: the Samsung Exynos 2600 processor or the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy. Both chips are built on a 3nm process. The series also feature redesigned Vapor Chamber that improves heat dissipation by up to 29%.

The S26 series runs on Android 16 with One UI 8.5 on top. The software offers advanced AI features such as Photo Assist for natural-language photo edits, Now Nudge for smart suggestions, Creative Studio for sticker creation, and Now Brief for personalized reminders and updates.

The Galaxy S26 series features a powerful 50MP main camera with a 1/1.56″ sensor, f/1.8 aperture, and OIS, accompanied by a 12MP ultra-wide lens with a 120° field of view and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. These cameras are powered by the ProVisual Engine, delivering exceptional clarity and detail in any lighting condition.

The devices also feature Nightography, elevating low-light photography by capturing vivid details even in dim settings. They support 4K video recording at 60fps and 8K at 30fps. For selfies, these feature a 12MP front camera, which supports 4K 60fps recording and includes AI-powered enhancements for natural, detailed selfies.

The Galaxy S26 is equipped with a 4300mAh battery, while the Galaxy S26+ features a larger 4900mAh battery. Both devices support ultra-fast charging, with the S26+ capable of reaching 69% charge in just 30 minutes using 45W wired charging. They also offer 20W Qi2 wireless charging and Wireless PowerShare for convenient on-the-go power.

Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, ensuring durability in various environments. For connectivity, these include 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C, and dual SIM.

Pricing and Availability

The Galaxy S26 starts at $899.99 for the 12GB + 256GB model, while the Galaxy S26+ starts at $1,099.99.

Both devices are available in stunning colors, including Silver Shadow, Pink Gold, Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue, White, and Black.

Pre-orders are live now on Samsung.com.

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Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event, one of the smartphone world’s biggest annual showcases, is almost here. The brand will step onto the global stage in San Francisco to officially unveil its highly anticipated Galaxy S26 lineup on 25th February 2026. So whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a Galaxy fan, or just curious about what’s next in Android flagships, the first order of business is knowing how to watch the event live.

When Does the Event Start

The Unpacked livestream begins on February 25, or basically later today. Samsung has officially confirmed the global timing for when the livestream will kick off:

• 10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET – US and North America time zones.
• 6:00 PM GMT / 7:00 PM CET – Europe.
• 11:30 PM IST – India local time.

Because this event is happening later in the evening in India, many viewers will be tuning in live late at night.

Where You Can Watch the Livestream

Samsung has made it easy for anyone with an internet connection to watch Galaxy Unpacked 2026 live. Here are the official platforms where the stream will be available:

• YouTube: The simplest way to watch is via Samsung’s official YouTube channel, where the livestream will be broadcast globally. You can watch on smartphones, tablets, laptops or smart TVs by navigating to Samsung’s channel and tapping the live video when the stream goes live.
• Samsung.com: In addition to YouTube, Samsung will host the Unpacked livestream directly on its official website (Samsung.com) and the Samsung Newsroom portal. These streams usually embed the same video feed, so you can watch without needing a YouTube account or app.
• Social Media and Partner Streams: Samsung’s official Twitter/X and Instagram accounts often share live clips, key announcements and highlights throughout the event. Though the full keynote feed is best watched through YouTube or the official Samsung stream. Third-party tech outlets also frequently run simultaneous reaction livestreams, commentary, and giveaways alongside the official broadcast.

What You’ll See at Galaxy Unpacked 2026

While this guide is focused on how to watch, it helps to know what you’re watching for! Samsung’s first major event of 2026 is expected to include:

• Samsung Galaxy S26 lineup debut, including Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra.
• AI-enhanced features and One UI 8.x innovations focusing on camera, privacy and voice/assistant capabilities.
• Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro premium wireless earbuds.
• Possibly new insights into Galaxy AI tools and software direction across the ecosystem, as well as new products.

As of right now, the Galaxy S26 series pre-order details have already gone live. You can also click here to check out all the differences between the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Galaxy S25 Ultra.

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

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Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series is just hours away from going official at the February 25 Unpacked event, but thanks to mandatory EU energy labels, we already have some confirmed details.

The information comes from official European certification listings. These labels are required for devices sold in the EU and include rated (minimum guaranteed) battery capacities, advertised “typical” capacities, standardized battery endurance results, and even durability metrics.

Starting with the base model, the Galaxy S26 gets a rated 4,175 mAh battery, marketed as 4,300 mAh typical. That’s a modest bump over the Galaxy S25’s roughly 4,000 mAh cell. In the EU’s standardized mixed-use test, it’s rated for 51 hours on a single charge. That suggests Samsung has managed at least incremental gains in efficiency, not just raw capacity.

The Galaxy S26+ sticks with a rated 4,755 mAh battery (advertised as 4,900 mAh typical). Endurance is listed at 55 hours, which either matches or very slightly improves on its predecessor.

Then there’s the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which continues Samsung’s now very long 5,000 mAh tradition. The rated capacity sits at 4,855 mAh, marketed as 5,000 mAh typical, unchanged for six straight generations. It also achieves 55 hours in the EU test.

Beyond battery size and endurance, the EU labels reveal some additional details. All three models score Class A for energy efficiency and drop resistance, carry IP68 dust and water protection, and receive a Class C repairability rating.

The labels indicate 80% capacity retention after 1,200 full charge cycles, which is a noticeable drop from the 2,000-cycle figure associated with the S25 series. That’s roughly a 40% reduction on paper.

All of this lines up fairly well with previous leaks. The standard S26 finally gets a capacity bump, while the Plus and Ultra models lean more on efficiency than larger cells. Whether that’s due to EU transport regulations around battery shipping thresholds, internal space constraints, or Samsung’s design priorities isn’t fully clear — but the strategy is consistent.

We now have concrete figures for capacity, endurance, and durability before the official reveal even begins. The real test, of course, will be hands-on reviews and real-world usage.

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(Source)

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Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series is just a few weeks away from its official release. Ahead of it, a new report suggests that most models in the upcoming lineup will launch at higher prices than last year in Europe.

A fresh report from Dealabs claims that every model in the series, including the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra, will see a price hike.

Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus Expected Price

According to the leak, the standard Galaxy S26 with 256GB of storage could start at EUR 999—a jump from the Galaxy S25’s launch price of EUR 959. The increase isn’t dramatic on its own, but it adds to the sense that Samsung’s baseline flagship is slowly inching closer to four-figure pricing across the board.

The Galaxy S26 Plus’ 256GB variant is reportedly priced at EUR 1,269, up from EUR 1,169 last year. Higher storage options could also see increases. The Galaxy S26 with 512GB of storage is tipped to cost EUR 1,199, while the 512GB Galaxy S26+ could reach EUR 1,469.

Galaxy S26 Ultra Expected Price

As for the S26 Ultra, the base 256GB version is expected to stick to the same EUR 1,469 price as the Galaxy S25 Ultra. However, higher storage variants are said to be more expensive.

The 512GB Ultra could rise to EUR 1,669, while a 1TB version may cost as much as EUR 1,969. The report also claims Samsung may drop the 128GB storage option entirely for the Galaxy S26 and S26+ in Europe.

As for why prices are going up, higher component costs are the most likely explanation. Chips, memory, and other key parts haven’t exactly become cheaper, and Samsung isn’t immune to that pressure. 

That said, Dealabs notes that the extreme price hikes seen in earlier regional leaks, such as those from Bulgaria, are unlikely to apply across the wider Eurozone. Pre-order bonuses and carrier deals could also soften the blow for early buyers.

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(Source)

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Samsung is gearing up for a packed 2026 product cycle, with multiple flagship launches slated across the year. While the company hasn’t officially confirmed dates yet, a recent tweet has offered us a full roadmap of all the big 2026 announcements. So let’s check it out.

Early 2026: Samsung’s Galaxy Unpack 2026

The first major date in Samsung’s 2026 calendar looks to be 25th February 2026, which is when the Galaxy Unpacked event will take place. This will have the South Korean tech giant unveil its highly anticipated Galaxy S26 lineup, consisting of the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra.

While it is unclear if the brand will announce other products during the event, February could likely include the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro launches as Samsung’s flagship TWS, along with the new Galaxy Book 6 series that should be powered by the next-gen processors.

Mid 2026: Galaxy Z Series & More

Samsung’s second big event of 2026 is expected around July. The company is expected to unveil its latest foldable devices, like the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Flip 8, and potentially a Galaxy Z Flip 8 FE model. This would continue its strategy of refreshing both premium and affordable foldables.

Alongside these, Samsung could also roll out updates to its new Galaxy Watch lineup that may include the top end Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and the Galaxy Watch 9 series. Apart from this, the tip from Jason C. on X (formerly Twitter) also points to the Galaxy Tab S12 series debuting in the middle of the year. Keep in mind that this is still just an unconfirmed report, so take this news with a pinch of salt for now.

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Major smartphone brands are lined up to unveil their exciting smartphones in February 2026. We’ll see many high-end phones, including the Galaxy S26 series, iQOO 15 Ultra, and the Vivo V70 series, launching next month, along with a couple of mid-range phones, such as the Pixel 10a, Motorola Edge 70 Fusion, and a few Galaxy A-series phones. Apple could also unveil the iPhone 17e in the same month.

If you’re planning an upgrade, these upcoming smartphones are worth paying attention to. Please note that some launches are already confirmed, while others have been added to the list based on strong leaks. The launch details for those devices should be announced officially in early February.

Upcoming smartphone launches in February 2026

1. Samsung Galaxy S26 series

Launch date: February 25, 2026 (expected)

This is one of the most anticipated smartphone launches of 2026. While the official launch date is still under wraps, strong leaks suggest a February 25 launch at the Galaxy Unpacked event.

The company will unveil the main trio at the upcoming event: the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. The remaining models, such as the Galaxy S25 Edge and Galaxy S25 FE, if planned, may launch later this year.

Based on past leaks, we aren’t expecting significant upgrades to the Galaxy S26 series, but refinements across display, camera hardware, and bigger batteries. The Galaxy S26 and S26+ will reportedly feature the Exynos 2600 in some markets, including India, while the S26 Ultra will only come with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. These will be the first phones to run One UI 8.5 software, based on Android 16.

2. iQOO 15 Ultra, 15R

• Launch date (iQOO 15 Ultra): February 4, 2026 — China
• Launch date (iQOO 15R): February 24, 2026 — India

iQOO will unveil its top-tier iQOO 15 Ultra in China in the first week of February. The phone is said to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC, a large LTPO AMOLED screen with 2K resolution, and three 50MP sensors on the back. It could house a 7,400mAh battery capacity with 100W wireless charging support. Some leaks say the wired charging speed could be up to 200W.

The leaked spec sheet for the iQOO 15 Ultra sounds pretty powerful, so I’m excited to see how it performs in real life. After this launch, we’ll see the brand unveil the iQOO 15R in India, a premium mid-range phone powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset. This phone could offer an even larger battery at 7,600 mAh with 100W fast charging support.

3. Vivo V70 series

Launch date: Mid-February (expected)

The popular Vivo V-series could gain two new members, as the brand reportedly plans to unveil the Vivo V70 and Vivo V70 Elite next month. Both of them will likely be camera-focused, offering two 50MP sensors (primary and telephoto) and an 8MP ultrawide unit.

The regular Vivo V70 is said to feature the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, while the V70 Elite could come with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. Leaks say the phones will bring a 6,500mAh battery with support for 90W wired charging.

4. Google Pixel 10a

Launch date: February 2026 (expected)

We usually have an affordable version of the latest Pixel lineup around February, and this year will be no different. The Pixel 10a could be unveiled in mid-February, with sales expected to begin in early March.

The upcoming Pixel 10a should be powered by the Tensor G4 chip, the same chip that powers other Pixel 10 models. It is said to feature a dual-camera setup on the back, led by a 48MP primary shooter, and a 5,100mAh battery with support for 23W wired charging.

5. Apple iPhone 17e

Launch date: February 2026 (expected)

The iPhone 16e arrived in February last year, and the industry is expecting Apple to follow the same launch timeline for its successor, the iPhone 17e. The smartphone could come with the Apple A19 chip, the same chip powering the iPhone 17. Other rumored specs include a 6.1-inch OLED screen and a single 48MP rear camera.

6. Samsung Galaxy A57, Galaxy A37

Launch date: February 2026 (expected)

In addition to the Galaxy S26 flagship series, the company could also unveil two mid-range phones in February: Galaxy A57 and Galaxy A37. Both phones are said to be powered by the in-house chips: Exynos 1680 on the Galaxy A57 and Exynos 1480 on the Galaxy A37.

According to recent leaks, the Galaxy A57 and Galaxy A37 will pack 5,000mAh batteries with support for 45W fast charging and a triple rear camera setup, led by a 50MP primary shooter (with OIS). The phones could come with Android 16-based One UI 8.5 skin out of the box.

7. Motorola Edge 70 Fusion

Launch date: February 2026 (expected)

The Edge 70 was announced in October, and now the brand is gearing up to unveil the second model in the lineup, the Edge 70 Fusion. While the official launch date is under wraps, leaks suggest it could go official in late February.

The Motorola phone could feature a 6.78-inch AMOLED screen with a 144Hz refresh rate, a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 SoC, and a 50MP triple rear camera setup. It is said to pack a 7,000mAh battery, the largest on a Motorola phone to date, with support for 68W fast charging.

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Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy S26 series toward the end of next month, and recent leaks suggest the company is making significant changes to pricing. According to reliable tipster Roland Quandt (via Winfuture), most models in the lineup will see a price increase compared to the Galaxy S25 series.

The exception is the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which is expected to become cheaper in its 256GB and 512GB configurations, while the 1TB variant will reportedly launch at the same price as the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The broader price increase across the lineup is likely tied to rising component costs, particularly higher prices for RAM and flash storage, which continue to impact smartphone manufacturing costs.

As per the Winfuture report, which cites dealer data from Sweden as its source, Samsung is dropping the 128GB storage option entirely, making 256GB the new starting point across the lineup. In Sweden, the Galaxy S26 with 256GB will be listed at 11,990 SEK (€1135), up from 10,990 SEK (€1040) for the 256GB Galaxy S25. This represents a year-on-year increase of about €95 and also means the entry-level S26 is roughly €200 more expensive than the base S25. The 512GB model will be listed at 13,990 SEK (€1,325), which is around €190 more than the 256GB version.

The Galaxy S26+ follows a slightly different path. The base 256GB model is priced at 14,490 SEK (€1372), the same as the Galaxy S25+ with identical storage. However, the 512GB variant now costs 16,990 SEK (€1609), which is over €230 more than last year. Storage upgrades are clearly more expensive across the board, reflecting higher flash memory costs.

The most surprising shift comes with the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Samsung appears to be lowering the entry price of its flagship model to keep it competitive. The 256GB Galaxy S26 Ultra is listed at 16,990 SEK (€1609), down from 17,990 SEK (€1703) for the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The 512GB version drops slightly as well to 18,990 SEK (€1798). The 1TB model remains unchanged at 22,490 SEK (€2129), suggesting Samsung is absorbing some of the added memory costs at the top end.

Samsung is also expected to end its long-running practice of offering free storage upgrades during pre-orders. With memory no longer cheap, those promotions are likely being phased out to give Samsung more pricing flexibility.

Beyond pricing, leaks suggest limited hardware changes. The Galaxy S26 is expected to feature a 6.3-inch M14 AMOLED display with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, while the S26+ could offer a larger 6.7-inch 2K AMOLED panel. Both are tipped to retain IP68 protection, Gorilla Glass Victus 2, Qi2 wireless charging, and similar camera setups to the S25 series. Power may come from either the Exynos 2600 or Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, depending on the market.

According to recent reports, Samsung is expected to announce the Galaxy S26 series on February 25, 2026. Pre-orders could begin on February 26, with first sales starting on March 11.

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Samsung’s first teaser for the Galaxy S26 series talks about a new kind of built-in privacy display that the phones will come with.

We’ve all been in situations where it’s easy for someone nearby to catch a glimpse of our screen. You can usually solve this problem with privacy screen protectors that limit viewing angles. The trade-off, of course, is that these protectors tend to dim the display and reduce overall image quality.

Samsung is instead making this feature part of the Galaxy S26 display itself. Based on the company’s teaser and earlier hints, this “Privacy Display” isn’t a simple on-or-off mode. Instead, it’s expected to work selectively, allowing certain parts of the screen to remain visible while others are hidden from side angles.

Samsung’s Privacy Display can also hide a part of your screen

Samsung says the feature can be adjusted depending on what you’re doing. This could include protecting sensitive notifications, specific apps, or moments when you’re entering passwords or other private information. Rather than darkening the entire display, the phone may only obscure the areas that actually need protection, while everything else stays normal and readable.

A leak shared by well-known tipster Ice Universe adds more detail about how this might work in practice. According to the information, the display can apply privacy effects to a small section of the screen, such as a notification pop-up.

From the user’s direct viewing angle, the content looks clear. From the side, that same area appears blacked out, making it unreadable to anyone nearby.

Samsung says the feature took years of development, combining both hardware and software changes. For now, the company hasn’t confirmed whether all Galaxy S26 models will support it or when we’ll see a full demo. However, we can expect to learn more soon.

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An early retailer listing has given us an early look at both storage options and colors of the Galaxy S26 series. The information isn’t official, but it appears to come from a real product database rather than speculation, which makes it worth paying attention to.

The leak comes from a Finnish online retailer that briefly published listings for the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra.

One thing that stands out right away is storage. According to the listings, all Galaxy S26 models in Europe will start at 256GB. That’s a change from the Galaxy S25 series, where the base model launched with 128GB as the base option in the region. For many users, this will probably matter more than most spec upgrades, especially as photos, videos, and apps continue to take up more space throughout the device’s lifespan.

The standard S26 and the S26+ are listed with 256GB and 512GB options, while the S26 Ultra goes further, offering configurations up to 1TB.

The color choices are fairly conservative, but not boring. All three models appear in Black, White, Sky Blue, and Cobalt Violet. Black is also shown in a separate Enterprise Edition version for certain SKUs. Cobalt Violet, in particular, looks like it’s being positioned as the standout color, especially for the Ultra.

There could be small differences in availability depending on storage size, but overall, the lineup stays consistent. Earlier leaks hinted that Samsung might offer more color options for the Ultra, so it’s still possible that additional finishes will show up later as regional or Samsung.com exclusives.

Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S26 lineup sometime next month. Until then, retailer leaks like this are often the best clues we get. If this one turns out to be accurate, the move to 256GB as base storage could be one of the most quietly appreciated upgrades in the series.

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Samsung‘s next generation of flagship smartphones are right around the corner. But ahead of any official announcement or teaser, the upcoming Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra just had their Indian launch date revealed along with the pre-order details and first sale date.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Series India Launch Details

The latest leak arrives from known tipster Ice Universe, who shared the details on X (formerly Twitter). Looking at this tweet, he claims that the South Korean tech giant will announce the Galaxy S26 lineup globally and in India on 25th February 2026, during its first 2026 Galaxy Unpacked event. After the initial announcement, Samsung will offer the Galaxy S26 models for pre-orders that start from February 26 and end on March 4. There will also be a pre-sale period for these premium smartphones, which will be live between March 5 and March 10.

And finally, the first official sale of the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra kicks off on 11th March 2026. This was all the information shared in the tweet, but in a previous report, finer details of the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+ were revealed. The former is a compact flagship with a 6.3-inch AMOLED display, while the latter has a taller 6.7-inch panel. Both models are barely seeing any updates, with specs being nearly identical to the older S25 series.

But one noticeable change is the rumored shift back to the Exynos 2600 chipset. To recall, Samsung used to release its flagship phones in two variants, with markets like the US and China getting the Snapdragon variant, while the rest of the world received the Exynos chip. Over the last couple of generations, Samsung has only released the Galaxy S series with Snapdragon processors, but this might not be the case this year.

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Samsung‘s next flagships, the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+, just had their key specifications leaked ahead of the official launch. This brings some disappointing news for those looking for a more robust generation upgrade with the brand’s 2026 flagship. So here are all the details.

Samsung Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+ Leaked Specifications

The latest information arrives from known tipster Gadgetsdata, who shared the info on X (formerly Twitter). Looking at the recent tweet, the Galaxy S26 will reportedly sport a compact 6.3-inch M14 AMOLED display with LTPO technology, adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, FHD+ resolution, and HDR10+ support. So, it is getting a slightly larger screen compared to its predecessor.

On the other hand, the more expensive Galaxy S26+ could have a larger 6.7-inch M14 AMOLED display that also supports adaptive 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support, but with a higher 2K resolution. We can also expect the brand to offer robust protection like the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 that was offered on its predecessor. The tipster claims that both models will retain an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.

Under the hood, he believes that Samsung’s next flagship will be powered by either the Exynos 2600 or the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. To recall, the South Korean tech giant releases the Snapdragon variant in select markets like the US and China, while the rest of the world gets the Exynos version. For photography, the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+ may feature a triple camera setup with a 50MP (main) + 12MP (ultra wide) + 50MP (telephoto).

A 4,300mAh battery pack powers the Galaxy S26, which supports 25W wired fast charging, while the Galaxy S26+ gets a larger 4,900mAh cell with 45W wired fast charging. There is also Qi2 wireless charging support and USB 3.2.

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Leaks around Samsung’s next Galaxy S series are starting to pick up as 2026 approaches. New hands-on images and a short video now offer one of the clearest looks yet at the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Ultra—albeit in dummy form.

The images were shared by well-known leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer, better known as OnLeaks. They show highly detailed dummy units in silver and black, the kind typically used by case and accessory makers ahead of a launch.

Design-wise, Samsung appears to be softening things slightly. Both models feature more rounded corners and edges compared to the Galaxy S25 lineup, a change that should improve in-hand comfort. The Galaxy S26 Ultra’s integrated S Pen also seems to have been tweaked, with a rounded cap that sits more flush with the body.

The biggest visual change is on the back. Instead of individual raised camera rings, the upper rear cameras now sit within a single, larger camera island. The layout is reminiscent of recent Galaxy Fold models and gives the phones a cleaner, more unified look. For the Ultra, the redesign is expected to accompany camera hardware upgrades, although details remain unconfirmed.

The standard Galaxy S26 looks especially compact in the dummy shots, prompting some debate online around its exact thickness. The Ultra, meanwhile, retains the large footprint expected of Samsung’s top-tier flagship. A short video circulating on X shows the devices from multiple angles, including the front, sides, and bottom ports.

While final hardware could still change, these dummy units point to a familiar Samsung approach for 2026: measured design tweaks, a greater focus on ergonomics, and a renewed push on camera design rather than a full visual overhaul.

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LPDDR6 is the next-generation low-power DRAM designed for smartphones. It brings faster performance, better power efficiency, and stronger reliability than today’s LPDDR5X memory. With higher speeds and smarter power management, LPDDR6 is set to play a key role in upcoming flagship devices.

The numbers show a clear jump. LPDDR5X currently tops out at around 8.533 Gbps. LPDDR6 is rated to operate between 10.667 Gbps and 14.4 Gbps. That translates to nearly double the data throughput. A smartphone like the Galaxy S26 equipped with LPDDR6 could move roughly twice as much data per second as current phones, making apps, games, and AI features noticeably faster. For perspective, LPDDR5X itself was already about 33 percent faster than LPDDR5.

Key LPDDR6 Improvements

The jump from LPDDR5X to LPDDR6 brings several technical advances:

Higher Bandwidth: LPDDR6 drives data at up to 14.4 Gbps, versus LPDDR5X’s 8.533 Gbps. This almost doubles memory bandwidth, allowing game assets, AI models, and other large data transfers to flow twice as fast.

Multi-Channel Access: Each LPDDR6 chip uses two 12-bit channels per die (24-bit total) instead of LP5X’s 2×8-bit lanes. Memory can read and write more data in parallel, cutting latency and boosting multitasking capability.

Smarter Power Saving: LPDDR6 runs at lower voltages and adds dynamic power modes like DVFS-L and single-channel low-power states. The chip can throttle down when idle. Samsung reports that LPDDR6 achieves about 21% better energy efficiency than the prior generation. LPDDR5X itself was 24% more efficient than LP5. In real phones, this means heavy workloads like 5G streaming, AI tasks, and gaming consume noticeably less battery.

Built-in Reliability: LPDDR6 includes on-die ECC and parity checks for data integrity. Errors that might crash an app or corrupt a photo are now auto-corrected, making the S26 more robust under extreme use.

Real-World Benefits

These upgrades deliver practical improvements. You’ll see faster app loads, smoother multitasking, and richer features. Gaming on LPDDR6-equipped phones will be stable even under high load. Textures and levels load instantly from memory without stutter. Photography and video apps can buffer more frames for better high-speed capture. Industry analysts noted that LPDDR5X’s speed already “delivers better user experiences across memory-intensive applications such as gaming, photography and streaming media.” LPDDR6 will amplify those gains. Think near-instant load times in open-world games or seamless 4K video editing on your phone.

Longer Battery Life

LPDDR6 can also extend battery endurance. By fine-tuning its operating voltage and idling unused channels, it sheds extra watts during light tasks. Early reports suggest LPDDR6 can cut dynamic power by about one-fifth compared to LP5/5X. In practice, this means the Galaxy S26 could last longer on a charge when doing the same heavy tasks, because the RAM itself uses less power. Samsung’s own tests claim roughly 21% energy savings when performing AI and inference workloads on LPDDR6 versus older memory.

Launch Delay and RAM Crunch

All these benefits make LPDDR6 a huge selling point for the S26. However, rumors suggest we may have to wait longer to see it. Early leaks now indicate Samsung has pushed the S26 launch into late February 2026, with sales in March, instead of the usual January window. The likely culprit is the global DRAM shortage. Analysts describe an “ongoing RAM drama” where surging AI and data-center demand has squeezed mobile DRAM supply. Industry reports say a high-level Samsung-Micron meeting was arranged at CES 2026 to negotiate LPDDR5X and future LPDDR6 chip supply. Memory chips, especially high-speed LPDDR5X modules, have become scarce and pricey. Samsung’s internal documents note LPDDR5X module prices skyrocketed recently. This crunch likely forced Samsung to delay the S26 unveiling and may push up its price.

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Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 series could see another chipset split, and one detail about the Exynos option is already drawing attention. The Galaxy S26 and S26+ models are already expected to ship with Samsung’s new Exynos 2600 processor, at least in South Korea. It’s notable for being Samsung’s first 2nm smartphone chip, but it reportedly comes with a trade-off: an external modem.

Tipster Erencan Yilmaz claimed that the Exynos 2600 does not include an integrated cellular modem. Instead, it is said to rely on a separate modem, believed to be the Exynos 5410. A Samsung Semiconductor official has already confirmed to Android Authority that the 2nm-based chip indeed uses an external modem.

Most modern smartphone chips, including the Exynos 2400 and Exynos 2500, use integrated modems. Keeping the modem on the same die reduces data travel and helps limit power draw and heat, especially during mobile data use.

External modems are typically less efficient. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 865 in 2020 followed a similar approach, and it was often criticized for higher power consumption during connectivity-heavy tasks. If the same applies here, Exynos-powered Galaxy S26 models could see slightly higher battery drain when using mobile data, calls, or hotspot features. Whether this external solution will behave differently from the integrated solution of the Snapdragon variants—especially in weak signal conditions—remains to be seen.

The Exynos 2600 is based on Samsung’s new 2nm process node, and opting for an external modem instead of integrating it into the main chip is seen as a potential cost-saving move. As Android Authority notes, the external design may help Samsung manage yields while freeing up space for other components.

Samsung hasn’t detailed how this setup will affect real-world battery life. That will only become clear once Exynos-equipped Galaxy S26 devices hit the market early next year. For now, Snapdragon variants may remain the safer choice for users who prioritize connectivity efficiency.

As usual, final judgments will depend on execution, not just specifications.

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A new leak is giving us a clearer picture of what Samsung is planning for the Galaxy S26 lineup — and surprisingly, the most interesting part isn’t the phones themselves. It’s the accessories. Samsung looks ready to lean heavily into magnets and Qi2 wireless charging, something it hasn’t taken too seriously until now.

The info comes from Roland Quandt, who spotted early signs that Samsung wants the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra to fully support the Qi2 standard. The timing makes sense, with the series expected to launch toward the end of February 2026.

What stands out is the charging upgrade. All three phones should support Qi2, but the S26 Ultra is the only one rumored to jump to 25W wireless charging. That’s quite a step up from the S25 series’s 15W limit. If this sticks, wireless charging on the S26 Ultra might finally feel quick enough to use regularly.

The accessories are where things get more interesting. In addition to the phones, Samsung has apparently built magnets into most of their official cases as well. That includes Magnetic Clear, Magnetic Carbon, Magnetic Rugged, and Magnetic Silicon cases. The silicone one should come in black and grey. Nothing fancy, but clearly designed to “snap” into place the way Qi2 accessories require.

There’s also a magnetic wireless battery pack on the way — it recently showed up in the Wireless Power Consortium listings — plus a 25W Qi2 charger with the model number EP-P2900. Both seem tailored for the S26 lineup’s new charging speeds.

Another accessory mentioned in the leak is a Dual Magnet Ring Holder. It’s only meant for phones with a Bluetooth S Pen, so basically the S26 Ultra. It sounds like a combination grip/stand, which might appeal to people who sketch or take lots of notes.

Altogether, it looks like Samsung is finally moving toward a more magnetic, Qi2-friendly ecosystem. If even half of this pans out, the S26 launch could be the start of a much more unified accessory lineup — and possibly inspire other Android makers to follow.

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In the contest for the thinnest and lightest flagship phones, Samsung may be gearing up for a big sweep. New leaks suggest that every Galaxy S26 model will be slimmer and lighter than its iPhone 17 counterpart.

Tipster @UniverseIce shared a comparison chart on X showing some surprisingly low numbers. According to the leak, the Galaxy S26 is expected to weigh 164 grams, the S26+ around 191 grams, and the S26 Ultra roughly 214 grams. That makes the standard S26 and the Ultra slightly lighter than their S25 equivalents, while the S26+ gains just a single gram, which is essentially negligible.

What’s more interesting is how these figures stack up against Apple’s upcoming lineup. If the leak is accurate, all three Galaxy S26 phones would come in both a thinner and lighter body than the iPhone 17 models they compete with. Samsung has pulled this off before — including last year — and doing it across the board again reinforces the brand’s push to deliver the best possible in-hand experience. A separate leak from September listed the Galaxy S26 Ultra at 217 grams, creating a minor discrepancy with the new 214-gram claim. It’s not unusual for early figures to vary, and the final number will likely become clearer as more specifications surface closer to launch.

However, these impressive weight and thickness numbers come at a cost: upgrades. Leaks about the Galaxy S26 series have been mostly disappointing so far. Aside from a few minor improvements — like slightly faster wireless charging across the board and faster wired charging on the Ultra — the S26 lineup appears to be retaining most of the internals from this year’s models.

The batteries, for instance, may see a small bump on the base variant, while the Plus and Ultra are expected to stick with the same 4,900mAh and 5,000mAh capacities for yet another year. If that happens, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will actually offer a larger battery (5,088mAh) than the S26 Ultra when it launches in Q1 2026 – and would likely outperform it in battery life as well.

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The Galaxy S26 series might not get as big a camera upgrade, but the company might bring the long-overdue update to its charging department. According to a new leak, the company is finally giving its wireless charging tech a boost to 25W. 

A report shared by tipster @Jukanlosreve, originally published by ET News, claims that Samsung will introduce faster wireless charging speeds across all three models of the Galaxy S26 lineup. After sticking to 15W wireless charging for nearly six years, the new phones are said to step up to 20W and 25W, depending on the model.

Specifically, the leak suggests that the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus will offer 20W wireless charging, while the flagship S26 Ultra will go up to 25W. 

That’s not really something Samsung should be proud of, as Chinese brands offer support for 50W or higher. But it’s still a meaningful jump from 15W, which has been standard since Galaxy S20. 

The improvement is expected to cut charging times by about 40% compared to the older 15W speeds, which should make wireless charging much more practical for daily use.

In addition to faster charging, the leak also hints that screen sizes and overall dimensions for all three Galaxy S26 models have been finalized. While Jukanlosreve‘s report doesn’t say it, tipster Ice Universe filled in those details.

The standard Galaxy S26 is said to feature a 6.3-inch screen and a 149.4 x 71.5 x 6.9 mm body. The Plus will retain the 6.7-inch screen and form factor of 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm. Whereas, the top-end S26 Ultra will feature a 6.9-inch panel and measure 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.8 mm. 

Meanwhile, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is now expected to run exclusively on Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip.

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A leak earlier this month outlined the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s camera hardware. Now, a new report is offering a closer look at what to expect from the standard Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus.

According to SmartPrix, Samsung might not make major changes to the non-Ultra models this time around. Earlier rumors suggested the S26 pair could adopt a new 50MP ultrawide sensor, but that no longer seems to be the case. 

Instead, both phones are reportedly sticking with the familiar 12MP Sony IMX564 ultrawide camera that’s been used for several generations. The details come from new firmware builds of both devices, uncovered by SmartPrix.

The upgrades

The primary camera remains at 50MP, though Samsung is expected to swap in a newer ISOCELL S5KGNG sensor. It’s technically fresh hardware, but it’s said to be the same size as last year’s sensor, so the practical impact might be limited.

There is at least one meaningful upgrade. The 3x telephoto camera is reportedly getting a small bump from 10MP to 12MP via Samsung’s ISOCELL S5K3LD sensor. That lines up with earlier leaks about similar changes coming to the S26 Ultra, suggesting the entire lineup will get the same telephoto treatment.

Outside the cameras, the leaked firmware also lists battery capacities of 4300mAh for the S26 and 4900mAh for the S26 Plus, which is exactly the same as the S25 series.

On a positive note, Samsung is expected to bring its Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec to vanilla models as well. The feature is currently reserved for the Ultra variant and enables 4K 60FPS recording on both front and rear cameras.

The Galaxy S26 series is expected to launch in February next year. And the series could be joined by a slim model (slimmer than the S25 Edge) in late 2026.

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Update: According to a more recent report from Android Headlines, the Galaxy S26’s dimensions are 149.5 × 71.6 × 7.24 mm. For context, the Galaxy S25 measures 146.9 × 70.5 × 7.2 mm. This confirms the previously speculated display size increase, but it also dashes any hopes of a slimmer chassis.

Original story: A fresh leak has spilled some key details about the Galaxy S26, and the headline is hard to miss: the phone is thinner, lighter, and finally comes with built-in magnets for proper Qi2 wireless charging. No more magnetic cases or “Qi2 Ready” marketing tricks.

The info comes from @UniverseIce, who shared what appears to be a factory schematic of the base S26. According to the leak, the phone measures just 6.9 mm thick — about 0.3 mm slimmer than the S25. That would make the Galaxy S26 one of the slimmest yet still practical flagships when it launches in early 2026.

The camera setup moves to a vertical pill-shaped module, similar to the design Samsung used on the Z Fold 7. But the real upgrade sits underneath the glass: a magnetic ring around the wireless charging coil. It’s native Qi2 hardware, not a software label — meaning chargers, wallets, stands, and car mounts will snap on just like MagSafe. And yes, this isn’t just for better coil alignment; it also serves as a much easier mounting mechanism on compatible accessories.

Specs mentioned in recent leaks look fairly standard for a 2026 flagship: a 6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display rated at up to 3,000 nits. If accurate, that’s a noticeable jump from the S25’s 6.2-inch panel that peaks at 2,600 nits. Although the increasing size of Samsung’s “compact” model might disappoint some users, the brightness boost is significant.

Based on current trends and early reports, the S26 and S26+ are expected to ship with Samsung’s 2nm Exynos 2600 in most regions, while Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 will likely power units sold in the US and China.

Charging is where things get interesting, and maybe a little disappointing. The Galaxy S25 tops out at 25W wired and 15W wireless, and Samsung capped the S25 Ultra — magnets included — at the same 15W limit last year. So far, no leaks suggest higher wireless charging speeds for the S26 lineup. It remains to be seen whether the new magnets simply improve mounting and stability or if they’ll finally enable faster wireless charging. We should know more as development continues.

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(Sources: 1, 2)

The post Galaxy S26 leak reveals built-in magnets like the S25 Ultra and a slightly larger display appeared first on Gizmochina.

The past week has been packed with Galaxy S26 leaks, but the rumor mill isn’t done yet. A new report has now hinted at when Samsung might finally unveil its next flagship lineup.

According to a Korean outlet (via @Jukan on X), Samsung is reportedly planning to hold its next Galaxy Unpacked event for the S26 series on February 25, about a month later than its usual schedule.

The event is said to be an “AI-focused” showcase taking place in San Francisco. A source familiar with Samsung’s plans told the outlet, “Samsung is preparing its first San Francisco Unpacked in three years, since the S23 launch in 2023,” adding, “As San Francisco has emerged as the hub of AI technology, it’s the perfect location for Samsung—the pioneer of the AI smartphone era—to hold its event.”

Samsung is to blame for itself

The delay could be tied to recent adjustments in Samsung’s lineup strategy. Earlier reports suggested that the Galaxy S25 Edge would replace the S26 Plus, but with the Edge’s lackluster sales, Samsung has apparently decided to bring the Plus model back in the league.

That means we’re once again looking at a familiar three-model setup: the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra.

Interestingly, the report also claims that the Galaxy S26 series will be powered by Samsung’s Exynos 2600 chip—including the Ultra model—for the first time since the Galaxy S22 series. However, it will remain a dual-chip strategy, with some markets getting Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 instead.

As usual, Samsung is expected to split regions based on chipset availability, following the same pattern it has used in previous generations.

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(Source | Via)

The post The Galaxy S26 series might not arrive until late February appeared first on Gizmochina.

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series has been surrounded by mixed signals for months, but a new set of leaked specs paints a much more encouraging picture. Instead of minor tweaks, the S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra may finally bring the camera upgrades fans have been asking for.

One of the biggest rumored changes is to the 3x telephoto camera. Samsung has relied on a 10MP 1/3.52-inch sensor in Ultra models and an even smaller 1/3.94-inch sensor in non-Ultra models for years — a clear disadvantage compared to rivals like the Vivo X300 Pro. The latest leak claims all three S26 models will move to a much larger 12MP 1/2.55-inch sensor for the 3x telephoto, which should improve light capture and overall zoom clarity. The Ultra may even step up to a 50MP 3x sensor, though that part isn’t “confirmed” yet.

The Ultra might also gain a larger 5,400mAh battery, up from 5,000mAh, assuming Samsung can keep thickness in check. All three phones are said to adopt Samsung’s newer M14 OLED panels with QHD resolution: 6.3 inches for the S26, 6.7 inches for the S26+, and 6.9 inches for the Ultra. For comparison, the current S25 uses a 6.2-inch 1080p panel.

The S26 and S26+ are reportedly in for meaningful camera upgrades too. Both may finally get a 50MP ultrawide (up from 12MP), and the 50MP main camera could use a larger 1/1.3-inch sensor — the same size as the S25 Ultra’s 200MP sensor.

Performance will vary by region, with either the Exynos 2600 or Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 powering the lineup. Even the Ultra may ship with Exynos in some markets this year.

One wild card remains: a slim “S26 More Slim” model with a 6.6-inch QHD display, dual 50MP cameras, paired with an unspecified telephoto, and a ~4,300mAh battery. Its status is unclear, but unlike the canceled S26 Edge, it reportedly avoids major compromises.

If accurate, these changes suggest the S26 series could be a far more cohesive — and far more improved — lineup than early leaks indicated.

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(Source: Alchimist Leaks on Telegram)

The post Galaxy S26 series leak points to larger sensors across the board, bigger batteries, and upgraded displays appeared first on Gizmochina.

Samsung plans to equip the upcoming Galaxy S26 series with its new Exynos 2600 chipset, according to multiple reports from Korean media and industry sources. The company has already started mass production of the chip on its advanced 2nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) process. The move marks a major shift, with Samsung expected to use Exynos not just in base and Plus models, but possibly in the Galaxy S26 Ultra as well.

Galaxy S26 Ultra could run on Exynos 2600

According to reports, the Exynos 2600 delivers six times higher AI performance than Apple’s A19 Pro, which powers the iPhone 17 Pro. It also provides a 75% improvement in GPU performance and a 14-15% gain in multi-core CPU performance compared to Apple’s chip. Against Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Elite, the Exynos 2600 reportedly achieves 30% better AI and 29% better GPU performance.

Samsung designed the chip with a 10-core CPU cluster, including a 3.80GHz high-performance core. It also decoupled the modem from the main SoC, allowing more space for computing components and improving power efficiency. The company has introduced Heat Pass Block (HPB) and Fan-Out Wafer Level Packaging (FOWLP) to address overheating and thermal performance.

Samsung traditionally uses Exynos chips in Galaxy phones sold in Korea and Europe, while markets like the US, Japan, and China receive Snapdragon variants. This strategy is expected to continue, but reports suggest that Samsung may use Exynos chips in all S26 variants in select regions, including the Ultra model, for the first time since the Galaxy S22 series.

The Exynos 2600 is a critical part of Samsung’s turnaround strategy. Strong performance gains and improved foundry yields could help the company recover losses in its semiconductor and System LSI businesses, which have been under pressure in recent years.

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(Source 1,2,3 / Via)

The post Samsung’s Exynos 2600 may power the entire Galaxy S26 lineup appeared first on Gizmochina.

The Galaxy S26 series has been surrounded by plenty of conflicting reports. It was initially rumored that Samsung might rename the standard Galaxy S26 to the Galaxy S26 Pro and pair it with the Galaxy S26 Edge and Ultra.

But according to information from multiple sources this week, that’s not happening. Samsung has reportedly scrapped the Galaxy Edge lineup altogether, meaning the Galaxy S26 Plus will make a return instead. 

The S26 Edge, however, isn’t completely off the table. Samsung has reportedly completed most of its development, meaning it could launch later as a standalone model.

The usual S26, S26 Plus and S26 Ultra

A fresh rumor now adds that the base model won’t carry the “Pro” tag after all. Sources familiar with SamMobile told the outlet that there are no changes to the Galaxy S26 naming scheme this year.

Hints pulled from the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s One UI 8.5 firmware also reveal that Samsung is likely reusing the same camera setup as the S25 series. That means a 50MP main camera, a 10MP telephoto lens, and a 12MP ultrawide.

Under the hood, Samsung is reportedly bringing back its Exynos chip for the Galaxy S26 and S26+ in several markets. That’s a shift from the Galaxy S25 lineup, which relied entirely on Snapdragon chips (except for the FE model).

The one notable upgrade might come from the battery. According to SamMobile, the Galaxy S26 could pack a 4,300mAh cell, up from the 4,000mAh battery found in last year’s model.

If the base model truly keeps the same name, it’s safe to assume that most of those “Galaxy S26 Pro” leaks were actually referring to the standard S26.

Renders show the phone will have a redesigned rear camera island, now shaped like a pill and housing three lenses. Perhaps the most impressive detail is that Samsung might shave the thickness down to 6.96mm, compared to 7.2mm on the S25, despite fitting in that larger battery.

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(Source)

The post There is no Galaxy S26 Pro, claims leak appeared first on Gizmochina.

There are already plenty rumors going around regarding the various upgrades in Samsung‘s upcoming Galaxy S26 series of flagship smartphones. But all of this might come at a cost (literally). A recent leak has revealed that many of the changes could come with a heftier price tag.

Brace for a Price Jump on the Samsung Galaxy S26

MediaTek just unveiled its flagship Dimensity 9500 SoC, which is based on TSMC’s third-generation 3nm process node (N3P). Similarly, even Qualcomm is using the same line from TSMC for its next gen Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip. A large chunk of these new chips will be dedicated to Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series, bringing a more power efficient chip despite offering performance gains. However, this will be one of the major reasons for the Galaxy S26 series’ price hike.

According to a China Times report, Qualcomm and MediaTek are paying around 24 percent and 16 percent higher rates (respectively) to TSMC for the new chips. So the brands receiving the latest processors will likely have the customers bear the cost of these pricier components. Apart from this, the various new upgrades will also cause the Galaxy S26 models to become more expensive.

In our recent report, the Galaxy S26 Ultra could finally use Samsung’s M14 OLED panel alongside the CoE display tech. These devices might also be getting new cameras for an improved photography experience. That’s not all, the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Pro models might feature the new Exynos 2600 SoC, which is expected to be based on Samsung Foundry’s cutting edge 2nm process.

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The post Here’s Why the Galaxy S26 Series May Come with a Price Hike appeared first on Gizmochina.

Smartphone launches have become a year-round affair, but timing is everything if you’re planning to upgrade. While it’s tempting to grab the latest shiny device, right now might actually be the worst time to buy a new phone. From upcoming major launches to falling prices on current models, there are several reasons why holding off for just a few months could get you a far better deal.

The Next Wave of Flagships Is Around the Corner

Every year, the smartphone industry works on a predictable cycle. Brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google drop their biggest flagships in the second half of the year. Google just unveiled the Pixel 10 series of premium phones, but there’s plenty of next gen smartphones arriving soon. In just a few days, Apple will announce the highly anticipated iPhone 17 series.

Chinese brands push the boundaries of smartphone innovation every year, and the next wave of flagships will start rolling out soon. Starting from October, companies like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo will start releasing their flagship Xiaomi 16, Oppo Find X9, and Vivo X300 series, respectively. If you can wait till the new year, Samsung will bring the Galaxy S26 series, which will have a more global release.

Prices of Current Models Are About to Drop

When new phones launch, last year’s flagships see dramatic price cuts. For example, when Apple announces its Galaxy iPhone 17, the iPhone 16’s price will almost certainly fall. The same trend happens with Samsung Galaxy smartphones once the latest model hits shelves. If you’re patient, you can save big while still getting a premium device.

Tech Upgrades Coming Soon

The second half of 2025 is shaping up to be packed with big changes. Snapdragon’s next-gen 8 Elite 2 chipset is on the horizon, bringing performance and efficiency improvements. Pairing this with impressively large battery packs, some models like the OnePlus 15 are going to easily offer more than two days long battery life. In other words, the endurance upgrade is quite substantial over generations. AI is getting smarter with deeper integration, improving camera tech, latest software features, and much more.

Festive Sales & More Affordable Phones

As we near the end of the year, there are a number of festive sales coming up. This includes deals on e-retailer giants like Amazon, regional giants like Flipkart, or major global sales like the Black Friday Sales and Holiday Sales near Christmas and New Year’s.

Not everyone needs the latest and greatest or plans to get an older flagship phone. So this sales period also brings great deal for affordable entry level smartphones, mid range devices, and flagship killer/budget flagship models. Meaning, you can expect to see big discounts on smartphones that you were already planning on buying right now.

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The post Don’t Buy That New Smartphone Yet! Here’s Why You Should Wait appeared first on Gizmochina.

Samsung might be planning a big surprise for its next series of flagships. While initial rumors had hinted at the Galaxy S26+ model being replaced, a new rumor suggests that even the compact base S26 is being replaced in favor of a new Galaxy S26 Pro. So here’s everything you need to know.

Is Samsung Killing the Galaxy S25 & S25+ for a New S26 Pro and Edge?

The South Korean tech giant is apparently working on a S25 Edge successor that would replace the Galaxy S26+. This Galaxy S26 Edge will feature a similarly sized display but with a thinner body while bumping the battery size. Now, AndroidAuthority‘s latest report claims that the standard Galaxy S26 is being replaced with a new Galaxy S26 Pro.

So the lineup will still consist of three devices (unlike the S25 family) with an S26 Pro, an S26 Edge, and a flagship S26 Ultra. The report adds that they found evidence in the One UI 8 internal build, which hints that no base models are planned for Samsung’s 2026 flagship lineup. In the past, Samsung had associated codenames that correspond to different flagship phones (like the S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra).

However, the latest M1, M2, and M3 internal names refer to a new S26 Pro, S26 Edge, and S26 Ultra, with no mention of the base and Plus models. As of right now, it remains unclear whether this is a simple rebranding strategy or if Samsung plans to update the standard version to be more in line with the expensive options for the Galaxy S series. This is still just an unconfirmed report, so take this with a pinch of salt and stick around for more.

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The post New Galaxy S26 Pro & S26 Edge May Have Samsung Kill the Base Models appeared first on Gizmochina.

Samsung’s upcoming Exynos 2600 chip — likely to power next year’s Galaxy S26 — has made its appearance on Geekbench, offering a glimpse into what the next generation of flagship performance might look like. While the scores come from a pre-production unit, they give an early look at how the chip stacks up against current and upcoming competition.

Tested on Geekbench 6.4, the Exynos 2600 posted a single-core score of 2,155 and a multi-core score of 7,788. For context, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 (expected to power the Ultra model) reportedly scores over 4,000 and 11,000 in the same tests. These numbers are also lower than previously speculated figures for the Exynos 2600 itself. In fact, the results closely resemble the CPU performance of the just released Galaxy Z Flip7, which runs on the Exynos 2500—suggesting there could be a noticeable performance gap between the S26 models powered by Exynos and those powered by Snapdragon.

That said, this is just an early development-stage test, and performance is expected to improve as Samsung continues refining resource management, thermals, and other system-level optimizations. These initial results are more a reflection of the current state of development than a final verdict. We’ll know more once benchmark scores for the Ultra model—likely powered by Qualcomm’s 8 Elite Gen 2—start appearing.

For now, the Geekbench listing confirms a few details about the Exynos 2600: it packs a 10-core CPU. The CPU cluster includes one Cortex-X930 core running at 3.55GHz, three Cortex-A730 cores at 2.96GHz, and six more A730s at 2.46GHz. This chip is said to be based on Samsung’s 2nm SF2 process.

It’s likely that the Exynos 2600 will be used in select Galaxy S26 models across Europe and Asia, while Snapdragon variants could be reserved for the US and Chinese markets.

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(Source)

The post Exynos 2600’s early Geekbench scores hint at Galaxy S26’s potential appeared first on Gizmochina.

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 is still months from launch, but the rumor mill isn’t slowing down. Just as fresh battery details surfaced earlier today, a new leak is now shedding light on what’s likely powering Samsung’s next-gen flagship.

According to frequent tipster Ice Universe, the upcoming S26 lineup will run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, and more specifically, a custom-tuned “For Galaxy” version of it.

Samsung and Qualcomm have been collaborating on these exclusive Galaxy-only variants for a while now, often resulting in slightly better performance compared to the standard chips used in other Android flagships.

A 4.47GHz SoC

So what’s new this time? For starters, the chip’s prime core is rumored to hit 4.74GHz, a noticeable jump from the 4.47GHz peak found in the Galaxy S25’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

The standard version of the 8 Elite 2 is expected to top out at around 4.4GHz, and both variants will be manufactured on TSMC’s third-gen 3nm process. That’s projected to offer a 4% performance boost and 9% lower power consumption compared to the previous gen, even without touching the clock speeds.

As for the phones themselves, Samsung is reportedly prepping the Galaxy S26, S26 Edge, and S26 Ultra for an early 2026 debut. The Ultra model is said to retain the same 5,000mAh battery as last year but could bump up its wired charging speeds from 45W to 65W. 

Still, Samsung may not be first out of the gate with Qualcomm’s new silicon. The Xiaomi 16 series is expected to be the first to launch with the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2. Samsung will launch the device much later in January, mostly after its Chinese competitors announce their respective flasghips. 

For now, this latest round of leaks adds to the growing picture of what to expect from the Galaxy S26 series. 

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The post Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 inside Galaxy S26 to run at 4.74GHz, says leak appeared first on Gizmochina.

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series is expected to launch in January 2026 — but the question of which chip will power the new flagships remains open. With Samsung pushing its in-house Exynos chips for more devices, a recent comment from a key executive has stirred fresh speculation about the Galaxy S26’s processor lineup.

At the NAEK Young Festival in Seoul, Park Yong-in, President of Samsung System LSI, spoke about the development of the Exynos 2600. While he sounded confident about the chip’s progress, Park stopped short of confirming whether it would be used in the Galaxy S26 series.

Earlier this year, Samsung MX — the mobile division — surprised many by using the Exynos 2500 in the Galaxy Z Flip7 and the Exynos 2400 in the Z Flip7 FE, breaking from its usual reliance on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors. Park said the Exynos 2600 was “progressing well” and hinted at “good results” ahead, but made it clear that MX will make the final call on whether the chip makes it into the S26 lineup.

The fact that the multitasking-focused Z Fold7 still relies on a Snapdragon flagship suggests the Exynos 2500 fell short of Samsung’s performance or efficiency expectations. So far, there’s been little convincing evidence of significant gains with the Exynos 2600 either — likely a key reason why the mobile division has yet to lock in a deal with System LSI, Samsung’s chipmaking arm.

Samsung had originally planned to use the Exynos 2500 for the Galaxy S25 series, only to scrap it in favor of the Snapdragon 8 Elite due to yield problems. The Exynos 2600 is reportedly facing similar yield concerns, with production rates still falling short of the 70% mark needed for mass production.

Meanwhile, Samsung MX is increasingly sourcing key components from external suppliers. The Galaxy S25, for example, used Micron memory chips instead of Samsung’s own — a trend that may continue with the S26 series. If production challenges persist, Samsung may once again turn to Qualcomm (Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2) for the Galaxy S26, S26 Edge, and S26 Ultra — good news for users prioritizing performance and battery life.

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(Source)

The post Exynos 2500 skipped for Z Fold7; Exynos 2600 still unconfirmed for Galaxy S26 appeared first on Gizmochina.

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 may still be months away, but early buzz around its next-gen chip is already heating up. A fresh leak sheds light on the Exynos 2600 processor, which is expected to power most versions of the S26 series—and it paints a familiar picture of regional performance differences.

According to tipster @OreXda on X, the Exynos 2600—Samsung’s upcoming 2nm chipset—has now been properly benchmarked using updated production yield estimates. Earlier figures were based on a 10% yield, but with the more accurate 40% yield (in line with Samsung Foundry’s current 2nm output), the Exynos 2600 reportedly scores around 2,950 in single-core and 10,200 in multi-core performance on Geekbench 6. That’s a solid improvement—roughly 20% and 15% higher than the Exynos 2400 found in this year’s Galaxy S24.

But while the numbers are promising, they may still leave some users disappointed. Compared to Qualcomm’s current Snapdragon 8 Elite, which already scores higher in single-core (3,155) and comes close in multi-core (9,723), the Exynos 2600 appears to fall slightly behind. And that’s not even taking into account the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 of the S26 Ultra, which is rumored to reach over 4,000 in single-core and 11,000 in multi-core benchmarks.

What does that mean for Galaxy fans? Samsung is widely expected to fall back to its dual-chip strategy for the Galaxy S26 series—using Exynos 2600 in most global markets, while reserving the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 for the US, China, and possibly other select regions. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is reportedly sticking with Snapdragon globally, but the base S26 and S26+ (or S26 Edge) models could once again vary widely in performance, battery efficiency, and thermal stability depending on where you buy them.

It’s a déjà vu moment for long-time Samsung users, many of whom have criticized the company in the past for offering inconsistent performance across its flagship lineup. Unless Samsung pulls off something surprising in optimization, the Exynos-Snapdragon gap could once again be a deciding factor for buyers when the Galaxy S26 series launches in early 2026.

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The post Galaxy S26’s Exynos 2600 benchmark leak hints at major performance gap between variants appeared first on Gizmochina.

Samsung’s chip strategy for the Galaxy S26 series, set for early 2026, will echo its Galaxy S24 approach, using the Exynos 2600 for global S26 and S26+ variants and the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 for the S26 Ultra worldwide and all models in the US, Japan, South Korea, and China. The 8th generation foldables will also pack the 8 Elite 2, but there’s a twist.

Samsung’s chip strategy for its upcoming flagships

The Galaxy S26 series chip plan revives Samsung’s dual-chip strategy after the Snapdragon-exclusive S25 series, driven by Exynos 2500’s yield issues. A recent report out of South Korea claims the Exynos 2600, built on Samsung’s 2nm SF2 node with GAA FET architecture, will power the S26 and S26+ (or S26 Edge) in regions like Europe and Asia, while the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, made on TSMC’s 3nm N3P node, will fuel the S26 Ultra globally and the entire lineup in key markets. This mirrors the S24’s split, where the S24 Ultra used Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 worldwide, but the S24 and S24+ had Exynos 2400 in most regions.

Notably, the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 “For Galaxy” will be manufactured using Samsung’s 2nm process, rather than TSMC’s. Qualcomm previously partnered with Samsung Foundry for the Snapdragon 888 and 8 Gen 1, but later returned to TSMC despite the higher costs—primarily due to performance and efficiency requirements. Will the 8th-generation foldables face similar issues as those earlier flagships? Only time will tell.

The Exynos 2600 and the 8 Elite 2 For Galaxy’s theoretical edge lies in its 2nm process, but TSMC’s N3P has historically outperformed Samsung’s nodes. Qualcomm’s dual-sourcing mainly aims to cut costs, as TSMC’s 3nm wafers are significantly pricier, reportedly priced at around $18,000 per wafer last year.

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(Source)

The post Samsung’s chip strategy for S26 series, Z Fold 8, Flip 8 leaks: and here’s a twist appeared first on Gizmochina.

The Galaxy S26 series was previously rumored to feature a revamped telephoto setup—either a combination of 3.5x and 8x lenses or a single 200MP telephoto capable of handling longer zoom ranges through digital cropping (thanks to its high resolution). Now, the latest update points to an upgrade for the base model’s main sensor as well: a new 50MP unit. But don’t get too excited just yet.

The Galaxy S26 will reportedly introduce a fresh ISOCELL GN series sensor, marking the first sensor refresh in three years. While specific details about this new sensor remain scarce, it’s expected to have larger pixels, leading to crisper photos and better low-light performance.

Why you shouldn’t get to excited

The sensor size in the ISOCELL GN series hasn’t seen much growth over the years. In fact, the GN3 and GN5 are noticeably smaller than the GN1 and GN2, which makes the idea of a new GN sensor with larger pixels seem unlikely.

• GN1: 1/1.31″
• GN2: 1/1.12″
• GN3: 1/1.57″
• GN5: 1/1.57″
• GNK: 1/1.3″
• GNJ: 1/1.56″

(Source: Samsung Semiconductor)

Interestingly, the source made no mention of a Plus model—further supporting an earlier rumor that the S26 Edge (likely to feature a 200MP sensor, like its predecessor) will replace the S26 Plus in Samsung’s upcoming lineup.

With an Exynos 2600 or Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset and One UI 8 on Android 16, the S26 possibly aims to balance incremental upgrades with competitive pricing. Will the new sensor elevate the S26’s photography to rival Chinese flagships? More leaks in the coming months will clarify its potential.

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(Source: GalaxyClub | Samsung Semiconductor)

The post Galaxy S26 will get a new main sensor—but don’t get too excited appeared first on Gizmochina.