Samsung Sets Galaxy S26 Series Launch for February 25, Pre-Reservations Now Open

Samsung has officially confirmed its Galaxy Unpacked event will take place in San Francisco on February 25, 2026, where it will unveil the Galaxy S26 series. The company simultaneously opened pre-reservations through its website, allowing customers to secure early access with a small deposit ahead of the official release. This dual approach builds anticipation while giving Samsung valuable early demand signals for its next flagship lineup.

The Galaxy S26 series maintains Samsung's established three-model strategy: standard S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra. According to multiple verified leaks, the base S26 and S26+ will feature Samsung's in-house Exynos 2600 processor across most global markets, paired with 12GB of RAM. Both retain their predecessors' display dimensions and camera configurations, though battery capacities see strategic adjustments. The standard model increases to 4,300mAh (up from 4,000mAh in the S25), while the S26+ maintains its 4,900mAh capacity with efficiency improvements through the new chipset.

The premium S26 Ultra takes a different silicon approach, featuring a custom-tuned Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor specifically optimized for Samsung's hardware. This model continues with a 5,000mAh battery but significantly upgrades charging capabilities to 60W wired and 25W wireless speeds. Camera hardware retains existing resolutions per leaks, but incorporates larger-aperture lenses across all sensors for improved low-light capture and depth control. These optics upgrades suggest computational photography enhancements through Samsung's updated image processing algorithms.

From an ecosystem perspective, all models will launch with Android 16-based One UI 8. This positions Samsung to leverage Google's latest AI integrations while maintaining its feature differentiation through DeX desktop mode, Quick Share file transfers, and Galaxy Watch/Buds synchronization. The continued processor segmentation between Ultra and non-Ultra models creates a subtle performance tiering that encourages users toward higher-priced models in regions where Snapdragon variants are exclusive.

Pre-reservation requires payment of a nominal fee ($25-$50 depending on region) credited toward final purchase. This reservation system prioritizes access rather than guaranteeing specific configurations, effectively creating a queue system for launch day inventory. Samsung's website indicates deliveries will commence within one week post-event. With specifications largely revealed through leaks, Samsung's launch focus will likely center on software enhancements, AI features, and ecosystem integrations that reinforce brand loyalty amid increasing competition in the premium Android segment.