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ZDNET Highlights
- Samsung’s latest phone lineup has impressive rumored specifications.
- The redesigned privacy glass may eliminate screen protectors.
- The S26 series should be released in March.
Since its introduction nearly a decade ago, I’ve been a devoted Google Pixel phone user. Occasionally a feature here or there has attracted my attention, but I can say that, as a general rule, I have never been tempted to wander.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 could change that.
I keep an eye on what other phone makers are doing, and a rumor or leak about the upcoming Galaxy lineup has caught my attention more than once. Of course, these are all rumors and nothing confirmed, but many of these rumors have been coming out consistently and from multiple tipsters, meaning there’s probably some truth to it.
Also: These Samsung Galaxy S26 rumors suggest big changes we didn’t see coming
If these rumors hold up, I may be very eager to exit the Google ecosystem for the first time in a long time.
Here’s what’s rumored about the Samsung Galaxy S26. Rumors say the lineup will be Release mid MarchWhich would reportedly make sense with Samsung Unpacked in late February.
Redesigned Glass that eliminates screen protectors
Since most flagship phones in recent years use top-of-the-line glass, I can’t remember the last time I used a screen protector. Perhaps I’m relying on glass damage, because my phone’s front camera lens now has a small crack on it, which developed less than 24 hours after I unboxed it.
Also: 5 preinstalled Samsung apps you should remove ASAP — they’re basically bloatware
S26 is ultra apparently coming along A new generation of Gorilla Glass featuring anti-reflective coating, non-polarized light technology, ultra-high-strength glass and screen privacy technology. latter Looks pretty impressive in actionAnd overall the glass might be a top feature of this phone.
scam detection
My Pixel 9 Pro does a great job of screening calls, so it’s rare that a call I don’t want actually reaches me. When someone does this, I have the assurance of spotting a scam in case someone tricks me. Instead of just logging potentially harmful numbers, this feature uses AI to listen to your calls for certain keywords. If something sounds dangerous, your phone vibrates and an alert appears.
Also: I changed these 7 settings on my Samsung phone to extend battery life by hours
Although this has been a Pixel exclusive, multiple sources, including android authorityIt looks like this feature may reach the S26.
Extended battery life and faster charging
The S26 Ultra is obviously paying a big attention to battery life. The leak claims that the flagship version of the phone will feature stacked-cell technology, with a 5,500mAh or larger battery – more than any other flagship. Some tipsters disagree on this point, but the new phone will likely have Charging speed also improved –From 0% to 75% in 30 minutes.
Also: I tested the camera of the latest Samsung, Google and Honor phones over the air – this model wins the most
I use my phone frequently throughout the day, and I often need to give it a quick recharge. The ability to reach over 50% in a matter of minutes is extremely attractive.
An attractive new processor
Rumors vary here, but at least the top tier of Samsung’s S26 lineup would probably be convenient Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. This will mean improvements in many aspects including battery life, graphics and more.
Also: I tried Samsung’s $2,900 tri-foldable phone ahead of its US debut — it won me over in minutes
Some reports say complete series There will be a newer processor, but Samsung often uses a mix of chipsets for its phones, so it’s only fair to get the latest processors in high-end phones. I usually upgrade to a top-tier phone every three years, so I’ll probably have my eye on the Ultra anyway.
But if every phone gets the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, that could be enough to entice even more people.
