In recent days a question has arisen Wave of leaks about the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 range, and the focus of all of them seems to revolve, for the first time, around the alleged disappearance of the Plus model from the family. This possibility opens up a completely unprecedented scenario for the Korean brand, since the Plus model has been a fixture for several generations. Not only that: the Edge seems destined to take its place, altering both the brand's strategy and the catalog we're used to.
Information circulating in technological media and specialized forums suggests that Samsung could completely restructure its flagship line by 2026. While these types of rumors appear recurrently as the launch of each new model approaches, on this occasion several facts seem to coincide: there would be no Galaxy S26 Plus, and the S26 Edge would become the alternative for those looking for something in between without reaching the Ultra model.
The Galaxy S26 range: a three-band lineup
According to leaks from South Korean and European sources, Samsung is expected to launch a range of just three models in 2026.: Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Edge and Galaxy S26 Ultra. This lineup would mean not only the elimination of the Plus as an intermediate model, but also a strategic move to strengthen the position of the Edge, which until now was a special edition or a more minority alternative.
The leaked screen sizes for this next generation would be as follows:
- Galaxy S26: 6,27 inches
- Galaxy Edge S26: 6,66 inches
- Galaxy s26 ultra: 6,89 inches
If these data are confirmed, the disappearance of the S26 Plus would make the Edge the primary option for those looking for a large phone but unable to make the jump to the Ultra. This would simplify the Galaxy range, eliminating the confusion between models and relegating to the past the traditional balance that the Plus offered between size, price and performance.
Why might Samsung phase out the Plus model?
The reasons behind this change point to the uneven market response to the Plus model in recent generations. Apparently, Many users opt directly for the base model or opt for the Ultra, leaving the Plus in a sort of limbo that doesn't provide a clear differentiation, especially after the emergence of the Edge with an ultra-thin design that has generated quite a bit of conversation. You can learn more about the differences between the Galaxy S25 Edge and the Galaxy SXNUMX Edge..
In fact, the experience of the Galaxy Edge S25 seems to have served as an experiment for Samsung. Although the Edge hasn't been a bestseller in terms of sales, it has managed to capture the interest of those looking for something different. In some markets, such as Europe, The Edge has actually sold better than the Plus in its first few weeks., according to internal figures compiled by the consulting firm Counterpoint Research. This, coupled with the competition's trend—Apple also plans to eliminate the iPhone Plus in favor of the thinner iPhone Air—reinforces the possibility that Samsung wants to strengthen its Edge lineup and do away with the Plus.
In addition, leaks indicate that Samsung has already begun to provide specific components for the new family, working with suppliers like DAP and Korea Circuit for the internal boards, ensuring that each model features the necessary circuit layers for its advanced electronics. Internally, the leaked codenames NPA1, NPA2, and NPA3, which could stand for "Next Paradigm," point to a new focus on Samsung's high-end.
What's new in the Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge
The Edge model would pick up the baton from the Plus and would arrive with Camera improvements and ultra-thin design as key featuresVarious sources agree that The S26 Edge is said to incorporate a 50-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera., significantly superior to previous models, and would inherit some of the premium hardware that used to be reserved for the Plus.
Regarding design, the reduced thickness that has characterized the Edge would be maintained than the previous generation (measuring just 5,8 mm on the S25 Edge), although this could mean a slightly smaller battery capacity. Samsung could optimise computational photography and other technologies to compensate for certain physical limitations. All of this would put the Edge in a prominent position within the lineup, although it remains to be seen whether it will convince users who traditionally opted for the Plus.
El S26Ultra It would remain the top-of-the-range model with a 200 MP main camera and a 50 MP telephoto lens, in addition to the latest advances in display and processor. The base model, meanwhile, would gain a few tenths of an inch on the screen, while maintaining the essence of a more affordable phone.
Implications of this strategy for Samsung and consumers
This change of strategy accentuates the simplification of Samsung's offering, which thus seeks to avoid sales cannibalization and focus its efforts on models that provide real added value. However, it could also mean that the Edge model, now considered a "mid-range premium" option, will be priced higher than the Plus, raising the entry cost for those looking for a larger phone without going up to the Ultra.
For many users, the choice would come down to three clearly differentiated proposals: The standard S26 as a compact phone, the Edge as a benchmark for ultra-thin design, and the Ultra as the ultimate flagship.All of this is still pending official confirmation, as Samsung typically finalizes the details closer to launch.
In the industry, the trend toward reducing the number of models and opting for more pronounced differences seems to have taken hold. This strategy could pave the way for other manufacturers, who would opt for simpler, more specialized ranges rather than multiplying variants of the same product.
