Samsung Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+ Review: Lacking Ambition | WIREDSkip to main contentMenuSECURITYPOLITICSTHE BIG STORYBUSINESSSCIENCECULTUREREVIEWSMenuAccountAccountNewslettersBest LaptopsBest Premium SoundbarsApple MacBook NeoDigital Wall CalendarsHome Security CamerasDeals DeliveredSecurityPoliticsThe Big StoryBusinessScienceCultureReviewsChevronMoreExpandThe Big InterviewMagazineEventsWIRED InsiderWIRED ConsultingNewslettersPodcastsVideoLivestreamsMerchSearchSearchJulian ChokkattuGearMar 27, 2026 6:30 AMReview: Samsung Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+Lack of fresh features and price increases make these two Samsung flagships feel rather bland.Photograph: Julian ChokkattuTriangleUpBuy NowMultiple Buying Options Available$900 at Amazon (S26)$1,100 at Amazon (S26+)$900 at Best Buy (S26)$900 at Samsung (Both)CommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyRating:7/10Open rating explainerInformationWIREDGreat performance. Bright, colorful, and sharp screens. Reliable triple-camera system. Good battery life. Long software support. Now starts with 256 GB.TIREDNot much new. Still no native Qi2 support. Price hike.There is nothing inherently wrong with Samsung's base-level flagship smartphones of the year—the Galaxy S26 ($900) and Galaxy S26+ ($1,100). I have now spent several weeks with both handsets, and they're dutiful performers, just not very exciting.Every year, Samsung introduces some fancy new feature, but it's almost always relegated to the top-tier Ultra model. This year, that's the Privacy Display on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which blocks the screen from would-be snoopers around you. I like it a lot. Sadly, it's not available with the S26 or its bigger brother (some folks seem to hate it, so maybe that's a plus). Either way, it especially stings considering Samsung increased prices on these base models by $100 (thankfully, base storage has finally been upgraded to 256 GB, but that's long overdue).The Galaxy S26+ is just $200 away from the Ultra and lacks the extra 5X optical zoom camera and the 200-MP main camera. The company even removed millimeter-wave support on the smaller S26, meaning it can no longer tap into the ultra-fast 5G networks in dense urban or high-traffic areas (if available). If you want a top-tier Android phone with few compromises, yes, either of these phones delivers. But you can also get a fantastic smartphone—with some even better perks—by spending as little as $799 on a device like the Google Pixel 10.Same-SamePhotograph: Julian ChokkattuI haven't felt strongly about Samsung's smartphone design language for several years (the Galaxy S21 series remains one of my favorites), and that's not changing here. These phones look bland, with so-so color options, and if you go case-less, you'll be annoyed by how much they rock on a table when tapping the screen.Samsung Galaxy S26 and S26+Rating: 7/10$900 at Amazon (S26)$1,100 at Amazon (S26+)$900 at Best Buy (S26)$900 at Samsung (Both)You probably will want to go with a case, though, because that's still the only way to take advantage of Qi2 charging speeds. These phones are “Qi2 Ready,” meaning, unlike the Pixel 10 series, there are no native magnets built into the phone—that's what allows them to charge more precisely and faster on Qi2 chargers. This is aggravating because Qi2 is so much more than charging. It allows you to mount the phone on magnetic surfaces or add various magnetic accessories, as iPhones have for years (Qi2 is compatible with Apple MagSafe). I don't have to slap a case on the Pixel 10 to enable this, but that's something you will need for the S26 series.Even then, Samsung's implementation is inherently flawed. The magnets in its official or third-party cases sit far too close to the camera module, meaning tons of perfectly fine MagSafe accessories that work on Pixels or iPhones are incompatible with Samsung's phone. I tried a few MagSafe wallets, for example, and they wouldn't magnetically stick because the camera module cuts in too close. Maybe this is why Samsung has been slow to add native magnets to its phones—it would require a complete redesign.Photograph: Julian ChokkattuThe Galaxy S26 is taller to accommodate a slightly larger 6.3-inch screen, but it's otherwise the option to get if you prefer a smaller phone. The S26+'s 6.7-inch screen hasn't changed; it remains cumbersome to hold, but it's not as unwieldy as the Ultra.The S26's battery got a small bump from 4,000 to 4,300 mAh (the S26+'s 4,900-mAh battery is unchanged from the S25+). Generally, I've been quite happy with battery performance on both of these phones. They've lasted a full day, even with heavy use including GPS navigation, photo snaps, and spending too much time on Instagram Reels. With lighter usage, I can easily end a day with around 60 to 50 percent left, enough to skip charging overnight. The S26+ can charge slightly faster wirelessly at 20 watts if you use a compatible Qi2 charger (and a magnetic case), whereas the S26 is stuck at 15 watts.Samsung Galaxy S26 and S26+Rating: 7/10$900 at Amazon (S26)$1,100 at Amazon (S26+)$900 at Best Buy (S26)$900 at Samsung (Both)The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip in these phones has crushed every task I've thrown at them with ease, including a few bouts in Genshin Impact at max graphics settings. They lack the advanced cooling system Samsung introduced on the S26 Ultra this year, but the vapor chamber still does its job and wicks away heat, keeping the phone cooler for better sustained performance. However, I didn't notice much of a difference over last year's Galaxy S25 series when gaming or with day-to-day tasks.Yes, some AI processes do run faster on these phones, but there's still a small pause, and that alone makes any gains feel lackluster. Speaking of, I've run through many of the new AI features—like the souped-up document scanner, Audio Eraser, and Now Brief (full list here)—in my Galaxy S26 Ultra review. They perform similarly here.Photograph: Julian ChokkattuI tried Samsung's new conversational photo editor, and the experience is similar to what Google offers in Google Photos, just with a few extra steps to actually find the tool (you have to tap the vague AI sparkle icon in the Gallery app when looking at a photo, then Create, and then type in what you want to change. Google makes it the first thing you see when you tap edit, and I think it's a stronger user interface. It successfully removed some food crumbs from my wife's face (I took the photo to poke fun!).It's fun to try Gemini's new Task Automations (this feature is now available on the latest Pixels, too). I've asked it to “order my usual” at specific restaurants on DoorDash, and it does an OK job of coming back with some regular picks in my cart, allowing me to make configurations before hitting order. It doesn't always get things right, and the Uber integration is generally much more useful. The problem is that, like many of the AI features, it's still quite slow. You really need to leverage this automation feature when you're actively doing something else, like getting ready in the morning; otherwise, just open the app and do it yourself.Samsung Galaxy S26 and S26+Rating: 7/10$900 at Amazon (S26)$1,100 at Amazon (S26+)$900 at Best Buy (S26)$900 at Samsung (Both)I have not even once gotten Samsung's Now Nudge feature to work. It's built into Samsung's keyboard (which, yes, still sucks and has terrible voice dictation), and is supposed to proactively suggest things based on the context of what's on the screen. Like, if someone asks you to send photos from a recent trip, it should prompt a button to go to the Samsung Gallery app and choose a selection to send. But I just haven't seen any nudging.Camera TrioNot much has changed with the cameras on these phones. In fact, Samsung added larger apertures to two of the cameras for the S26 Ultra series, but the S26 and S26+ don't get any improvements like that. It's hard to complain too much because this is still a strong triple-camera system.1 / 18ChevronChevronPhotograph: Julian ChokkattuSamsung Galaxy S26+ main cameraHowever, I compared several low-light images from the Galaxy S26+ with those from the cheaper Google Pixel 10, and in many instances, I preferred the photos from the latter. Especially the 5X zoom Google offers versus the 3X zoom on Samsung—it's just sharper and zooms further, giving you more versatility, though Google does have white balancing issues. That's not always the case there; there are several photos where the S26+ delivered a stronger result.I'm glad the one new feature that did trickle down is Samsung's Horizon Lock, which you enable when using Samsung's Super Steady stabilization mode. It allows you to be more carefree when holding the phone while shooting video, as the camera locks onto the horizon and uses the phone's accelerometer data to keep footage looking steady. I shot a clip with HDR enabled on a bright day, and purposefully shifted the phone a little, yet you wouldn't know it looking at the clip.Video: Julian ChokkattuUltimately, I think most people would find an Android phone like Google's Pixel 10—which has regularly dipped to $599 on sale—more than capable for their needs, or try to find last year's Galaxy S25 series on sale. The Galaxy S26 and S26+ are perfectly fine flagships, but they just don't really raise the bar.Samsung Galaxy S26 and S26+Rating: 7/10$900 at Amazon (S26)$1,100 at Amazon (S26+)$900 at Best Buy (S26)$900 at Samsung (Both)$900 at Amazon (S26)$1,100 at Amazon (S26+)$900 at Best Buy (S26)$900 at Samsung (Both)CommentsBack to topTriangleJulian Chokkattu is Senior Editor, Gear at WIRED, overseeing personal technology, gadgets, and gizmos. He has been reviewing consumer products for a decade, specializing in mobile—from smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches to smart glasses and virtual reality. This is his sixth year at WIRED. Previously, he was the mobile and wearables ... Read MoreSenior Editor, GearLinkedInThreadsblueskyTopicsShoppingSamsungsamsung galaxysmartphonesphonesAndroidReviewsreviewWIRED is obsessed with what comes next. Through rigorous investigations and game-changing reporting, we tell stories that don’t just reflect the moment—they help create it. When you look back in 10, 20, even 50 years, WIRED will be the publication that led the story of the present, mapped the people, products, and ideas defining it, and explained how those forces forged the future. WIRED: For Future Reference.More From WIREDSubscribeNewslettersLivestreamsTravelFAQWIRED StaffWIRED EducationEditorial StandardsArchiveRSSSite MapAccessibility HelpReviews and GuidesReviewsBuying GuidesStreaming GuidesWearablesCouponsGift GuidesAdvertiseContact UsManage AccountJobsPress CenterCondé Nast StoreUser AgreementPrivacy PolicyYour California Privacy Rights© 2026 Condé Nast. All rights reserved. WIRED may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. 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The Samsung Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+ models, as reviewed by Julian Chokkattu for WIRED, present a largely underwhelming experience, earning a rating of 7/10. The core performance metrics, including processing speed, vibrant displays, and a reliable triple-camera system, are undeniably strong, showcasing the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip’s capabilities and the phone’s ability to handle demanding tasks like mobile gaming. Battery life is consistently satisfactory, offering a full day’s use across moderate to heavy applications. Furthermore, the devices benefit from a long-term software support commitment, representing a notable advantage for users prioritizing durability and ongoing feature updates. The shift to a 256GB base storage configuration is a welcome change, addressing a previously criticized omission.

However, the review highlights several key shortcomings that temper the phones’ overall appeal. A significant concern is the price increases implemented for the base models, adding $100 to the initial cost, a factor compounded by the absence of features typically found on Samsung's top-tier Ultra models. The omission of native Qi2 support, forcing users to employ proprietary magnetic cases for wireless charging, is a particularly frustrating element, placing them at a disadvantage compared to devices like the Google Pixel 10. The flawed implementation of these magnetic cases, preventing compatibility with widely available MagSafe accessories, further exacerbates this issue.

Chokkattu’s analysis reveals a lack of substantial innovation, mirroring the limited trickle-down of premium features from the Galaxy S26 Ultra. While the Privacy Display, designed to mitigate privacy concerns, is acknowledged as a positive addition, its unavailability on the base models feels disproportionate. The phone’s design remains unremarkable, with limited color options and a tendency to rock on flat surfaces, requiring an external case for a secure grip.

Despite the enhanced battery capacity, the incremental improvements in power performance aren't dramatically noticeable, and the lack of a vapor chamber cooling system, present in the Ultra model, limits sustained peak performance during intense tasks. Moreover, the AI features, while functional, suffer from slow processing speeds and a somewhat cumbersome user interface, making them less impactful than initially anticipated. The AI Task Automation offers promise but falls short of seamless integration, mirroring the experiences found in the Ultra model.

The camera system, while consistently producing high-quality images, lacks differentiating characteristics compared to competitors. The absence of updates previously reserved for the Ultra model, like larger apertures in the cameras, is noted. While the 5X optical zoom offered by the Google Pixel 10 presents a competitive advantage, Samsung’s own 3X zoom is adequate.

Ultimately, the Galaxy S26 and S26+ represent solid, dependable smartphones, but they fail to generate excitement or establish a significant lead over their rivals. The reviewer suggests that consumers seeking a compelling Android experience may find better value in devices like the Google Pixel 10, which offers comparable performance and features at a lower price point. The S26 and S26+ remain proficient devices, yet the lack of distinctive advancements and the cost increases contribute to an overall feeling of stagnation.