The Samsung Galaxy S26 is expected towards the end of February and is already getting people talking.
Official details are still under wraps, but there are a few clear trends worth keeping an eye on ahead of the S26 launch. So what should we expect?
Will the Samsung Galaxy S26 Be Thinner?
Following the release of the iPhone Air in September, Apple challenged the smartphone market by unveiling its thinnest iPhone to date. This move has sparked a wider conversation about whether ultra-slim smartphones will become the new industry standard.
With the Galaxy S26 launch approaching, many are wondering whether Samsung will follow suit with a slimmer phone design. Samsung has historically balanced sleek aesthetics with battery life and performance, but a thinner Galaxy S26 could signal a shift toward prioritising form factor alongside power.
If Samsung does choose to reduce the thickness of the S26, it may come with changes to materials or layout to keep performance where it needs to be.
Base Storage Rumoured to Start at 256GB
Another widely discussed rumour is that Samsung may remove the 128GB storage option, with the Galaxy S26 starting at 256GB as standard. It wouldn’t be a huge surprise if that turns out to be true.
As more content moves to digital and smartphone cameras continue to improve, storage demands are higher than ever. Photos, 4K videos, apps, and games take up significant space.
In fact, studies suggest that six in ten people almost never delete photos or videos from their devices. With this in mind, increasing base storage on the Galaxy S26 would better reflect modern usage habits and reduce reliance on cloud storage or constant deleting..
A New Camera Design Could Be on the Way
When it comes to smartphone design, the camera module often defines the look of a device. For example Apple recently introduced a completely different camera layout on the iPhone 17 Pro models, which shows how much impact a redesign can have. . For the Galaxy S26 however there is growing speculation that Samsung could introduce an alternative camera island design.
Recent Galaxy models have favoured a minimalist, floating-lens look, but the S26 may adopt a more pronounced or unified camera island. This could allow Samsung to look into upgraded sensors while also refreshing the overall design of the phone.
A redesigned camera layout would help visually separate the Galaxy S26 from previous generations, while reinforcing its position as a premium smartphone.
Should You Wait for the Galaxy S26?
If you are using a much older Galaxy device and were already planning to upgrade, the S26 could be a good time to do it. It will likely feel faster, have better battery life, and offer improvements to the camera and screen.
That said, not everyone needs the newest phone. If your current phone still works well, you might not feel much difference day to day.
This is where refurbished phones can come in. You can pick up last year’s flagship for a much lower price, with the same performance for most tasks. At The iOutlet, all refurbished phones are fully tested and come with a warranty, so you are not taking a gamble.
If you do want to upgrade to the S26 when it launches, we can help you trade in your old device for cash or credit. That way, you get some value back rather than letting it gather dust.
Final Thoughts
The Galaxy S26 looks set to be a solid refresh rather than a huge leap forward. A thinner body, more storage, and a camera design update are all welcome changes, but they are unlikely to completely change how you use your phone.
If you are excited for the latest model, launch day is not far off. If you are thinking more about value and sustainability, there are great refurbished options available right now that still hold up well.
Either way, it is a good time to check your drawer and see what your old device is worth. You might be surprised what it could get you.
