Samsung is expected to reuse the Galaxy S25’s camera hardware on the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus due to rising component costs and pricing pressures.
Last-minute hardware changes have delayed mass production for the base models, pushing the Galaxy S26 launch from January to February 2026.
Samsung plans to emphasize Qi2 magnetic accessories, including new magnetic cases, a 25W charger, and a 5,000 mAh battery pack.
Samsung is expected to keep the same camera setup on the upcoming Galaxy S26 series, according to new reports from industry sources. The company had initially planned upgrades for the base models, but rising component costs and the need to maintain the current pricing reportedly forced a change in direction. Apple also kept the price of its iPhone 17 unchanged this year, which is said to have influenced Samsung’s decision. As a result, the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus may not bring big improvements in photography hardware.
SurveyThe late shift in planning has also affected Samsung’s production schedule, with only the S26 Ultra entering mass production on time. The rest of the models are expected to face delays, which may push the launch to February 2026.
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Reports say the Galaxy S26 will carry the same cameras as the Galaxy S25. This includes a 50 MP main camera, a 12 MP ultra-wide camera and a 10 MP telephoto camera with three times optical zoom. The front camera is also expected to stay at 12 MP. Any improvement in image quality will likely come from software tuning and a new processor rather than new hardware. Samsung may also bring its in-house Exynos 2600 chip to some regions for the non-Ultra models.
The sudden change in hardware plans means the company had to redesign certain internal parts. This slowed down mass production for the base and Plus models. Samsung usually announces the Galaxy S series in January, but this year the delay may shift the launch to February. The S26 Ultra appears to be the only model staying on schedule.
While the base models may not get major camera upgrades, Samsung seems to be focusing more on accessories. A recent leak suggests the company will push the Qi2 magnetic charging system with new official cases. Most Galaxy S26 cases are expected to come with built-in magnets. A 25 watt magnetic charger and a 5,000 mAh magnetic battery pack are also said to be in the works. Silicone, clear and rugged clear cases with magnetic rings may be offered. The S Pen is expected to remain an optional add-on for the Ultra variant.
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Recent price hikes in memory components such as DRAM and NAND could still increase the cost of some Galaxy S26 models. Samsung may not be able to absorb the extra expense despite other cost-saving steps. For buyers in India the message is clear. The regular S26 models may not bring visible camera changes, but they may offer smoother performance and better software-based imaging. The Ultra model is expected to carry the bigger upgrades this year, while accessories and charging options could see a noticeable refresh.
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Bhaskar Sharma
Bhaskar is a senior copy editor at Digit India, where he simplifies complex tech topics across iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and emerging consumer tech. His work has appeared in iGeeksBlog, GuidingTech, and other publications, and he previously served as an assistant editor at TechBloat and TechReloaded. A B.Tech graduate and full-time tech writer, he is known for clear, practical guides and explainers. View Full Profile
