The Galaxy S26+ is the second S26 device. Between the compact S26 and the comprehensive S26 Ultra sits the S26+. It has a larger display, better performance, and a swappable camera module. Ideal for those who crave an Ultra but don’t want to shell out for the full-blown model. In this review, I go over the pros and cons of this unit and rate it.
Quick Specs at a Glance
- Screen: 6.7″ Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X | Peak Brightness: 2600 nits | 120Hz | Resolution: 1440✕3120 pixels
- Chip: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (US & China), Exynos 2600 (rest of the world)
- Memory: 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.X storage
- Camera: 12MP front + 50MP + 10MP + 12MP rear (triple camera)
- Battery: Wired 45W, wireless 20W, and reverse wireless 4.5W
- OS: Android 16, One UI 8.5
Pros
- Large AMOLED Display: The AMOLED display measures 6.7 inches and has a refresh rate of 120Hz. Capable of hitting a maximum brightness of 2600 nits, this leads to amazing pictures, smooth scrolling, and easy outdoor visibility.
- Excellent Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (US/CN) or Exynos 2600 (ROW) chipsets ensure that gaming, multitasking, and productivity are fantastic.
- Incredible Versatile Camera System: 50MP main with OIS + a 3x optical zoom + ultrawide triple camera. Takes excellent 8K photos and videos.
- Tough Construction: The Armor Aluminum 2 frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 screen backed by IP68 water resistance means the phone will endure and guard against everyday damage.
- Fast Charging: 20W wireless and 45W wired charging for quick and easy charging. Just 30 minutes charges it to 69%.
- Long-lasting Software: Android 16 with 7 major updates will offer long-term software durability.
- Enhanced Connectivity: It comes with Bluetooth 6.0, Wi-Fi 7, and UWB for solid connectivity.
- The Right Dimensions and Weight: The S26+ weighs 190g and has a thickness of 7.3mm, meaning that it is easy to grab and operate. It has a decent size screen and is lightweight.
Cons
- No Expandable Storage: No microSD slot for adding more storage.
- No 3.5mm Jack: Music lovers are still angry that there’s no headphone jack.
- Repairability: The device has a Class C repairability rating and is not so easy to repair.
- Battery: The 4900mAh battery is decent, though the Ultra model has a larger battery. It will be interesting to see how this performs, especially for heavy users.
- Price: At $1,089.99, it’s very expensive, though it’s slightly less than the Ultra model.
Our Score
- Design & Build: ★★★★★
- Screen: ★★★★★
- Performance: ★★★★★
- Camera: ★★★★☆
- Battery Life: ★★★★☆
- Value for Price: ★★★★☆
- Durability and Repairability: ★★★☆☆
Total Score: 4.6 out of 5
The Decision
For those who want a full flagship experience with a larger display and additional power without the bulk — or price — of the Ultra model, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is a great choice. There are several excellent features, including the AMOLED display, capable cameras, and fast charging. It doesn’t have a headphone jack, nor expandable storage, but the whole package is impressive. The Galaxy S26+ is the ideal mid-range flagship with the perfect size, the right features, and the right price all-in-one.
