Recent rumors about Samsung's 2026 flagship lineup have painted a picture of cautious, iterative updates. However, a new and surprising leak suggests the Galaxy S26 Plus could be in for a more significant transformation, potentially blurring the lines between it and the top-tier Ultra model with a larger display and other notable enhancements.
A Potentially Game-Changing Screen Size
The most striking claim from the leak, shared by the source Tech Informer, is that the Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus may receive a substantial display upgrade. According to the information, the phone's screen could grow from the current 6.7 inches to 6.9 inches. This would put it on par with the expected screen size of the Galaxy S26 Ultra, a move that would fundamentally reshape the "Plus" model's positioning. It would no longer be just a slightly larger base model but a device offering the expansive screen real estate that is a primary draw for many Ultra buyers. Even the standard Galaxy S26 is rumored for a slight size bump to 6.3 inches, indicating a general trend toward larger displays across the lineup.
Reported Galaxy S26 Series Specifications (Per Leak):
| Model | Reported Screen Size | Reported Telephoto Camera | Reported Wired Charging | Key New Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S26 | 6.3" (up from 6.2") | 12MP, 3x optical zoom | 25W | Qi2 (Magnetic Wireless Charging) |
| Galaxy S26 Plus | 6.9" (up from 6.7") | 12MP, 3x optical zoom | 45W | Qi2, Larger display matching Ultra size |
| Galaxy S26 Ultra | 6.9" | Periscope telephoto (specs unconfirmed) | 60W (up from 45W) | Qi2, Faster charging |
Camera and Charging: Incremental but Welcome Improvements
Beyond the screen, the leak points to several other potential upgrades. A long-overdue change could be coming to the telephoto camera system on the base and Plus models. Samsung has persisted with a 10MP 3x telephoto sensor since the Galaxy S22 era. The new rumor suggests both the S26 and S26 Plus might finally receive an upgrade to a 12MP 3x telephoto lens. While not a revolutionary jump in megapixels, it represents a meaningful step forward in a component that has felt stagnant. For the Ultra model, the leak hints at a much-needed boost to wired charging speeds, potentially reaching 60W, while the S26 and S26 Plus are expected to retain their 25W and 45W capabilities, respectively.
Embracing the Magnetic Future with Qi2
Another significant upgrade touted for the entire S26 family is the adoption of the Qi2 wireless charging standard. Marketed by Samsung as MagSafe support, this would integrate magnets into the back of the phones, ensuring perfect alignment with compatible chargers and accessories. This move would bring Samsung in line with a feature that has become a staple of the iPhone ecosystem and is growing in the Android world, addressing a common pain point of misaligned wireless charging.
The Big Question: Credibility and Impact
It is crucial to approach this leak with a healthy dose of skepticism. The source, Tech Informer, does not have an established track record for accurate Samsung leaks. Furthermore, other reliable sources have consistently reported that the telephoto camera will remain a 10MP sensor, contradicting this new claim. If one part of the leak is inaccurate, it casts doubt on the rest, including the dramatic screen size increase for the Plus model. No other leaker has corroborated the 6.9-inch display rumor.
What a Larger S26 Plus Could Mean for Buyers
If the speculation proves true, the implications are fascinating. A Galaxy S26 Plus with an Ultra-sized screen, a slightly improved camera, and Qi2 support could become a compelling "sweet spot" in the lineup. It would offer the most desirable physical feature of the Ultra—the large display—at a presumably lower price point, while forgoing some of the Ultra's more niche pro-grade features like the S-Pen and ultra-zoom camera. This could attract users who want a big screen without needing the absolute top-tier specs, effectively creating a new category within Samsung's own portfolio.
Processor: All models are expected to feature the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor or Samsung's own Exynos 2600 chipset, depending on the region.
Awaiting Official Confirmation
With Samsung's launch event likely scheduled for late February or March of 2026, official details are still months away. This leak, whether fully accurate or not, has successfully stirred the pot and generated discussion about the potential direction of the S26 series. It highlights a desire among consumers and commentators for the mid-tier Plus model to be more than just an afterthought. Whether Samsung decides to play it safe or make a bold move with the Galaxy S26 Plus remains one of the key questions heading into the new year.