Samsung's decision to rebrand the Galaxy S26 as the Galaxy S26 Pro is a misstep - here's the explanation
The tech world is abuzz with rumours about Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S26 series. According to recent reports, Samsung is planning to shake up its naming convention, potentially replacing the standard Galaxy S26 with a Galaxy S26 Pro.
This shift towards a more premium-first lineup could be a strategic move to simplify the family and reduce overlap between the "vanilla" and "Plus" variants. The evidence for this change comes from references found in an internal One UI 8 build and follow-up reporting from multiple outlets.
The key reasons behind this change include Samsung's desire for clearer differentiation across models (Pro vs. Edge vs. Ultra), so each slot feels more distinct and justified to buyers. Additionally, the base phone becoming a Pro could position and price the lineup at a higher perceived tier, potentially justifying higher starting prices or fewer low-cost flagship options.
If the rumours are true, Samsung will release only the Galaxy S26 Pro, Edge, and Ultra. This could potentially confuse long-time buyers accustomed to the simple "S" naming. However, consumers are not likely to be easily misled by this change, especially when it's transparent.
It's important to note that these are rumours based on leaked code and industry reporting. Samsung has not officially confirmed the S26 naming or final lineup. The leak could be incomplete, and a base model might exist under a different codename, or the details could change before launch.
Stay tuned for more updates as we track official confirmations or newer leaks. If you're interested, I can also summarize the differences rumoured for the S26 Pro vs. previous "vanilla" S models, with citations, or notify you when Samsung announces the lineup.
In related news, Samsung is also rumoured to introduce 60W charging for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, and the Galaxy S26 Plus may be cancelled in favour of the Galaxy S26 Edge.
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- With Samsung possibly releasing only the Galaxy S26 Pro, Edge, and Ultra, there might be a shift from focusing on various smartphone models to concentrating primarily on technology advanced gadgets like the Pro and Edge.
- As Samsung ponders introducing 60W charging for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, it's plausible that this technology will find its way into other smartphones, such as smartphones with similar gadget specifications.