The Samsung Galaxy S25 sequence was unveiled ultimately 12 months’s winter Unpacked occasion.
Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET
Observe ZDNET: Add us as a most well-liked supply on Google.
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The following Samsung Unpacked occasion ought to introduce new cellular devices to the market.
- Samsung is ready to announce new Galaxy S26 fashions, together with the Extremely.
- Count on discuss of UI updates, redesigned earbuds, and presumably AI glasses.
In contrast to the final two years, Samsung is not internet hosting an Unpacked occasion in January of 2026. As an alternative, the rumored Galaxy S26 Extremely has been confirmed to be introduced this February, simply earlier than Cell World Congress (MWC). Forward of the launch occasion in February 25, experiences level to the discharge of a number of main merchandise, together with some fan favorites, and presumably surprises.
Additionally: Samsung confirms Galaxy S26 Extremely deal for $900 off forward of February Unpacked
From the anticipated new Galaxy S-series telephones to a few sudden treats, this is what you’ll be able to anticipate from the Samsung Unpacked occasion in February.
When is the Samsung Unpacked 2026 occasion?
Samsung has confirmed that the subsequent Unpacked occasion will likely be held on February 25 in San Francisco, with viewers in a position to tune in at 10 a.m. PT and 1 p.m. ET.
Additionally: 5 preinstalled Samsung apps you must take away ASAP – they’re mainly bloatware
If you wish to watch the Unpacked 2026 occasion on-line, you’ll be able to go to the Samsung web site or YouTube to tune in to the reside stream. You may probably discover a “notify me” button nearer to the launch, so you’ll be able to obtain a heads-up earlier than the reside stream begins. Listed below are 5 issues we anticipate from the subsequent Samsung Unpacked occasion.
What to anticipate from Samsung Unpacked 2026
1. Do not sleep on the Samsung Galaxy S26
To no shock, the rumor mill has been spinning and spinning forward of the Galaxy S26 launch. There have been experiences that Samsung would substitute its base mannequin with a “Galaxy S26 Professional” in its early-2026 flagship lineup. Nonetheless, these rumors have since been debunked, and we now know that the S26 Professional is simply the bottom mannequin Galaxy S26.
Additionally: If these Samsung Galaxy S26 rumors are true, I’d lastly put my Google Pixel loyalty to relaxation
As common, we might get a Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus under the Extremely variant. The duo might get a digital camera improve within the ultrawide-angle sensor, with an anticipated improve from 12MP to 50MP, in line with a report from Android Headlines.
The lower-end mannequin might need a barely bigger 6.3-inch display screen and a 4,300mAh battery (300mAh greater than the Galaxy S25’s 4,000mAh cell). This machine might be paired with 12GB of RAM and as much as 512GB of storage.
2. Will an Edge mannequin substitute the Plus?
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge (left) and S25 Plus (proper)
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
There have been rumors that Samsung might retire the “Plus” moniker and shift to a brand new slim telephone, the Galaxy S26 Edge. Based on dependable tipster Ice Universe, the super-slim Samsung telephone might have a 4,200mAh battery and measure simply 5.5mm thick, which is 0.3mm thinner than the S25 Edge and 0.1mm skinnier than the iPhone Air.
Additionally: These Samsung Galaxy S26 rumors counsel massive modifications that we did not see coming
The Galaxy S26 Edge would possibly characteristic the identical 6.7-inch display screen as earlier than. Whereas there have been contradicting rumors about Samsung persevering with with the Edge in future lineups, I cherished utilizing the Galaxy S25 Edge — particularly as a result of it had fewer {hardware} limitations than Apple’s iPhone Air.
3. How way more ‘Extremely’ can Samsung get?
Samsung’s Extremely telephone wants a serious ergonomic overhaul, and leaked renders of the Galaxy S26 Extremely trace at slight design modifications. I could not use the Galaxy S25 Extremely as my each day driver final 12 months, regardless of its comparatively light-weight design (218 grams), due to its sharp sides.
Based on leaked renders, Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Extremely might characteristic curvier corners than its predecessor and a raised vertical digital camera bump on the again. The machine is alleged to be 0.3mm slimmer, at 7.9mm thick, and to characteristic a brand new M14 OLED show.
The corporate not too long ago launched teaser movies of a brand new privateness characteristic, which might shield your on-screen info from nosy strangers. I am speculating this tech would be the greatest speaking level after launch.
Additionally: Samsung’s confirmed Galaxy S26 Extremely show improve fixes my long-standing annoyance
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Extremely might sport a bigger 1/1.1-inch 200MP Sony sensor with an f/1.4 aperture for the principle digital camera. The machine is alleged to let in 47% extra mild, for higher pictures in low-light conditions. I hope the telephone will get a telephoto digital camera improve too, however we’ll have to attend and watch.
All three Samsung Galaxy S26 telephones are tipped to be powered by totally different processors in numerous areas. Within the US and China, you would possibly get Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5-powered units, whereas the remainder of the world might see Exynos 2600 variants.
Traditionally, Samsung’s in-house Exynos chipsets have been infamous for poor warmth administration, however the brand new processor might change that challenge. Based on Korea Financial Every day, the Exynos 2600 might embody an NPU that is purported to be 30% sooner than Qualcomm’s flagship chipset.
4. New One UI 8.5 options
Samsung launched its One UI 8 alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 final 12 months, and it’s anticipated to announce One UI 8.5 on the upcoming launch. For context, 8.5 has been accessible in beta since December, so we all know what to anticipate.
Additionally: I attempted Samsung’s $2,900 tri-foldable telephone forward of its US debut – it gained me over in minutes
The steady model of One UI 8.5 might convey an expanded darkish theme, upgraded House Up help, lockscreen widget help, and extra AI options, together with Samsung’s tackle Apple’s Notification Abstract characteristic. Within the beta model, One UI 8.5 additionally permits you to resize folders and improves inter-device connectivity.
5. Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Professional
Based on a September report from SamMobile and an X publish, Samsung is growing a pair of Galaxy Buds 4 units. The codename in strings was noticed in a One UI 8.5 leak.
Leaked renders from Android Authority recommended the Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Professional might be a redesign. They seem to have a flat stem and a brand new wire grille design aspect on the aspect. We do not find out about new options and audio enhancements but, however we might get new flagship earbuds alongside the Galaxy S26 lineup subsequent week.
Additionally: Apple AirPods Professional 3 vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Professional: I attempted each fashions, and this pair wins
Samsung might additionally showcase its good AI glasses on the Galaxy Unpacked occasion. Whereas probabilities of a launch are decrease, we might get a teaser of Samsung’s rival to Meta Ray-Bans on the occasion. The corporate is partnering with Light Monster and Warby Parker to create its new wearable machine.
