What happened: Samsung’s Galaxy S26 lineup has undergone several changes during its five-month development process, with the most recent update confirming a major reversal. The company had initially planned to replace the “Plus” model with a new “Edge” variant.
- Early entries in the GSMA IMEI database listed three models: Galaxy S26 (SM-S942), S26 Edge, and S26 Ultra – with no mention of a Plus model, according to a report by Smartprix.
- In July, Samsung even renamed the base Galaxy S26 to Galaxy S26 Pro to differentiate it from the Ultra version, further indicating that the Plus had been discontinued.
- The S26 Edge was expected to feature a slimmer profile and compete directly with Apple’s iPhone Air lineup, while the Pro version was set to inherit some of the Plus model’s specifications, such as a larger battery and enhanced camera system.
- However, disappointing sales of the Galaxy S25 Edge prompted Samsung to cancel the Edge project. The Galaxy S26 Plus has now appeared in the GSMA IMEI database under model number SM-S947B, officially confirming its return. This also means the Pro branding will likely be dropped, and the series will revert to its traditional structure: Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Why this is important: The Plus model has historically served as a crucial middle ground in Samsung’s flagship series, offering premium features without the Ultra’s premium price.
- Its revival suggests Samsung is prioritising market demand and proven sales strategies over experimental models.
- The return also indicates the company’s effort to maintain a three-tier lineup that caters to diverse customer needs.
Why should I care: For consumers, the comeback of the Galaxy S26 Plus means more choice and potentially better specifications at a mid-range flagship price.
- While final hardware details are still under development, early firmware builds show the device may continue using the same camera setup as the Galaxy S25, including a 50 MP main sensor, 10 MP telephoto, and 12 MP ultra-wide lens.
- However, several new sensors — including a 50 MP ISOCELL S5KGNG main camera and a 50 MP ISOCELL ultra-wide sensor — are being tested, suggesting possible upgrades before launch.
What’s next: Samsung is expected to finalize the camera configuration and hardware features in the coming months. With the Plus model back in the lineup, the company will likely focus on refining its camera system and optimizing performance. More details, including pricing and launch timelines, are expected ahead of the Galaxy S26 series debut in early 2026.
