Here is what I need Samsung's subsequent flagships to do otherwise

[ad_1] I used to look ahead to Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked occasion with pleasure, ready to see the place the corporate was going to push its telephones to subsequent. However over the previous few years, that enthusiasm waned and ultimately changed into skepticism.

With the launch of the Galaxy S26 sequence, I really feel notably underwhelmed. I’ve come to the conclusion that the corporate must make some severe modifications to its line-up to regain my curiosity in its flagships.

What change would you wish to see in Samsung's flagship telephones? 133 votes

Considerably larger batteries.

51%

Higher cameras.

24%

Quicker charging.

3%

Much less of a concentrate on AI.

17%

One thing else (tell us within the feedback).

5%

1. Greater batteries

<img class="e_Ag" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 64rem) 51.25rem, 80vw" title="Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Battery Life angled" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Samsung-Galaxy-S24-Ultra-Battery-Life-angled.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Samsung-Galaxy-S24-Ultra-Battery-Life-angled-1536w-864h.jpg 1536w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Samsung-Galaxy-S24-Ultra-Battery-Life-angled-675w-380h.jpg 675w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Samsung-Galaxy-S24-Ultra-Battery-Life-angled-64w-36h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Samsung-Galaxy-S24-Ultra-Battery-Life-angled-1000w-563h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Samsung-Galaxy-S24-Ultra-Battery-Life-angled-300w-170h.jpg 300w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Samsung-Galaxy-S24-Ultra-Battery-Life-angled-1280w-720h.jpg 1280w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Samsung-Galaxy-S24-Ultra-Battery-Life-angled-840w-472h.jpg 840w" alt="Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Battery Life angled" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Samsung-Galaxy-S24-Ultra-Battery-Life-angled.jpg"/> Robert Triggs / Android Authority

Samsung’s flagships are critically lagging behind the competitors in relation to battery dimension. A lot of this comes right down to the corporate’s hesitation to undertake silicon-carbon batteries, which might permit for increased vitality density.

The S26 Extremely nonetheless comes with a 5,000mAh battery — a capability that has remained the identical for the reason that S20 Extremely. To place that in perspective, it signifies that since Samsung launched the Extremely tier of its Galaxy S units, it has not elevated the battery dimension.

Samsung's flagships have stagnated in relation to battery capability.

In terms of the usual S26 and S26 Plus, Samsung has elevated the battery capability over time. However even this progress is minimal. It’s baffling to me that from the S23 Plus to the S26 Plus, the battery has solely elevated by 200mAh.

I don’t assume Samsung can depend on hesitation to make use of silicon-carbon batteries as an excuse, despite the fact that it’s rumored to be researching bigger Si-C cells. The Pixel 10a, for instance, has a 5,100mAh battery and prices $400 lower than the usual S26, which has a 4,300mAh battery. If Samsung must make its telephones marginally thicker, that’s a trade-off I’d be keen to make.

2. Much less disparity between the usual and Extremely variations

<img class="e_Ag" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 64rem) 51.25rem, 80vw" title="Samsung Galaxy S26 series showing backs 1" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Samsung-Galaxy-S26-series-showing-backs-1.jpg 2560w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Samsung-Galaxy-S26-series-showing-backs-1-64w-36h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Samsung-Galaxy-S26-series-showing-backs-1-1000w-563h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Samsung-Galaxy-S26-series-showing-backs-1-1920w-1080h.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Samsung-Galaxy-S26-series-showing-backs-1-1536w-864h.jpg 1536w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Samsung-Galaxy-S26-series-showing-backs-1-675w-380h.jpg 675w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Samsung-Galaxy-S26-series-showing-backs-1-300w-170h.jpg 300w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Samsung-Galaxy-S26-series-showing-backs-1-1280w-720h.jpg 1280w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Samsung-Galaxy-S26-series-showing-backs-1-840w-472h.jpg 840w" alt="Samsung Galaxy S26 series showing backs 1" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Samsung-Galaxy-S26-series-showing-backs-1.jpg"/> Hadlee Simons / Android Authority

There was a time when it felt like Samsung’s flagship vary was well-balanced by way of options. Over the previous few years, although, the main focus has undoubtedly shifted. Whereas AI and software program have turn out to be the headliners of latest launches, every time {hardware} is talked about, the main focus is often on the Extremely. The usual and Plus variations of the Galaxy S telephones have turn out to be little greater than a footnote.

Trying on the S26 vs the S23 sequence reveals simply how little the units have modified in three years. Each the S26 and S26 Plus have the identical charging speeds as their S23 counterparts. Relating to the digital camera setups, there have been no modifications to the decision or optical zoom of the lenses. I discover myself underwhelmed by the S26 Extremely digital camera updates, however no less than I can say that its digital camera is getting updates.

In consequence, upper-midrange rivals typically outcompete the S26 and S26 Plus on many fronts, particularly in battery dimension and charging pace. Final 12 months’s Nothing Telephone 3a Professional launched at $459.99, making it cheaper than a typical S26. But it features a 5,000mAh battery, 50W wired charging, a 50MP periscope digital camera with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP front-facing digital camera. I’ve been utilizing the Honor 400 Professional for the previous few months, and regardless of not being a flagship, it additionally encompasses a 50MP telephoto lens. In the meantime, it has a 6,000mAh battery and 100W wired charging.

I now not perceive who the S26 and S26 Plus are for, particularly contemplating the FE model will arrive later this 12 months.

Even inside Samsung’s personal ecosystem, the Galaxy S25 FE has additionally turn out to be the go-to system for individuals searching for flagship options at a greater value. Because it presents a greater value and comparable specs to the S26, I battle to see the S26’s enchantment anymore. Why would you not merely look forward to the S26 FE, which can presumably even have an up to date processor and extra RAM?

This wasn’t at all times the case, although. The usual Galaxy S system was once a succesful flagship for individuals who wished an amazing expertise in a smaller package deal. It was nonetheless decidedly premium, however supplied worth for cash. The Plus gave you a little bit of a lift to battery capability, storage, and display dimension. And the Extremely was the ultra-premium possibility for individuals who wanted a extremely nice digital camera and much more battery and processing energy.

3. Higher optical zoom throughout units

<img class="e_Ag" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 64rem) 51.25rem, 80vw" title="Samsung Galaxy S26 in Sky Blue" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Samsung-Galaxy-S26-in-Sky-Blue.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Samsung-Galaxy-S26-in-Sky-Blue-64w-36h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Samsung-Galaxy-S26-in-Sky-Blue-1000w-563h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Samsung-Galaxy-S26-in-Sky-Blue-1536w-864h.jpg 1536w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Samsung-Galaxy-S26-in-Sky-Blue-675w-380h.jpg 675w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Samsung-Galaxy-S26-in-Sky-Blue-300w-170h.jpg 300w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Samsung-Galaxy-S26-in-Sky-Blue-1280w-720h.jpg 1280w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Samsung-Galaxy-S26-in-Sky-Blue-840w-472h.jpg 840w" alt="Samsung Galaxy S26 in Sky Blue" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Samsung-Galaxy-S26-in-Sky-Blue.jpg"/> C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

I’m glad that Samsung has improved the apertures on its S26 Extremely digital camera lenses (particularly the 200MP and 50MP lenses), as this can improve its low-light pictures efficiency. Nonetheless, I believe that extra enhancements might be made to the lenses, particularly in relation to optical zoom.

I’ve by no means fairly forgiven Samsung for eradicating the 10x optical zoom from the Extremely rear digital camera. I simply by no means get the outcomes I’d like when cropping to attain “optical high quality” zoom (which is actually a sensor crop) versus precise optical zoom at lengthy vary. This “optical high quality” advertising and marketing has popped up for different lenses on the units as nicely. On the S26 Extremely, its 200MP broad lens can also be listed as having 2x optical high quality zoom. For the S26 and S26 Plus, the 50MP wide-angle lens additionally claims 2x optical zoom.

It is time for Samsung to cease leaning on digital cropping as a substitute for true optical zoom.

I’d desire precise optical zoom, in addition to a larger vary throughout lenses. For the successors to the S26 and S26 Plus, 5x optical zoom might actually improve the consumer expertise. In the meantime, I’d wish to see the return of 10x optical zoom to the subsequent Extremely, whereas nonetheless retaining a superb decision.

However that is the naked minimal, actually. Samsung ought to actually be on the forefront of digital camera innovation, particularly with the S26 Extremely. In any case, if you happen to’re paying $1,299 for a smartphone, it ought to actually be a frontrunner on the digital camera entrance.

The Xiaomi 17 Extremely stands out as presumably the very best Android digital camera cellphone, because of its modern digital camera expertise. This features a variable-aperture, variable-focal-length periscope digital camera and a big sensor. This presents a ton of versatility that may be misplaced when multi-lens setups embrace low-quality lenses that up the digital camera depend however produce inconsistent high quality.

4. Quicker charging

<img class="e_Ag" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 64rem) 51.25rem, 80vw" title="samsung galaxy s22 ultra charging" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-charging.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-charging-1918w-1080h.jpg 1918w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-charging-1536w-864h.jpg 1536w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-charging-675w-380h.jpg 675w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-charging-64w-36h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-charging-1000w-563h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-charging-300w-170h.jpg 300w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-charging-1280w-720h.jpg 1280w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-charging-840w-472h.jpg 840w" alt="samsung galaxy s22 ultra charging" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-charging.jpg"/> Ryan Haines / Android Authority

The battery capability of the S26 sequence isn’t the one factor caught previously — its charging speeds are too.

The one system within the sequence to get a lift to its charging pace is the S26 Extremely, which now helps 60W charging. Whereas that is an enchancment on paper, it’s lengthy overdue. So overdue in reality, that it's nonetheless behind the competitors.

Samsung has taken a very long time to spice up charging speeds, and it might go additional.

Samsung smartphones use the USB PD PPS protocol, however different units that use the identical protocol already exceed the charging speeds of the S26 Extremely. The prime instance is the Xiaomi 17 Extremely, which helps 90W PD PPS charging.

This leaves a variety of room for enchancment for Samsung’s units. The usual S26, specifically, is caught with 25W charging, which leads to extremely gradual charging occasions for a flagship system in 2026.

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<img class="e_Ag" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="9.375rem" title="google preferred source badge light@2x" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/google_preferred_source_badge_light@2x.png 676w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/google_preferred_source_badge_light@2x-64w-20h.png 64w" alt="google preferred source badge light@2x" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/google_preferred_source_badge_light@2x.png"/><img class="e_Ag" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="9.375rem" title="google preferred source badge dark@2x" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/google_preferred_source_badge_dark@2x.png 676w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/google_preferred_source_badge_dark@2x-64w-20h.png 64w" alt="google preferred source badge dark@2x" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/google_preferred_source_badge_dark@2x.png"/> 5. Much less reliance on overhyped AI options

<img class="e_Ag" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 64rem) 51.25rem, 80vw" title="Galaxy S25 Edge One UI 8 portrait studio" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Galaxy-S25-Edge-One-UI-8-portrait-studio.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Galaxy-S25-Edge-One-UI-8-portrait-studio-64w-36h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Galaxy-S25-Edge-One-UI-8-portrait-studio-1000w-563h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Galaxy-S25-Edge-One-UI-8-portrait-studio-1536w-864h.jpg 1536w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Galaxy-S25-Edge-One-UI-8-portrait-studio-675w-380h.jpg 675w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Galaxy-S25-Edge-One-UI-8-portrait-studio-300w-170h.jpg 300w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Galaxy-S25-Edge-One-UI-8-portrait-studio-1280w-720h.jpg 1280w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Galaxy-S25-Edge-One-UI-8-portrait-studio-840w-472h.jpg 840w" alt="Galaxy S25 Edge One UI 8 portrait studio" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Galaxy-S25-Edge-One-UI-8-portrait-studio.jpg"/> Ryan Haines / Android Authority

For the reason that Galaxy S24 sequence, Samsung’s flagship launches have centered on AI. When generative AI was nonetheless comparatively new, it was attention-grabbing to check out the totally different options. Nonetheless, it quickly turned obvious that many didn't meaningfully enhance the consumer expertise.

The S25 and S26 launches leaned much more into AI. This included selling Google options, which sometimes arrive on Galaxy units first or similtaneously Pixel units. However this partnership with Google is just not unique, so the instruments find yourself on different Android telephones as nicely. Simply have a look at Circle to Search, which launched first on Galaxy and Pixel telephones however is sort of all over the place now. Likewise, the Discover The Look characteristic in Circle to Search will arrive on the Galaxy S26 sequence and Pixel 10 smartphones first, however will roll out to different Android units too.

AI options typically do not add as a lot worth to your smartphone expertise as advertising and marketing suggests.

For options particular to Samsung units, you're required to lean closely on Samsung’s ecosystem. But when you have already got most well-liked apps to your web shopping and reminders, chances are you'll not see the enchantment of switching to Samsung-exclusive apps for only a few AI options.

The newer concentrate on agentic AI additionally doesn’t enchantment to me, since I fear about potential privateness points. I don’t assume Samsung gives enough assurances that knowledge will stay secure when utilizing these AI instruments.

Don’t get me incorrect, I wish to get excited by Samsung’s flagship telephones. They’re the biggest Android model by market share. However I don’t really feel like they’re the leaders by way of making the very best Android telephones anymore.

Whereas the S26 Extremely’s Privateness Show is nifty, it doesn’t really feel groundbreaking to me. And it’s definitely not sufficient to inspire me to put money into a $1,299 new cellphone. I actually hope that subsequent 12 months can be totally different and we’ll see important {hardware} innovation from the producer.