Samsung's S26, Edge & Ultra Details Leak: 200MP Camera, New 50MP Sensors & Why the S26+ Was Dropped

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series is about to turn heads, and not for the reasons we anticipated. Recent leaks confirm three models: the Galaxy S26, S26 Edge, and S26 Ultra, with the S26+ officially dropped. The Ultra steals the spotlight with a groundbreaking 200MP main camera (likely powered by a new Sony sensor) and 5x optical zoom, while the Edge gets a 50MP ultrawide upgrade. The base S26, however, might not get any camera upgrades at all, signalling a bold shift toward premium-only innovation.

These leaks, sourced from publicly accessible supplier databases, carry more weight than your average rumor mill. But why did Samsung pull the plug on the S26+? And how do these changes stack up against Apple’s iPhone 16 lineup? This article dives into everything we know, from specs to Samsung’s strategy behind the scenes.

Galaxy S26 Series: Full Leaked Specs & Upgrades

1. Galaxy S26 Ultra – The New Camera King

• 200MP Main Camera: Featuring the new Sony IMX9-series sensor, this sensor promises larger pixels for better low-light performance and sharper detail in every shot.

• 50MP Telephoto Lens: With 5x optical zoom, the S26 Ultra improves upon the S25 Ultra’s 10x hybrid zoom, offering a better all-around telephoto experience.

• Upgraded Nightography Mode: Thanks to AI-powered HDR, you can expect breathtaking videos with improved low-light performance.

• New Naming Scheme: Codenamed "NPA3" (Next Paradigm 3), the S26 Ultra is clearly designed to be Samsung’s flagship.

The S26 Ultra is no longer just an extension of the Pro line it’s a standalone powerhouse, and Samsung is fully embracing the high-margin flagship game.

2. Galaxy S26 Edge – The Plus Replacement?

• 50MP Ultrawide Sensor: Up from the S25+’s 12MP sensor, this ultrawide sensor promises stunning landscape shots with incredible detail.

• Thinner Design: The Edge is slimmer, but with a smaller 4,500mAh battery (down from 4,900mAh in the S25+).

• No Telephoto Lens: Unlike the Ultra, the Edge skips the telephoto lens in favor of a cleaner design.

• Codenamed "NPA2"

Samsung appears to be nudging users toward the Ultra by limiting the Edge’s capabilities, making it a slightly more affordable option without the telephoto lens.

3. Base Galaxy S26 – The Forgotten Model?

• 50MP Main Camera: The base S26 seems to be a repeat of the S25’s camera setup, with no major improvements in sight.

• No Telephoto or Major Spec Bumps: This model primarily serves as the anchor for the starting price, offering minimal upgrades.

• Codenamed "NPA1"

Samsung’s clear strategy here is to offer the base model as a budget-friendly option while guiding consumers to the Edge and Ultra for better features and higher margins.

Why Samsung Discontinued the S26+

Samsung discontinued the S26+, and here are the reasons:

1. Poor Sales of Mid-Tier Flagships

The Galaxy S25+ and iPhone 15 Plus both saw disappointing sales, falling short of expectations by 20%. Consumers are increasingly opting for either budget-friendly models or the ultra-premium devices, leaving mid-tier flagships in the dust.

2. The Rise of the Ultra Model

The S25 Ultra already accounted for 45% of Samsung’s total revenue from the S-series, and the company clearly wants to push this model further. By cutting the Plus model, Samsung can focus on its high-margin Ultra while simplifying its lineup.

3. Following Apple’s Playbook

Apple is rumored to replace the iPhone 16 Plus with a thinner iPhone 17 Air, continuing the trend of eliminating mid-tier flagships. Both companies are embracing a more streamlined lineup, focusing on two major categories: affordable models and premium flagship devices. For more details on how Samsung is shifting its strategy, read this article on Samsung’s strategy shift.

How the Galaxy S26 Stacks Up Against iPhone 16

The S26 Ultra boasts a larger sensor and a bigger battery than the iPhone, but Apple’s A18 Pro chip might edge out Samsung in terms of performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will the S26 Edge have better cameras than the old S25+? 

A: Yes, it will have a 50MP ultrawide camera (up from 12MP), but it won’t have the telephoto lens.

Q: Is Apple also discontinuing the Plus model? 

A: Yes, rumors suggest that the iPhone 17 Air will replace the iPhone 16 Plus.

Q: Should I buy the S25+ before it’s gone? 

A: If you want a mid-tier flagship with solid battery life, yes. However, the Edge sacrifices battery for a slimmer design, so weigh your options carefully.

Related Articles

• Why Samsung’s Galaxy S26+ Is Being Discontinued: Full Explanation

• Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Battery Upgrade and 200MP Camera Leaks Ahead of 2026 Launch

• When is the Samsung S26 Coming Out? Release Date, Leaks, Pricing & What to Expect

• When is the Samsung S26 Coming Out? Release Date, Leaks, Pricing & What to Expect

Conclusion: 

• The S26 Ultra is the new flagship, featuring a 200MP camera and advanced features.

• S26 Edge replaces the S26+ as a slimmer alternative, but with fewer features.

• Base S26 serves as an entry model, lacking premium upgrades.

• Mid-tier flagships are phased out in favor of premium models.

• Choice is clear: The Ultra for premium, the Edge for style, and the base S26 for affordability.