Latest news with #GalaxyS26
Phone Arena
16 hours ago
- Business
- Phone Arena
If you liked how thin the Galaxy S25 was, you're not ready for the Galaxy S26
It seems like Samsung is on a mission to make its flagship phones even thinner than the already pretty slim Galaxy S25 series. A new report states that the company is working on a major redesign for its upcoming Galaxy S26 flagship series that would shrink one of the bulkiest components inside: the camera module. Every tiny bit counts. | Image credit – Samsung Electronics The report goes into further detail to explain that Samsung Electro-Mechanics is developing a slimmer camera module by replacing traditional film layers between lenses with matte ink applied using an inkjet printing process. These film layers are typically used to reduce flare and ghosting caused by internal light reflections, but Samsung's new approach tries to achieve the same result while shaving down the depth of the camera module. A drawing from Samsung's patent application in 2018 showing a method of applying matte ink instead of film layers. The company reportedly refers to this method as a 'ring pattern' design. The image above, taken from a Samsung patent filed back in 2018, offers a visual explanation. In the illustration, part 30 indicates the material used between lens elements to reduce internal reflections—now targeted for replacement with printed matte ink. The patent is still pending approval, but industry sources suggest Samsung plans to implement this technology in time for the Galaxy S26 series. Even with a thinner camera module, Samsung will need to look elsewhere to shave off more millimeters. Beyond switching to inkjet-based anti-flare coatings, a thinner Galaxy S26 may also require: A shift to SiC battery technology More compact vapor chamber cooling systems Slimmer protective glass for both the front and back panels Together, these changes could help Samsung offer a significantly thinner device without cutting down on features or battery life. The new camera module design could be a hint into Samsung's plans for the future. | Image credit – PhoneArena If successful, Samsung's new camera module design may eliminate one of the most common compromises in phone design: the camera bump. It's too early to say whether the S26 Ultra or even the base S26 will lose the bulge entirely. Reducing module thickness could lead to sleeker aesthetics, improved pocketability, and lower weight. Whether the average consumer wants thinner phones is a different topic, but it seems all major manufacturers, Samsung included, are betting on these changes as the next thing they can promote their phones with. That said, pursuing an even slimmer profile inevitably raises concerns around battery life, thermal management, and structural integrity. It's also a curious move, considering that Samsung just introduced the Galaxy S25 Edge, a brand-new variant that stakes its entire identity on being exceptionally thin. Pushing the rest of the Galaxy S26 lineup in a similar direction so soon could either dilute the Edge's uniqueness or signal a broader shift in Samsung's design philosophy. In any case, the Galaxy S26 series is still many months away from launch, and these reported hardware changes are likely still being finalized. Whether Samsung is aiming for a unified design language or simply experimenting with component efficiency remains to be seen.
India Today
16 hours ago
- India Today
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra's camera leak hints at slimmer module design
Samsung may be gearing up to shake things up with its next flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S26 Ultra — and no, it's not just about megapixels this time. A new leak suggests the upcoming device could feature a reimagined camera module that finally trims down the bulky bump we've all grown used to. The latest report comes from The Elec, which claims Samsung Electro-Mechanics, the conglomerate's own components arm, is working on a new type of camera module aimed at making the Galaxy S26 series slimmer and more refined. The trick? A fresh approach to how camera optics are Galaxy S26 Ultra camera moduleTraditionally, smartphone camera modules use thin cover films between lenses to combat unwanted effects like ghosting and light flares. Samsung now reportedly plans to swap these out for an inkjet-printed anti-reflective layer. This innovation allows for a tighter optical stack, shrinking the overall size of the module without compromising image potentially big news for Ultra models like the S26, where the rear camera bump has been both a technical necessity and a design complaint. Thinning it down could lead to a noticeably sleeker device — not just in appearance but also in how it feels in-hand or sits flat on a table. Interestingly, Samsung filed a patent for this camera construction method back in 2018, and it now appears the concept is inching closer to production. This means the company could be about to deliver one of its most significant design improvements in years — all while preparing to upgrade its imaging Galaxy S26 Ultra camera specs leakadvertisementAnd what of those capabilities? Leaks have been somewhat contradictory. A report from March claimed that the Galaxy S26 Ultra might sport just three cameras: a 200-megapixel main sensor, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a second 200-megapixel sensor for 4x optical zoom. This would be a departure from the quad-lens system seen on recent Ultra a more recent leak argued that Samsung will keep the four-lens layout, just with better specs. These may include a 200-megapixel main sensor with variable aperture (ranging from f/1.4 to f/4.0), along with a trio of 50-megapixel shooters covering ultra-wide, telephoto, and periscope zoom the Galaxy S26 Ultra unlikely to debut before Q1 2026, there's still plenty of time for plans to change. But between the push for slimmer hardware and a continued focus on premium photography, Samsung appears poised to balance design elegance with imaging power. And if they finally solve the camera bump problem while they're at it? That's a win for pockets everywhere.
GSM Arena
a day ago
- Business
- GSM Arena
Samsung Galaxy S26 series might have thinner cameras
Samsung recently released the Galaxy S25 Edge which focuses on thinness above all else, and in the fall Apple will join this nascent market with its oft-rumored iPhone 17 Air. Today a new rumor out of Korea claims Samsung is working on making the cameras in the upcoming Galaxy S26 family thinner. Yes, the cameras themselves. This will be achieved by using inkjet printing, with matte ink, to replace the film that prevents light reflections and light overlap inside each lens module. As it's just ink, it will be thinner than the film that's currently being used. Obviously, the difference will be marginal, but each camera has a bunch of stacked lenses, and it will all add up. It's unclear to how much, by the way, or at least the report doesn't say. But it's safe to assume that, if this process is used for the cameras of the Galaxy S26 series, then their camera bumps will get ever so slightly thinner than they otherwise would have been, had the film still been used. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Source (in Korean)
Geeky Gadgets
2 days ago
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
A HUGE Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Surprise Just LEAKED!
The Samsung Galaxy S26 series is poised to set new benchmarks in the flagship smartphone market, showcasing advancements in camera technology, chipset strategies, and manufacturing processes. These updates reflect Samsung's commitment to innovation and cost optimization, making sure the company remains competitive in an ever-evolving global market. By addressing consumer demands and industry trends, the Galaxy S26 series aims to deliver a product lineup that balances innovative features with practical usability. Camera Innovations: Elevating Mobile Photography The Galaxy S26 series is expected to introduce a 50MP wide camera sensor, likely from Samsung's ISOCELL GN family, which promises to enhance light capture and improve image detail. This sensor is designed to deliver superior image processing capabilities, making it a standout feature for photography enthusiasts. If implemented, this upgrade could elevate the base Galaxy S26 model, offering professional-grade photography tools to a wider audience. Rumors also suggest a potential shift in the lineup, with the Galaxy S26 Plus being replaced by a Galaxy S26 Edge variant. This strategic move could make advanced camera technology more accessible, aligning with Samsung's goal of providing widespread access to high-quality imaging. By addressing the growing demand for smartphones that excel in photography, Samsung is reinforcing its position as a leader in mobile imaging technology. Chipset Strategy: Balancing Performance and Market Needs Samsung's chipset strategy for the Galaxy S26 series highlights a balanced approach to performance and market-specific needs. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to feature the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset globally, making sure consistent and reliable performance across major markets. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S26 and the rumored S26 Edge are likely to incorporate Samsung's in-house Exynos 2600 chipset in most regions, with Snapdragon variants reserved for select markets such as the US, Japan, South Korea, and China. This dual-chipset strategy reflects Samsung's adaptability in addressing regional preferences while using its own Exynos technology. Notably, the absence of a 'for Galaxy' Snapdragon variant in 2024 is linked to delays in Samsung Foundry's SF2 node, which is anticipated to become production-ready by late 2026. This delay underscores the challenges of aligning technological innovation with manufacturing readiness, a critical factor in the competitive smartphone industry. Manufacturing Advancements: A Focus on Efficiency The Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset will be manufactured by TSMC, a global leader in semiconductor production. However, Samsung's long-term vision involves transitioning to its own SF2 manufacturing process, which could result in significant cost savings for both Qualcomm and Samsung while maintaining high performance standards. This shift represents a strategic move to enhance production efficiency and reduce reliance on external suppliers. The SF2 node is a pivotal development in Samsung Foundry's roadmap. Once operational, it could enable the production of custom 'for Galaxy' chips, further differentiating Samsung's flagship devices in a highly competitive market. By investing in advanced manufacturing processes, Samsung is demonstrating its commitment to innovation and cost optimization without compromising on quality or performance. Market Implications: Adapting to Changing Trends The Galaxy S26 series could signify a major shift in Samsung's product strategy, potentially becoming the first lineup to feature three distinct chipsets. This bold approach allows Samsung to cater to diverse consumer needs while exploring new avenues for product differentiation. Additionally, the rumored replacement of the Plus model with the Edge variant suggests a recalibration of product positioning, aimed at appealing to a broader audience. These changes come at a time when the smartphone market is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by consumer demand for innovative hardware and seamless user experiences. By prioritizing innovation, cost efficiency, and adaptability, Samsung is positioning itself as a leader in the flagship segment, ready to meet the expectations of a discerning customer base. What Lies Ahead The Samsung Galaxy S26 series is expected to launch early next year, offering a glimpse into the future of flagship smartphones. With advancements in camera technology, a refined chipset strategy, and a focus on manufacturing excellence, Samsung is set to deliver a compelling product lineup that could redefine industry standards. As more details emerge, the Galaxy S26 series is shaping up to be a significant milestone in the evolution of mobile technology, promising to set new benchmarks for innovation and performance. Stay updated as Samsung continues to push the boundaries of what flagship smartphones can achieve. Take a look at other insightful guides from our broad collection that might capture your interest in the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. Source & Image Credit: Demon's Tech Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy
Forbes
5 days ago
- Forbes
Android Circuit: Galaxy S25 Controversy, Honor 400 Pro Launch, Pixel 10 Pricing
Taking a look back at this week's news and headlines across the Android world, including Galaxy S26 controversy, Snapdragon 8 arrives early, Pixel 10 Pro pricing, Android's desktop experience, Android XE expectations, Honor 400 Pro launch, and satellite connectivity in 2025. Android Circuit is here to remind you of a few of the many discussions around Android in the last seven days. You can also read my weekly digest of Apple news here on Forbes. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra There is a constant tension in the run-up to a new Samsung smartphone as the community wonders if it will ship with their favoured Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, or with Samsung's homegrown Exynos chipset. While the two chipsets remain in balance (with a trend to more performance to Snapdragon and more battery life to Exynos) there is still a perception in the community that Snapdragn is the better choice. Which means news that a split strategy may return for the Galaxy S26 will raise eyebrows: "It's too soon to tell whether the Galaxy S26 series will feature both Snapdragon and Exynos chips. One encouraging sign from February 2025 is that Samsung reportedly achieved a 30% yield rate in test production of the Exynos 2600 processor... It tentatively sounds like development is proceeding more smoothly with the new chip. So you can't count on a Snapdragon-only Galaxy S26 series just yet." (Android Authority). Staying with Qualcomm, the next generation of the Snapdragon 8 series—which will likely power all of the major Android-powered flagship smartphones in 2026, looks to be getting an early release. Which in turn allows the next generation of flagships to arrive ahead of the holidays: "At its Computex 2025 keynote, Qualcomm said the next Snapdragon Summit will take place between September 23 and September 25 in Hawaii… Smartphones powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 are expected to arrive in October 2025. They include the Xiaomi 16, OnePlus 15, Realme GT8 Pro and many others." (NotebookCheck). Google looks set to maintain the pricing across the board with the upcoming Pixel 10 family of devices. The Pixel 10 is expected to price-match the Pixel 9, as is the Pixel 10 Pro and 9 Pro. There is one exception, though, with the Pixel 10 Pro XL seeing a $100 rise on the entry-level model: "Given that the Pixel 9 Pro XL model with 256 GB of storage was priced at $1,199, last year's $1,099 model with 128 GB of storage could leave the Pixel 10 family. That would maintain the price of the 10 Pro XL 256 GB, and everything stays steady across the board. Alternatively, the larger display and potentially larger battery may push the bill of materials to the point where the team has no option but to push the price up." (Forbes). Unsurprisingly, Google's I/O developer conference leaned heavily into the future of AI (Casey Newton has a good summary of the magic and the madness coming up). Still, there was evolution in other areas that could have a notable impact on the ecosystem. One of those is Desktop Mode for Android. It's something Samsung users have with the DeX software. Google has now said that Android 16 will build on this: 'We've been collaborating with Samsung, building on the foundation of Samsung DeX, to bring enhanced desktop windowing capabilities in Android 16 for more powerful productivity workflows… Leaked builds of Android 16 previously revealed much of Google's progress on desktop mode, while an early look at Samsung's One UI 8 update showed that it seems Samsung's DeX is being redesigned to utilize the improvements that Google and Samsung have been collaborating on." (9to5Google). One area of I/O which pushes boundaries is Android XR. This is Google's take on packing the Gemini AI assistant into a pair of glasses. Google is joined by Samsung and Qualcomm in this endeavour. Naturally, the promotional videos show the hardware in the best light possible—much as Apple did with Vision Pro—so we await consumer hardware later this year: "Equipped with a camera, microphones and speakers, these glasses work in tandem with your phone, giving you access to your apps without ever having to reach in your pocket. And an optional in-lens display privately provides helpful information right when you need it. Pairing these glasses with Gemini means they see and hear what you do, so they understand your context, remember what's important to you and can help you throughout your day." (Google Blog). Honor has released two mid-range smartphones this week; the Pro model offers near flagship power levels, while the vanilla 400 should comfortably meet the expectations at the lower and more competitive price point. We'll have a closer look at the Honor 400 over the weekend, but for now, this is what you can expect from the 400 Pro: "The Honor 400 Pro is equipped with a 200MP main camera (1/1.4' sensor, f/1.9 lens with OIS), a 50MP telephoto (1/2' Sony IMX856, f/2.0 with OIS) and a 12MP ultra-wide camera (f/2.2 112° lens) with macro capabilities. The front camera is a 50MP unit. This model is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, just like the 300 Pro. It is paired with 12GB of RAM and 256/512GB storage." (GSM Arena). Connecting to the internet over satellite is vital for digital nomads, heading out where even cellular signals cannot reach. Chris Dunphy takes a closer look at the current state of play in Satellite Connectivity. There are many options, all with their benefits, but one option remains suitable for all: "For those looking for mobile satellite broadband options, Starlink is currently the clear choice for most of the consumer market. Hopefully, Amazon will soon have a worthy offering in Kuiper that dials up the competitive heat. (Mobile Internet Resource Center). Android Circuit rounds up the news from the Android world every weekend here on Forbes. Don't forget to follow me so you don't miss any coverage in the future, and of course, read the sister column in Apple Loop! Last week's Android Circuit can be found here, and if you have any news and links you'd like to see featured in Android Circuit, get in touch!
