Samsung's Q3 FY2025 earnings call (via Android Authority) can be a dense listen even for geeks like us here at TG. But it is worth paying attention to, as Samsung's VP of Mobile Experience, Daniel Araujo, mentioned the Galaxy S26 by name while discussing the outlook for 2026, referencing AI, performance and cameras as three specific areas of focus.
This is the first time Samsung has revealed this much so early about an upcoming flagship phone, and it makes us wonder if they're trying to steal some thunder from the iPhone 17 series.
"The S26 series will revolutionize the user experience with user-centric, next-gen AI, a second-generation custom AP, and stronger performance, including new camera sensors.”
Daniel Araujo, Samsung's VP of Mobile Experience
AI being a priority isn't a surprise. Samsung's Galaxy AI features are some of the best in the business, and the whole genAI trend remains firmly embedded in the consumer tech world.
Hardcore Samsung fans will be glad to hear about new camera sensors too. Samsung is notorious for holding off on camera upgrades to eke every last drop of performance out of their components. For example, Samsung's 10MP 3x telephoto camera, used on all Galaxy S25 models apart from the S25 Edge, was first introduced on 2022's Galaxy S22 series. Meanwhile, the 12MP ultrawide camera, found on the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus and S25 Edge, has been in service even longer, debuting on the Galaxy S20 series in 2020.
When Araujo refers to a custom application processor (or AP), he's talking about the chipset running the phone. And for the Galaxy S26, that could refer to Samsung's own Exynos 2600, the company's first 2-nanometre chip that has been teased to power some or all of the S26 models.
However, it could equally be interpreted as referring to the Qualcomm-designed Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 For Galaxy. The 8 Elite Gen 5 chip is already official, and for the past few years, Samsung has been able to source more powerful "For Galaxy" editions for its flagship phones.
But, as it often the case running up to a new Galaxy S model launch, there are rumors that only certain regions and specific models will use Samsung's chip, while the rest will get the Snapdragon. It's all quite confusing and I can't wait for more definitive rumors to put this uncertainty to rest.
Future foldables
Araujo's statement in the call also featured a quick mention of foldable phones. Hopefully, going by the quote below, it means that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 — highlighted by Araujo as a particular success this past quarter - will get an equally exciting follow-up.
“We plan to continue form factor innovations to strengthen our product portfolio and provide new experiences, aiming to expand our customer base.”
Daniel Araujo, Samsung's VP of Mobile Experience
Form factor innovations could also be referring to the Galaxy TriFold we've been hearing rumors of for some time, and that apparently appeared in the flesh at a trade show earlier this week. It's hard to think of something more innovative than a type of phone only one other company has been able to bring to market — and only in one country, too.
Stick with Tom's Guide as we approach the Galaxy S26's expected launch period of January 2026, as we'll continue to keep up with all the news and rumors, and eventually deliver the official launch details and reviews as soon as we can.
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