Samsung’s 2025 lineup was based on a significant slimming of nearly all of its smartphones (including its flagships). This led to expectations that the highly anticipated new Galaxy S26 series would follow the same thinness formula. However, recent reports suggest that Samsung may be shifting its priorities for the next generation of premium phones. According to recent industry whispers, the company is now focusing on maintaining stable prices rather than pursuing extreme thinness.

Basic Model Price Remains Stable

The primary goal is reportedly to launch the Galaxy S26 series at the same price as the Galaxy S25 series. Samsung is reportedly determined to keep the base model at $799, just like last year’s entry-level Galaxy S25. This pricing strategy aligns with Apple’s iPhone 17 pricing, which maintained the starting price of the iPhone 16 despite significant upgrades.

Intriguingly, insiders reportedly said Samsung had almost finalized the base Galaxy S26 model, which would be 0.3mm thinner than its predecessor, at just 6.9mm thick. Even more surprising was the initial plan to dramatically increase battery capacity. The goal was to increase it from the S25’s 4,000mAh to 4,900mAh. However, this ambitious target has reportedly been scaled back to 4,300mAh. While still an improvement, it falls well short of the initial target.

Of course, all of this information remains unconfirmed. Samsung’s intention to add almost 1,000mAh of extra battery capacity (4,900mAh) while simultaneously making the phone thinner (6.9mm) seemed unlikely, unless it switched to silicon carbon battery technology.

The company could still change course before the Galaxy S26 series is finalized. But for now, the rumor mill suggests Samsung is prioritizing affordable pricing over bold design changes for 2026. We’ll see more clearly what decision the company ultimately makes as we get closer to the rumored February 2026 launch date.