Need a second opinion on which S26 to get

[Joltpost]

Ok so I know the S26 series is coming this year and my OP 12 is now 2 years old. I'm considering to get the S26 or the S26+ depending on the specs.

When I held my mom's S23 I like the look and feel and I'm tempted to go with the base S26 if it remains largely the same as the S25 models. What am I missing if I go with the base model? I mostly do phone stuff and play games with recording game footage on. Would the base model be good for that or am I better off getting the + or Ultra variants?

I also thought of going for the Honor Magic 8 Pro but that isn't available in my place yet which is India.

 

[Bkdodger1]

I always like to go with a larger display so I guess I would be a little bias, I expect the S26+ to have a better display and faster charging which would make it the one I'd pick. Why not consider the OnePlus 15?

 

[Joltpost]

I always like to go with a larger display so I guess I would be a little bias, I expect the S26+ to have a better display and faster charging which would make it the one I'd pick. Why not consider the OnePlus 15?

Oneplus 15 heats up, is buggy and since I can't use Google Pay to pair it up for my Galaxy Watch 8 on a non-samsung phone, I have to go with Samsung here.

On top of that, 15 doesn't have 7 years of support...

 

[Bkdodger1]

Oneplus 15 heats up, is buggy and since I can't use Google Pay to pair it up for my Galaxy Watch 8 on a non-samsung phone, I have to go with Samsung here.

On top of that, 15 doesn't have 7 years of support...

I understand, I would consider the s26+ I think you would enjoy it with larger screen and support for years.

 

[SyCoREAPER]

I understand, I would consider the s26+ I think you would enjoy it with larger screen and support for years.

Support is relative. Samsung has done a horrendous job at providing security updates. With the S23 they were getting one out every month or 2 at most. Now, barely at all, including my S25

Since you're not into photography which is not a bad thing, no need for the Ultra. Go with the Plus. That extra screen while sounding only a bit bigger on paper makes a big difference watching things.

 

[edubfromktown]

Support is relative. Samsung has done a horrendous job at providing security updates. With the S23 they were getting one out every month or 2 at most. Now, barely at all, including my S25

Since you're not into photography which is not a bad thing, no need for the Ultra. Go with the Plus. That extra screen while sounding only a bit bigger on paper makes a big difference watching things.

I've received monthly updates on a regular basis (with two delays as I recall- after the initial release after receiving the phone in January and one other time).

Might your mobile provider be the more likely "culprit"?

The major advantage of Ultra S25 (or S26) over the Plus for me is the 50 MP ultra wide lens compared to 12 MP ultra wide on the Plus models.

 

[SyCoREAPER]

I've received monthly updates on a regular basis (with two delays as I recall- after the initial release after receiving the phone in January and one other time).

Might your mobile provider be the more likely "culprit"?

The major advantage of Ultra S25 (or S26) over the Plus for me is the 50 MP ultra wide lens compared to 12 MP ultra wide on the Plus models.

Negative. T-Mobile isn't the fastest but is a faster one. Plus they along with unlocked are the only ones that do Betas.

Is yours a U or U1?

 

[VidJunky]

In the leaks I've been checking out I've seen a couple of mentions that the S26 was getting a bigger battery and the + was getting some exclusive feature... Sorry I don't remember right off what it was, I was watching for Ultra news, but anyway, it will be exclusive to the + model, not even the Ultra is getting it. According to the leak. I'll look in my history and add the video if I find it.

 

[SyCoREAPER]

OP,
This is why nobody should be commiting their brain to a phone we know nothing about. Speculation and rumors won't help you decide which is the correct phone.

Wait until it's officially announced and all the specs are on the table and post back.

 

[Joltpost]

OP,
This is why nobody should be commiting their brain to a phone we know nothing about. Speculation and rumors won't help you decide which is the correct phone.

Wait until it's officially announced and all the specs are on the table and post back.

I mean sure but the leaks are accurate enough that it's hard to ignore them.

I don't think the leaks and rumors were wrong before the s25 series was revealed.

 

[SyCoREAPER]

I mean sure but the leaks are accurate enough that it's hard to ignore them.

I don't think the leaks and rumors were wrong before the s25 series was revealed.

Yeah they were. Every year "bigger battery, faster charging". "Exynos only". List goes on.

Just ask about the S27 and we'll go from there.

 

[Joltpost]

Yeah they were. Every year "bigger battery, faster charging". "Exynos only". List goes on.

Just ask about the S27 and we'll go from there.

They weren't wrong about the no bluetooth s pen for the ultra though.

And the designs were actually accurate.

Am hoping Samsung brings it back for this ultra but oh well

 

[edubfromktown]

Negative. T-Mobile isn't the fastest but is a faster one. Plus they along with unlocked are the only ones that do Betas.

Is yours a U or U1?

U1 that has been cruising along with no major issues since January 2025 (other than Google Maps/?? fok up uodate that caused GPS inaccuracy for a few weeks).

I have zero interest in betas... depend upon one device for personal and business (O365 containerized) use.