Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series, set to launch in January 2026, was expected to bring big upgrades, especially with the new “Pro” branding for its base model. But a fresh leak from trusted insider PhoneArt suggests the Galaxy S26 Pro might not live up to the hype.
Instead of pro-grade features, it’s shaping up as a modest update to the Galaxy S25, leaving fans worried. Could it still compete with Apple’s iPhone 17? Let’s dive into the details and see what’s going wrong—and how Samsung might fix it.
Galaxy S26 Pro: More of the Same?
The Galaxy S26 Pro replaces the standard S25, but don’t expect a massive leap. Leaks indicate it keeps the same 6.2-inch 1080p AMOLED display, with no bump in resolution or size. The design stays familiar, with flat glass panels, an aluminum frame, and buttons in their usual spots (volume rocker and power button on the right).
The biggest letdown? The “Pro” name sets high expectations, but the specs don’t seem to match. PhoneArt calls the S26 Pro’s upgrades minimal, with the name itself being the biggest change. That’s not what fans want from a flagship.
Camera Upgrades: Mixed Bag
The camera system is a sore spot. The S26 Pro is tipped to get a new 50MP main sensor (different from the S25’s ISOCELL GN3), but the sensor size stays the same, so don’t expect major improvements in low-light or detail. The ultrawide jumps from 12MP to 50MP, which sounds promising, but PhoneArt dubs it “useless” without explaining why—possibly due to a small sensor or software limitations.
The 10MP telephoto lens, a staple in Samsung’s lineup, reportedly sticks around with no notable upgrades. Compared to the iPhone 17’s 48MP dual cameras and 120Hz ProMotion display, the S26 Pro risks falling behind.
Galaxy S26 Pro vs. S25 Camera Comparison
Feature | Galaxy S25 | Galaxy S26 Pro (Rumored) |
---|---|---|
Main Camera | 50MP ISOCELL GN3 | 50MP (new sensor) |
Ultrawide Camera | 12MP | 50MP (potentially “useless”) |
Telephoto Camera | 10MP | 10MP (unchanged) |
Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP (likely unchanged) |
Can the S26 Pro Compete with iPhone 17?
The iPhone 17, starting at $799, brings a 6.3-inch 120Hz ProMotion display and 48MP dual cameras, outshining the S26 Pro’s rumored 1080p screen and mixed camera upgrades. Charging speeds also favor Apple, with the iPhone 17 hitting 40W (vs. the S25’s 25W, likely unchanged for S26 Pro).
Samsung’s “Pro” branding invites comparisons to the iPhone 17 Pro, but the S26 Pro’s specs align more with Apple’s non-Pro model. This naming choice could confuse buyers and hurt Samsung’s edge in the flagship race.
What’s Still Promising?
It’s not all doom and gloom. The S26 Pro is expected to pack Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chip, boosting performance over the S25’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. RAM could hit 16GB (up from 12GB), and the battery might grow to 4,200–4,300mAh from 4,000mAh. These upgrades, plus One UI 8 on Android 16, could make the phone snappy for gaming and multitasking.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra, with its 200MP main camera and faster 60W charging, might steal the spotlight, but the S26 Pro needs more to justify its name.
How Samsung Can Save the Galaxy S26 Pro
PhoneArt suggests Samsung ditch the “Pro” label and call it the Galaxy S26 to avoid inflated expectations. Other fixes include:
- Better Cameras: Upgrade the telephoto to 50MP and optimize the ultrawide for sharper shots.
- Faster Charging: Bump to 45W to match competitors.
- Bigger Battery: Confirm the 4,300mAh capacity for all-day use.
With months until launch, Samsung has time to tweak the S26 Pro into a true contender.
Where to Pre-Order
Pre-orders for the Galaxy S26 series aren’t live yet but are expected in January 2026 via Samsung’s website, Amazon, Flipkart, and retailers like Reliance Digital. Look for trade-in deals and cashback to save.
FAQs: Galaxy S26 Pro Leak
Why is the Galaxy S26 Pro disappointing?
Leaks suggest minimal upgrades over the S25, with the same 1080p display, unchanged 10MP telephoto, and a potentially underwhelming 50MP ultrawide.
What’s new in the Galaxy S26 Pro?
It may feature a new 50MP main sensor, Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chip, up to 16GB RAM, and a 4,200–4,300mAh battery.
How does the S26 Pro compare to iPhone 17?
The iPhone 17’s 120Hz display and 48MP cameras likely outshine the S26 Pro’s 1080p screen and mixed camera setup.
Should Samsung rename the Galaxy S26 Pro?
Yes, leaks suggest calling it the Galaxy S26 to avoid confusion, as it lacks pro-grade features.
When will the Galaxy S26 Pro launch?
It’s expected in January 2026 at Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event.