Samsung’s new phone, the Galaxy S26, has been seen in the GSMA database. This means the phone is real and is getting ready to be released. A few weeks ago, the Galaxy S26 Edge and Galaxy S26 Ultra were also found in this database. Now, the regular Galaxy S26 model is listed too. This helps us understand more about the new S26 series.
Galaxy S26 may signal a significant shift
There is something interesting about the Galaxy S26. Its model number is different from what people expected. In the past, Samsung used a simple system for model numbers. The regular model would end with the number 1, the Plus model with 6, and the Ultra model with 8. For example, the Galaxy S25 had the number SM-S931, the S25+ was SM-S936, and the S25 Ultra was SM-S938. So, people thought the Galaxy S26 would be SM-S941. But it is actually SM-S942. This is a small change, but it might mean something important.
The GSMA database now shows three models: the Galaxy S26 (SM-S942), the Galaxy S26 Edge (SM-S947), and the Galaxy S26 Ultra (SM-S948). But the Galaxy S26 Plus is missing. Normally, it should have a model number like SM-S946, but there is no sign of it. This makes people think Samsung may not release a Plus model this time.
Will the Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus be introduced? It’s too early to say
Samsung has not said anything official yet. There is still a chance that the Plus model will be added later. But in the past, Samsung usually added all models to the database early. If the Plus model is not seen in the next few weeks, it might mean it has been canceled.
There could be a few reasons for this. Samsung might want to make the phone lineup easier to understand. Having fewer models can make it easier for people to choose. It’s also possible that Samsung is giving the regular S26 some of the features that used to be in the Plus model. This would explain why the model number is SM-S942 instead of SM-S941. Maybe the screen will be a bit bigger, the battery stronger, or the camera better than before.
Galaxy S26 Edge is being actively tested and will be introduced in the first quarter of 2026
Another interesting thing is that the “Edge” model will continue. Samsung uses this name for its thin smartphones. Now it looks like the Galaxy S26 Edge will be able to replace the Plus model and will continue to offer something special between the regular and Ultra versions. Samsung has announced a “Galaxy S25 Edge” model, anticipating that the Galaxy S25+ will sell considerably less than the regular and Ultra models. The new successor to the Galaxy S25 Edge, the upcoming Galaxy S26 Edge, will also be officially announced.
The model number system also gives us clues. A higher number usually means a better phone. The regular S26 has a higher number than before, so it could be more advanced. The Edge and Ultra models still end with 7 and 8, so Samsung is keeping the same idea of ranking phones by number.
The Galaxy S26 is real and listed in the GSMA database. But the missing Plus model and the new model number tell us that Samsung may be changing its plan. Maybe the company is dropping the Plus version, or maybe it’s just late. We will know more in the next few weeks. For now, we can say that the Galaxy S26 series looks different, and Samsung might be starting a new chapter in its phone lineup.