Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus review: Premium, powerful, but too familiar

Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy S26 Plus, defying earlier speculation regarding the discontinuation of its 'Plus' model in favor of an ultra-slim 'Edge' variant. This latest addition boasts several noteworthy upgrades and premium features, all while maintaining the essence of its predecessors. At first glance, the Galaxy S26 Plus may appear to tread familiar ground, adopting a design profile that closely mirrors its forerunner. Sporting a sleek matte glass back framed by aluminum and slightly curved edges, it introduces a new pill-shaped camera module that houses three distinct sensors. Weighing in at just 190 grams and measuring a mere 7.3mm in thickness, the smartphone manages to feel robust, complemented by Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. Although it resists fingerprints and dust, the device can feel slippery without a case. The front of the Galaxy S26 Plus features an impressive 6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, reaching peak brightness levels of up to 2,600 nits. This makes it well-suited for various activities, from gaming to content consumption, even under harsh sunlight. However, the display's features largely echo those of its predecessor, raising questions about the necessity of an upgrade for existing users. Notably, the Galaxy S26 Plus lacks the new Privacy Display feature found in the Ultra variant, which protects against shoulder surfing. In the camera department, the Galaxy S26 Plus is equipped with a triple-camera setup comprising a 50MP main sensor, a 10MP telephoto lens, and a 12MP ultrawide camera. While the configuration remains unchanged from previous models, it still offers impressive performance. Daylight shots exhibit vibrant colors and sharp details, though some images may appear slightly oversaturated. In low-light conditions, the camera maintains good exposure and detail, making it a reliable choice for various photography needs. Under the hood, the Galaxy S26 Plus is powered by Samsung's in-house 2nm Exynos 2600 processor, paired with an upgraded 12GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage. While the switch from Qualcomm's Snapdragon to Exynos may raise concerns, the phone's performance in multitasking and gaming scenarios remained smooth and responsive. However, thermal management could be improved, as the device tends to heat up during extended gaming sessions. The smartphone runs on One UI 8.5, based on Android 16, and integrates a suite of AI-powered features that enhance user experience. With seven years of software support promised, the Galaxy S26 Plus aims to be a future-proof investment for users. Battery life remains robust, thanks to a 4,900mAh capacity that easily lasts a full day even with heavy usage. However, prospective buyers should note that the phone does not come with a charging adapter in the box, necessitating a separate purchase to utilize its 45W fast-charging capabilities. In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus emerges as a strong contender for power users who value performance and battery longevity in a compact form factor. While the design may feel overly familiar, the device successfully bridges the gap between the standard and Ultra models, delivering a compelling experience with its vibrant display, dependable camera system, and AI-enhanced software features.