Samsung Galaxy S26 series may outpace iPhone 17 with higher RAM offering: Report

Samsung is gearing up to unveil its Galaxy S26 series, and early leaks indicate a significant leap in memory capabilities. This flagship lineup, which includes the standard Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra, is rumored to feature variants with up to 16GB of RAM, a remarkable enhancement from previous models. According to tipster Jukan Choi, who shared insights from Macquarie Research, all three Galaxy S26 models may be available globally with 16GB RAM options. This would represent a considerable upgrade over the Galaxy S25 series, where only the Galaxy S25 Ultra offered 16GB of RAM, and that was limited to select markets like South Korea and China. The entry-level Galaxy S25 and S25+ are currently restricted to 12GB RAM configurations. The anticipated memory boost is likely aimed at bolstering Samsung’s growing suite of Galaxy AI tools, expected to play a critical role in the performance of the S26 series. With increased RAM, users can expect enhanced multitasking capabilities, improved gaming experiences, and overall better system performance. This move could position Samsung’s latest flagship models more competitively against rival brands, particularly Chinese manufacturers like OnePlus and Red Magic, which already feature devices with up to 24GB of RAM. The leaks also provide a glimpse into Apple’s future offerings. The iPhone 17 series, expected to debut in September, may introduce a new 12GB RAM option across its models, which include the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. This upgrade would be a step up from the 8GB RAM currently seen in the iPhone 16 lineup. However, it appears that the iPhone 18 series, anticipated for release next year, will retain the same 12GB RAM configuration. As competition heats up in the premium smartphone market, memory upgrades are increasingly vital for supporting new AI-driven features and demanding user applications. If these rumors prove accurate, Samsung's Galaxy S26 series could gain a significant advantage by offering robust memory options across its entire range.