Official Samsung Document Reveals Final Names for the Galaxy S26 Series

Introduction: The Unveiling of the Next Generation Flagship Lineup

In the rapidly evolving landscape of smartphone technology, anticipation for the next flagship release is a constant. The rumor mill never sleeps, and enthusiasts and industry analysts alike eagerly dissect every leak and whisper regarding future devices. However, it is not often that an official internal document surfaces, offering an unambiguous look at the final naming conventions planned by a major manufacturer. We have obtained access to a leaked internal Samsung document that definitively outlines the final naming structure for the highly anticipated Galaxy S26 series. This document dispels months of speculation regarding potential rebrands, including the rumored absence of “Pro” or “Edge” monikers, confirming a streamlined yet powerful naming strategy for Samsung’s 2026 flagship lineup.

This leak provides more than just names; it offers a glimpse into Samsung’s strategic positioning for the upcoming year. The document, dated for internal circulation in late 2025, details the specific model numbers and marketing nomenclature that will be used globally. As we delve into the specifics of this document, we will analyze the confirmed names, the reasoning behind the choice, and what this tells us about the hardware capabilities we can expect from the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and the top-tier Galaxy S26 Ultra. This comprehensive breakdown serves as the definitive guide to Samsung’s immediate future in the mobile sector.

The Confirmed Lineup: Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra

The primary revelation from the official document is the retention of the core numbering structure that has served the brand so well, yet with a significant refinement in the top-tier model’s designation. The document explicitly lists three devices that will form the backbone of the 2026 portfolio. Contrary to recent industry whispers suggesting a radical departure or the introduction of a new sub-brand, Samsung is doubling down on the hierarchy that consumers recognize.

Galaxy S26 (Model SM-S940)

The base model, identified internally as SM-S940, will retain the standard Galaxy S26 moniker. This device is positioned as the entry point into the flagship ecosystem, offering the core Samsung experience in a compact form factor. The document highlights that the S26 will feature the latest iterative updates to the One UI software, built upon the Android architecture of the time. We anticipate this device to feature a high-refresh-rate Dynamic AMOLED display, likely clocked at 120Hz, and a versatile triple-camera setup. The naming confirms that Samsung sees a strong market for a “standard” flagship that does not compromise on essential premium features but remains accessible in price compared to its larger siblings.

Galaxy S26+ (Model SM-S946)

The intermediate model, listed as SM-S946, is officially named Galaxy S26+. This device bridges the gap between the standard model and the ultra-premium variant. The document indicates that the S26+ will focus heavily on battery endurance and display real estate. By keeping the “Plus” designation, Samsung maintains continuity for users who prefer a larger screen than the base model but do not require the absolute peak specifications of the Ultra line. This naming convention suggests a continued focus on multimedia consumption, with rumors of a brightness cap that exceeds the base model, making it ideal for outdoor viewing.

Galaxy S26 Ultra (Model SM-S948)

Perhaps the most significant confirmation is the name of the flagship killer: the Galaxy S26 Ultra, model SM-S948. For months, speculation swirled that Samsung might drop the “Ultra” label in favor of a “Pro” or “Note” revival. The document puts these rumors to rest. The “Ultra” branding has become synonymous with the S Pen integration and the most advanced camera hardware in the industry. The document confirms that the S26 Ultra will continue to be the centerpiece of the lineup, featuring the most advanced imaging sensors and display technology available to the company. This decision solidifies the Ultra moniker as the definitive mark of peak performance in the smartphone world.

Decoding the Strategy: Why No “Pro” or “Edge”?

The absence of “Pro” and “Edge” nomenclature in this official document is a calculated strategic move by Samsung. Understanding this decision requires looking at Samsung’s history and current market positioning.

The Dilution of the “Pro” Brand

In recent years, the tech industry has seen an over-saturation of the term “Pro.” From laptops to earbuds, nearly every product category has a “Pro” variant. Samsung itself used this label in the tablet and laptop lines. However, for the mainline smartphone series, introducing a “Pro” model alongside the “Ultra” would create confusion. The document likely adheres to a philosophy of clarity. The “Ultra” suffix has already established itself as the pinnacle of smartphone engineering for Samsung. Introducing a “Pro” model that sits between the Plus and the Ultra would segment the lineup too finely, potentially cannibalizing sales of the Ultra. By sticking to S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra, Samsung ensures that the hierarchy is instantly understood: the higher the name, the higher the capability.

The Legacy of the “Edge” and Curved Displays

The “Edge” designation was historically tied to Samsung’s curved display technology. While revolutionary at the time, the market has largely shifted away from aggressively curved screens due to issues with accidental touches and durability. Modern flagships, including recent Ultra models, feature “floating” or nearly flat displays with very subtle curves. The document’s exclusion of “Edge” signals that the S26 series will likely feature a flat or minimally curved display, prioritizing usability and screen protector compatibility. This aligns with the industry trend toward flat screens, which are preferred for gaming and content creation due to reduced distortion at the edges.

Streamlined Global Marketing

From a marketing perspective, a streamlined naming convention is easier to communicate globally. Complex naming trees require more advertising spend to explain the differences between models. By keeping the names simple and familiar, Samsung can focus its marketing budget on highlighting the specific technological advancements—such as the new processor, camera sensor size, and battery chemistry—rather than explaining a new naming scheme. The document emphasizes that brand equity in the “S” series is at an all-time high, and changing it now would be an unnecessary risk.

Deep Dive into Model Numbers: SM-S940, SM-S946, and SM-S948

The model numbers listed in the document (SM-S940, SM-S946, SM-S948) provide their own set of clues regarding regional variants and carrier锁定.

The “SM” Prefix and Global Consistency

The “SM” prefix has been the standard identifier for Samsung Mobile products for over a decade. This consistency allows developers, case manufacturers, and accessory makers to prepare for the launch well in advance. The document confirms that these three model numbers represent the global unlocked variants.

The Final Digit Logic

In Samsung’s internal coding, the final digit often correlates to the region or specific carrier variant, but the base number (940, 946, 948) indicates the tier.

• SM-S940: Represents the standard S26. We expect internal codenames for this model to vary by region (e.g., US unlocked vs. European variants), but the core hardware remains identical.
• SM-S946: The “6” often designates the Plus or larger model in Samsung’s recent sequences. This number is distinct enough from the 940 to indicate a significant hardware upgrade, likely in battery capacity and screen size.
• SM-S948: The “8” usually designates the highest-end model. Historically, Ultra models have carried the highest digits in their specific series (e.g., S23 Ultra was SM-S918). This numbering aligns with the S26 Ultra’s position as the technological showcase of the lineup.

Implications for Developers and Modders

For the developer community, including platforms like Magisk Modules, these model numbers are critical. Kernel sources, driver binaries, and bootloader unlock statuses are often tied to specific model numbers. The confirmation of these numbers allows the development of custom recoveries and Magisk modules to begin even before the device launch. Knowing that the S26 Ultra is SM-S948 ensures that module developers can target the correct hardware profile for optimization, ensuring compatibility with the device’s unique architecture from day one.

Hardware Expectations Inferred from the Naming

While the document focuses on names, naming conventions in the tech industry are rarely arbitrary; they signal the hardware capabilities of the device. Based on the “Ultra” designation and historical patterns, we can infer a substantial hardware upgrade for the S26 series.

The Snapdragon and Exynos Dichotomy

The document does not explicitly mention the chipset, but industry standards dictate that the Galaxy S26 series will likely be powered by the next-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon processor (likely the 8 Gen 4 or its successor) for the global market. The “Ultra” model specifically is expected to feature a specialized “for Galaxy” edition of this chip, offering higher clock speeds. The S26 and S26+ may see a split between Snapdragon and Exynos depending on the region, a strategy Samsung has employed in the past. The stability of the naming suggests a focus on performance consistency across the board.

Camera Hardware: The Ultra Advantage

The “Ultra” moniker is heavily tied to camera capabilities. The S26 Ultra is expected to feature a 200MP main sensor, possibly a newer generation with larger pixel sizes for improved low-light performance. The periscope telephoto lens is also anticipated to receive an upgrade, potentially offering enhanced optical zoom capabilities (5x or 10x optical) without losing quality. The S26 and S26+ will likely feature high-megapixel sensors but may lack the advanced periscope zoom hardware reserved for the Ultra.

Display Technology

The document implies a tiered display strategy. The base S26 will likely feature a FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED, while the S26+ and S26 Ultra will boast QHD+ panels. The “Ultra” is expected to push the boundaries of brightness, potentially exceeding 2,500 nits, and may introduce new LTPO technology for more efficient variable refresh rates (1Hz to 120Hz). The exclusion of “Edge” suggests these displays will prioritize flatness for better utility.

Software Context: One UI and Android Integration

The naming of the hardware is intrinsically linked to the software experience. The Galaxy S26 series will undoubtedly debut with the latest version of Samsung’s user interface.

One UI X.0 on Android

While the specific version number is not in the document, the S26 series is expected to launch with One UI 8.0 (or higher) based on the next Android version. Samsung has committed to providing 7 years of OS updates for its flagship devices. Therefore, the S26 series represents a long-term investment for consumers. The “Ultra” naming ensures users know they are getting the full suite of AI features, multitasking tools, and S Pen integrations that define Samsung’s software ecosystem.

AI and On-Device Processing

The “Ultra” designation in 2026 will heavily lean on AI capabilities. The document’s confirmation of the Ultra name suggests that the device will house the necessary Neural Processing Units (NPUs) to handle complex on-device AI tasks. This distinguishes the Ultra from the base models, which may have more limited AI processing capabilities. For users interested in customizing these software experiences, platforms like Magisk Modules offer a way to enhance or modify the system UI, making the hardware capabilities of the S26 Ultra even more versatile.

Market Positioning and Competitive Landscape

By confirming the names Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra, Samsung is making a clear statement to the market.

Rivalry with Apple and Google

The smartphone market is a battle of ecosystems. Apple uses the “Pro” and “Pro Max” nomenclature. Google uses “Pixel” with numeric indicators. Samsung’s “Ultra” stands as a direct competitor to Apple’s “Pro Max.” The document confirms that Samsung is not backing down from this rivalry. The S26 Ultra is designed to be the definitive Android alternative to the iPhone, offering features that Apple does not, such as the S Pen and higher customization options.

Target Demographics

• Galaxy S26: Targets the compact flagship user and those upgrading from older S-series models who want premium performance in a manageable size.
• Galaxy S26+: Targets the media consumer who values battery life and a large screen for streaming and gaming.
• Galaxy S26 Ultra: Targets the power user, the mobile photographer, the productivity professional, and the tech enthusiast. The “Ultra” name signals that this device has no compromises.

The Role of Magisk Modules in the Galaxy S26 Ecosystem

As we await the official launch of the Galaxy S26 series, the modding community is already preparing. For users who wish to unlock the full potential of the SM-S948 or other models, the Magisk Module Repository is an essential resource.

Enhancing the Ultra Experience

While the Galaxy S26 Ultra comes with top-tier hardware out of the box, software limitations imposed by carriers or Samsung’s own optimizations can sometimes restrict performance. This is where Magisk modules come into play. By rooting the device with Magisk, users can install modules that:

• Improve Battery Life: Custom kernel tweaks and CPU governors can optimize power consumption beyond the standard One UI settings.
• Camera Enhancements: Modules exist that can enable higher bitrate video recording or unlock specific camera features usually reserved for different regions.
• System-Wide Ad Blocking: Hosts-based modules can block ads across the entire system, providing a cleaner user experience.
• UI Customization: For users who want to move away from the standard One UI look, modules can enable theming engines and navigation bar customizations that are not available through standard settings.

The Magisk Modules platform (https://magiskmodule.gitlab.io/magisk-modules-repo/) is designed to support a wide range of devices. As the Galaxy S26 series is released, we expect a surge in compatible modules. The official naming confirmation allows the community to organize modules by device model (SM-S940, SM-S946, SM-S948) ensuring stability and compatibility. Whether you are looking to debloat your system, overclock the GPU for gaming, or simply apply a custom font, the repository serves as the hub for advanced Android customization.

Safety and Stability

It is important to note that while modding offers extensive benefits, it requires a technical understanding. The official document confirms that Samsung will likely maintain a Knox security system, meaning that tripping the e-fuse (voiding warranty) is an inherent risk of rooting. However, for enthusiasts who prioritize control over warranty status, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is a prime candidate for modding due to its powerful hardware specifications.

Release Timeline and Availability

Based on the emergence of this official naming document, we can project the release timeline with high accuracy. Naming conventions are usually finalized 3-6 months prior to launch to allow for marketing materials and packaging design.

Unpacked Event Prediction

Samsung has historically held Unpacked events in February for the S-series. With the names now finalized in internal documents, we anticipate the official unveiling of the Galaxy S26 series to occur in February 2026. The leak of this document suggests that the devices are well into the development phase, likely entering mass production tooling stages shortly.

Global Rollout

Following the Unpacked event, pre-orders typically begin immediately, with general availability rolling out two weeks later. The model numbers SM-S940, SM-S946, and SM-S948 will appear in regulatory filings (FCC, TENAA, Bluetooth SIG) in the coming months, providing further confirmation of the specifications detailed in this document.

Conclusion: The “Ultra” Reign Continues

The official Samsung document leaked today provides a clear and unambiguous roadmap for the company’s flagship future. By confirming the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra as the final names, Samsung has dispelled rumors of confusing rebrands and reinforced the strength of its established hierarchy. The exclusion of “Pro” and “Edge” signals a focus on clarity, usability, and the continued dominance of the “Ultra” designation as the ultimate expression of smartphone technology.

For consumers, this naming structure offers a familiar yet premium progression. For the tech community and developers, the confirmation of model numbers SM-S940, SM-S946, and SM-S948 provides the necessary groundwork to begin preparing software enhancements, including the suite of Magisk modules that will inevitably be developed to customize these devices. As we move closer to the 2026 launch, the Galaxy S26 series stands as the most anticipated Android flagship, ready to define the standard for the year to come. We will continue to monitor for further leaks and official announcements, but for now, the naming war is won, and the “Ultra” remains king.