Samsung Might Skip Base Galaxy S26, Start Series With New ‘Pro’ Model: What That Means for You

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 lineup might look a little different next year. And by different, we mean it may not even have a base model at all. That’s according to a report by Android Authority, which dug into the latest internal One UI 8 build and found references to only three models: Galaxy S26 Pro, S26 Edge, and S26 Ultra.

If this leak holds up, Samsung’s making a bold move by shifting its usual naming strategy. The base, Plus, and Ultra formula might be out—and we could be looking at a lineup that starts with “Pro” instead.

Source: UniverseIce  

No More Standard Model?

The details come from firmware code, where three codenames—M1, M2, and M3—were spotted. As Android Authority explains, these likely correspond to the Pro, Edge, and Ultra models. What’s odd is the absence of any device that would represent a base S26 model. In earlier years, that entry-level variant always showed up in the code with a “1” designation (like E1 or PA1).

So if Samsung really is skipping the standard Galaxy S26, it’s probably part of a broader strategy shift. Maybe the idea is to make every phone in the flagship lineup feel premium. Or maybe they’re just dropping the “basic” tag in favor of flashier names like “Pro.”

Why the Name Change Matters

It’s not just a label swap. If Samsung replaces the base S26 with a Pro, it probably won’t be priced like an entry-level flagship. That could mean a higher starting point for the entire series.

It also signals that Samsung wants to lean more into that high-end feel, possibly to compete directly with Apple’s “Pro” and “Pro Max” branding.

And don’t forget—the “Plus” model may be on its way out too. It’s reportedly being replaced by the S26 Edge, which is said to be the slimmer, middle-tier device in the lineup, similar to what we saw with the S25 Edge in the S25 family.

A New Design for the S26 Ultra

While we’re talking changes, let’s not skip the Ultra.

We covered a concept render of the S26 Ultra recently, and it looks noticeably different from the current S25 Ultra. Based on those images, the S26 Ultra could adopt the camera island design from the recently launched Z Fold 7.

That would mark the first big design shift in several generations. Samsung’s stuck with individual lens rings on the back since the S21 Ultra, so this might be their way of refreshing the look without going for a total overhaul.

Charging and Battery Rumors

Charging speeds are also getting an upgrade—just not a huge one. A past leak claimed the S26 Ultra might support 65W wired charging, up from the long-standing 45W cap. But GSMArena reports that newer info from the same One UI 8 build points to 60W instead.

As for battery size? That’s still up in the air. Some sources say it’ll stay at 5,000mAh, like the S25 Ultra. Others hint at a bump to 5,500mAh. Either way, it doesn’t look like Samsung’s planning to chase Chinese rivals that offer 100W+ fast charging anytime soon.

What This Means for Samsung Fans

If you were hoping for a more affordable flagship in the Galaxy S26 series, this might not be great news. A lineup that starts with “Pro” and scales up to “Edge” and “Ultra” could work well for people who want top-tier specs—but not for those looking to get in at a lower price point.

That said, none of this is official. These are just leaks pulled from firmware builds. Samsung could still switch things up before the actual launch.