The author hopes Samsung will improve the S26 Plus model.

It appears Samsung has finalized its Galaxy S26 series. Initial speculation about replacing the Plus model with a slim Edge phone was incorrect. Perhaps Samsung reconsidered after analyzing Edge sales.

The Galaxy S26 Plus is confirmed, but the Galaxy S26 Ultra is generating more excitement. However, some find the Ultra model uninspiring due to gradual updates and the persistent S Pen. The Galaxy S26 Plus, while close to a flagship, often lacks key improvements.

This should change this year. Samsung needs to enhance the Galaxy S26 Plus.

The anti-reflective screen should be on the S26 Plus

Samsung excels in display technology, providing panels for many leading flagships.

However, its anti-reflective coating remains exclusive to Ultra models like the S24 Ultra.

With sufficient peak brightness in phones, visibility and reflections are crucial.

Samsung understands this, yet the S26 Plus lacks this feature, seemingly to drive consumers to the pricier Ultra. The S26 Plus is still a premium phone. Including this could attract iPhone and Pixel users.

The Ultra's zoom cameras are impressive on paper, but perhaps excessive.

Boasting about zoom capabilities is great, but a single telephoto camera with sensor cropping could suffice. Many recent camera-focused phones from China use a 3X to 4X telephoto camera with a large sensor to achieve similar results as dual camera setups.

The S26 Plus has a 3X camera, but the sensor hasn't been upgraded and performs poorly in low light.

An upgraded sensor is needed. Keeping the 3X lens while enhancing the sensor, possibly adding telephoto macro capabilities, would greatly improve the S26 Plus. A dependable telephoto camera might be preferable to the Ultra's extra features.

A larger battery is needed

The S26 Ultra accommodates the S Pen, impacting battery space. If Samsung insists on keeping the stylus, the S26 Plus should receive a larger battery.

Software optimizations are not enough.

A bigger, more efficient battery is required to last regardless of usage.

Silicon-carbon technology could provide a solution.

Qi2 magnetic charging is essential

Qi2 adoption has been slow. With the Pixel 10 embracing this technology, Samsung should follow suit with the Galaxy S26 series.

Magnets on the phone's back ensure perfect alignment with wireless chargers, offering convenience.

Magnets enhance wireless charging at desks, during travel, and in cars.

This would address Samsung's slow wireless charging speeds, which range from 10W to 15W. Secure magnetic alignment would facilitate faster charging.

An improved front camera is needed

Using the front camera for photos should be accepted.

Social media heavily relies on selfie cameras, yet many flagships neglect them.

The front camera is used for video calls and quick photos.

Samsung's selfie camera is too narrow for comfortable group shots. The iPhone 17 demonstrated innovation with features like a square sensor for rotating selfies. Samsung needs to improve in this area.

A dedicated camera button is a must

Although controversial, having a dedicated camera button is essential, especially since the S Pen has a designated spot on the S25 Ultra.

Any phone marketed as a "camera phone" needs a camera button. Using iPhones has made a camera button feel natural for capturing spontaneous moments. Its absence on most Android phones is noticeable.

A programmable button, not a touch-sensitive one, is needed.

It's a quicker way to take photos, making the process more focused.