Samsung has equipped the Galaxy S26 series with a second NFC antenna to improve contactless payment reliability. According to reports from SamMobile, the new antenna sits higher on the device, allowing users to complete transactions by tapping either the top edge or center of the phone against payment terminals. This upgrade addresses a longstanding pain point for Galaxy users.

The publication tested this feature on the Galaxy S26 Ultra and confirmed payments processed successfully even when tapping the phone's upper edge. Previously, Galaxy devices had just one NFC antenna positioned near the center rear panel. The awkward positioning often required users to perform specific hand movements to align the phone correctly with payment terminals. This led to higher failure rates compared to competitors.

Samsung's decision appears motivated by both user feedback and Apple's success with more forgiving NFC placement on iPhones. The company had been rumored to be working on this improvement since last August. While the Galaxy S26 Ultra was showcased at MWC 2026 for its brighter 200MP camera and Privacy Display, this subtle hardware change could significantly enhance the everyday payment experience for millions of users.