Samsung confirmed its Galaxy S26 series launch event will occur on February 25 at 1PM ET, continuing its post-CES 2026 rollout. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip powers the new devices, with the S26 Ultra receiving major upgrades like an enhanced camera system and potential Qi2 wireless charging support. Leaks suggest increased RAM and storage across all models, though only the Ultra variant will see transformative hardware changes.

The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro will accompany the phones, featuring head gesture controls, redesigned aesthetics, and an Ultra Wideband chip for improved device-finding via Google Find Hub. Samsung also teased pre-order incentives: a $30 credit for early reservations, plus entry into a $5,000 gift card sweepstakes. Additional discounts of $900 with device trade-ins or $150 flat savings are promised for Samsung.com pre-orders.

Engadget will provide full coverage of the event, which will stream via Samsung's YouTube channel and Newsroom platforms. This marks the first major Galaxy announcement of 2026, following Samsung's CES 2026 "First Look" showcase. The event's timing aligns with industry speculation about AI-driven features dominating Samsung's 2026 product strategy.

Attendees should expect detailed reveals about Galaxy AI enhancements, though specifics remain under wraps. With the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and rumored design overhauls, the S26 series aims to redefine flagship smartphone expectations. The pre-order deals suggest Samsung is prioritizing early adoption incentives to drive initial sales momentum.