Samsung’s Expanding Galaxy: A Appear at the 2026 Smartphone Lineup
Samsung continues to refine its smartphone offerings, balancing innovation with a diverse range of price points, and features. Whereas the flagship Galaxy S25 series remains central, a broader ecosystem of devices caters to different needs and budgets. This article examines the current landscape of Samsung smartphones, including recent releases and emerging technologies like Galaxy AI and DeX.
Beyond the Flagships: Exploring Samsung’s Diverse Range
Samsung’s smartphone portfolio extends beyond its headline-grabbing Galaxy S series. For consumers seeking alternatives, several other models offer compelling features, though some may face limitations.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: A Focus on Slim Design
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, priced around $1,220, prioritizes a remarkably slim 5.8-mm frame and lightweight design. It shares key features with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, including a titanium frame, stronger front glass, and 4K 120fps video recording. However, achieving this slim profile required compromises. The S25 Edge lacks a stylus and a telephoto camera, and its battery capacity has been significantly reduced to 3,900 mAh. WIRED’s review notes that battery life is a significant concern, requiring users to frequently monitor and manage power consumption. Despite these drawbacks, the phone delivers top-notch performance and stays cool under pressure. Rumors suggest the Edge may not receive a successor in 2026.
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G: Budget-Friendly with Limitations
The Samsung Galaxy A17 5G, available for approximately $200, aims to provide affordability with features like six years of software support, an AMOLED screen, expandable storage, and a decent camera. However, its performance is hampered by limited 4 GB of RAM in the US model, which can negatively impact the user experience. It may be suitable for users with minimal smartphone needs, but reliability in emergency situations is questionable.
Samsung Galaxy A36: A Mid-Range Contender
The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G, priced at $395, faces competition from brands like Nothing and Motorola. While it offers a good camera system, day-long battery life, and a nice AMOLED screen with six years of software updates, its performance can be choppy.
Folding Phones: Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6
For those interested in foldable technology, Samsung offers the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6. The Z Fold6 features a 6.3-inch exterior screen and a larger 7.6-inch AMOLED display when unfolded, effectively functioning as a small tablet. The Z Flip6, while not as advanced as the newer Flip7 (with its larger cover screen), remains a viable option, particularly if purchased at a discounted price. Battery life remains a concern for both models.
Expanding the Ecosystem: Beyond Smartphones
Samsung distinguishes itself by offering a comprehensive hardware ecosystem that rivals Apple’s. Users can complement their smartphones with devices like the Galaxy Watch8 smartwatch, Galaxy Buds3 Pro earbuds, Galaxy Ring fitness ring, Galaxy Tab S11, and even Windows-powered Galaxy laptops. Certain features, such as those on the Galaxy Ring and Watch8, are exclusive to Samsung phone users, and seamless device switching is facilitated by features like Quick Share.
The Power of Galaxy AI
Introduced with the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy AI leverages Google’s Gemini large language models to deliver intelligent features. These include real-time translations during calls, transcriptions in the Voice Recorder app, text summarization in Samsung Notes, and tone adjustments in the Samsung Keyboard. The Galaxy S25 series expanded Galaxy AI capabilities, integrating Gemini as the default voice assistant and introducing Drawing Assist for AI-generated images. Users can manage these features through Settings > Galaxy AI.
Samsung DeX: A Desktop Experience
Samsung DeX, launched in 2017, allows users to connect their Samsung phone to an external monitor and access a desktop-like Android OS. Compatible phones, including the Galaxy Z Flip7, require a monitor, mouse, and keyboard for operation. DeX enables resizing and managing Android apps in separate windows, providing a portable computing solution.