Samsung Galaxy S26 Model Numbers Leaked, Plus Variant Absent

Samsung continues to capture attention with recent product launches, including the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7. Meanwhile, the company’s next flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S26 lineup, have already generated buzz following the discovery of their model numbers by a certification body. Notably, the potential absence of a “Plus” variant for the upcoming series has raised eyebrows among tech enthusiasts.
The new model numbers for the Galaxy S26, as reported by SammyPolice and listed in the GSMA database, reveal three distinct devices. These include the standard Galaxy S26 with the model number SM-S942, a Galaxy S26 Edge designated as SM-S947, and the premium Galaxy S26 Ultra, marked as SM-S948. However, the anticipated model number for a Plus version, typically expected to be SM-S946, is conspicuously missing from the listings. This omission suggests that Samsung may be phasing out the Plus model altogether.
For years, Samsung’s flagship S-series has adhered to a familiar pattern featuring a standard model, a Plus variant, and a super-premium Ultra version. The absence of the S26 Plus could indicate a significant shift in the company’s product strategy. Speculation surrounding this change intensified after the lukewarm reception of the Galaxy S25 Edge, which focused on a thinner design. Reports indicate that sales figures for the S25 Edge would influence Samsung’s decision-making regarding future Edge variants.
Additionally, the model numbers for the base variant of the Galaxy S26 reflect a subtle yet intriguing change. Previously, this model ended with a “1” in its designation, as seen in the Galaxy S25, which is identified by the model number SM-S931. In contrast, the new Galaxy S26 adopts a model number ending in “2.” This shift could indicate that the base model will incorporate features typically associated with the Plus variant, raising questions about the future of compact flagship offerings from Samsung.
As consumers ponder the implications of these potential changes, one intriguing possibility emerges: the standard Galaxy S26 might boast a larger screen and enhanced battery life, characteristics usually reserved for the Plus model. While it is premature to draw definitive conclusions, the prospect of a more robust standard model is certainly captivating for fans.
In the meantime, the Galaxy Edge series appears set to continue into 2026, pleasing enthusiasts of sleek, thin devices. Samsung’s strategic decisions in the coming months will be closely watched as the company navigates an evolving smartphone market.
As Samsung prepares for its next flagship release, the absence of the S26 Plus raises questions about consumer preferences and company direction. Only time will reveal how these changes will resonate with the market and impact the future of Samsung’s smartphone lineup.