Hello friends, The first official signs of Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series are appearing, and there are some big questions emerging—will the Plus model disappear? Early entries in the IMEI database show the Galaxy S26 Edge and Galaxy S26 Ultra listed with model numbers SM‑S947U and SM‑S948U/SM‑S948N (US and South Korea), indicating the new flagships are on track for a January 2026 launch.
What the IMEI Listings Tell Us
According to reports from SammyPolice, the IMEI database now lists:
| Model Name | Model Number | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S26 Edge | SM‑S947U | USA |
| Galaxy S26 Ultra | SM‑S948U | USA |
| Galaxy S26 Ultra | SM‑S948N | South Korea |
The early entry of the S26 Edge is particularly interesting. Last year, the S25 Edge launched several months after the main lineup, and it reportedly underperformed in sales. Samsung’s new move likely means they want to avoid that delay and possibly phase out the Plus model.
What This Could Mean for the Plus Model
Until now, we assumed the Galaxy S26 lineup would include four phones: Base S26, S26 Plus, S26 Edge, and S26 Ultra. But seeing the early production of the Edge suggests a possible three-phone strategy in 2026:
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Galaxy S26
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Galaxy S26 Edge (replacing the Plus)
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Galaxy S26 Ultra
This would simplify Samsung’s lineup and avoid what happened with the delayed S25 Edge. That said, insiders still say Samsung may reconsider based on S25 Edge performance—if the Edge sells poorly, the Plus may return.
Why Replacing the Plus with Edge Makes Sense
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Timing: The late S25 Edge launch hurt sales—but an early rollout for the S26 Edge means more marketing momentum.
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Market trends: Slim-edge devices appeal to fans who want unique design without compromising flagship features.
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Reduced confusion: A three-model lineup is easier to understand, reducing consumer hesitation.
Expected Specs & Upgrades
The IMEI database doesn’t list specs, but rumors and leaks offer a peek at what we might see:
| Feature | Rumored Update |
|---|---|
| Operating System | One UI 8.5 (based on Android 17/18) |
| Battery Tech | Possible use of silicone carbon tech |
| Front Camera (Ultra) | No under-display camera |
| Camera Upgrades | Better sensor, improved zoom (Edge) |
| Software Update Cadence | .5 update implies major UI changes |
Details are still emerging, and we expect more info later in the development cycle.
Should You Wait or Upgrade Now?
If you’re considering a Samsung phone now in 2025:
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Galaxy S25 Edge: With underwhelming performance and limited availability, it’s a gamble.
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Galaxy S25 Ultra or Base: These are still strong choices with full feature sets.
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Upcoming Foldables: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 are expected to launch July 9 around Amazon Prime Day—great alternatives.
What to Watch in the Coming Months
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Further Regulatory Listings: Additional IMEI data could confirm the full lineup.
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Leaked Specs & Renders: Component leaks or design schematics might offer real details.
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Sales Data for S25 Edge: If numbers remain poor, Samsung may double down on traditional models.
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Competitive Announcements: Apple’s iPhone lineup could impact Samsung’s strategy—especially if they launch slim variants.
Final Takeaways
Samsung is making bold moves with the S26 series, and the early launch of the S26 Edge suggests a fresh strategy. Dropping the Plus in favor of the Edge could help them regain momentum and capture consumer interest earlier. That said, sales performance and market feedback on the S25 Edge could keep the Plus alive.
If you need a new phone now, the S25 Ultra, base S25, or Samsung’s upcoming foldables are excellent options. For those who love sleek designs, the S26 Edge might be worth waiting for—just stay tuned to updates throughout late 2025 and early 2026.