Samsung Galaxy S26: Areas for Improvement to Compete with Apple's iPhone 17

For those who've invested time and money into the Samsung Galaxy S series, the upcoming Galaxy S26 is both an intriguing and critical development. In recent reflections shared by Tom's Guide's Josh, it appears that while the Galaxy S25 has demonstrated notable advancements, there remains a sense of discontent with certain core features that need addressing to elevate the upcoming Galaxy S26. The author points out several critical improvements he hopes to see in the Galaxy S26, particularly in camera technology. With the Galaxy S25 maintaining a largely unchanged camera ensemble from its predecessor, the Galaxy S24, smartphone enthusiasts are leaning towards innovation, especially when considering the competition from Apple, who is rumored to stick with a 12MP camera for its iPhone 17. A meaningful upgrade, such as a 50MP ultrawide lens, could differentiate the Galaxy S26 and sway users away from Apple. Additionally, Samsung's progress in AI features, such as Galaxy AI's advanced cross-app capabilities, offers promise, yet still calls for refinements. Users are looking for intelligence that enhances their daily experiences rather than gimmicky additions that fail to live up to their potential. The software and charging features were also scrutinized, with the rollout of One UI 7 being described as haphazard and the lack of full Qi2 charging support seen as an inconvenience. Such shortcomings could detract from Samsung's reputation as a cutting-edge innovator. The comparison to faster charging technologies from competitors like OnePlus further emphasizes these weaknesses. With the backdrop of Samsung's previous financial missteps with the Exynos chip, the company's shift back to using in-house processors raises questions concerning their viability against Qualcomm’s dominant Snapdragon chipsets. The complexity of getting the Exynos 2600 ready highlights the pressure Samsung is under to deliver a robust product that can match or exceed industry expectations. The anticipation surrounding the foldable trends showcased in possible models like the Galaxy S26 Tri-Fold also reveals the broader change in consumer preferences — embracing new and innovative designs that break typical smartphone mold. Samsung stands at a crossroads of tradition versus innovation, with eyes fixed on how they plan to leverage their technological strengths while addressing the actual needs of users. Ultimately, as we look forward to the Galaxy S26 arriving within the evolving landscape, the critical takeaway here is a clear call to action for Samsung to amplify their focus on user-centric enhancements, particularly concerning photography capabilities, software stability, and inclusive features that don’t require additional purchases to unlock their full potential. It’ll be intriguing to see how they respond to these expectations as we march toward reveal dates in 2025.