In July 2026, Samsung announced during its earnings call that it would be launching the Galaxy S26 FE smartphone and the Tab S12 Android tablet later in the year. This announcement followed a recent Galaxy Unpacked event held in London, where the company introduced its eighth-generation Galaxy Z foldable phones and new smartwatches. The Galaxy S26 FE will be the last model in the S26 series, which includes the Galaxy S26 Ultra, S26 Plus, and S26. The Tab S12 is set to be the flagship of the upcoming Galaxy tablet series.
The Galaxy S26 FE is expected to feature an Exynos 2500 chip, which is Samsung's advanced mobile processor designed for high-end graphics and AI capabilities. It will run on Android 17-based One UI 9 and is anticipated to have a 6.7-inch display, three cameras, a 4,900 mAh battery, and 45-watt wired charging. Pricing for the device is speculated to be around $800, with a potential release in August or September 2026. This model aims to maintain the momentum of the S26 series, according to Daniel Araujo, head of Samsung's strategic planning group for mobile experience.
As for the Tab S12, reports suggest that there may only be two models in the series: the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and the Galaxy Tab S12 Plus, with no base model being offered. The Plus version is rumored to feature a 12.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, a Dimensity 9500 chip, 12GB of RAM, up to 512GB of storage, and a battery exceeding 10,500 mAh. The launch of these devices comes at a time when Samsung is facing increasing competition, particularly from Apple, which is rumored to be releasing a foldable iPhone in the fall.
Despite the challenges posed by industry-wide price hikes and competition, Samsung continues to distinguish itself in the market, particularly in the foldable phone segment where it has been a pioneer. The recent Unpacked event showcased Samsung's commitment to innovation and its efforts to stay ahead of competitors. The upcoming launches of the Galaxy S26 FE and Tab S12 are part of Samsung's strategy to maintain its leadership in the mobile device market and respond to the evolving demands of consumers.
