Is Samsung Dropping the Galaxy Plus Model? Here's What to Expect
Rumors are swirling that Samsung could eliminate the Samsung Galaxy Plus model from its flagship lineup in 2026, following Apple’s decision to discontinue its iPhone Plus variant. The change would bring the Galaxy S26 lineup closer in structure to Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 series, replacing the Plus with a super-thin Edge variant. But what’s behind this strategic shift—and what does it mean for Samsung users? Let’s break down the latest leaks, the motivations behind the move, and what this might mean for future smartphone design trends.
Why the Samsung Galaxy Plus Model Might Be on the Chopping Block
Samsung's decision to potentially remove the Samsung Galaxy Plus model comes as no surprise when you consider how closely the company watches Apple’s every move. Apple is expected to drop the iPhone 16 Plus due to low demand and replace it with the new, ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air. Similarly, Samsung may simplify its 2026 flagship lineup by eliminating the S25+ and promoting the sleeker S25 Edge as its mid-tier option between the base S25 and the premium S25 Ultra. Both the S25+ and the S25 Edge offer nearly identical features—including a 6.7-inch display, Snapdragon 8 chip, and 50MP main camera—making the Plus model feel redundant.
This redundancy, coupled with the growing consumer interest in thin, lightweight smartphones, might explain the shift. The Galaxy S25 Edge, with its 5.8mm profile, already holds the title of Samsung’s thinnest phone to date. Replacing the Plus with the Edge could streamline the lineup and offer consumers clearer upgrade paths without overlapping models.
The Rise of Super-Thin Smartphones: Inspired by Apple, Perfected by Samsung?
Samsung's rumored move isn't just about copying Apple—it’s about staying ahead in the super-thin smartphone race. Earlier this year, Samsung beat Apple to market with the Galaxy S25 Edge, a titanium-built device that pushes the limits of slim design. Apple is now playing catch-up with the expected 5.5mm iPhone 17 Air, set to debut in fall 2025. But with the Edge already in the wild, Samsung is poised to redefine its mid-range offering around this thin-and-light form factor.
The Edge doesn’t include a telephoto lens, unlike the Plus, but it does introduce a more premium feel with titanium construction. It also signals a shift in user priorities: design and comfort may be starting to outweigh features like optical zoom. As Apple pivots toward slimmer, more minimalist devices, Samsung appears ready to match that direction, perhaps even outpacing Cupertino in the ultra-thin arms race.
What Samsung’s New Galaxy S26 Lineup Could Look Like
If leaks from Chinese social platform Weibo are accurate, the new Galaxy S26 lineup will consist of the Galaxy S26, S26 Edge, and S26 Ultra. The Samsung Galaxy Plus model would be phased out entirely, replaced by a sleeker, more design-forward Edge variant. This reshuffling creates a more distinct identity for each model:
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Galaxy S26: The standard, affordable option
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Galaxy S26 Edge: Ultra-thin, stylish mid-tier phone
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Galaxy S26 Ultra: Powerhouse flagship with top-tier specs
This could simplify consumer choices and align more closely with how Apple markets its iPhone lineup. For Samsung, it’s a chance to refine its product strategy and place greater emphasis on aesthetics and experience. For buyers, it means clearer differences between devices—and a shift away from confusing model overlaps.
What This Means for Samsung Fans and the Smartphone Industry
Whether you're a die-hard Samsung user or just a casual tech watcher, this change matters. It reflects a broader trend across the smartphone industry: less is more. Thinner designs, fewer model overlaps, and clearer brand segmentation are becoming the norm. As both Samsung and Apple compete to offer the sleekest, lightest phones, users can expect a new era of ultra-thin devices where premium materials and clean design take center stage.
If the Samsung Galaxy Plus model is indeed on the way out, it marks the end of an era—but the beginning of a more refined, user-focused approach to smartphone releases. With the Galaxy S26 lineup expected to launch in early 2026, all eyes will be on how Samsung officially positions the Edge and Ultra in a post-Plus world.
Samsung’s rumored decision to drop the Samsung Galaxy Plus model isn’t just about mimicking Apple—it’s a calculated move in response to changing consumer expectations and competitive market trends. By leaning into ultra-thin designs and simplifying its lineup, Samsung could enhance its brand clarity while offering users a more intuitive upgrade path. Whether you’re waiting for the S26 or just curious about the next wave of smartphone innovation, one thing is clear: the Plus model may be gone, but something sleeker—and smarter—is taking its place.
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