Samsung’s gamble on a slim, premium-priced flagship hasn’t paid off. After a promising debut, Galaxy S25 Edge sales slid quickly, and fresh reporting indicates Samsung has pivoted to a new model: the Galaxy S26 Plus. If development stays on track, expect it to debut early next year alongside the Galaxy S26 Pro and Galaxy S26 Ultra—and possibly a fourth device, depending on how Samsung finalizes the lineup.
Internally, the S26 Plus is referred to as M Plus. Earlier plans reportedly centered on three models—Galaxy S26 Pro (M1), Galaxy S26 Edge (M2), and Galaxy S26 Ultra (M3). It’s not clear when M Plus was added, and whether it will replace the Edge entirely or sit alongside it. Tellingly, four OLED panels are said to be in development, suggesting Samsung is weighing multiple configurations before lock-in.
The timing of this shift lines up with the Galaxy S25 Edge’s sales trajectory. The phone launched in May, started losing momentum by June, and appears to have prompted a course correction by late summer. The competitive backdrop hasn’t helped. Apple’s base iPhone 17 reportedly landed with 256GB of storage, a 120Hz display, and a $799 price in the U.S.—a strong value play that siphoned attention away from pricier, slim-profile Android flagships. In China, the base iPhone 17’s traction is said to be strong enough that Xiaomi’s initial shipments of the Xiaomi 17 were reportedly trimmed by around 20 percent, underscoring how fierce this cycle has become.
Production planning tells the story. From September through December, Samsung’s target for the Galaxy S25 Edge sat at about 300,000 units—well below the Galaxy S25 Plus at around 500,000 units and dwarfed by the Galaxy S25 Ultra at approximately 3.4 million units. With those realities in mind, a Galaxy S26 Plus that emphasizes balanced specs over ultra-slim design could resonate more widely.
Design remains a wildcard. Earlier Galaxy S26 Edge renders hinted at a look that draws clear inspiration from current premium competitors. Rumored upgrades include a slightly larger battery and a sleeker body versus the S25 Edge, but those refinements alone may not shift market share. The S25 Edge even outlasted the iPhone Air in a comprehensive battery test, yet sales still lagged—proof that endurance isn’t the only buying trigger when brand pull, ecosystem lock-in, and price-to-performance value dominate decisions.
This is why a Galaxy S26 Plus could be the smarter play. A Plus model traditionally has room to offer better value: a bigger battery, potentially more primary cameras, and fewer compromises than a design-first Edge. If Samsung can align features, pricing, and availability, it could deliver a more compelling alternative in a crowded flagship field.
Do you think Samsung should retire the Edge in favor of the S26 Plus, or keep both and let the market decide? Share your take—what combination of price, cameras, battery, and display would win your upgrade next year?
