It’s been simply over a month since Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S26 sequence. As somebody who has adopted and used Samsung telephones for years, this launch felt…acquainted. Not dangerous, simply not notably thrilling both. Positive, the Galaxy S26 Extremely brings a couple of upgrades. The much-talked-about privateness show seems to be spectacular, the battery has seen a slight bump, and the redesigned digital camera module is unquestionably simpler on the eyes. However past these modifications, there isn’t a lot that feels new. In the meantime, my two-year-old Galaxy S24 Extremely continues to be holding up completely effectively. It does every little thing I would like with none actual compromises. And actually, there are fairly a couple of the explanation why I don’t really feel the urge to improve simply but.
Not a lot has modified in the way it seems to be or feels
The Galaxy S24 Extremely simply nails the fundamentals. The marginally curved body makes it ridiculously comfy to carry, to the purpose the place I preserve choosing it up with out a second thought. It’s a kind of telephones that simply feels proper in your hand, and that issues greater than most upgrades manufacturers love to speak about. Now, sure, the Galaxy S26 Extremely is comfy too, but it surely doesn’t fairly have that very same easy grip. It’s good, simply not nearly as good, and that’s precisely why the S24 Extremely nonetheless wins me over. On the finish of the day, if a cellphone isn’t a pleasure to carry, what are we even doing right here?
Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Traits
By way of design, there’s barely something new to jot down house about. The S26 Extremely will get a pill-shaped digital camera island, which seems to be cleaner, positive, however that’s just about it. Even the show measurement distinction is nearly laughable at 0.1 inches. You’re not noticing that until you’re attempting very onerous. And sure, the Privateness Show on the S26 Extremely is severely good. I’d take it on my S24 Extremely in a heartbeat. However upgrading a whole cellphone only for that one shiny trick? That’s a giant ask, and Samsung is aware of it.
The improve that refuses to point out off
On paper, the Galaxy S26 Extremely is the clear improve. It will get the most recent Qualcomm chip, extra energy, and higher thermal administration. However when you really begin utilizing it, the distinction isn’t as dramatic as you’d count on. I had each telephones aspect by aspect, and for on a regular basis stuff like multitasking, scrolling by means of Instagram, replying to texts, or watching Netflix, they felt nearly equivalent. All the pieces was easy, quick, and responsive. Neither cellphone even bought heat, which made the “improve” really feel a bit much less thrilling.
Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Traits
Even with heavier duties like gaming or modifying movies on CapCut, each dealt with issues very well. If you happen to push them for longer periods, the S26 Extremely does a greater job of managing warmth, and that’s the place the newer chip quietly exhibits its benefit. However for every little thing most individuals really do every day, the Galaxy S24 Extremely continues to be greater than sufficient. It’s quick, dependable, and simply will get issues performed with out making a fuss.
The ultra-wide will get bold
On paper, the digital camera story seems like a well-known sequel. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Extremely doesn’t reinvent the wheel; it simply sharpens one spoke. The ultra-wide will get a severe bump from the 12MP sensor on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely to a 50MP shooter, and sure, that’s the sort of improve that sounds spectacular. In observe, although, it’s a bit extra situational. Extremely-wide pictures aren’t precisely an on a regular basis behavior for everybody, and in that context, the S24 Extremely holds its floor fairly confidently. It’s dependable, constant, and infrequently leaves you wishing for extra until you’re actively searching for that further element.
Andy Boxall / Digital Traits
The place the S26 Extremely does quietly pull forward is in its shade science. There’s a refined however noticeable refinement in the way it handles tones and distinction. Pictures look a contact extra balanced and polished, with out attempting too onerous. It’s not a night-and-day transformation, but it surely’s the sort of distinction you begin appreciating the extra you listen.
Extra of the identical, and that’s the issue
To place issues into perspective, the battery life on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely has been actually spectacular. On a latest journey, it went from a full cost within the morning to effectively previous 1AM, and it nonetheless had sufficient juice left to maintain going. For a two-year-old cellphone, that’s wonderful.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely Andy Boxall / Digital Traits
Now, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Extremely technically walks in with the identical 5,000mAh battery. So, there’s no dramatic leap right here, or an additional cushion that abruptly modifications how you employ your cellphone. If something, it simply reinforces how effectively the S24 Extremely has aged. Which, oddly sufficient, makes the newer Extremely a more durable promote. When your present cellphone is already going the space with out complaints, “extra of the identical” doesn’t fairly really feel like a motive to improve. It seems like a reminder that you just don’t really want to.
Why repair what’s already profitable?
There’s one thing about Samsung telephones that settles into your life after which refuses to depart. Coming from years contained in the Apple ecosystem, that shift is tough to disregard. The Android aspect, particularly on a Samsung, feels extra open, extra fluid, and oddly in sync with how issues really get performed. It’s the little issues that add up — the best way every little thing glides on that show, the consolation of holding it by means of lengthy days, and options like Galaxy AI that really feel helpful. All of that makes the choice easy.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Extremely may be newer, quicker, and technically higher in some methods, but it surely doesn’t fairly supply a compelling motive to maneuver on. The S24 Extremely nonetheless feels full, nonetheless retains up, and nonetheless suits proper into on a regular basis life with out friction. For now, the improve can wait. Two years in, and it nonetheless doesn’t really feel prefer it’s working out of steam anytime quickly. With nearly 5 years of updates nonetheless forward, it’s now extra about ready for one thing that really seems like one.
