Samsung Electronics has reportedly pulled the plug on its ultra-thin flagship smartphone project, scrapping plans for the upcoming Galaxy S26 Edge, according to supply-chain leaks.
The decision follows weak sales of the Galaxy S25 Edge, which, despite being Samsung’s slimmest-ever flagship, struggled against the standard and Ultra models.
Why Did Samsung Cancel Its Ultra-Thin Smartphone?
Industry experts point to several reasons behind the move:
- Battery Limitations: The thinner frame reduced battery capacity, impacting daily usage.
- Thermal & Performance Issues: Ultra-slim design led to overheating concerns and throttled performance.
- Higher Costs, Lower Appeal: Production costs were higher, making the phone pricier without offering strong additional value.
“Consumers care more about battery life, durability, and performance than shaving off a few millimeters of thickness,” said one industry analyst.
What’s Next for the Galaxy S26 Series?
Samsung is expected to streamline its 2026 flagship lineup with:
- Galaxy S26 (base model)
- Galaxy S26 Plus/Pro
- Galaxy S26 Ultra
This means the company will return to its classic three-model strategy, leaving behind the Edge experiment for now.
Market Implications
Samsung’s decision reflects a broader shift in the premium smartphone market:
- Buyers want longer battery life, better cameras, and ecosystem features, not extreme thinness.
- Apple’s rumored “iPhone Air” faces similar challenges, suggesting ultra-thin phones may remain niche products.
- Samsung could reintroduce thinner designs in foldables or new form factors, where slimness adds more practical value.
FAQs
Q1: Why did Samsung cancel the Galaxy S26 Edge?
Samsung reportedly cancelled the Galaxy S26 Edge due to poor sales of its predecessor, the S25 Edge, and limitations in battery, performance, and cost-effectiveness.
Q2: Will Samsung release another ultra-thin smartphone?
For now, reports suggest Samsung has shelved the project indefinitely. However, future ultra-thin designs may reappear in foldables or niche markets.
Q3: What models will be in the Galaxy S26 series?
Samsung is expected to launch three models: Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus/Pro, and Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Q4: How did the Galaxy S25 Edge perform in sales?
The Galaxy S25 Edge underperformed compared to the standard and Ultra models, leading Samsung to rethink its Edge strategy.
Sources: Android Central, Tom’s Guide, Times of India
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