Galaxy basic model will be canceled from 2026

The upcoming Galaxy S25 could be the last flagship smartphone from Samsung to come in a basic variant. Even with the S26 there could only be Plus and Ultra models. This is already the case with the company’s tablets.

Setting of the basic model

Leaker Ice Universe is usually a rather reliable source when it comes to rumors and leaks about Samsung and their smartphones. Now he writes in one Post on X that the Korean tech giant is looking at the possibility of completely discontinuing the standard variant of its S series.

The basic model is no longer competitive compared to competitors’ smartphones. In contrast to Samsung, other companies would either be able to market their devices via a unique operating system like Apple or offer them at a significantly better price-performance ratio like OPPO, Xiaomi and other Chinese manufacturers.

Accordingly, the S26 series device lineup could only include the Plus and Ultra models. If you want a cheap smartphone from Samsung, you would have to choose the FE variant or a device from the A series.

Tablets show the way

The company already seems to be taking this step with its new tablets. Because the Galaxy Tab S10 no longer comes in three versions like its predecessors. There is no longer a basic model. Buyers can only choose between the Tab S10+ and the Tab S10 Ultra.

This step could now also be imminent for Samsung smartphones. The range was expanded to three models for the first time in 2020 with the Samsung Galaxy S20. With the Galaxy S6, there were two different variants of the mobile phone from South Korea for the first time in 2015.

Since it’s just a rumor, it’s far from certain that the Galaxy S25 will actually be the last generation with a base model. However, given the fact that Samsung has already taken the step towards a smaller variety of models for its tablets, it seems quite plausible.