Samsung had reportedly scrapped the Galaxy S26 Plus, but new information suggests a change of plans. After several posts on Korean forums, our own research confirmed that the S26 Plus is indeed making a comeback, and it has now listed in the GSMA IMEI database under the model number SM-S947B.
The SM-S947 model number was initially assigned to the “Galaxy S26 Edge,” but Samsung has now effectively confirmed that the Edge variant has been axed. Its place in the lineup is being taken by the Galaxy S26 Plus, which has just appeared in the GSMA IMEI database.
What happened during the 5-month development process of the Galaxy S26 series?
The Galaxy S26 series has gone through a confusing evolution. When Samsung first added the series to the IMEI database about five months ago, it included three models, Galaxy S26, S26 Edge, and S26 Ultra, with no sign of a Plus version. Another detail that caught everyone off guard was the model number. The standard Galaxy S26 appeared as SM-S942, rather than the expected SM-S941
Then came the curveball: Samsung quietly renamed the base S26 to “S26 Pro” in late July, reportedly to better separate it from the Ultra model. That move was seen as confirmation that the Plus was dead and buried. This meant the device with the model number SM-S942 was now officially the S26 Pro. Even with the new name, the lineup still included three models: the Galaxy S26 Pro, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra, and there was still no mention of a Plus variant.
The renaming of the Galaxy S26 to Galaxy S26 Pro was seen as clear evidence that the Galaxy S26 Plus had been shelved. Samsung’s plan was to focus on three distinct models, each serving a different strategy. The Galaxy S26 Pro, essentially an upgraded version of the base model, was expected to inherit some of the standout features originally planned for the Plus. The Galaxy S26 Edge was meant to stand out for its slim design, while the flagship Galaxy S26 Ultra would continue to anchor the series at the top.
The base S26 Pro was rumored to feature a larger battery and improved camera hardware compared to the Galaxy S25. Meanwhile, the S25 Edge and S26 Edge were designed to compete directly with Apple’s iPhone Air. However, weak market interest and disappointing sales for both the S25 Edge and iPhone 17 Air led Samsung to quietly scrap plans for the S26 Edge.
Back to S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra
Now, with the Galaxy S26 Plus officially appearing in the IMEI database, we can say with certainty that the Edge model is gone, and the Plus is back in its place. So, how is the Galaxy S26 series expected to be named? Since the Galaxy S26 Plus is back, the naming should revert to its original form: the base Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. Since the Plus model now exists, using the Pro name doesn’t make sense, plus there are many IMEIs registered under the Galaxy S26 name.
Which camera sensors will be used in the Galaxy S26?
The Galaxy S26, previously known as the Galaxy S26 Pro, was expected to deliver major camera upgrades over the Galaxy S25. However, testing software versions S942BXXU0AYJ7 / S942BOXM0AYJ7 / S942BXXU0AYJ7 revealed that it’s using the same camera sensors as the S25. Still, there’s one important detail worth noting.
- 50MP Samsung ISOCELL S5KGN3 Main
- 10MP Samsung ISOCELL S5K3K1 Telephoto
- 12MP Sony IMX564 Ultra-Wide
- 12MP Samsung ISOCELL S5K3LU Front
The camera sensors on the Galaxy S26 could still change, especially now that Samsung has unexpectedly revived the Galaxy S26 Plus. Nothing is confirmed yet, and no one knows for sure which sensors the final model will use. Alongside the sensors mentioned above, three new camera sensors have also been tested for the S26.
- 50MP Samsung ISOCELL S5KGNG Main (not yet announced)
- 50MP Samsung ISOCELL S5KJN3 Ultra Wide
- 12MP Samsung ISOCELL S5K3LD Telephoto
- Sony IMX874 (the IMX874 was also present in previous Galaxy S25 test devices)
A new, unannounced Samsung ISOCELL S5KGNG sensor has surfaced in the Galaxy S26’s software. If Samsung decides to replace the current ISOCELL S5KGN3, this new sensor will likely be used in the S26 lineup. The other tested sensors are just as interesting. If Samsung plans to upgrade the S26’s ultra-wide camera, it could move from the current 12 MP Sony IMX564 to the 50 MP ISOCELL S5KJN3, which is the same sensor used in the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Finally, the 12 MP ISOCELL S5K3LD telephoto sensor also stands out among the tested options. However, it’s important to note that all the camera sensors mentioned here have only been spotted on prototype Galaxy S26 units. Their inclusion in the final product is not guaranteed, and there’s no confirmed information about the final camera setup yet. That’s all for now. If there are any new developments, we will keep you informed.
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