Quick Take Before We Dive In
2026 is shaping up to be a serious smartphone year and not in the “new colour, same phone” way. Apple’s Apple iPhone 18 range and Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series are both expected to arrive with meaningful upgrades: smarter AI, major battery efficiency gains, next-level cameras, and finally foldables that feel mature.
For South Africans, the headline is simple:
More power without battery anxiety
Better cameras built for real-world lighting (hello sunsets)
More efficiency for heavy daily use
More value when you buy smart (trade-ins, bundles, contracts, and launch promos)
And of course we’ll help you navigate it all on Mondo.co.za.
What’s New in 2026? The Trends That Matter
The next wave of smartphones is expected to focus on upgrades you’ll actually feel day-to-day:
1) AI gets useful not noisy
More on-device AI means faster photo editing, smarter voice tools, and better personalisation with less reliance on cloud processing.
2) Battery + efficiency finally gets priority
Between more efficient chips and improved thermal systems, manufacturers are leaning into longer battery life and less overheating, especially during heavy use.
3) Cameras are becoming “real” cameras
Expect bigger sensors, variable apertures, improved low-light performance, and stronger zoom tools perfect for SA travel, landscapes, and content creation.
4) Foldables may go mainstream
If Apple enters the foldable game, foldables won’t feel like a niche anymore it’ll be a full category shift.
Apple iPhone 18 Range: What’s Rumoured
Apple’s Apple iPhone 18 strategy is expected to break tradition, with Pro models launching first, and standard models possibly delayed.
Design: Cleaner, thinner, smarter
The Apple iPhone 18 range is expected to push toward an “all-screen” look with:
- Smaller Dynamic Island
- Possible under-display Face ID
- Thinner body with stronger materials
- More screen space with fewer visible sensors
And yes Apple iPhone foldable rumours are getting louder
If Apple launches a foldable Apple iPhone, the big promise is:
- Less crease
- Better durability
- Better app optimisation where foldables often struggle
Camera upgrades: More than megapixels
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max is rumoured to introduce variable aperture technology meaning the camera adjusts light intake like a real DSLR lens.
What this means for you:
- Better night shots
- Better portraits
- Better detail in sunsets, concerts, and low-light SA conditions
Performance: A20 chip + better battery
Apple is expected to introduce the 2nm A20 chip, bringing:
- Better efficiency
- Better battery life
- Stronger on-device AI
- Less heat buildup
For South Africans balancing heavy daily use, that extra efficiency isn’t a “nice-to-have”, it’s a real upgrade.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Series: What’s Coming
Samsung is expected to launch early (likely February), and the leaks suggest the S26 range is staying aggressive.
Camera setup: Ultra means ULTRA
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is rumoured to keep its headline-grabbing 200MP sensor but with improvements focused on:
- Less lens flare
- Better sharpness
- Stronger low-light performance
Expected camera upgrades include:
- 50MP ultrawide
- Enhanced 5x zoom
- Smarter AI photo processing
- More pro-video features especially for creators
Display: Samsung continues to lead
Samsung displays are already the benchmark and the S26 range is expected to improve:
- Outdoor brightness
- Power efficiency
- Durability Victus upgrades
For SA sun + outdoor use, this matters more than people think.
Battery + charging: Faster, finally
Samsung is expected to close the charging gap with:
- 60W wired charging
- Faster wireless charging
- Likely 5000mAh battery in Ultra models
- Snapdragon efficiency improvements, expected Gen 5 chip
This could mean:
- 15–20% longer real-world usage
- Better performance in heat, SA summers!
- Shorter charging time when you’re rushing
Apple iPhone 18 vs Galaxy S26: Which One is Better for South Africans?
Let’s keep it real: the “best” phone depends on how you use it.
Choose Apple iPhone 18 if you want:
- Seamless ecosystem (MacBook, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods)
- Longer software support
- Best-in-class video stabilisation + colour science
- A potential foldable disruptor
- Strong privacy-first on-device processing
Choose Galaxy S26 if you want:
- More flexibility + customisation
- Better zoom + manual camera tools
- Faster charging
- Stronger value bundles in South Africa
- S Pen support on compatible models
South Africa Pricing + Deals: What You Can Expect
Flagships aren’t cheap but smart buying makes them manageable.
Apple iPhone 18 deal expectations
Based on current Apple iPhone contract trends in SA:
- Pro models will sit in premium contract brackets
- Expect strong pre-order trade-in boosts
- Bundled extras (AirPods / service bundles) may appear during launch windows
Samsung Galaxy S26 deal expectations
Samsung typically launches with aggressive promos, including:
- Free storage upgrades
- Wearable bundles (watch + buds)
- Trade-in boosts
- Strong family-friendly contract offers
How to Get the Best Deal, The Mondo Way
If you want maximum value in South Africa, here’s the play:
- Buy during pre-order windows (best trade-in value + freebies)
- Compare contracts by data, not just the monthly amount
- Look for bundles (insurance, wearables, accessories)
- Consider last-gen flagships when the new ones drop (big discounts, still premium)
At Mondo.co.za, we make this easier by helping you compare:
- networks
- contract lengths
- data bundles
- trade-in value
- total cost of ownership
…without the confusing fine print.
Final Word: Who Wins 2026?
If the leaks are accurate, both ranges will be excellent, but your best option depends on your priorities.
Samsung Galaxy S26 looks like the strongest all-rounder for versatility + value in South Africa.
Apple iPhone 18 could steal the spotlight if Apple delivers foldable innovation + variable aperture photography.
Either way: 2026 is not just an upgrade year it’s a meaningful shift.
FAQS
1) How much better will battery life be in 2026 flagships?
Leaks suggest up to 20% improvement, depending on model. Expect full-day heavy use, and possibly 1.5–2 days moderate use thanks to efficiency upgrades.
2) Are foldables worth it in 2026?
Foldables are finally maturing. If Apple enters the foldable category, it will shift mainstream adoption but first-gen Apple foldables may be pricey and limited. Samsung foldables remain the proven, widely available option.
3) Should I buy now or wait?
If your current phone is still performing well, waiting gives you:
- Better hardware
- New deals
- Stronger trade-in boosts
If you want value today, current-gen models typically drop in price when new launches arrive.
4) Is 5G important in South Africa?
Yes, but it depends on your location. Metro areas have strong 5G coverage; rural areas still lean on 4G. Both Apple iPhone 18 and Galaxy S26 ranges are expected to be future-proof across bands.
5) Which is better for content creation?
- Samsung leads with manual controls + zoom
- Apple leads with video stabilisation + colour accuracy
If you shoot a lot of video: Apple iPhone is hard to beat.
If you want full creative control: Samsung is your playground.
References
MacRumors – iPhone 18 Roundup (launch timing + foldable rumours)
https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/iphone-18/
MacRumors – Apple split iPhone launch strategy report (Pro + foldable in fall 2026; base models later)
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/05/03/apple-split-iphone-launch-strategy/
MacRumors – iPhone 18 Pro camera upgrade rumour (variable aperture)
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/10/15/iphone-18-pros-major-camera-upgrade/
Android Authority – Galaxy S26 Ultra: 60W charging rumour + firmware leak discussion
https://www.androidauthority.com/galaxy-s26-ultra-60w-charging-speed-3580857/
Geeky Gadgets – Galaxy S26 Ultra leak/spec roundup (200MP camera, display, charging)
https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/samsung-galaxy-s26-ultra-specs-launch-date/
