Explore the new Samsung phones 2026 lineup, including the S26 series, Galaxy A57 and Galaxy A37. Compare specs, AI upgrades and the best Samsung deals in South Africa at Mondo.co.za.
Samsung 2026 Is Bringing Big Upgrades Across Every Budget
Samsung’s 2026 smartphone lineup is shaping up to be one of its strongest yet. Whether you're upgrading to flagship performance or looking for serious mid-range value, the new Samsung phones 2026 range delivers meaningful improvements across every price tier.
From the powerful Galaxy S26 Series to the feature-packed Galaxy A57 and Galaxy A37, Samsung is focusing on AI innovation, faster processing, stronger cameras and improved battery life for South African users.
Galaxy S26 Series: Flagship Power, Refined
If you want the best Samsung has to offer in 2026, the S26, S26 Plus and S26 Ultra are the devices to watch.
Performance & Processing
For the South African market, the S26 Ultra is expected to launch with either the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 or Samsung’s latest Exynos 2600 chipset, depending on regional allocation.
Configurations are expected to include up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, making the S26 Ultra ideal for business users, gamers and content creators who demand top-tier performance.
Camera Upgrades
Samsung continues leading mobile photography in 2026. The S26 Ultra is expected to feature:
- A 200MP main camera sensor
- A new 50MP ultra-wide lens
- Advanced AI-powered image processing
Battery & Charging
Battery improvements across the S26 lineup are designed for full-day South African usage conditions.
The standard Galaxy S26 is expected to include a 4,300mAh battery with 25W fast charging.
The S26 Plus is likely to feature a larger 4,900mAh battery with 45W fast charging.
The S26 Ultra is expected to offer a 5,000mAh battery paired with 60W fast charging.
These upgrades mean faster top-ups and stronger endurance for heavy data, streaming and work usage.
Galaxy A57 & Galaxy A37: Premium Features, Smarter Pricing
The A-series remains one of the most popular smartphone ranges in South Africa due to its balance between affordability and performance.
Display & Design
Both the Galaxy A57 and Galaxy A37 are expected to feature a large 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals.
Each device is also expected to include a 5,000mAh battery in a slim and lightweight design, making them ideal for everyday users who want reliability without flagship pricing.
Performance
The Galaxy A57 is expected to run on the Exynos 1680 chipset with configurations of up to 12GB of RAM, offering strong performance for multitasking and streaming.
The Galaxy A37 is likely to feature the Exynos 1480 processor with a 6GB base RAM configuration, which is more than capable for everyday apps, banking, social media and entertainment.
Camera Improvements
Camera performance remains a major highlight in the A-series.
The Galaxy A57 is expected to include a 50MP main camera paired with a 13MP ultra-wide lens.
The Galaxy A37 is expected to feature a 50MP Sony IMX906 sensor, designed to improve low-light photography and clarity.
Fast Charging That Competes With Flagships
Both the Galaxy A57 and Galaxy A37 are expected to include a 5,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging support.
This means you can expect rapid charging speeds that were previously only available in premium devices.
For value contract options through major South African networks, compare here:
Galaxy AI: The Real Star of 2026
AI features are central to the Samsung 2026 lineup.
Expected Galaxy AI features include:
- Smart content and email summaries
- Real-time translation
- AI-enhanced photo editing
- Adaptive battery optimisation
- Personalised recommendations
The S26 series will likely offer the full Galaxy AI experience, while the A57 and A37 are expected to include lighter AI integrations.
Best Samsung 2026 Deals in South Africa
S26 Pre-Orders
Samsung launch periods in South Africa typically include:
- Accessory bundles
- Trade-in offers
- Limited-time promotional pricing
Expected Contract Pricing (South Africa)
Based on current market trends, the Galaxy A57 is expected to launch at approximately R429 per month on a 36-month contract.
The Galaxy A37 is expected to fall within the R299 to R349 per month range on similar contract terms.
FAQs
When will the Samsung S26 series launch in South Africa?
The S26 series is expected to be announced at Samsung’s February 2026 Unpacked event, with South African availability typically following within weeks.
When will the Galaxy A57 and A37 be available in South Africa?
The A-series models usually launch shortly after the flagship release and are expected in South Africa soon after global availability.
What is Galaxy AI?
Galaxy AI enhances productivity and user experience through smart summaries, real-time translation, intelligent editing and adaptive battery optimisation.
Are Exynos processors reliable for South African users?
Recent Exynos chipsets have shown strong performance improvements. While Snapdragon may offer advantages in high-end gaming, Exynos processors are reliable for everyday use and business applications.
Which Samsung phone offers the best value in 2026?
The Galaxy A57 is expected to provide the best balance between performance, display quality, battery life and affordability for most South African consumers.
References
Samsung
https://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/events/unpacked/
Samsung South Africa
https://www.samsung.com/za/
Vodacom
https://www.vodacom.co.za/vodacom/shopping/cellphones
