Samsung Galaxy S26 RAM Strategy Predicted To Disappointed Many Users

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, is the most premium model in line 26 (photo: x @AndroidPolice)

JAKARTA - The Samsung Galaxy S26 series does not seem to bring about the increased RAM that many users expect. Based on the latest leak from Ice Universe's famous tipster, Samsung actually maintains the same RAM strategy as the Galaxy S25 series, a decision that is predicted to cause frustration among fans.

The report states that all the Galaxy S26 models, both the regular Galaxy S26 and the Galaxy S26+, will be present with 12GB RAM in almost all global markets. The two models are said to have only 256GB and 512GB storage options, without support for memory expansion. Samsung's decision to keep closing additional storage access through microSD is back in the spotlight and criticism for some users.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra, which is the most premium model in the line, is also reportedly not much different. This phone will still come with 12GB RAM for most markets, although it offers wider storage options ranging from 256GB, 512GB, to 1TB. Just like other models, support for memory addition is also not available on this device.

The 16GB RAM variant will actually still be released, but very limited and only available in certain areas such as China, similar to the strategy at the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Users in Europe and the United States are rumored not to get this variant, and are expected to be "locked" with the 12GB option alone.

Samsung's decision has become increasingly unpopular considering that many smartphone manufacturers from China are now offering larger RAM even in basic flagship models. Huawei, for example, offers RAM up to 20GB on the Mate 80 line, while basic models are also available with the 16GB option. Similar trends are seen in a number of other Chinese OEMs that have made 16GB RAM a new standard for high-end phones.

The lack of improvement from the S25 series has made many observers think that changes in the Galaxy S26 are too small and less significant. However, the Galaxy S26 series is still predicted to launch in January 2026, according to the leaks in circulation. The design of the Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26 Ultra has even appeared earlier through exclusive reports.

With the stagnant RAM strategy and the increasing number of competitors pushing new standards in flagship phone specifications, Samsung is expected to face sharp criticism from fans who want more progressive updates to the Galaxy S26 line.