Galaxy A57 leak points to a global model and early 2026 launch

Samsung’s next mass-market star is quietly taking shape – and it isn’t the Galaxy S26

While the spotlight is glued to Samsung’s premium Galaxy S26 family, the company’s real volume driver for 2026 may be forming offstage. Evidence on Samsung’s own test servers suggests that work has begun on the Galaxy A57, the successor to one of the world’s most popular mid-range phones. A leaked screenshot shared by tipster Koram_Akhilesh shows firmware tagged to model number SM-A576B, a label that does more than just name a device – it hints at how widely Samsung intends to sell it.

Samsung’s numbering tells a story. The “A57” portion aligns with the expected generational jump from the A56, and the trailing “B” is typically used for the global variant in Samsung’s portfolio. In other words, even at this early stage, the breadcrumbs point to an international rollout rather than a limited regional run. That’s exactly the kind of footprint the A5x line has needed to keep its crown as a mainstream best-seller.

US availability: probable, but timing may be quirky

One big question remains: Will the Galaxy A57 come to the United States at launch? The A56 launched globally in March, then took a detour before landing stateside later in the summer. That split schedule could repeat. Samsung often juggles carrier testing, modem bands, and region-specific software, which can push US retail availability back by weeks or even months even when a global version exists. So yes, a US model seems likely – the exact calendar date is the wildcard.

Silicon roadmap: Exynos 1680 is the logical next step

Almost nothing concrete has surfaced about specs, but industry chatter points to an Exynos 1680 chipset in development. The leap is sensible: Exynos 1570 → A55, Exynos 1580 → A56, so a 1680 for A57 follows Samsung’s pattern. Expect iterative gains where they matter for mid-range buyers: better power efficiency, a stronger neural processing unit for on-device AI tasks, tighter image signal processing for cleaner night shots, and a modem tuned for broad 5G band coverage. None of this is confirmed, but if Samsung simply refines last year’s formula, the A57 should feel snappier, cooler, and a touch more battery-frugal.

Release window: circle March 2026 (pencil, not ink)

If Samsung mirrors the A56 playbook, the A57’s global debut lands around March 2026. That would drop it into a crowded spring mid-range season. Apple is tipped to unveil the iPhone 17e in February or March, and Google is expected to field its Pixel 10a on a similar timeline. Three different philosophies will collide: Samsung’s consistency and distribution muscle, Apple’s ecosystem gravity at a lower entry point, and Google’s computational photography and clean Android promise.

What will make the A57 a hit (again)?

The A5x recipe is well known: a bright OLED screen (120Hz in recent generations), reliable battery life with fast charging, cameras that punch above price thanks to solid processing, and a long software update policy that rivals many flagships. Add the A series’ aggressive global availability and frequent carrier deals, and you get sales volume that premium phones can’t touch. To keep its edge in 2026, here’s what would move the needle:

• Camera confidence by night: a bigger main sensor or tuned HDR that cleans up shadows and skin tones.
• AI where it helps: on-device translation, transcription, and smarter photo tools that work offline.
• Battery pragmatism: modest capacity gains plus efficiency tweaks for two stress-free days for light users.
• Update longevity: keeping multi-year OS and security promises intact, ideally matched to the A56 or better.
• Wider band support: especially for North America, to reduce model fragmentation and launch delays.

How to tell the A57 is getting close

Before the launch event invites drop, watch for the usual paper trail: Bluetooth SIG listings, Wi-Fi Alliance certifications, regional approvals (FCC, BIS, etc.), and early benchmark databases. Accessory leaks – cases that reveal camera island shapes or button placement – often confirm design tweaks weeks in advance.

The bottom line

The Galaxy A57 doesn’t need to outgun the S26 Ultra to be Samsung’s 2026 success story. It needs to show up everywhere, at the right price, with a few meaningful upgrades and the same no-drama reliability that made the A56 and its predecessors household names. If the SM-A576B firmware sighting is any indication, Samsung is lining up exactly that – a globally focused mid-ranger with just enough new silicon and software polish to keep the crown.