Samsung Reportedly Revives Galaxy S26 Plus After S25 Edge Sales Disappoint

Samsung’s flagship strategy may be taking another surprising twist. Despite months of reports claiming the company would abandon its ‘Plus’ series in favor of the experimental Edge lineup, new leaks from Korean outlets suggest the Galaxy S26 family could indeed bring back the Galaxy S26 Plus in early 2026.

If true, this marks a notable course correction for Samsung, one driven largely by the disappointing performance of the Galaxy S25 Edge.

The Galaxy S25 Edge: from risky gamble to sales flop

When Samsung introduced the Galaxy S25 Edge earlier this year, it positioned the device as a daring alternative to its more traditional siblings. Featuring a razor-thin 6.7-inch body and marketed as the sleekest phone in the company’s portfolio, it was supposed to be the next design icon. However, consumers didn’t exactly bite. Even after months of heavy promotions and steep discounts in markets like the US, the S25 Edge has failed to generate meaningful demand. Internal estimates reportedly show Samsung producing only about 300,000 units between September and December – a modest number compared to the millions slated for the Galaxy S25 and S25 Ultra.

This mismatch in sales targets speaks volumes. Samsung had hoped the Edge would grow in popularity after launch, perhaps following the trajectory of past models that took time to find their audience. Instead, interest flatlined. Korean media even describe the device as a ‘really big flop,’ echoing analysts who predicted as much before release. The failure has forced Samsung’s hand, pushing it to consider reviving the Plus series – a move many thought was permanently shelved.

The resurrection of the Plus model

Internally codenamed ‘M Plus,’ the Galaxy S26 Plus is rumored to join three other models in Samsung’s 2026 lineup: the M1 (likely the S26 Pro), M2 (S26 Edge), and M3 (S26 Ultra). This would create a four-member flagship family, with the Plus positioned once again as a balanced middle ground between the baseline version and the Ultra powerhouse. Samsung’s decision reflects both consumer demand for familiarity and the harsh lesson of over-betting on experimental form factors.

The uncertain future of the Edge

Here’s where things get murky: although sources claim Samsung is developing up to four devices, not all are guaranteed to reach market. If one model is sacrificed, the S26 Edge appears the most vulnerable. The Edge experiment has already demonstrated weak commercial viability, and Samsung may not want to repeat the same mistake two years in a row. If both the S26 Plus and Edge do launch, it raises questions about how the company will differentiate them. Beyond the Edge’s ultra-thin profile, it’s unclear whether there’s room for both devices to carve out separate identities.

What to expect from the S26 family

Even as speculation swirls, we can sketch out a rough picture of the Galaxy S26 lineup. The S26 Pro is unlikely to offer a major leap over the S25, based on early reports. The S26 Edge, if it survives, might shed some of its rumored features such as a larger battery. Meanwhile, the Ultra remains Samsung’s premium juggernaut, though even there whispers suggest subtle design compromises rather than bold improvements. The Plus, if confirmed, could provide a more balanced option – but only if Samsung rethinks its formula and avoids simply re-skinning last year’s lukewarm S25 Plus with a new processor.

Quantity vs. quality: Samsung’s crossroads

One of the criticisms leveled at Samsung is its tendency to spread resources thin by chasing multiple variants with minor differences. While variety is generally good for consumers, it can also dilute focus and result in phones that feel too similar. In this sense, critics argue the company should prioritize quality and bold upgrades rather than producing four models with overlapping features. If Samsung can manage to clearly separate each device’s identity, the four-pronged S26 family could feel like a refreshing set of options. If not, consumers may simply gravitate toward the tried-and-true Ultra or standard model.

Ultimately, Samsung’s choice to bring back the Plus line underscores one thing: familiarity sells. The Edge experiment might not be dead yet, but it is hanging by a thread. By 2026, Samsung will have to decide whether it wants to be remembered for pushing risky designs or for giving consumers the reliable, feature-rich flagships they actually buy.