The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26, expected to launch early next year, will finally offer a significant RAM upgrade. 
For the first time, all models of the S26 will come with the option for up to 16 GB of RAM, a feature that brings Samsung up to speed with competitors, particularly Chinese smartphone manufacturers.
Previously, Samsung limited the 16 GB RAM option to the Galaxy S25 Ultra in select markets, including Korea, China, and Taiwan. However, it seems that the Galaxy S26 will make this configuration available worldwide, excluding only a few markets, ensuring consumers everywhere have access to this powerful option.
For those who don’t need the maximum RAM, lower-end variants with less memory will still be available, giving customers flexibility. It’s good to see Samsung listening to consumer needs and offering a range of choices at different price points.
Samsung has a history of offering different versions of its flagship phones in various regions, often choosing Exynos chipsets for many markets while providing Snapdragon-powered models in the U.S. and other countries. This differentiation has been a point of contention, as Exynos chips have generally lagged behind Snapdragon in performance. With the global release of the Galaxy S26, the 16 GB RAM option aims to provide a more consistent experience across markets.
In addition to this, Samsung’s decision to push more RAM may be driven by the increasing demands of AI and other resource-intensive features on modern smartphones. Interestingly, Apple’s iPhone 17 is expected to come with 12 GB of RAM, which makes Samsung’s decision to go with 16 GB all the more compelling. It’s a competitive move that puts Samsung ahead, as iPhones have traditionally lagged behind Android phones in terms of RAM.
Whether this new approach will help Samsung offer a better user experience remains to be seen. If the company manages to keep the price reasonable, the Galaxy S26 might just beat the iPhone 17 in terms of value for power-hungry users.