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Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus | Image by PhoneArena
Every year, as soon as the latest Galaxy smartphones hit the stores, the rumor mill starts spinning with speculation about how Samsung might "simplify" things by killing off the middle child in its lineup. We've heard all the arguments a thousand times about how the Plus model is essentially just a larger version of the standard phone or how it simply isn’t "Ultra" enough to justify its premium cost.
But rather than engaging in that debate ourselves, we decided to ask you, our readers, what you actually think about this. And the results might come as a surprise to those of you who were already writing off next year's Galaxy S27 Plus.
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Your votes indicate that the triple threat strategy still has legs
When we asked you what Samsung should do with the Galaxy S27 lineup next year, your answers indicated that the most popular choice was actually the most tried-and-true. In our internal poll of your opinions, the clear winner was the status quo: that the traditional trio of S27, S27 Plus, and S27 Ultra remains the best choice for most consumers.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is now available for up to $720 off
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$720 off (55%)
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has been announced, bringing a Privacy Screen feature, insanely fast processor, and multiple Galaxy AI enhancements. Right now, you can save up to $720 at the Samsung Store with eligible trade-ins. You also get 15% off the Buds 4 series with your purchase. Alternatively, you can get $150 credit for add-ons, no trade-in required.
The Galaxy S26+ is now available for up to $480 off
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$480 off (44%)
The Galaxy S26+ is here, bringing improved software and a more powerful processor. The device can now be yours for up to $480 off with eligible device trade-ins. Users also get 15% off the Buds 4 series with their purchase. The official store gives you a $150 credit for add-ons without trade-ins.
The Galaxy S26 is currently available at the Samsung Store with an exciting trade-in discount. Right now, you can buy the model with a $380 maximum price cut. Samsung also gives you 15% off the Galaxy Buds 4 or the Buds 4 Pro with your smartphone purchase.
The results indicate that the majority of you (34.56%) voted to keep the traditional trio of S27, S27 Plus, and S27 Ultra exactly as they are. In second place with 22.59% of the vote were those of you who believe in the "less is more" school of thought: that Samsung should simply stick with the S27 and S27 Ultra.
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Curiously, the remaining votes are divided almost equally among the remaining three options, with 14.48% hoping for a Note revival, 14.29% hoping for the FE to coincide with the flagships, and 14.09% hoping for the Edge experiment.
What is perhaps most interesting is that while tech enthusiasts may want Samsung to return to their Note series or simplify their lineup, the largest segment of readers wants Samsung to keep things just as they are. This tells us that, while the Plus model may seem to put us in a weird place, there is a silent majority out there who appreciates the existence of this middle ground between the compact standard model and the massive, pricey Ultra.
Why having three choices matters for your wallet
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge | Image by PhoneArena
But why does this matter, you may ask? It is, of course, all about finding that "just right" fit. Not everyone wants a massive phone with a built-in stylus and a camera that can take pictures of the moon, but at the same time, not everyone wants the standard 6.1 or 6.2-inch screen, as this is a bit too small for watching videos and playing games. The Plus model has historically filled this gap, providing a larger screen and battery life without requiring the "Ultra tax" for features you may never even use.
Of course, Samsung is not without its own share of stiff competition from other brands that are also experimenting with their product portfolios. If Samsung decides to remove the Plus variant, they are, in essence, giving away a large market share to competitors who are more than happy to oblige with large screen sizes and a price point below $1,000. The inclusion of the S27 Plus in the product portfolio will ensure that there is a Galaxy device to cater to all segments of the market.
What should Samsung do next year?
Finding the "Goldilocks" phone in a crowded market
I must admit that I agree with the 35% on this one. While I, like every other tech enthusiast, am excited at the prospect of a "Note" series comeback, I must admit that there is some merit to the argument that consistency is key. When a company starts meddling with its product portfolio, the end consumer is the one who suffers the most, with fewer choices and higher price points to boot.
I have had the chance to play around with the current crop of Galaxy devices, and I must admit that the Plus variant is the one I'd recommend to friends who want a large screen experience without the hassle and expense of the Ultra variant.
Johanna 'Jojo the Techie' is a skilled mobile technology expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience, specializing in the Google ecosystem and Pixel devices. Known for her user-friendly approach, she leverages her vast tech support background to provide accessible and insightful coverage on latest technology trends. As a recognized thought leader and former member of #TeamPixel, Johanna ensures she stays at the forefront of Google services and products, making her a reliable source for all things Pixel and ChromeOS.
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