The Samsung Galaxy S26 series, which is set to be released in early 2026, is making waves with rumors of a revolutionary 16GB RAM boost on all models, including the base Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. Tipster Jukan Choi (@Jukanlosreve), quoting Macquarie Research, a major step forward from Galaxy S25 series, whose only model to have 16GB RAM is S25 Ultra in some markets such as South Korea and China. It is this risky step that may put Samsung ahead of Apple’s iPhone 17 series in the quest for better performance.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Ready to Revolutionize Performance with 16GB RAM
Samsung Galaxy S26 series is projected to use its boosted RAM to turbocharge Galaxy AI features, providing on-device AI processing for instant translation in real-time and advanced photo editing. With 16GB RAM as a norm, the phone’s users will get enhanced multitasking, quicker app switching, and smooth gaming without lag, creating a new benchmark for premium smartphones. This update also assists Samsung in competing with Chinese companies such as OnePlus, which come with up to 24GB RAM in devices such as the OnePlus 13.
By comparison, Apple’s iPhone 17 series, due in September 2025, is rumored to come with 12GB RAM in its lineup, including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, according to Macquarie Research. Though an upgrade from the iPhone 16’s 8GB, Apple’s commitment to keeping 12GB for the iPhone 18 in 2026 indicates a more restrained strategy. The Samsung Galaxy S26 series may therefore have a tangible advantage for power users who value AI and multitasking.
How the Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Compares to iPhone 17
The RAM boost in the Samsung Galaxy S26 line is not just a spec improvement—it’s a strategic play to corner the AI-powered smartphone market. Galaxy AI, which already leads the S25 line, can be expected to advance with sophisticated features that need large amounts of memory. X posts pick up on anticipation for this boost, with users applauding Samsung’s dedication to future-proofing its flagships for demanding AI tasks and intense multitasking.
Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup, though impressive, can perhaps fall behind in terms of sheer memory capacity. Leaks indicate its 12GB RAM will facilitate Apple Intelligence, but the difference with the Samsung Galaxy S26 lineup can become apparent in heavy usage like editing 8K videos or multitasking several AI applications. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo indicates that Apple’s base iPhone 17 can even remain at 8GB, further increasing the performance difference.
As smartphones become more dependent on AI and solid hardware, the Samsung Galaxy S26 line looks set to take the lead. Though Apple’s ecosystem and optimization are still solid, Samsung’s dramatic RAM boost may tip the scales for tech fans and heavy users. With a launch rumored for January 2026, the Galaxy S26 line is looking like it will be a serious competitor.
Will the Samsung Galaxy S26 lineup revolutionize flagship performance, or will Apple’s iPhone 17 maintain its dominance with software wizardry? Let us know your opinions below and keep an eye on future leaks as we count down to these franchise-releasing blockbusters!
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