Galaxy S26 Series May Launch with Up to 16GB RAM, Outpacing iPhone 17: Leak
Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 lineup may be in for a major memory upgrade, potentially putting it ahead of Apple’s next iPhone in terms of raw RAM. A recent leak indicates that Samsung could equip all models in the S26 series—including the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra—with up to 16GB of RAM, marking a significant step up from the previous generation.
The tip comes from known leaker Jukan Choi (@Jukanlosreve), who cites research from Macquarie Research suggesting Samsung plans to make high-RAM variants available globally this time. In comparison, the current Galaxy S25 Ultra only offers 16GB RAM in limited markets like South Korea and China, while the S25 and S25+ are capped at 12GB.
This memory expansion is likely aimed at powering Samsung’s growing suite of Galaxy AI features, which are expected to play a central role in the S26 experience. Beyond AI, more RAM means smoother multitasking, improved gaming performance, and a better experience with resource-heavy apps—key selling points as the brand competes with high-spec rivals like OnePlus and Red Magic, which already offer devices boasting up to 24GB of RAM.
Meanwhile, Apple appears to be planning its own RAM boost. The iPhone 17 series, expected this September, could come with 12GB of RAM across all variants, including the standard, Air, Pro, and Pro Max models. That would be an improvement over the 8GB RAM found in the iPhone 16 range. However, Apple’s rumored iPhone 18 series may not push memory further, with leaks suggesting it will stick to 12GB.
As hardware races to keep up with AI and other intensive use cases, RAM is quickly becoming a key battleground in the smartphone market. If these reports are accurate, Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series could gain a competitive advantage by delivering more memory across its entire flagship lineup.
