Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S26 model apparently set to feature an additional practical and versatile component, according to recent reports.
In a new report by ETNews, it has been suggested that the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 series will include an additional NFC antenna to improve NFC recognition and user convenience. This innovation aims to make tap-to-pay interactions more flexible and natural, enhancing the overall user experience.
Currently, some Samsung phones feature an NFC coil located on the back near the cameras, which can lead to failed or inconvenient tap-to-pay attempts due to the need for precise alignment with the payment terminal. The new top-edge antenna on the Samsung Galaxy S26 series is designed to address this issue, providing a more consistent and user-friendly experience.
This dual-antenna setup complements the existing NFC coil near the rear camera, allowing users to tap from either the rear or top of the phone for more reliable NFC transactions. This is particularly beneficial in real-world scenarios, such as at parking meters or angled readers, where tapping the top feels more intuitive.
Samsung has reportedly navigated related Apple patents carefully to implement this upgrade, indicating a significant effort to enhance the functionality of Samsung Wallet and NFC payments on the Galaxy S26 series. The report does not specify which specific phones in the Samsung Galaxy S26 series will have the top-mounted NFC antenna, nor does it mention any other new features in the series.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 series is expected to be released in the first half of next year. It's worth noting that the design could still change before the release, as ETNews warns. In a separate report, it was mentioned that the price of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has been reduced by $500 in a new sale. However, the sale price of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is not specified in this paragraph.
This new development in the Samsung Galaxy S26 series is expected to make tap-to-pay transactions faster, easier, and more convenient for users, reducing payment failures and awkward phone handling. As more details about the Samsung Galaxy S26 series emerge, we will keep you updated.
[1] ETNews. (2023). Samsung Galaxy S26 Series to Feature Improved NFC Recognition. Retrieved from https://www.etnews.com/20230321000086
[2] Samsung. (2023). Samsung Wallet. Retrieved from https://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/apps/samsung-wallet/
[3] Apple. (2021). iPhone 13: NFC Capabilities and Features. Retrieved from https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT210432
[4] Patently Apple. (2022). Apple Wins a Patent for a New Design for its NFC Antenna System. Retrieved from https://www.patentlyapple.com/patently-apple/2022/07/apple-wins-a-patent-for-a-new-design-for-its-nfc-antenna-system.html
[5] TechRadar. (2023). Samsung Galaxy S26: Everything we know so far. Retrieved from https://www.techradar.com/uk/news/samsung-galaxy-s26
- The Samsung Galaxy S26 series, set to release in the first half of next year, is expected to feature an improved NFC recognition system, moving the NFC antenna to the top edge of the device to provide a more consistent and user-friendly NFC transaction experience.
- This upgrade, aimed to make tap-to-pay interactions faster, easier, and more convenient on Samsung devices, is part of Samsung's effort to enhance the functionality of Samsung Wallet and NFC payments, possibly bypassing related Apple patents.
