Smartphone News Jan 2026: Galaxy S26 Delay, iPhone 17e & Budget 5G

Here is the latest smartphone news coverage for TiraTech.com.my, focusing on the “Mobile & Wearable” market for January 2026.

Smartphone Watch 2026: Galaxy S26 Delays, The “Budget” iPhone 17e, and 5G for Under RM800

While laptop fans had their fun at CES, the mobile world is holding its breath for late February. The rumor mill is spinning faster than ever, with major leaks coming out of Korea and California that will affect every Malaysian planning to buy a new phone this Chinese New Year.

From the delayed Samsung flagship to the rise of “Smart Rings” in local stores, here is your January briefing on the mobile tech scene.

1. Samsung Galaxy S26: Delayed to February 25?

If you were waiting to buy the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra in January, you might need to hold onto your Duit Raya a little longer.

• The News: Reports from South Korea suggest the annual “Galaxy Unpacked” event has been pushed to February 25, 2026.
• The Reason: Supply chain insiders claim Samsung is fine-tuning the new Exynos 2600 chip for the base models to ensure it doesn’t overheat in tropical climates like Malaysia.
• The “Ultra” Upgrade: The S26 Ultra is confirmed to run the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 globally. Leaks indicate a new 200MP “Isocell HP9” sensor that can shoot 8K video at 60fps—perfect for content creators.

2. Apple’s “Secret” Launch: The iPhone 17e

Just months after the iPhone 17 launch, rumors of a new “Budget iPhone” are heating up.

• The Rumor: Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 17e (or iPhone Air) in March 2026 to compete with mid-range Androids.
• The Specs: Expected to feature a single 48MP camera and the A18 chip, but with a 60Hz screen to keep costs down.
• Malaysian Context: If priced around RM2,899, this could be the best-selling iPhone for students who want into the iOS ecosystem without paying Pro prices.

3. The “Budget 5G” Flood: Phones Under RM1,000

5G is no longer a premium feature. In 2026, you can get blazing-fast speeds for the price of a mid-range pair of sneakers.

• Redmi Note 15 5G: The new king of value. Launching soon for approx RM849, it packs a 120Hz OLED screen and 67W charging.
• POCO M7 Pro 5G: For gamers on a budget, this device features the Dimensity 7025-Ultra chip and a massive 6,000mAh battery, likely hitting Shopee for RM999 (Early Bird).
• Infinix HOT 60 5G: The cheapest entry point. At just RM599, it’s the most affordable way to get onto the DNB 5G network in Malaysia.

4. Wearable Trend: Smart Rings Take Over

Smartwatches are so 2025. The new trend for health tracking is the Smart Ring.

• The Trend: Devices like the Oura Ring 4 and Samsung Galaxy Ring are gaining traction among Malaysians who find sleeping with a watch uncomfortable.
• Why buy one: They track sleep and “Readiness Scores” more accurately than watches because the finger has clearer arteries for sensors to read.
• Local Availability: Expect the Samsung Galaxy Ring to officially land in Malaysian Samsung Experience Stores this quarter, priced around RM1,299.

Quick Comparison: Upcoming Flagships (Early 2026)

Phone	Expected Launch	Est. Price (RM)	Key Feature
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra	Feb 25, 2026	RM5,899+	200MP AI Camera
Xiaomi 16 Ultra	March 2026	RM4,599	1-inch Leica Lens
iPhone 17e	March 2026	RM2,899	Affordable iOS
OPPO Find X9 Ultra	April 2026	RM4,999	Dual Periscope Zoom

Buying Advice: Don’t Buy an S25 Now!

Even if you don’t want the new S26, wait until March. As soon as the S26 launches, retailers like Senheng and Harvey Norman will clear out their Galaxy S25 stock with discounts up to RM1,500. That is the best time to buy a flagship for cheap!

Are you Team Samsung or Team Apple? Let us know in the comments if you’re waiting for the S26!