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Samsung Galaxy S26 introduces contactless payments to make checkout easier. Multiple industry sources say the upcoming flagship will pack a dual-NFC antenna setup with one coil behind the camera and another along the top edge.
This simple hardware change could make paying with your Galaxy as natural as tapping on a credit card.
Why Galaxy payments feel like a guessing game?
Current Samsung flagships scatter their NFC coils like hidden treasure maps—sometimes dead center, sometimes higher or lower depending on which model you own. The Galaxy S23 Ultra puts it smack in the middle, the S24 Ultra moves it slightly up, and the S25 Ultra drops it noticeably lower.
Meanwhile, payment terminals expect your phone’s antenna near the top, creating a mismatch that leaves you waving your phone like you’re trying to cast a spell.
This inconsistent placement means:
- First, try payment failures which slow down checkout lines
- Awkward wrist twisting to find the sweet spot
- Envious glances at iPhone users who just tap and go
Samsung Galaxy S26’s rumored solution sounds almost too simple
Samsung plans to add a second NFC antenna near the top edge of the Galaxy S26 rather than move the existing coil. Think of it like adding a second door to a busy hallway—suddenly there’s more room for everyone to get through smoothly.
This dual-antenna approach would:
- Expand the payment zone across more of the phone’s surface
- Match the iPhone’s natural tap motion at the top of the device
- Keep wireless charging intact by leaving the main coil in place
- Work with existing terminals without any infrastructure changes
What took Samsung so long?
It’s Apple’s patent fortress that holds the key. Samsung spent time engineering around Apple’s patents around NFC antenna placement because Apple’s extensive intellectual property was like a legal maze.
Only now has Samsung apparently found a path that avoids stepping on Apple’s patents while delivering the user experience Galaxy owners deserve.
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Real-world benefits for everyday users
If the dual-NFC design makes it to production, Samsung Galaxy S26 owners could enjoy:
Stress-free payments: Tap anywhere near the top half and watch the transactions go through as smoothly as swiping a subway card.
Better ergonomics: No more contorting your wrist or hunting for the exact right angle
Faster checkout: Fewer failed attempts mean shorter waits in line
IPhone-level reliability: Finally matching the seamless experience Apple users have enjoyed for years
The catch is: nothing’s final yet
Samsung hasn’t locked down the Galaxy S26 design, so this feature could still get axed if costs spike or technical hurdles emerge. The S26 is months away, so there’s time to refine the technology and maybe deliver the payment upgrade Galaxy fans have been asking for.
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Why does this matter beyond convenience?
Contactless payments have become as essential as having a camera on your phone—especially after years of tap-to-pay growth. Samsung’s move toward dual NFC antennas isn’t just about matching Apple; it’s about removing friction from one of the most common smartphone tasks.
For the millions of Galaxy users who’ve suffered through payment terminal gymnastics, this seemingly small hardware change could transform every shopping trip.
There are times when quiet fixes make life a little easier are more appreciated than the flashy ones that catch the eye.
Samsung Galaxy S26 series is expected in early 2026, giving them ample time to perfect this long-overdue improvement.
