Samsung Electronics has announced the Galaxy S26 series, presenting what it describes as its most intuitive, proactive and adaptive Galaxy AI experiences to date. The line-up includes the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26.
According to Samsung, the third generation of its AI phones is designed to reduce the effort required for everyday smartphone tasks. From organising plans and searching for information to capturing and editing content, Galaxy AI works in the background to minimise the number of steps users need to take.
«We believe AI should be something people can depend on every day, designed to work consistently for everyone and without the need for expertise,» said TM Roh, Chief Executive Officer, President and Head of Device eXperience Division at Samsung Electronics. «With the Galaxy S26 series, we focused on making AI feel effortless, working quietly in the background so people can focus on what matters.»
Performance and Thermal Enhancements
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy. Samsung reports performance gains of up to 19% in CPU, 39% in NPU and 24% in GPU compared with the previous generation. The improvements are intended to support faster AI functions, smoother multitasking and more immersive graphics.
To sustain this performance, the Ultra model features a redesigned vapour chamber with thermal interface material positioned along the sides of the processor to distribute heat more efficiently. Super Fast Charging 3.0 enables the device to reach up to 75% battery in around 30 minutes with a 60W adapter. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery.
Samsung’s proprietary technologies are also embedded in the processor. ProScaler enhances image scaling for clearer visuals, while the mobile Digital Natural Image engine delivers more precise colour reproduction.
Built-In Privacy Display
Samsung has introduced a built-in Privacy Display on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The feature limits visibility from side viewing angles when activated, while maintaining clarity for the user.
The privacy mode can be customised to activate during actions such as entering PINs, patterns or passwords or when opening selected apps. Partial Screen Privacy restricts the visibility of notification pop-ups, while Maximum Privacy Protection further obscures side views. Samsung states that the feature has minimal impact on power consumption and usability.
The feature is explained by the new phone having a display that consists of two sets of pixels: ones that shoot narrow and straightforward light and ones that projects light off to the sides. When the user turns on the Privacy Display, only the straightforward pixels remain on. This allows the fuature to be so versatile.
However, Mrwhosetheboss noted, that due to this division in pixels, even without Privacy Display on, the screen brightness is lower when looking from the side. Also, with Privacy Display turned on, the screen resolution also drops slightly.
Camera and Creative Tools
The Galaxy S26 series continues Samsung’s emphasis on mobile photography and video. The Galaxy S26 Ultra features a 200MP wide camera, a 50MP ultra-wide camera and telephoto lenses supporting up to 10x optical quality zoom. Wider apertures allow more light to reach the sensor, supporting improved low-light performance.
Enhanced Nightography Video aims to keep footage clearer and more vibrant in dim conditions. Super Steady capabilities now include a horizontal lock option to improve framing stability. The Ultra model is also the first Galaxy device to support APV, a professional-grade video codec designed for efficient compression in high-quality production workflows.
AI-powered editing tools are integrated into the experience. The upgraded Photo Assist suite enables users to describe desired changes in their own words, from altering lighting conditions to restoring missing image details. Edits can be reviewed step by step and adjusted or undone. Creative Studio allows users to turn sketches, photos or prompts into customised visuals such as stickers, invitations and wallpapers within a single workspace.
Document Scan uses AI to remove distortions and distractions from scanned materials and can automatically organise multiple images into a single PDF.
Proactive AI Assistance
Samsung says the Galaxy S26 series delivers its most intuitive Galaxy AI experience yet. Features such as Now Nudge provide timely suggestions based on context, while Now Brief offers personalised reminders for events including reservations and travel updates.
Circle to Search with Google has been upgraded with enhanced multi-object recognition, enabling users to explore multiple elements within an image simultaneously. The series also introduces an upgraded Bixby designed to function as a conversational device agent, allowing users to navigate settings using natural language.
In addition to Bixby, the Galaxy S26 series integrates a choice of agents including Gemini and Perplexity. Tasks can be completed through a single button press or voice prompt, with the device handling multi-step actions in the background.
Expanded Security Measures
Samsung emphasises that stronger AI capabilities require robust protection. In addition to the built-in Privacy Display, the Galaxy S26 series includes AI-powered Call Screening and Privacy Alerts that notify users when apps attempt to access sensitive information.
Private Album enables users to hide selected photos and videos within the Gallery app. Samsung has extended its post-quantum cryptography to system processes including software verification and firmware protection. Knox Matrix updates introduce PQC-enabled end-to-end encryption for additional services such as eSIM transfers.
The Galaxy S26 series is supported by Samsung Knox and includes seven years of security updates.
Availability
Pre-orders for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, S26+ and S26 begin on February 25. All three models share a unified design language and are available in Cobalt Violet, White, Black and Sky Blue, with Pink Gold and Silver Shadow offered exclusively through Samsung.com.
Running on Android 16 with One UI 8.5, the Galaxy S26 series supports 5G, Wi-Fi 7 and IP68-rated water and dust resistance.
The prices are $900 for S26, $1,100 for S26+ and $1,300 for S26 Ultra in the U.S..
Kursiv also reports that Motorola has confirmed it will unveil full details of its upcoming Razr Fold on March 2.
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