Samsung Electronics has unveiled the Galaxy S26 series, positioning its latest flagship lineup as the company’s most advanced AI-driven smartphones to date.
The Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra introduce what Samsung describes as its most proactive and adaptive Galaxy AI experience yet, aimed at simplifying everyday mobile tasks from scheduling and search to photography and content editing.
Announcing the launch, TM Roh, President and Head of Samsung’s Device Experience Division, said the company focused on making artificial intelligence feel “effortless,” operating quietly in the background so users can focus on outcomes rather than processes.
Key Specifications
At the core of the series is a customised chipset designed to boost AI processing, power efficiency and thermal performance. The Galaxy S26 Ultra runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy, delivering improvements across CPU, GPU and NPU performance.
Samsung says the Ultra model records up to a 19% CPU boost, 39% NPU enhancement and 24% GPU increase compared to its predecessor. A redesigned vapour chamber and upgraded thermal interface system aim to sustain performance during gaming, multitasking and video capture, while Super Fast Charging 3.0 reaches up to 75% battery in 30 minutes.
The S26 Ultra also debuts what Samsung calls the mobile industry’s first built-in Privacy Display. The feature controls pixel-level light dispersion to limit side-angle visibility when activated, protecting sensitive content without compromising viewing quality. Users can customize privacy settings for specific apps, PIN entries and notifications.
Camera and Software
Photography remains central to the S-series identity. Wider apertures on the S26 Ultra improve low-light performance, while enhanced Nightography Video and upgraded Super Steady stabilization refine video capture.
AI-powered Photo Assist allows users to modify images through text prompts, from changing lighting conditions to editing clothing details while Creative Studio consolidates editing tools for stickers, wallpapers and shareable visuals. The device also introduces APV, a professional-grade video codec designed for high-quality compression workflows.
On the software side, Galaxy AI introduces features such as Now Nudge and an upgraded Now Brief for contextual reminders. Circle to Search with Google now supports multi-object recognition, and Bixby evolves into a more conversational device agent. Integration with third-party AI agents such as Gemini and Perplexity enables multi-step tasks through voice commands.
Security enhancements include AI-powered call screening, machine learning-driven privacy alerts, post-quantum cryptography integration and expanded Knox Matrix protections. Samsung is also committing to seven years of security updates.
The Galaxy S26 series becomes available for pre-order from February 25, with multiple color options and Samsung Care+ coverage plans offered globally.
