Samsung has officially announced the new Galaxy S26 series. With the Samsung Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra, the company is launching three new flagship smartphones. The focus is clearly on artificial intelligence, improved performance, and enhanced privacy features. The Galaxy S26 Ultra, in particular, stands out with its integrated privacy display and comprehensive camera setup.
Samsung describes the new devices as featuring the "most intuitive, proactive, and adaptive Galaxy AI features" to date. AI is designed not only to support individual functions but also to actively work in the background, suggesting content and automating processes. Simultaneously, improvements have been made to the hardware, cooling, and charging speed. Data privacy and control over sensitive data also play a more significant role than in previous generations.
The models at a glance
The series consists of three variants. The Samsung Galaxy S26, with a 6.3-inch OLED display, is the smallest and most affordable model. The Galaxy S26+ offers a 6.7-inch OLED display. The high-end model is the Galaxy S26 Ultra with a 6.9-inch OLED display. All three devices utilize OLED technology. The S Pen is only supported by the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Privacy display exclusively in the Galaxy S26 Ultra
One of the most important innovations in the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the integrated "Privacy Display." This technology works at the pixel level and precisely controls how light is scattered. When viewed head-on, content remains clearly visible. At an angle, content becomes significantly less visible, which is intended to provide greater privacy, especially in public situations.
The Privacy Display can be flexibly configured. It can be activated only for specific apps or automatically during sensitive processes such as PIN entry. Additionally, options for partial or maximum privacy are available.
Camera features 200 megapixels and extended zoom
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra boasts the most comprehensive camera system in the series. It features a 200-megapixel wide-angle camera, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, and two telephoto lenses. The 10-megapixel telephoto lens offers 3x optical zoom. The 50-megapixel telephoto lens provides 5x optical zoom and 10x zoom in so-called "optical quality.".
The system is complemented by a new Nightography function, which is designed to provide clearer videos in low light conditions.
AI features for photos and creative content
Samsung integrates several AI-powered tools for image editing and creativity.
Photo Assist allows you to make changes to photos by describing them. Missing elements can be added and objects removed. It's also possible to convert photos from day to night or adjust a person's clothing in the picture.
Creative Studio uses sketches, photos, or text input to create AI-generated graphics. These include stickers, background images, or invitations that can be edited directly.
Performance powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
All models in the Galaxy S26 series use Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. According to Samsung, the CPU in the Ultra model is 19 percent faster than in the previous generation. The GPU is 24 percent faster, and neural processing has been improved by 39 percent.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra also features an improved vapor chamber. Thermal material on the sides of the processor is designed to dissipate heat more efficiently. This ensures stable performance even under demanding applications.
Additionally, a "ProScaler" function is integrated, which improves image scaling for photos and videos.
RAM and storage options
Most models come with 12 GB of RAM. The 1 TB model of the Galaxy S26 Ultra has 16 GB of RAM.
Fast charging and wireless charging
Samsung has increased the charging speed. The battery should now be able to charge to up to 75 percent within 30 minutes. Wireless charging up to 25 watts is also supported.
Further AI enhancements in everyday life
In addition to image editing, Samsung is bringing additional AI functions into everyday life.
- Now Nudge automatically suggests content to reduce distractions. For example, if you're looking for photos of a recent event, they'll be suggested directly without having to search through apps.
- Now Brief delivers a personalized daily AI briefing and displays reminders of important events based on personal context.
- Circle to Search supports improved multi-object detection, allowing multiple elements in an image to be identified and located.
- The call screening detects unknown callers, asks for the reason for the call, and summarizes the information.
- Privacy warnings use machine learning to inform users when apps with device administrator rights unnecessarily attempt to access sensitive data.
- The private album allows you to hide selected photos and videos without creating a separate folder or logging into a Samsung account.
- Bixby acts as a conversational agent and can adjust settings or help with troubleshooting. Additionally, other chatbots like Gemini or Perplexity can be activated with the touch of a button or voice command.
The Galaxy S26 series can also perform multi-stage tasks in the background. AI agents handle processes while other applications are used simultaneously.
Galaxy Buds4 and Buds4 Pro
Alongside its smartphone series, Samsung introduced the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. The Galaxy Buds 4 offer an improved fit and optimized sound quality.
The Galaxy Buds4 Pro also feature active noise cancellation, an improved adaptive EQ, the ability to accept or reject calls by moving your head, and support for activating AI agents.
Prices, pre-order and market launch
The new Samsung smartphones are now available for pre-order. They will be launched on March 11th. Prices in Germany start at €999 for the Samsung Galaxy S26, €1,249 for the Galaxy S26+, and €1,449 for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The Galaxy Buds 4 are also available for pre-order.
Samsung Galaxy S26: A holistic approach combining performance and intelligence
With the Galaxy S26 series, Samsung is consistently focusing on combining powerful hardware, AI integration, and enhanced privacy features. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, in particular, clearly positions itself in the premium segment with its Privacy Display, comprehensive camera setup, and improved Snapdragon processor. At the same time, the new generation demonstrates that Samsung increasingly understands AI as an integral part of the entire system – from photo editing to background processing in everyday use. (Image: Samsung)
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