Samsung's Galaxy S26 series focuses on AI optimization rather than design changes, with all models now sharing a unified look. The premium Ultra model introduces a Privacy Display that blocks side views to protect sensitive on-screen information.
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Samsung unveiled its latest flagship devices, the Galaxy S26 series during its Galaxy Unpacked event held in San Francisco. This year is lineup places a strong emphasis on optimization and artificial intelligence. While the new models do not represent a major departure from last year is Galaxy S25 devices, Samsung is highlighting performance enhancements designed to improve AI processing. In addition, the phones come equipped with a variety of new AI-driven features.
The most significant hardware update is exclusive to the premium Galaxy S26 Ultra- the Privacy Display. This feature is designed to keep on-screen content safe from prying eyes by limiting viewing angles, eliminating the need for an external privacy screen protector. Aside from this addition, the Ultra model now blends in more closely with the Galaxy S26+ and standard Galaxy S26, as all three share a consistent design language—a shift from previous generations where the Ultra stood out more distinctly.
Performance That's Been Optimized
For the first time, all three Galaxy S26 models share a virtually identical appearance. The Ultra has moved away from its signature boxy shape a design shift Samsung says was intended to create a more cohesive look across the lineup. The rear cameras are no longer individually floating; they are now housed within a single glass module. The Galaxy S26 Ultra also swaps titanium for aluminum, shedding 4 grams in weight and allowing for a more uniform color finish that flows from the back to the edges.
This material change mirrors the shift Apple made with the iPhone 17 Pro series, which adopted aluminum for improved heat management and a lighter build. Samsung asserts that this iteration of its "Armor Aluminum" is the strongest yet, and at 7.9 mm thick, the new Ultra is the slimmest in the series history—a reduction of 0.3 mm. The device also features a redesigned vapor chamber cooling system designed to dissipate heat more efficiently, supporting sustained performance during demanding activities like gaming.
Feature | Galaxy S26 | Galaxy S26+ | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|
Price | $900 | $1,100 | $1,300 |
Display | 6.3 inches, FHD+ AMOLED, 1-120Hz LTPO | 6.7 inches, QHD+ AMOLED, 1-120Hz LTPO | 6.9 inches, QHD+ AMOLED, 1-120Hz LTPO |
Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
RAM | 12 GB | 12 GB | 12 GB / 16 GB |
Storage Options | 256 GB / 512 GB | 256 GB / 512 GB | 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB |
Battery | 4,300 mAh | 4,900 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
Charging | 25W Wired / 15W Wireless | 45W Wired / 20W Wireless | 60W Wired / 25W Wireless |
Rear Cameras | • 50MP Main | • 50MP Main | • 200MP Main |
Selfie Camera | 12 MP | 12 MP | 12 MP |
Key Features | • Non-magnetic Qi2 (case required) | • Non-magnetic Qi2 (case required) | • Privacy Display |
Build | Armor Aluminum, Victus 2 Glass | Armor Aluminum, Ceramic Front, Victus 2 Back | Armor Aluminum, Gorilla Armor 2 Front, Victus 2 Back |
Colors | Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue, Black, White (Online: Silver Shadow, Pink Gold) | Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue, Black, White (Online: Silver Shadow, Pink Gold) | Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue, Black, White (Online: Silver Shadow, Pink Gold) |
Software Support | 7 Years of Updates | 7 Years of Updates | 7 Years of Updates |
Here is a look at some of the other AI features Samsung is promoting-
Audio Eraser- This returning tool removes background noise from videos you have recorded. In the Galaxy S26 series, it now works during playback as well—so if you are watching a video on a platform like Netflix or Instagram and the audio is muddy due to a noisy setting, Audio Eraser can filter out the distractions and enhance the speakers voice.
Document Scanner- The camera app is document-scanning function has been upgraded with Galaxy AI. It can now clean up a scanned document by removing fingers holding the page, smoothing out creases and folds, eliminating shadows and correcting distortion—all before you save it as a PDF.
Screenshots- Galaxy AI now analyzes the content of your screenshots and sorts them into eight categories, such as boarding passes, events, social media or coupons. This makes them much easier to search and find later, similar to the functionality in Google's Pixel Screenshots app.
Now Nudge- Integrated into Samsung's keyboard, this feature offers contextual suggestions. For instance, if someone in a chat asks you to share trip photos, a button will appear on the keyboard that takes you directly to your gallery and surfaces relevant images. It functions much like Google is Magic Cue on Pixel devices.
Now Brief- Samsung's AI-powered information hub, which has been largely underwhelming, may finally become more practical—but it requires access to all your notifications. If granted permission, it will compile personalized updates and alerts into a single, convenient space.
Call Screening- Similar to screening tools on Pixel phones and iPhones, Samsung now lets its AI assistant answer and assess incoming calls, giving you the option to pick up based on the AI's analysis.
Scam Detection- Following Google is recent rollout of real-time scam alerts on Android, Samsung is integrating a similar feature. During a call, Galaxy AI can analyze the conversation and alert you if the caller appears to be steering you into common scams.
Bixby- Samsung is original voice assistant is getting a boost through Perplexity is large language models. Bixby remains focused on helping you navigate your device—for example, if you mention your eyes feel strained, it can suggest display or comfort settings to adjust.