Samsung unveils Galaxy S26 series with intuitive AI features

Samsung has unveiled its Galaxy S26 line-up, introducing modest hardware refinements and a broader suite of artificial intelligence (AI) features, alongside a renewed focus on display privacy in its top-tier model.

At first glance, the new Samsung Galaxy S26 range closely resembles its predecessor, maintaining the minimalist design language established in recent years. A subtle camera housing now unifies the three rear lenses on the standard S26, replacing the individually raised modules seen previously. The devices are offered in a wider array of colours, including Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue, black and white, with additional online-exclusive finishes.

The base S26 features a slightly larger 6.3-inch display, up from 6.2 inches, bringing it closer in size to rival flagship devices such as the Apple iPhone 17 and Google Pixel 10. The S26+ retains a 6.7-inch quad HD screen, matching the resolution of the Ultra variant and exceeding the full HD display on the standard model.

The most significant hardware addition comes with the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, which introduces a built-in Privacy Display intended to limit visibility from side angles. The feature, typically achieved through third-party screen accessories, is designed to deter onlookers in public settings. Samsung has also increased the battery capacity of the standard S26 from 4,000mAh to 4,300mAh. All three models are powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor, customised for Samsung devices.

Camera specifications remain broadly consistent with last year’s models. The S26 and S26+ include a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens offering up to 3x optical zoom. The Ultra model retains its 200-megapixel main camera, accompanied by a 50-megapixel ultrawide and dual telephoto system. Samsung said software refinements will improve low-light video performance and image stability, and the Ultra now supports the APV video codec aimed at professional users.

The S26 series will also be among the first devices to support an agentic version of Google Gemini, initially integrated with a limited number of applications focused on services such as ride-hailing and grocery shopping. In demonstrations, users could allow the assistant to complete tasks in the background or monitor its progress in real time.

A new tool called Now Nudge provides contextual prompts based on user activity, such as suggesting relevant photographs when prompted in a messaging app. Now Brief has been updated to deliver more timely reminders, while Circle to Search with Google can identify multiple objects within an image simultaneously. The device also introduces scam detection for calls and AI-assisted screening of unknown numbers.

Software formed another pillar of the presentation. Samsung introduced a redesigned voice assistant experience with the new Bixby integrated into One UI 8.5. The assistant has been rebuilt to support more natural, conversational commands and to understand multi-layered requests across applications.

Pricing has risen for the S26 and S26+, which now start at $899 and $1,999 respectively, each $100 higher than their predecessors. The base model now begins at 256GB of storage, removing the previous 128GB option. The S26 Ultra remains priced at $1,299, unchanged from last year.

Alongside the smartphones, Samsung introduced the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 and Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, which feature a revised design with shorter stems and support for 24-bit audio on compatible Samsung devices.