Look out Android fans! Samsung has officially announced the Samsung Galaxy S26 series, touted as the phone featuring “most intuitive, proactive and adaptive Galaxy AI.
The latest smartphones from Samsung are the third-generation AI smartphones, which include the Samsung Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+ and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, and is believed to be able to handle complex tasks in the background, allowing users to focus on results rather than how the technology works.
According to Samsung, the entire Galaxy S26 series was engineered with Samsung’s most advanced capabilities working together as one: incredible performance, an industry-leading camera system, and Galaxy AI. This provides a strong foundation that gives Galaxy S26 users the confidence to depend on their phone throughout the day without compromising security or privacy.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is also the first Samsung phone that has the world’s first built-in Privacy Display for mobile phones to unlock a new class of display experiences and reinforce Samsung’s commitment to privacy at a pixel level. The Galaxy S26 Ultra also features a customized chipset, Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy, and upgraded thermal management that make processes faster, all the while working inside the slimmest Ultra phone in Samsung’s arsenal.
“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 (DX) 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.”
Powerful Performance Designed Around Everyday Use
As mentioned earlier, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comes equipped with the Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy, offering gains across CPU, GPU and NPU for this smartphone. A CPU performance increase of up to 19%[ AP performance improvements shown compared to Galaxy S25 Ultra. Actual performance will depend on user environment, conditions and pre-installed software and applications.] means Galaxy S26 Ultra responds more quickly and handles complex workloads intelligently, even when multiple tasks are running at once. A 39% improvement in NPU performance powers always-on Galaxy AI features that run seamlessly, allowing users to move between tasks without lag or interruption. A 24% boost in GPU performance delivers richer visuals and more fluid gameplay.
For improved level of performance, the Galaxy S26 Ultra also introduces a new and improved vapor Chamber with thermal interface allowing heat to spread across a larger surface and cooling the smartphone faster than ever before. The improved Vapor Chamber is actually better than what they had put in the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Embedded into the processor, Samsung’s proprietary technologies enhance visual performance. ProScaler[ ProScaler feature is supported on Galaxy S26+ and S26 Ultra models. Image quality can be enhanced up to QHD+, depending on the screen resolution setting of the device.] improves image scaling so photos and videos appear richer and clearer at a glance by sharpening text and fine detail while smoothing textures. Additionally, Samsung’s mobile Digital Natural Image engine (mDNIe) delivers more subtle and lifelike colors thanks to image processing with four times the precision compared to the previous generation.
Galaxy’s Industry-Leading Camera System
The Galaxy S26 series brings the same focus on intuitive interaction to creativity and productivity, delivered through the industry-leading Galaxy camera system. With an approach that integrates capturing stunning photos and videos, editing and sharing into a single, seamless experience, creativity feels more natural and accessible even without professional tools or technical knowledge.
On Galaxy S26 Ultra, wider camera apertures allow more light to reach the sensor, delivering clearer photos with richer details in low-light conditions, even when zoomed in. Enhanced Nightography Video keeps footage clearer and more vibrant even in dim scenes, whether capturing concerts indoors or recording moments around a campfire after sunset. Video capture is further enhanced with upgraded Super Steady capabilities, which add a horizontal lock option for greater stability and to make consistent framing easier to achieve, even with bumpy trails or fast-paced activities. Galaxy S26 Ultra is the first Galaxy device to support APV, a new professional-grade video codec designed to deliver efficient compression for high-quality production workflows. Optimized for advanced creators, it ensures visually lossless video quality that stays true even after repeated editing.
Improvements to the AI ISP now extend to the selfie camera, capturing more natural skin tones and finer detail in mixed lighting.
Editing photos and videos is just as easy and straightforward, with AI-powered tools built into familiar workflows so users can make changes quickly and unlock their creativity without design expertise.
With the upgraded Photo Assist suite, users can simply describe what they want to change in their own words. Changing the scene from day to night is just a matter of asking. It can also add to images and restore missing parts of objects like a bite taken out of a cake. Personal details, such as a spill on clothing, can also be cleaned up with Galaxy AI’s new ability to change outfits in photos. Edits can now be made continuously, reviewed step by step, and easily adjusted or undone along the way, making the process feel fluid rather than final.
Creative Studio builds on this simplicity by bringing creation and customization into one integrated space, making it easy to act on ideas when inspiration strikes. Starting from a sketch, photo or prompt, users can quickly turn ideas into polished visuals — from stickers and invitations to personalized wallpapers — and refine or share them without switching tools or interrupting creative flow.
The Galaxy S26 series also simplifies frequent visual tasks with AI-powered tools like the Document Scan, which removes distortions and distractions such as creases or fingers to deliver clean scans instantly. Multiple images can be organized automatically into a single PDF, making it easy to digitize receipts, forms or notes.
The Most Intuitive Galaxy AI Experience Yet
The Galaxy S26 series is designed to make frequently used experiences feel straightforward and user-friendly, with Galaxy AI reducing the steps between intent and action. It works more proactively and seamlessly on the user’s behalf based on context, surfacing the right support at the right moment and automating tasks with minimal manual input. As the technology fades and handles tasks in the background, users can focus on the results.
With Now Nudge, timely and relevant suggestions help users stay in the flow without being distracted. If a friend asks for photos from a recent trip, Galaxy S26 automatically suggests photos from the Gallery, removing the need to search through albums or switch between apps. When receiving a message about a meeting, Galaxy S26 can recognize related Calendar entries and check for conflicts.
On the Galaxy S26 series, Now Brief has become more proactive and personalized. It surfaces timely reminders for important events – from reservations to travel updates – based on personal context, helping users stay organized throughout the day.
Searching for information is also easier than ever. Circle to Search with Google on the Galaxy S26 series has been upgraded with enhanced multi-object recognition, so users can now explore more deeply on multiple parts of an image at once. If users spot a look they love, the feature also identifies everything from the jacket to the shoes, all in one search.
Galaxy S26 series features an upgraded Bixby as a conversational device agent, making it more intuitive and easier than ever to interact with Galaxy devices. Users can navigate their devices and adjust settings using natural language, without the need for exact terminology or commands.
Alongside Bixby, Galaxy S26 series integrates a choice of agents, including Gemini and Perplexity. Once set up, tasks can be completed with a single button press or voice prompt. Galaxy S26 can also handle multi-step tasks in the background, streamlining the process on the user’s behalf. For example, with Gemini, booking a taxi is as simple as asking, reviewing the details and tapping confirm. These agents support tasks such as searching and carrying out complex tasks seamlessly across apps through natural interaction.
Together, these proactive, personalized and adaptive experiences lay the foundation for more agentic AI experiences — setting the stage for Galaxy devices to become trusted companions that understand and anticipate user needs.
Layers of Protection in the Age of AI
As mobile experiences become more personalized thanks to AI, protecting user privacy becomes even more critical. Samsung builds protection into every layer of Galaxy S26, keeping personal data secure while giving users transparency and control over how their information is used.
Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces privacy at the pixel level with the mobile industry’s first built-in Privacy Display, a breakthrough in display technology that fundamentally changes how privacy can be protected on a phone. Designed for everyday situations like transit, cafés and shared environments, Privacy Display goes beyond anything previously available on mobile devices — hardware and software working as one to protect privacy without compromising the viewing experience.
By controlling how pixels disperse light, the display keeps content clear, bright and comfortable for the user in everyday use, while limiting what others can see. Unlike traditional stick-on privacy films, Galaxy’s integrated Privacy Display preserves full viewing quality from all directions when off, and limits visibility for others from side viewing angles when activated, even when switching between portrait and landscape orientation.
Users can customize when it turns on — such as when entering PINs, patterns and passwords or opening selected apps — and adjust privacy levels depending on the situation. Partial Screen Privacy intelligently limits visibility for notification pop-ups, while Maximum Privacy Protection further obscures side views for added discretion, all with minimal impact on power or usability.
The Galaxy S26 series also brings smarter software safeguards that work quietly in the background. AI-powered Call Screening identifies unknown callers and summarizes intent, making it easier to safely manage calls. Privacy Alerts use machine learning to proactively notify users in real time when apps with device admin privileges unnecessarily attempt to access sensitive data, such as precise location, call logs or contacts. These alerts help users quickly understand when apps are seeking deeper access, so they can manage permissions with greater clarity and control.
Private Album, built directly into Gallery, lets users easily hide selected photos and videos without creating a separate folder or signing into a Samsung Account. To stay ahead of emerging threats, Galaxy S26 also extends Samsung’s innovation in post-quantum cryptography (PQC) to critical system processes, including software verification and firmware protection, strengthening device integrity for the future.
New updates to Knox Matrix further strengthen protection across connected Galaxy devices, adding PQC-enabled end-to-end encryption for more services such as eSIM transfers and clearer visibility into firmware update status across the ecosystem through Security Status of Your Devices.
These experiences are supported by Samsung Knox, the multi-layer security platform that protects Galaxy devices from the chip level up. For on-device Galaxy AI, Personal Data Engine (PDE) enables context-aware, personalized AI experiences. To keep this process safe, Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP) encrypts each app’s data, while Knox Vault adds a physical layer of protection that isolates sensitive data inside its own secure hardware. Together with settings that let users choose how AI features operate, Galaxy S26 combines hardware and software to deliver a comprehensive, system-wide approach designed to keep personal data protected.
These updates build on Galaxy’s existing security and privacy portfolio which includes Auto Blocker, Theft Protection, Private Sharing, Secure Wi-Fi and more. These layers of protection are designed to give users greater transparency, choice and control through Samsung’s continued mobile security innovation in the age of AI. And with seven years of security updates, Galaxy S26 helps keep these layers resilient over time — supporting longer, more confident use well into the years ahead.
Galaxy S26’s ease of use continues even when the phone is out of reach. The new Galaxy Buds4 series is a natural companion to Galaxy S26, extending everyday experiences beyond the phone while delivering rich and immersive hi-fi sound. When Galaxy S26 is paired with Galaxy Buds4, interactions can continue naturally in moments when using hands isn’t practical. Users can activate AI agents with their voices, manage calls through simple Head Gestures on Buds4 Pro, and stay connected without breaking their flow.
Availability
Galaxy S26 Ultra, S26+ and S26 will be available for pre-order starting from February 26. The Galaxy S26 series features a unified design language across all models, with shared color options including Cobalt Violet, White, Black and Sky Blue alongside the Samsung.com-exclusive Pink Gold and Silver Shadow.
Pre-order now and get Double Storage on us worth up to ₱14,000.* You can also enjoy up to 18% savings, plus 0% installment up to 36 months at cash price via UnionBank, BDO, BPI, Metrobank, HSBC, and PNB. You can also enjoy up to 14% off, plus 0% installment up to 24 months at cash price via Eastwest, Security Bank, HSBC, and Chinabank at participating Samsung Authorized Stores nationwide. Online, you can also enjoy cash price offers with up to 18% savings via Samsung.com until March 8, Abenson.com, Lazada, and Shopee.**
No credit card? Samsung Finance+ offers up to P15,000 off at zero processing fee at 0% installment up to 24 months*, and via Home Credit. 36 months installment also available via Home Credit at super low interest rate with only 1% add-on rate per month. For your peace of mind, Samsung Care+ offers 25% off on 2-year unlimited repair coverage for accidental and liquid damage, and replacements worldwide.***
Find out more:
- Galaxy S26 Ultra https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-s26-ultra/buy/?modelCode=SM-S948BZVCPHL
- Galaxy S26+ https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-s26-ultra/buy/?modelCode=SM-S948BZVCPHL
- Galaxy S26 https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-s26/buy/?modelCode=SM-S942BZDQPHL
- Galaxy Buds4 Pro https://www.samsung.com/ph/audio-sound/galaxy-buds4-pro/buy/?modelCode=SM-R640NZDAASA
- Galaxy Buds4: https://www.samsung.com/ph/audio-sound/galaxy-buds4-pro/buy/?modelCode=SM-R540NZKAASA
SPECIFICATION TABLE
| Galaxy S26 Ultra | |
| Display | 6.9-inch* QHD+
Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1~120Hz) Vision booster |
| *Measured diagonally, Galaxy S26 Ultra’s screen size is 6.9-inch in the full rectangle and 6.7-inch with accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and camera hole. | |
| Dimensions & Weight | 78.1 X 163.6 X 7.9mm, 214g
* Weight may vary by country or region. |
| Camera | 50MP Ultra-Wide Camera
● F1.9
200 MP Wide Camera ● 2x Optical Quality Zoom, F1.4
50MP Telephoto Camera ● 10x Optical Quality Zoom, 5x Optical Zoom, F2.9
10MP Telephoto Camera ● 3x Optical Zoom, F2.4
12MP Front Camera ● F2.2
* Optical quality zoom is enabled by the Adaptive Pixel sensor. 3x and 5x distances are optical zoom. 2x and 10x distances are optical quality zoom. |
| AP | Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy |
| Memory & Storage | 16GB + 1TB
12 + 512GB 12 + 256GB |
| *Storage options and availability may vary by carrier, country or region. Actual Available storage capacity is subject to preloaded software.
*Memory option may vary by market. |
|
| Battery | 5,000 mAh |
| *Typical value tested under third-party laboratory conditions. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated (minimum) capacity is 4,855mAh. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.
** Actual battery life varies by network environment, features and apps used, frequency of calls and messages, the number of times charged, and many other factors. |
|
| Charging* | Wired charging*: Up to 75% charge in around 30 mins with 60W Adapter**
Super Fast Wireless Charging *** Wireless PowerShare**** |
| *Wired charging compatible with QC2.0 and AFCPD. | |
| **Power Adapter sold separately. Use only Samsung-approved chargers and cables. | |
| ***Wireless charging compatible with WPC. | |
| ****Limited to Samsung or other brand smartphones with Qi wireless charging, such as Galaxy Z TriFold, S25 FE, Z Fold7, Z Flip7, S25 series, S24 FE, Z Fold6, Z Flip6, S24 series, S23 FE, Z Fold5, Z Flip5, S23 series, Z Fold4, Z Flip4, S22 series, Z Fold3 5G, Z Flip3 5G, S21 FE 5G, S21 series, Z Fold2, Note20 series, S20 series, Z Flip, Note10, Note10+, S10e, S10, S10+, Fold, S9, S9+, S8, S8+, S8 Active, S7, S7 edge, S7 Active, S6, S6 edge, S6 Active, S6 edge+, Note9, Note8, Note FE and Note5. Only available with certain Samsung Galaxy wearables such as Galaxy Buds3 Pro, Buds3, Buds2 Pro, Buds2, Buds Pro, Buds Live, Watch8 Classic, Watch8, Watch Ultra, Watch7, Watch6, Watch6 Classic, Watch5, Watch 5 Pro, Watch4, Watch4 Classic, Watch3, Watch Active2, Watch Active, Gear Sport, Gear S3, Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Buds. If battery power is lower than 30% Wireless PowerShare may not function. May not work with certain accessories, covers, other brand devices or some Samsung wearables. During PowerShare, it may affect call reception or data services, depending on your network environment. | |
| OS | Android 16
One UI 8.5 |
| Network and Connectivity | 5G*, LTE**, Wi-Fi 7***, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth® v 6.0 |
| *Requires optimal 5G network connection, available in select markets. Check with your carrier for availability and details. Download and streaming speeds may vary based on content provider, server connection and other factors.
**Availability of LTE model varies by market and carrier. Actual speed may vary depending on market, carrier, and user environment. ***Wi-Fi 7 network availability may vary by market, network provider and user environment. Requires optimal connection. Will require a Wi-Fi 7 router. |
|
| Water Resistance | IP68 |
| *Based on lab test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. No ingress of dust; complete protection against contact (dust-tight). Water and dust resistance of the device is not permanent and may diminish over time because of normal wear and tear. | |
| Galaxy S26 | Galaxy S26+ | ||||
| Display | 6.3-inch FHD+* | 6.7-inch QHD+ * | |||
| Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display
120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1~120Hz) Vision booster |
|||||
| *Measured diagonally, Galaxy S26’s screen size is 6.3-inch in the full rectangle and 6.1-inch with accounting for the rounded corners, Galaxy S26+’s screen size is 6.7-inch in the full rectangle and 6.5-inch with accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and camera hole. | |||||
| Dimensions & Weight | 71.7 x 149.6 x 7.2mm, 167g (Sub6) | 75.8 x 158.4 x 7.3mm, 190g (mmWave/Sub6) | |||
| * Weight may vary by country or region. | |||||
| AP | Exynos 2600
* Type of AP may vary by device and market. |
||||
| Camera | 12MP Ultra-Wide Camera
● F2.2
50 MP Wide Camera ● 2x Optical Quality Zoom, F1.8
10MP Telephoto Camera ● 3x Optical Zoom, F2.4
12MP Front Camera ● F2.2
* Optical quality zoom is enabled by the Adaptive Pixel sensor. 3x distance is optical zoom. 2x distance is optical quality zoom. |
||||
| Memory & Storage | 12 + 512GB
12 + 256GB |
12 + 512GB
12 + 256GB |
|||
| *Storage options and availability may vary by carrier, country or region. Actual Available storage capacity is subject to preloaded software.
*Memory option may vary by market. |
|||||
| Battery | 4,300 mAh | 4,900 mAh | |||
| *Typical value tested under third-party laboratory conditions. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated (minimum) capacity is 4,175mAh for Galaxy S26 and 4,755mAh for 26+. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors. | |||||
| Charging | Wired Charging*: Up to 55% charge in around 30 mins with 25W Adapter** and 3A USB-C cable***
Fast Wireless Charging 2.0**** Wireless PowerShare***** |
Wired charging*: Up to 69% charge in around 30 mins with 45W Adapter**
Super Fast Wireless Charging*** Wireless PowerShare**** |
|||
| *Wired charging compatible with QC2.0 and AFCPD. | |||||
| **Power Adapter and data cable sold separately. Using the original Samsung 45W Power Adapter and data cable is recommended for Galaxy S26+ and the original Samsung 25W Power Adapter and data cable recommended for Galaxy S26. | |||||
| ***Results from internal Samsung lab tests, conducted with 25W Travel Adapter connected to newly pre-released version of Galaxy S26 and 45W Travel Adapter connected to newly pre-released version of Galaxy S26+ while device had 0% of power remaining, with all services, features and screen turned off. Actual charging speed may vary depending on the actual usage, charging conditions and other factors. | |||||
| ***Wireless charging compatible with WPC. | |||||
| ****Limited to Samsung or other brand smartphones with Qi wireless charging, such as Galaxy Z TriFold, S25 FE, Z Fold7, Z Flip7, S25 series, S24 FE, Z Fold6, Z Flip6, S24 series, S23 FE, Z Fold5, Z Flip5, S23 series, Z Fold4, Z Flip4, S22 series, Z Fold3 5G, Z Flip3 5G, S21 FE 5G, S21 series, Z Fold2, Note20 series, S20 series, Z Flip, Note10, Note10+, S10e, S10, S10+, Fold, S9, S9+, S8, S8+, S8 Active, S7, S7 edge, S7 Active, S6, S6 edge, S6 Active, S6 edge+, Note9, Note8, Note FE and Note5. Only available with certain Samsung Galaxy wearables such as Galaxy Buds3 Pro, Buds3, Buds2 Pro, Buds2, Buds Pro, Buds Live, Watch8 Classic, Watch8, Watch Ultra, Watch7, Watch6, Watch6 Classic, Watch5, Watch 5 Pro, Watch4, Watch4 Classic, Watch3, Watch Active2, Watch Active, Gear Sport, Gear S3, Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Buds. If battery power is lower than 30% Wireless PowerShare may not function. May not work with certain accessories, covers, other brand devices or some Samsung wearables. During PowerShare, it may affect call reception or data services, depending on your network environment. | |||||
| OS | Android 16
One UI 8.5 |
||||
| Network and Connectivity | 5G*, LTE**, Wi-Fi 7***, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth® v 5.4 | 5G*, LTE**, Wi-Fi 7***, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth® v 6.0 | |||
| *5G services are only supported in 5G network enabled locations. Requires optimal 5G connection. Actual speed may vary depending on market, carrier, and user environment.
**Availability of LTE model varies by market and carrier. *** Wi-Fi 7 network availability may vary by market, network provider and user environment. Requires optimal connection. Will require a Wi-Fi 7 router. |
|||||
| Water Resistance | IP68 | ||||
| *Based on lab test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. No ingress of dust; complete protection against contact (dust-tight). Water and dust resistance of device is not permanent and may diminish over time because of normal wear and tear. | |||||
*Specifications may vary by market.
*All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice.
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