Samsung has officially launched its Galaxy S26 series, alongside the new Galaxy Buds4, marking a significant step forward in mobile privacy and artificial intelligence. The unveiling, which took place at Unpacked 2026, highlights a new privacy display technology for the flagship S26 Ultra and expanded agentic AI features across the entire lineup. The company is betting that these advancements will allow it to maintain its competitive edge against rivals like Apple and Google.
The Galaxy S26 series – comprising the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra – builds upon the foundation laid by the highly-regarded S25 series, boasting faster processors, enhanced AI capabilities, and improved camera systems. Samsung is positioning the new phones as a comprehensive upgrade, addressing nearly every aspect of the user experience. The introduction of a novel display technology, particularly on the Ultra model, is a key differentiator in a crowded smartphone market.
A Unified Design Across the Galaxy S26 Lineup
A notable change with the S26 series is a return to a unified design language. For the past few generations, the Ultra model has sported a blockier, more angular aesthetic compared to the standard and Plus versions. Samsung has streamlined the design, giving all three phones the same basic shapes and curves. This consistency extends to the color palettes, which include Black, Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue, and White, with special-edition Silver Shadow and Pink Gold options available exclusively through Samsung.com. The phones are constructed from metal and glass, with Samsung opting for Armor Aluminum for all three devices – a move away from the titanium frame used in the S25 Ultra. According to Samsung, Armor Aluminum is lighter, more easily shaped and recycled, while still maintaining strength.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra’s display is protected by Corning Gorilla Armor 2, while the S26 and S26+ utilize the first-generation Gorilla Armor. This difference in display protection reflects the Ultra’s positioning as the premium offering in the series.
Privacy Takes Center Stage with the New Display Technology
The most talked-about feature of the Galaxy S26 Ultra is its new Privacy Display. This hardware-driven innovation utilizes a unique OLED panel with two types of pixels. One pixel emits light directly towards the user, while another is wider, allowing light to reach the sides of the screen. When the Privacy Display is activated, the wider pixels are deactivated, significantly reducing the viewing angle and preventing onlookers from seeing sensitive information. This eliminates the need for third-party privacy screen protectors, offering a built-in solution for enhanced privacy. PCMag notes the intriguing nature of this new display.
AI Enhancements and Performance Upgrades
Beyond the privacy features, the Galaxy S26 series incorporates significant AI enhancements. While specific details are still emerging, Samsung is emphasizing performance optimizations that purportedly boost AI processing capabilities. The phones also feature new chipsets – both Snapdragon and Exynos variants, depending on the region – promising improved performance and efficiency. Tom’s Guide highlights the new chipsets and fresh AI tricks as key improvements.
Pricing and Availability
The Galaxy S26 and S26+ will see a price increase of $100 compared to their predecessors, starting at $900 and $1,100 respectively. This price hike is likely due to an increase in RAM, a component that has turn into more expensive. The Galaxy S26 Ultra, however, will maintain the same price point as the previous generation, at $1,300. The new Galaxy Buds4 are priced at $179, while the Buds4 Pro will retail for $249. All devices are available for preorder now and will officially move on sale March 11. WIRED confirms these pricing details.
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series represents an evolution rather than a revolution, focusing on refining existing features and introducing innovative solutions like the Privacy Display. The company’s commitment to AI integration and a unified design language positions the S26 lineup as a strong contender in the premium smartphone market. The success of these devices will depend on how effectively Samsung can demonstrate the value of these enhancements to consumers.
Looking ahead, the industry will be closely watching how Samsung’s AI features develop and how the Privacy Display is received by users concerned about data security. The competition with Apple’s iPhone 17 series and Google’s Pixel 10 family will undoubtedly drive further innovation in the coming months.
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