Samsung Unveils 3rd-Gen AI phones Galaxy S26 Series: Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra!

Samsung has officially unveiled its 3rd-Gen AI phones — the Galaxy S26 Series: Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra — and I got to experience them firsthand at the launch in Makati, Metro Manila. From the moment I tried them, it was clear this lineup is built to make everyday interactions smarter, smoother, and more intuitive.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Series: Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the Galaxy S26 series, powered by the most intuitive, proactive and adaptive Galaxy AI experiences yet, and designed to simplify the tasks people do on their phones every day. From managing plans and finding information to capturing and refining content, Galaxy S26 reduces the effort and number of steps required to get things done. As Samsung’s third-generation AI phones, Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra handle complex tasks in the background, allowing users to focus on results rather than how the technology works.

Miong Pelimon of 032Tech.com 'Cebu Tech Storyteller' during Samsung Galaxy S26 Series launching in Makati, Metro Manila

The Galaxy S26 series unites Samsung’s most advanced innovations into one seamless experience, combining exceptional performance, an industry-leading camera system, and powerful Galaxy AI to deliver reliability, security, and privacy users can trust all day. Building on decades of display leadership, the Galaxy S26 Ultra debuts the world’s first built-in Privacy Display on a mobile phone, setting a new standard for on-device privacy while introducing a new class of immersive visuals. Featuring a customized chipset, enhanced thermal management for faster and more capable AI, and the slimmest Ultra design yet, the Galaxy S26 series represents Samsung’s most powerful Galaxy experience to date.

TM Roh, Chief Executive Officer, President, and Head of the Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics, said the company believes AI should be something people can depend on every day, designed to work consistently for everyone without requiring expertise. He added that with the Galaxy S26 series, the focus was on making AI feel effortless, operating quietly in the background so people can concentrate on what matters most.

Powerful Performance Designed Around Everyday Use

Engineered for all-day reliability, the Galaxy S26 series is built on the most powerful hardware ever in a Galaxy S lineup, powered by a customized chipset optimized for AI performance, power efficiency, and advanced thermal management. On the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy delivers the best performance in its class, with gains of up to 19% in CPU, 39% in NPU, and 24% in GPU performance. These enhancements enable faster multitasking, always-on Galaxy AI experiences without lag, richer visuals, and smoother gameplay throughout the day.

Samsung unveils 3rd-Gen AI phones Galaxy S26 Series: Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra

To sustain peak performance, Galaxy S26 Ultra features a redesigned Vapor Chamber with improved heat dissipation, keeping the device cool and consistent during intensive tasks like gaming, multitasking, and video capture. Super Fast Charging 3.0 powers the device up to 75% in just 30 minutes, minimizing downtime. Embedded proprietary technologies such as ProScaler sharpen detail and enhance clarity, while Samsung’s mobile Digital Natural Image engine (mDNIe) delivers more natural, lifelike color with four times greater precision than the previous generation — bringing together seamless, dependable performance that makes every interaction feel effortless.

Galaxy’s Industry-Leading Camera System

Wider camera apertures testing during Samsung Galaxy S26 Series launching in Makati, Metro Manila

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.

Integrates capture, editing, and sharing into one seamless workflow through Samsung’s industry-leading camera system, making creativity intuitive and accessible.
On Galaxy S26 Ultra, wider apertures capture more light for clearer, more detailed low-light photos — even when zoomed — while enhanced Nightography Video keeps footage vibrant in dim settings.
Upgraded Super Steady with horizontal lock improves stability and framing during movement; first Galaxy device to support APV, a professional-grade codec for visually lossless video optimized for advanced editing.
Improved AI ISP enhances selfie camera performance with more natural skin tones and finer detail in mixed lighting.
AI-powered editing tools are built into familiar workflows, enabling quick adjustments without technical expertise.
Upgraded Photo Assist lets users describe edits in natural language — from changing day to night, restoring missing details, or adjusting personal elements — with step-by-step review and easy undo options.
Creative Studio enables users to turn sketches, photos, or prompts into polished visuals like stickers, invitations, and wallpapers without switching tools.
AI-powered Document Scan removes distortions and distractions, auto-organizes multiple images into a single PDF, and simplifies digitizing receipts, forms, and notes.

The Most Intuitive Galaxy AI Experience Yet

The Galaxy S26 series 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.

Designed to simplify everyday experiences, the Galaxy S26 series uses Galaxy AI to reduce the steps between intent and action, working proactively in the background so users can focus on results.
Now Nudge delivers timely, context-aware suggestions — such as surfacing recent trip photos when asked or checking Calendar conflicts when a meeting message is received — without requiring manual searching.
Now Brief provides more proactive, personalized reminders for reservations, travel updates, and key events, helping users stay organized throughout the day.
Circle to Search with Google now supports enhanced multi-object recognition, allowing users to identify and explore multiple items in an image — from clothing pieces to accessories — in a single search.
An upgraded Bixby acts as a more conversational device agent, enabling users to navigate settings and complete tasks using natural language.
The Galaxy S26 series also integrates multiple AI agents, including Gemini and Perplexity, allowing tasks to be completed with a single button press or voice prompt — even handling multi-step actions like booking a taxi seamlessly in the background.
Together, these adaptive and personalized capabilities create a more agentic AI experience, positioning Galaxy devices as trusted companions that anticipate and support user needs.

Layers of Protection in the Age of AI

World’s first built-in Privacy Display on galaxy S26 Ultra

As mobile experiences become more personalized, 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.

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Built with privacy at every layer, the Galaxy S26 series protects personal data while giving users transparency and control over how information is used.
On Galaxy S26 Ultra, the industry’s first built-in Privacy Display protects content at the pixel level — limiting side-angle visibility when activated while maintaining full viewing quality for the user.
Users can customize when Privacy Display activates (e.g., PIN entry or selected apps) and adjust settings like Partial Screen Privacy or Maximum Privacy Protection for added discretion with minimal impact on usability or battery life.
AI-powered safeguards such as Call Screening identify and summarize unknown callers, while Privacy Alerts notify users in real time if apps attempt unnecessary access to sensitive data.
Private Album allows photos and videos to be hidden directly within Gallery, and post-quantum cryptography (PQC) is extended to system processes like software verification and firmware protection to strengthen future security.
Updates to Knox Matrix add PQC-enabled end-to-end encryption for services like eSIM transfers and enhanced ecosystem-wide security visibility.
Powered by Samsung Knox, with features such as Personal Data Engine (PDE), Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP), and Knox Vault, Galaxy S26 secures AI experiences from the chip level up.
Existing protections — including Auto Blocker, Theft Protection, Private Sharing, and Secure Wi-Fi — are reinforced by seven years of security updates for long-term resilience.
Paired with the Galaxy Buds4 series, Galaxy S26 extends secure, hands-free experiences through voice-activated AI agents and intuitive Head Gestures on Buds4 Pro, keeping users connected even when their phone is out of reach.

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Availability

Galaxy S26 Ultra, S26+ and S26 will be available for pre-order starting from February 26.

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 score the following avail the following OFFERS:

Get Double Storage on us worth up to ₱14,000.*
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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*,
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.

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
Memory & Storage	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
Battery	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
Network and Connectivity	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
Water Resistance	*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.