Samsung has unveiled the latest generation of its flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S26, just days before the Mobile World Congress. This new model introduces enhancements in photography and artificial intelligence (AI), featuring an innovative AI call filter that manages calls from unknown numbers and a privacy mode that darkens the screen to shield sensitive information from view.
Launch Timing and Model Overview
Unlike previous years, the Galaxy S26's presentation was strategically timed closer to the MWC, distancing its release from the Galaxy Z TriFold, which hit the U.S. market in late January. This decision avoids potential market cannibalization between the two flagship devices.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 lineup consists of three models: the base S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra. The design features a slightly more rounded appearance, with the base model's screen increasing marginally to 6.3 inches, while the S26 Plus and Ultra retain their dimensions at 6.7 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively.
Camera Enhancements and AI Editing
The S26 Ultra is equipped with a primary 200-megapixel sensor featuring an f/1.4 aperture, allowing for superior detail in low-light conditions. The telephoto lens boasts a 50-megapixel sensor with an f/2.9 aperture for enhanced night zoom capabilities. Both the base and Plus models utilize a 50-megapixel sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, accompanied by a 12-megapixel ultra-wide angle sensor with an f/2.2 aperture. Notable advancements in photography also include intelligent editing capabilities.
Users can easily modify photos by adding elements or merging images from the gallery using simple text commands, driven by Google's popular AI model, Nano Banana. Samsung has implemented restrictions to prevent inappropriate content generation, such as violence or nudity and facial alteration.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra features the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip, optimized for peak performance, and is available with either 12 or 16 GB of RAM. The device is powered by a 5,000 mAh battery that offers rapid 60W charging, achieving 75% capacity in just 30 minutes, while maintaining a lightweight design at 214 grams and a slim 7.9 millimeters in thickness.
AI Integration for Enhanced Usability
Samsung emphasizes seamless integration of AI in the Galaxy S26 to enhance user experience. The AI call filter answers calls from unknown numbers, even if they are not flagged as spam. When a call comes from an unrecognized number, a synthetic voice introduces itself, informs the caller that the call is being recorded, and prompts them to state their name and reason for calling.
If a missed call occurs, users receive a notification detailing the caller's name and purpose, enabling them to decide whether to return the call or ignore it. This feature aims to mitigate the rise in spam calls while ensuring important communications aren't overlooked.
Another AI-affiliated feature, ‘Now Nudge,' provides users with convenient shortcuts for completing tasks, such as suggesting images for sending in a chat based on previous conversations, or checking a calendar for potential scheduling conflicts when discussing meetups. The AI functionality in Galaxy S26 is primarily supported by Gemini and Samsung's Bixby assistant and is complemented by Perplexity for efficient searches.
Privacy Features in the Galaxy S26 Ultra
A standout feature of the S26 Ultra is its privacy-focused display, designed for use in public settings where sensitive information is typically at risk of being seen by others. This new display technology adjusts the light beam of the pixels, ensuring that only the viewer in front of the screen can see the content clearly, while obscuring it for anyone looking from an angle.
New Accessories: Galaxy Buds4 and Buds4 Pro
In addition to the smartphones, Samsung has announced the Galaxy Buds4 and Buds4 Pro, featuring improved active noise cancellation and a larger woofer speaker. Pre-orders for all new devices, including smartphones and headphones, are now available.
