On February 25, Samsung Electronics unveiled the Galaxy S26 series at Galaxy Unpacked 2026 in San Francisco. Marking the third generation of Samsung’s Galaxy AI phones, the Galaxy S26 series combines the most powerful performance in Galaxy S series history with the most intuitive AI experience to date[1]. Samsung Newsroom got an early hands-on look at the Galaxy S26 series during Galaxy Unpacked 2026.
▲ The Galaxy S26 series (from left) Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26
Design: Sleeker and Lighter Than Ever
The Galaxy S26 series makes a strong first impression with its refined, modern aesthetic, featuring a rounded curvature and cohesive colour palette that create a unified design identity across the lineup.
▲ The Galaxy S26 series (from left) Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26
The slimmer, lighter build is equally notable. Galaxy S26 Ultra is 0.3 mm thinner than its predecessor and weighs 214 grams. Its slimmer profile enhances portability while maintaining a secure, comfortable grip.
▲ The Galaxy S26 series comes in Cobalt Violet, Black, Sky Blue and White.
Display: Privacy From Every Angle
Debuting on Galaxy S26 Ultra, Privacy Display[2] limits side-angle viewing without the need for a separate screen protector. The display remains clear from the front while restricting visibility from the sides to help shield on-screen content from nearby onlookers.
Users can also assign the Privacy Display to the side button’s double-press function for greater convenience. Even when viewed from the side, content stays concealed — making it especially useful on crowded public transportation or in elevators.
▲ Users can adjust the level of privacy protection in the settings and apply it selectively when entering a PIN, pattern or password, or when notification pop-ups appear.
Galaxy AI: Intuitive AI for Everyone
Galaxy AI stands out on the Galaxy S26 series, combining enhanced contextual awareness with proactive suggestions to simplify everyday tasks.
The new Now Nudge[3] feature reduces app switching by surfacing relevant information in context. When a friend asks about evening plans on messaging apps, Galaxy AI checks the calendar, detects conflicts and displays a tailored “Nudge” pop-up.
A fan favourite since its debut on the Galaxy S24 series, Circle to Search with Google[4] has evolved to support multi-element searches. Circling a celebrity’s outfit, for example, generates curated pieces to recreate the look.
The Galaxy S26 series further expands its AI ecosystem with Bixby[5], Gemini[6] and Perplexity[7]. For example, users can use natural language commands to adjust settings, allowing them to effortlessly control their device even without knowing exact setting names or specific commands.
Saying “My eyes feel tired,” for instance, prompts Bixby to suggest activating Eye comfort shield — eliminating the need to navigate complex menus. Together, these agents understand user intent and context to streamline daily routines, reducing steps and delivering a more seamless, efficient mobile experience.
Camera: Pro-Level Capture, Powered by AI
The Galaxy S26 series marks another leap in mobile photography. Powered by advanced AI, the device enables effortless capture and editing of high-quality content — no expertise required.
Galaxy S26 Ultra features a 200-megapixel (MP) wide-angle camera and a 50 MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom and 10x optical-quality zoom, complemented by a wider apertures[8] for enhanced low-light clarity.
With upgraded Nightography[9], even a recreated San Francisco nightscape inside the exhibition hall appeared vivid and detailed despite dim surroundings. The AI ISP (Image Signal Processor)[10], previously used in the rear camera, also extends to the front camera, capturing fine details — from individual hair strands to eyebrows — while preserving natural skin tones.
Beyond capture, the Galaxy S26 series expands creative possibilities. Powered by Galaxy AI, it provides an intuitive environment that turns ideas into finished results in moments.
The upgraded Photo Assist[11] goes further — removing unwanted objects and naturally adding new elements. When prompted to restore a cake with a bite taken out, AI seamlessly reconstructs it as if untouched. The feature can also transform day into night or adjust wardrobe details to match the mood, enabling faster, more effortless editing.
▲ Photo Assist restores images using AI-powered editing.
With Creative Studio[12], edited photos can be turned into polished content. Users can simply type a prompt — such as “Please draw me a dog” — to generate a context-based sticker set, ready for use in messages or when editing photos. The feature also supports invitations, profile cards and wallpapers, expanding everyday creative possibilities in the future.
Starting with the Galaxy S24 series, the Galaxy S series has ushered in a new era of AI phones. With the Galaxy S26 series, Samsung introduces its third-generation AI phone — delivering personalised experiences that go beyond intent recognition. Featuring the most powerful performance and the most intuitive Galaxy AI to date, the Galaxy S26 series opens a new chapter in mobile innovation.
Price and Availability
Galaxy S26 Ultra, S26+ and S26 will be available for pre-order from February 25 and will be available from March 11. The Galaxy S26 series features a unified design language across all models, with shared colour options including Cobalt Violet, White, Black and Sky Blue alongside the Samsung.com exclusive colours, Pink Gold and Silver Shadow.
Galaxy S26 starts from RRP £879 (256GB), Galaxy S26+ from RRP £1,099 (256GB) and Galaxy S26 Ultra from RRP £1,279.
Samsung.com and Samsung Experience Store offers[13]:
- Pre-order now and receive £170 off 1TB for Galaxy S26 Ultra[14]
- Pre-order now and double the storage to 512GB for the price of 256GB, worth £170[15] across Galaxy S26 series
- Trade-in a selected smartphone and receive £10-£437 off the Galaxy S26[16]
- Trade-in a selected smartphone and receive £10-£542 off the Galaxy S26+[17]
- Trade-in selected smartphone and receive £10-£607 off the Galaxy S26 Ultra[18]
For service plans, additional offers, data plans and finance solutions, please visit samsung.com for more information.
[1]Samsung account login and network connection required. Galaxy AI features are provided for free. Future releases may include additional advanced features that are offered as part of a paid subscription plan. Different terms may apply for AI features provided by third parties
[2]Requires manual activation in settings to function. Privacy Display feature is not AI-powered
[3]Samsung account login required. Supported apps only. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed
[4]Compatible with select languages only. Google Account login and network connection required. If Gemini UI or Google apps are in view: Google and Gemini / YouTube / Maps etc are trademarks of Google LLC. Works on compatible apps and surfaces. Results may vary depending on visual matches. Check responses for accuracy.
[5]Samsung account login and network connection required.
[6]Compatible with select languages only. Google Account login and network connection required. If Gemini UI or Google apps are in view: Google and Gemini / YouTube / Maps etc are trademarks of Google LLC. Check responses. Setup required. Compatibility and availability vary. 18+
[7]Pre-installed on Galaxy S26 Series devices. Requires network connection and a Perplexity account. To initiate Perplexity from the side button, users must assign it to the side button in device settings.
[8]47% more light on 200MP Wide camera and 37% on 50MP Telephoto (5x Optical Zoom) camera on Galaxy S26 Ultra. Brightness improvements shown are compared to Galaxy S25 Ultra.
[9]Results may vary depending on light condition and/or shooting conditions.
[10]Results may vary depending on light condition and/or shooting conditions.
[11]Requires network connection and Samsung account login. A visible watermark is overlaid on the saved image to indicate it was generated by Galaxy AI. Accuracy of output not guaranteed.
[12]Requires network connection and Samsung account login. Accuracy of output not guaranteed.
[13]Purchase from samsung.com and Samsung Experience Stories by 10/03/26
[14]Purchase from samsung.com and Samsung Experience Stories by 10/03/26
[15]Pre-Order from Samsung.com. Operates as a price discount: Buy the larger storage variant (Galaxy S26 Series 512GB) by 10/03/26 and pay the future price of the smaller storage variant (Galaxy S26 Series 256GB)
[16]Purchase from samsung.com and Samsung Experience Stores by 10/03/26. £10 value based on Galaxy Z Flip 5G 256GB in working condition. £437 value based on Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G 256GB. Values over £10 vary by model and condition. Only one trade in device allowed under this promotion. Charges apply if you don’t send us your Trade In device. T&Cs apply. Trade in discount capped at 60% of product price before discount.
[17]Purchase from samsung.com and Samsung Experience Stores by 10.03.26. £10 value based on Galaxy Z Flip 5G 256GB in working condition. £542 value based on Galaxy S24 Ultra 1TB. Values over £10 vary by model and condition. Only one trade in device allowed under this promotion. Charges apply if you don’t send us your Trade In device. T&Cs apply. Trade in discount capped at 60% of product price before discount.
[18]Purchase from samsung.com and Samsung Experience Stores by 10/03/26. £10 value based on Galaxy Z Flip 5G 256GB in working condition. £607 value based on Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G 512GB. Values over £10 vary by model and condition. Only one trade in device allowed under this promotion. Charges apply if you don’t send us your Trade In device. T&Cs apply. Trade in discount capped at 60% of product price before discount.
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