The Samsung S26 Ultra continues seamlessly with deeper integration of Galaxy AI into daily use, while also considering your privacy with the introduction of a new privacy screen.
Samsung is launching the Galaxy S26 series today, which as usual consists of a base S26 model, S26+, and the S26 Ultra. Samsung’s new flagship devices continue the path the manufacturer took last year with the S25 series. Deeper integration of Galaxy AI features again takes precedence over hardware improvements in the announcement, although there are also changes to the most expensive Ultra model in that regard.
Thinner Ultra
Samsung announces the Galaxy S26 Ultra as the ‘thinnest Ultra model’ to date. The device is 7.9 mm thick, which is barely thicker than the smaller models. To make this possible, the included S Pen is also slightly smaller. The rounded corners of the previous model are retained, as is the 6.9-inch screen size.
The base model has had a mini growth spurt and now features a 6.3-inch screen diagonal. For the S26+, the design remains largely unchanged: the screen size stays at 6.7 inches. This year, the color options are uniform across the three models: purple, white, black, or blue.
Back to Exynos
The Galaxy S26 Ultra receives a ‘logical’ upgrade to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. We already saw Qualcomm’s processor in OnePlus’s latest flagship model, and we will find it in almost all devices in the highest price range this year. Samsung particularly finds the performance improvements of the NPU chip for AI support attractive. Thermal dissipation has been optimized with a redesigned vapor chamber and heat-conductive material, ensuring that intensive tasks such as gaming and video editing do not lead to overheating.
The S26 Ultra is available with 12 GB or 16 GB of internal RAM. RAM memory is so expensive these days that it is not a given even for Samsung to order enough modules from its own chip factory.
For the S26 and S26+, Samsung is once again making a 180-degree turn. No Qualcomm, but an Exynos processor again: the Exynos 2600.
Faster charging
Charging has long been a pain point for the S26 series. The S26 Ultra finally brings (a little) change to this. Via cable, the S26 Ultra delivers a charging capacity of 60 W: this allows you to charge your device to 75 percent in thirty minutes. This is still slower than charging times offered by other manufacturers, but the gap is narrowing again. Wireless charging is possible at 25 W. Do not expect a speed boost for the other models.
The smallest S26 does get a battery boost to 4,300 mAh. This remains the same for the S26+ (4,900 mAh) and S26 Ultra (5,000 mAh). The improved Qualcomm architecture should ensure that the S26 Ultra can maintain its power for a long time, but tests will have to show whether that is enough to keep up with the 6,000 mAh battery of the OnePlus 15 and Oppo Find X9 Pro.
In vivid detail
The cameras of the Galaxy S26 series are also being improved, particularly on the Ultra. On paper, the setup remains the same: a 200 MP main camera, supported by a 50 MP wide-angle camera and a dual telephoto camera (50 MP + 10 MP, up to 10x optical zoom). The larger apertures of the main camera provide better performance in low-light conditions, which should lead to better night photos. The improved optical image stabilization can ‘lock’ the camera to better track moving objects during video recording.
Images will look precise and more colorful with the introduction of two new image processing technologies: ProScaler and Digital Natural Image. Samsung claims the screen can cover up to one billion colors.
Bixby is still alive
For two years now, Samsung’s focus for the S series has been more on software than hardware. In 2024, Galaxy AI was introduced; last year, Now Brief. The S26 now adds Now Nudge to that, with more personalized recommendations based on what is happening on your screen. Galaxy AI now actively monitors your screen.
Samsung isn’t letting go of Bixby either, and from now on you can chat with the AI assistant in natural language to, for example, adjust settings. If you tell Bixby that your eyes hurt, it should understand that the screen brightness needs to be adjusted.
Prying eyes
More AI must not lead to less privacy. Samsung emphasizes that all data processing by the AI functions takes place on your device, so that data can stay there. A brand-new feature is the privacy screen, which allows you to make (parts of) your screen invisible to prying eyes trying to peek from the side. Ideal for when you receive an embarrassing message or when your bank card’s PIN is visible on the screen.
ITdaily was able to briefly test this feature before the launch. The photos below show the difference with and without the privacy screen. The feature can be enabled with a simple tap via the quick settings menu.
Price and availability
The Galaxy S26 Ultra, S26+, and S26 will be available starting March 11. The base model starts at 999 euros, the S26+ from 1,249 euros, and for the most expensive Ultra, you will pay at least 1,449 euros. Prices include VAT.