Daniel Haaf
Skribent
Updated: 26 February 2026
Samsung has launched the new Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra smartphones. The series builds on last year's models with improved performance, several new AI features and enhancements to the cameras and battery.
Image: Samsung
AI is becoming increasingly common in our lives and with the Galaxy S26 series you get many new AI features directly on the phone – several in collaboration with Google and Gemini AI.
Several new features are integrated directly into the system and affect how the phone presents information and how you interact with content.
For example, there is the function "Now Nudge" which analyses what is displayed on the screen and suggests relevant information, such as images linked to an event or free times in the calendar.
"Circle to Search" is updated to version 3.0. With this feature you can circle multiple objects in an image and have each part identified simultaneously.
"Notification Intelligence" prioritises messages from people over adverts and subscriptions so that the right notifications are surfaced higher in the list.
You can switch between three AI assistants: Google Gemini, Bixby and Perplexity. Perplexity can also be activated by voice command and helps search for information, manage tasks or navigate the phone via natural speech or text.
Image: Samsung
The system chips used vary slightly by model. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, a customised version for Samsung, is used in the Galaxy S26 Ultra while the sibling models get the Exynos 2600 chip.
Compared with the previous generation, performance in the Snapdragon chip increases by 20 per cent and energy efficiency in the processor improves by 35 per cent thanks to newer 3‑nanometre technology.
The new Adreno graphics unit raises graphics performance by 23 per cent. Perfect for those who love gaming on their phone.
All models have Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with an adaptive refresh rate between 1 and 120Hz. Lower rates mean lower power consumption and longer battery life, while a higher rate makes graphics smoother and more pleasant to view.
Storage options are 256 or 512GB for the S26 and S26+, while the S26 Ultra is also available with 1TB. RAM is 12GB across the series, but the 1TB Ultra version gets 16GB.
The screen sizes are as follows:
The base model grows slightly compared with its predecessor and is now 6.3 inches. A welcome change, especially with the thinner bezels around the screen which means the change does not affect the overall size.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra also features a Privacy Display. A function that makes the screen readable only from the front and limits side viewing. The feature can be enabled permanently or automatically activated in certain situations, such as when passwords are entered or certain apps are opened.
Image: Samsung
Samsung increases the battery capacity in the Galaxy S26 to 4,300 mAh, up from 4,000 mAh in the previous model. The Galaxy S26+ retains 4,900 mAh and the S26 Ultra continues with 5,000 mAh.
Charging speeds differ more clearly. The Galaxy S26 supports 25W wired and 15W wireless charging. The Galaxy S26+ reaches 45W wired and 20W wireless charging. The S26 Ultra tops out at 60W via cable and 25W wirelessly.
The series lacks built‑in magnetic Qi2 support. Samsung instead offers cases with magnets as well as a magnetic charging puck and battery pack as accessories.
Samsung largely retains the same camera system as the previous generation.
The Galaxy S26 and S26+ use:
The S26 Ultra upgrades the main camera to 200 megapixels with a new f/1.4 aperture, which lets in more light. The model retains:
The selfie camera remains at 12 megapixels across the series.
The larger aperture in the Ultra enables "Nightography Video" , which improves detail reproduction in low light and complements the Nightography photo mode.
The Galaxy S26 series opens for pre-order immediately after the presentation. Samsung offers several colours, including Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue and Black. Here are the recommended retailer prices shortly after launch.
Galaxy S26
Galaxy S26+
Galaxy S26 Ultra
Image: Samsung
Samsung is also launching the in‑ear buds Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro with active noise cancellation, adaptive EQ and the latest generation Bluetooth version.
You get up to 30 hours total battery life with the accompanying case. Battery life in the earbuds is up to seven hours for the Pro (six with ANC) and six hours for the standard model (five with ANC).
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro have the biggest audio improvements with a new driver that reduces distortion and improves noise cancellation. The standard model also gets somewhat better sound quality, although not on par with the Pro model.
The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro also have better durability (IP57 versus IP54) and silicone tips for a tighter fit. The latter mainly helps fit, but also the sound as noise cancellation becomes more effective.
Several features are optimised for Galaxy users, such as quick pairing, direct settings, head gestures and live translation. The earbuds work with other Android devices, but full functionality requires a Galaxy phone, making them most attractive within Samsung's own ecosystem.