Samsung launches Galaxy S26 series with AI upgrades, built-in Privacy Display

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Feb. 26, 2026 — Samsung Electronics on Thursday unveiled its flagship Galaxy S26 series, introducing upgraded artificial intelligence capabilities, enhanced camera features and what it called the mobile industry’s first built-in Privacy Display on a smartphone.

The lineup includes the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26.

Samsung said the devices are designed as its third-generation AI phones, capable of handling complex tasks in the background to simplify everyday mobile use.

“We believe AI should be something people can depend on every day,” said TM Roh, Chief Executive Officer and Head of Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics, in a statement. “With the Galaxy S26 series, we focused on making AI feel effortless, working quietly in the background so people can focus on what matters.”

Privacy Display debuts on Ultra

The Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces a built-in Privacy Display that limits side-angle visibility when activated, aiming to protect on-screen content in public spaces such as transit and cafés.

Unlike stick-on privacy films, Samsung said the integrated technology preserves full display quality when turned off and allows users to customize privacy levels depending on the situation.

The Ultra model also features a customized Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy chipset, delivering gains of up to 19% in CPU performance, 39% in neural processing unit (NPU) capability and 24% in GPU performance compared with the previous generation, according to the company.

Samsung said a redesigned vapor chamber improves heat dissipation during gaming, multitasking and video capture.

The device supports Super Fast Charging 3.0, reaching up to 75% battery capacity in 30 minutes.

AI-driven camera and editing tools

Samsung highlighted upgrades to its camera system, particularly on the S26 Ultra, including wider apertures for improved low-light photography and enhanced Nightography Video for clearer footage in dim environments.

The device also introduces support for APV, a new professional-grade video codec designed for efficient compression while maintaining high visual quality.

AI-powered tools such as Photo Assist allow users to edit images using natural language prompts, including changing backgrounds, restoring missing elements or modifying details.

Creative Studio integrates sketch-to-image and design features for generating stickers, invitations and wallpapers within a single interface.

The series also enhances Document Scan functionality, automatically correcting distortions and compiling multiple images into a single PDF.

Expanded Galaxy AI ecosystem

The Galaxy S26 series deepens integration of Galaxy AI features, including proactive tools such as Now Nudge and Now Brief, which surface contextual reminders and suggestions based on user activity.

The devices support Circle to Search with Google, offering enhanced multi-object recognition, and an upgraded version of Bixby as a conversational device agent. Users can also choose alternative AI agents such as Gemini and Perplexity for completing tasks across apps using voice commands.

Samsung said the phones are secured by its Knox security platform, with expanded post-quantum cryptography protections and seven years of security updates.

The company also introduced AI-powered Call Screening and real-time Privacy Alerts to monitor app access to sensitive data.

When paired with the newly launched Galaxy Buds4 series, users can activate AI agents by voice and manage calls using head gestures on the Buds4 Pro.

Availability and offers in the Philippines

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

Color options include Cobalt Violet, White, Black and Sky Blue, with Samsung.com-exclusive Pink Gold and Silver Shadow variants.

In the Philippines, Samsung is offering double storage upgrades worth up to ₱14,000 during the pre-order period, along with installment plans through major banks and financing partners.

Online promotions are available through Samsung.com and selected e-commerce platforms until March 8.

Samsung Care+ is also offering discounted two-year coverage for accidental and liquid damage.

The Galaxy S26 series launches as competition intensifies in the premium smartphone segment, with manufacturers racing to differentiate devices through AI capabilities, camera performance and enhanced privacy features.