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Samsung's AI Leap: Galaxy S26 Redefines Smartphones
25 Feb
Summary
- Galaxy S26 series debuts with advanced AI features and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip.
- New phones feature useful AI, like voice-activated Uber booking from the lock screen.
- Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus see a $100 price increase starting at $900 and $1,100.
Samsung launched its latest smartphone lineup, the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra, at a Galaxy Unpacked event in San Francisco on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. These devices feature a cohesive design, new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processors, and advanced "Galaxy AI" features. Notable AI integrations include voice commands for booking ride-shares directly from the lock screen and sophisticated photo editing tools.
The base Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus have experienced a $100 price increase, with the S26 starting at $900 and the S26 Plus at $1,100. The phones are available for preorder and will be in stores on March 11, 2026. Despite the higher cost, Samsung aims to attract users with AI features designed for practical, everyday use.
The Galaxy S26 sports a slightly larger 6.3-inch display and a 4,300-mAh battery, an upgrade from its predecessor. The S26 Plus retains its 6.7-inch screen and 4,900-mAh battery. Camera hardware on the S26 and S26 Plus remains consistent with the S25 series, featuring a 50-megapixel main sensor. However, AI enhancements significantly elevate the camera experience, offering features like Advanced Selfie and Horizontal lock for video stabilization.
Further enhancing the user experience, Galaxy AI includes Creative Studio for generating stickers and invitations, Audio Eraser for noise reduction in media, and an improved Bixby utilizing LLM for conversational control. Additional features like Call Screening and Scam Detection aim to bolster phone security and convenience. The Circle to Search functionality now supports multi-object search for detailed product information.
