Galaxy S26 Ultra Introduces a New Era of Screen Privacy

Headlining the reveal, the device pioneers the world’s first privacy display, while the Galaxy Buds4 refine the audio experience with smarter noise control and ergonomic precision.

Samsung

Revealed at Samsung Unpacked 2026, the Galaxy S26 series and Galaxy Buds4 series signify a substantial advancement in Samsung's goal for an autonomous AI ecosystem.

The Galaxy S26 series, which includes the S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra, is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy, offering a 39% enhancement in NPU performance tailored for managing proactive AI tasks in the background. A notable advancement with the Galaxy S26 Ultra is the mobile industry's inaugural integrated Privacy Display. This hardware-integrated functionality enables users to regulate light dispersion at the pixel level, concealing on-screen content from lateral viewpoints—ideal for congested public environments—eliminating the necessity for conventional adhesive coverings.

This is complemented by the thinnest "Ultra" design to date, with a revised Vapour Chamber that is larger and more efficient than that of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, ensuring the device keeps cool during intensive AI tasks or high-end gaming. The camera system of the S26 Ultra features significant hardware and software enhancements, including larger apertures that let 47% more light on the 200MP wide sensor relative to its predecessor. This is accompanied by "Photo Assist," an AI suite that enables users to modify photographs by articulating alterations in natural language, such as requesting a transition from day to night.

Samsung

Moreover, the S26 Ultra is the inaugural Galaxy smartphone to use APV, a professional-grade video codec tailored for high-quality, visually lossless production workflows. The Galaxy S26 series features a cohesive design language across all models, offering common colour choices such Cobalt Violet, White, Black, and Sky Blue, along with special alternatives from the Samsung webstore such as Pink Gold and Silver Shadow.

The Galaxy Buds4 series, released along with the phones, features a distinctive "blade" appearance, complemented by stabilised metal coatings and etched pinch controls. The Buds4 Pro incorporates a broader woofer, enhancing the effective speaker area by approximately 20% relative to earlier models, thus providing rich 24-bit/96kHz high-fidelity audio. New "Head Gesture" controls let users to handle calls or engage with AI agents such as Bixby and Gemini without the use of hands. The earbuds are offered in White and Black, with a unique online-exclusive Pink Gold variant for the Pro model. The Galaxy S26 and Galaxy Buds4 series are currently available for pre-order through Samsung, with public release commencing on March 11, 2026. For additional information, visit Samsung's official webstore.