Samsung launches Galaxy S26 series and Galaxy Buds 4 line, with more powerful AI integration & better battery
If you’ve ever caught someone sneaking a glance at your phone on the MRT, Samsung’s latest flagship might just be the upgrade you didn’t know you needed.
Unveiled at Galaxy Unpacked in San Francisco, the new Galaxy S26 series, comprising the S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra, arrives alongside the redesigned Galaxy Buds 4 line.
But beyond the usual performance upgrades, this year’s spotlight falls squarely on smarter, more intuitive Galaxy AI features — and a first-of-its-kind built-in privacy display.
MS News had a sneak preview of the S26 series, and let’s just say, it didn’t disappoint.
World’s first in-built Privacy Display
Touted as the first of its kind, the new in-built Privacy Display on the flagship Galaxy S26 Ultra is designed to keep prying eyes at bay in crowded trains and packed lecture halls.
Source: Samsung
Using pixel light dispersion technology, the 6.9-inch QHD+ display remains bright and crystal clear to the user while limiting visibility from all side angles. Even when switching between portrait and landscape modes.
Unlike traditional stick-on privacy filters, the feature can be toggled on and off, meaning users can enjoy full display clarity whenever discretion isn’t required.
Users have the option to toggle between Partial Screen Privacy, which limits visibility of notification pop-ups, and Maximum Privacy Protection, which further obscures side views for enhanced discretion.
Source: Samsung
Upgraded in-class camera and smarter editing tools
The Galaxy S26 series also raises the bar for mobile photography and videography.
Low-light performance sees a boost with Enhanced Nightography Video, delivering clearer and more colour-accurate footage in dim environments.
Source: MS News
From capturing your idols at concerts to late-night main character in the city shots, the Galaxy S26 handles challenging lighting with ease.
Even when you’re constantly on the move, the upgraded Super Steady feature offers auto-correction of up to 360 degrees, helping maintain consistent framing even during high-motion activities.
You can be walking, running, or sitting steady in the passenger seat — the footage remains stable so you never miss a passing moment.
Source: Samsung
Meanwhile, the newly improved Photo Assist allows users to add or restore missing parts of images, remove blemishes, and edit seamlessly with just a few taps.
During our hands-on session, edits took only seconds and blended in naturally, with minimal distortion.
Source: Samsung
Edits can also be made continuously, reviewed step by step, and easily adjusted or undone along the way.
Slimmer design, more powerful AI core
At just 7.9mm, the S26 may be the slimmest Galaxy model yet. But don’t let the light and comfortable weight fool you, this phone packs serious firepower.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, the Galaxy S26 series promises faster, smoother performance throughout the day.
Source: MS News
Forgot to charge your phone? No worries — the Galaxy S26 Ultra supports all-day battery usage and Super-Fast Charging 3.0, reaching up to 75% charge in just 30 minutes.
Beyond battery efficiency, the bigger star is Galaxy AI.
With Now Nudge, users receive intelligent suggestions without disrupting their workflow.
Source: Samsung
The intuitive in-built AI can recommend photos from the Gallery to share with friends, cross-check calendar entries for potential clashes, and even suggest contextual actions across apps.
Meanwhile, Now Brief has become more proactive and personalised, surfacing playlist recommendations and timely reminders based on user habits and context.
Source: Samsung
Galaxy Buds 4: redesigned, smarter and more immersive
Samsung also unveiled the Galaxy Buds 4 line, featuring a refreshed design and upgraded Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).
The Buds 4 series boasts a sleeker, more ergonomic fit, with smaller earbud heads designed for improved comfort and security, whether at the gym or on back-to-back work calls.
Source: Samsung
The Buds 4 Pro supports hands-free access to AI assistants such as Bixby, Gemini and Perplexity, allowing users to search, send messages or retrieve information without reaching for their phone.
A new Blade Design features a premium metal finish and an engraved pinch-control area for easier adjustments.
Source: Samsung
The transparent clamshell-style charging case adds a modern aesthetic while keeping storage intuitive and convenient.
ANC has also been upgraded, with automatic noise adjustment that adapts to surrounding sounds while maintaining balanced, immersive audio quality.
Source: MS News
Pre-orders from 26 Feb, retail launch on 11 Mar
The Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra are available for pre-order from today (26 Feb), with general availability starting 11 March.
Source: Samsung
Pre-orders can be made via:
- Samsung Online Store and Shop App
- Samsung Experience Stores
- Official Samsung stores on major e-commerce platforms
- Local telcos
- Selected consumer electronics retailers
Customers who pre-order the Galaxy S26 series will receive double the storage on their selected device.
The Galaxy Buds 4 will also be available from 11 March in Black and White.
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Featured image adapted from MS News.
