Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Launch: AI Upgrades & Privacy Display

Samsung Launches Galaxy S26 Ultra With Privacy Display and Advanced AI Features

Samsung Electronics has officially introduced its Galaxy S26 smartphone lineup, focusing heavily on artificial intelligence enhancements and built-in privacy tools, rather than major design changes. The launch event took place in San Francisco, where the company showcased three models: Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy S26 Plus, and Galaxy S26.

Pricing and Availability

The new lineup is priced to directly compete with Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 series. The Galaxy S26 Ultra starts at $1,300, while the Galaxy S26 Plus costs $1,100, and the standard Galaxy S26 is priced at $900. Compared to last year’s models, the Plus and base versions are $100 more expensive, likely due to rising component and memory chip costs.

Samsung also unveiled two new wireless earbuds — Galaxy Buds 4 Pro ($249) and Galaxy Buds 4 ($179). Pre-orders for all new Galaxy devices are now open, with retail availability beginning March 11.

Built-In Privacy Display: A Key Highlight

One of the standout features of the Galaxy S26 Ultra is its built-in Privacy Display, designed to protect on-screen content from unwanted viewing angles. When activated, the 6.9-inch display becomes significantly harder to see from the sides, top, or bottom — enhancing user privacy in public settings.

Unlike traditional privacy screen protectors, Samsung’s integrated technology works by selectively disabling certain pixels, ensuring clarity for the user while limiting visibility for others. Users can keep this feature on continuously or enable it automatically for sensitive apps such as banking, email, messaging, and work-related tools. Additional modes allow the feature to activate only during password entry or to hide notifications.

Design and Display Improvements

Samsung has replaced the titanium frame used in previous models with aluminium, making the Galaxy S26 Ultra lighter and thinner than ever. The change also improves comfort during extended use. The display now features an enhanced anti-reflective coating, delivering reduced glare compared to rival smartphones.

Camera and Performance Enhancements

While maintaining the same camera resolutions — 200MP primary sensor and 50MP zoom lenses — Samsung has improved light intake through a wider aperture. This results in better low-light photography and videography. The company has also refined its Nightography video mode, using AI-driven noise reduction to enhance footage captured in dark conditions.

Charging and Cooling Upgrades

The Galaxy S26 Ultra supports 65W wired fast charging, capable of powering the device from zero to 75% in just 30 minutes, along with 25W wireless charging. An upgraded vapour chamber cooling system ensures better heat dissipation, particularly during heavy usage such as gaming and multitasking.

S Pen and AI Integration

Samsung continues to include its signature S Pen stylus, though it does not introduce new features this year. Instead, the company has focused on AI-based software improvements, aimed at enhancing productivity, security, and everyday usability.