Main points
- Samsung introduced the new Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra models with an emphasis on integrating AI features, a larger display, and a larger battery.
- Prices for the new models have increased by $100 compared to their predecessors, with the Galaxy S26 starting at $900.
Galaxy S26, S26 Plus and S26 Ultra introduced / Photo by Samsung
Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra at an event in San Francisco. The base model gets a bigger display and battery, but the price tag goes up. The main focus is on the expanded Galaxy AI capabilities, which are now integrated into almost every aspect of the smartphone.
This year, the company focused on integrating agent-based AI to simplify daily tasks, calling it the “era of personalized AI,” reports 24 Kanal .
What's new in the Galaxy S26 and is the price increase justified?
At the Galaxy Unpacked presentation at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, Samsung introduced three new flagships: the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus and S26 Ultra . The line was a continuation of the S25 series, but now the manufacturer places even greater emphasis on artificial intelligence and the integration of AI features into everyday scenarios.
Prices increased by 100
The Galaxy S26 starts at $900, and the S26 Plus starts at $1,100. That's $100 more than its predecessors. As for the Ultra, there's only a $200 difference, as it costs $1,300.
The reasons for the increase are not officially explained – among the possible factors are customs duties or a shortage of RAM. At the same time, Samsung is offering a number of pre-order bonuses to partially compensate for the price difference. Pre-orders are already open, and sales start on March 11.
Design: the base model has become larger
The Galaxy S26 has received an updated design and has grown a little. The display has increased from 6.2 to 6.3 inches. The body has become slightly taller and wider, but the thickness has remained almost the same – 7.2 mm. The smartphone feels larger thanks to the screen, but has not become massive.
The S26 Plus retains the same 6.7-inch panel as last year's model. All three versions are available in cobalt violet, white, sky blue, and black.
Galaxy S26 series colors / Photo Samsung
Battery: more capacity in the basic version
The Galaxy S26 received a 4,300 mAh battery, up from 4,000 mAh in its predecessor. The S26 Plus retained the 4,900 mAh battery. In the previous generation, battery life was on par with competitors, but without breaking records. Now Samsung is counting on better endurance thanks to the increased capacity and new processor.
The S26 supports 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. The Plus version supports 45W wired charging and 20W wireless charging. There are no built-in magnets for accessories, which the company says is to keep the case slim. Instead, magnetically supported cases are available.
Cameras: Same sensors, but more AI
The hardware of the cameras remained unchanged:
- 50 MP main camera
- 13 MP ultra-wide-angle
- 10MP telephoto with 3x zoom
For the basic S26, this is an expected solution. But for the S26 Plus for $ 1,100, this configuration looks less convincing against the background of competitors like the iPhone 17 Pro. The best camera traditionally remains in the Ultra.
The main emphasis is on software capabilities:
- Advanced Selfie improves skin tone and texture using machine learning.
- Photo Assist allows you to change the background, clothing color, or other image elements through AI queries.
- Horizontal Lock when shooting video in horizontal mode fixes the horizon line even when the smartphone is actively moving or rotating 360 degrees.
Processor and “AI everywhere”
All three models are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy . The “for Galaxy” version means optimization for Galaxy AI – particularly for cameras and image processing.
Samsung explicitly states that “AI is everywhere” in its new smartphones. The third generation of Galaxy AI is focused on simplifying everyday tasks.
Examples include integration with Uber. Simply hold down the side button and say, “Order me an Uber to the airport.” The smartphone will open a window with a minimal version of the application, where you can confirm the trip and pay. The process can be manually intercepted at any time.
Other Galaxy AI features
- Creative Studio – create stickers from photos, invitations, and postcards.
- Audio Eraser – removes background noise in videos, including Netflix, YouTube, and Instagram.
- Document Scanner – automatic recognition of documents in the camera with removal of shadows and folds.
- Now Nudge – contextual hints right in the keyboard. Circle to Search – search for multiple objects on the screen at once.
- Bixby – received LLM support for more natural communication.
- Call Screening – answers calls from unknown numbers.
- Scam Detection – warns of potential fraud during a conversation.
The base Galaxy S26 looks like the most balanced option, although the new price changes the perception somewhat.
The S26 Plus looks more like a 2.0 version of last year's model than a radical update, and its price tag puts it on par with competitors with more powerful cameras.
Technical specifications of Samsung Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, S26 Ultra
| Samsung Galaxy S26 | Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | |
| Display size, technology, resolution, refresh rate | 6.3 inches AMOLED; 2340 x 1080 pixels; adaptive refresh rate 1-120 Hz | 6.7 inches AMOLED; 3120 x 1440 pixels; adaptive refresh rate 1-120 Hz | 6.9 inches AMOLED; 3120 x 1440 pixels; adaptive refresh rate 1-120 Hz |
| Pixel density | 411ppi | 516ppi | 500 ppi |
| Dimensions (millimeters) | 149.6×71.7×7.2 | 158.4×75.8×7.3 | 163.6×78.1×7.9 |
| Weight (grams) | 167 | 190 | 214 |
| Mobile software | Android 16 | Android 16 | Android 16 |
| Cell | 50 megapixels (wide), 12 megapixels (ultra-wide), 10 megapixels (3x telephoto) | 50 megapixels (wide), 12 megapixels (ultra-wide), 10 megapixels (3x telephoto) | 200 megapixels (wide), 50 megapixels (ultra-wide), 10 megapixels (3x telephoto), 50 megapixels (5x telephoto) |
| Front camera | 12 megapixels | 12 megapixels | 12 megapixels |
| Video recording | 8K | 8K | 8K |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy |
| RAM + storage memory | 12GB RAM + 256GB, 512GB | 12GB RAM + 256GB, 512GB | 12GB RAM + 256GB; 16GB RAM + 512GB, 1TB |
| Battery | 4300 mAh | 4900 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Features | 2600 nits peak brightness; 7 years of OS and security updates; IP68 water and dust resistance; Wireless PowerShare technology for charging other devices; 25W wired charging (charger not included); 15W wireless charging; no built-in magnets; Gorilla Glass Victus 2; Galaxy AI. | 2600 nits peak brightness; 7 years of OS and security updates; IP68 water and dust resistance; Wireless PowerShare technology for charging other devices; 45W wired charging (charger not included); 20W wireless charging; no built-in magnets; Gorilla Glass Victus 2; Galaxy AI. | Aluminum frame; 7 years of OS and security updates; IP68 water and dust resistance; PowerShare wireless charging for other devices; built-in S Pen; UWB technology for finding other devices; 60W wired charging (charger not included); 25W wireless charging; no magnets for accessories; Galaxy AI; Gorilla Glass Armor 2; Privacy display |