Samsung has unveiled its latest flagship smartphone series, the Galaxy S26, in three distinct models – the S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra – offering a range of features and performance capabilities. The launch, a yearly event for the tech giant, showcases its most advanced smartphone technology.
While the technical specifications remain largely familiar across the 2026 lineup, the camera systems also see incremental updates. The high-finish S26 Ultra boasts a quad-camera setup with 200-megapixel and 50-megapixel lenses, while the S26+ and S26 feature triple-camera systems with 50-megapixel sensors. These cameras are largely consistent with the previous generation, though the Ultra model now includes lenses with a wider aperture.
A standout innovation this year is the Privacy Display, exclusive to the S26 Ultra. This feature introduces a display mode that darkens the screen when viewed from an angle, protecting sensitive information from prying eyes – similar in concept to privacy filters available for smartphones and laptop screens.
| Technical Specifications Comparison | |||
| Model | Galaxy S26 Ultra | Galaxy S26 Plus | Galaxy S26 |
| Display: Size, Type | 6.9″ AMOLED | 6.7″ AMOLED | 6.3″ AMOLED |
| Display: Refresh Rate, Resolution | 120 Hz, 3120 x 1440 | 120 Hz, 2340 x 1080 | 120 Hz, 2340 x 1080 |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite 5 | Exynos 2600 | Exynos 2600 |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 12 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage | 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB | 256 GB / 512 GB | 256 GB / 512 GB |
| Rear Camera | 12MP UWW 200 MP WW 50MP Tele, 5x Zoom 10 MP Tele, 3x Zoom |
12 MP UWW 50 MP WW 10 MP Tele, 3x Zoom |
12 MP UWW 50 MP WW 10 MP Tele, 3x Zoom |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12 MP | 12MP |
| Operating System | Android 16 | Android 16 | Android 16 |
| Updates | 7 years OS and Security | 7 years OS and Security | 7 years OS and Security |
| Battery | 5000 mAh, | 4900 mAh, | 4300 mAh, |
| Charging Power | 60W | 45W | 25W |
| Dimensions | 16.4 x 7.8 x 0.79 cm | 15.8 x 7.6 x 0.73 cm | 15.0 x 7.2 x 0.72 cm |
| Weight | 214 grams | 190 grams | 167 grams |
| Connectivity | Wi·Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi·Fi 7. Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi·Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Protection | IP68. S-Pen | IP68 | IP68 |
| Special Features | 4x Camera, S-Pen, Privacy Display | ||
| Price (MSRP) | from CHF 1249.- | from CHF 1079.- | from CHF 899.- |
The Best Galaxy Camera System Yet
Samsung states that the Galaxy S26 series delivers its best Galaxy camera system to date, with a continued focus on creativity and productivity.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra features wider apertures, allowing more light to reach the sensor and enabling clearer, more detailed photos even in low-light conditions. The “Enhanced Nightography Video” function provides clear, vibrant recordings in dark environments, such as concerts or nighttime campfires. Improved SuperSteady features with Horizontal Lock offer additional stability and smoother framing during shaky camera perform or fast movements. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the first Galaxy device to support APV – a recent professional video standard and codec designed for efficient compression in high-quality production. This translates to visually lossless video quality that remains intact even after multiple edits for creative professionals. The enhanced AI ISP also optimizes the selfie camera, delivering more natural skin tones and finer details even in moderate lighting.
With the optimized Photo Assist, users can describe what they aim for to change using voice commands. Simple prompts can shift image scenes from day to night and add or remove individual elements. Even minor details, like blemishes on clothing, can be corrected in seconds. Edits can be continuously made, reviewed, and adjusted or undone at any time.
Creative Studio12 builds on these streamlined workflows by uniting content creation and personalization in an integrated space. Ideas from sketches, photos, or prompts can be quickly and easily transformed into finished visuals – such as stickers, invitations, or wallpapers – and edited and shared through the same tool.
Pricing and Availability
The three smartphones in the new “Galaxy S26” series are officially available for pre-order as of February 26, 2026. Actual availability will likely vary depending on the retailer.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is available for pre-order starting at CHF 1’249.-, the Galaxy S26+ at CHF 1’079.- (MSRP), and the Galaxy S26 at CHF 899.- (MSRP). These prices (MSRP) are comparable to last year’s models.
The Galaxy S26 series features a unified design language across all models. Available color options include Cobalt Violet, White, Black, and Sky Blue, as well as exclusive online variants in Pink Gold and Silver Shadow.
Further Information
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (Product Page)
Samsung Galaxy S26 + (Product Page)
Samsung Galaxy S26 (Product Page)
