Streamed live from San Francisco, the event spotlighted artificial intelligence, new privacy features, and performance enhancements across Samsung’s newest devices.

The event showed Samsung’s drive to remain at the top of the premium Android market.

What Was Announced

The spotlight was on the Galaxy S26 series, which includes three models: Galaxy S26, S26+, and the flagship Galaxy S26 Ultra.

All of these models were designed to push both Samsung’s hardware and software further with tested AI integrations.

Samsung also introduced the Galaxy Buds4 and Buds4 Pro. For some time now, we have observed that Samsung’s newest smartphones, even down to the “A0” series no longer come with the headphone jack, which means a shift towards wireless audio experience. Samsung also teased some future wearable tech such as smart glasses and foldables.

The Final Official Specifications for the S26 series

Before the recent Galaxy Unpacked event, there were numerous speculations from Samsung’s fans about what the S26 lineup will feel like when it comes to size, performance and “new perks”. The final specifications came with the event.

Across each of the three Galaxy S26 models, Samsung standardised the performance and storage (ROM). All of them come with 12GB of RAM, a minimum of 256GB of internal memory and the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset which comes with improved speed, graphics processing and AI.

Galaxy S26 Features

• Display: 6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED, 120 Hz refresh
• Battery & Charging: 4,300 mAh battery. Up to 25 W wired, 15 W wireless, Wireless PowerShare supported.
• AI Enhancements: Galaxy AI tools (Photo Assist, better call screening, intelligent text suggestions, voice assistants).
• One UI & Software: One UI 8.5 based on Android 16 and promises up to 7 years of software and security updates.
• Camera Setup: Triple-camera rear: 50 MP main, 12 MP ultra-wide, 10 MP telephoto. 12 MP front camera.
• Special Perks: Balanced flagship experience, strong AI enhancements and long update support.

Galaxy S26+ Features

• Size & Design: Larger 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with 120 Hz adaptive refresh.
• Battery & Charging: 4,900 mAh battery, larger than the normal S26, 45W wired fast charging and 20 W wireless charging.
• AI Enhancements: Same Galaxy AI performance as base S26.
• One UI & Software: One UI 8.5 based on Android 16, long-term update support.
• Camera Setup: Identical triple-camera array as S26: 50 MP main, 12 MP ultra-wide, 10 MP.
• Special Perks: Bigger display screen and battery with faster charging. Best for media and gaming.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

• Size and Design:9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, with adaptive 120 Hz refresh.
• Display: Privacy Display that narrows viewing angles to protect screen content in public places.
• Battery and Charging: 5,000 mAh battery, bigger than all other models and up to 60 W wired super Fast Charging and 25 W wireless charging.
• AI Enhancements: Full Galaxy AI suite and enhanced agentic features with voice automation.
• One UI & Software: One UI 8.5 (Android 16) with extended update support and good AI integration.
• Camera Setup: 200 MP main sensor with OIS, 50 MP ultra-wide, 50 MP periscope telephoto with 5× optical zoom, 10 MP telephoto. 12MP Front camera.
• Special Perks: Built-in privacy display for enhanced content security. Pro-grade photography and video (low-light improvements, advanced AI ISP). Highest storage model, up to 1 TB.

Galaxy Buds4 Series

The Buds4 and Buds4 Pro which were also introduced during the event also come with advanced features that pair well with the S26 models.

The earbuds come with extra upgrades such as improved noise cancellation and gesture-based controls, suitable for noisy or uncomfortable environments.

Comparing the S26 Series With the Previous S25 Series

When compared with the previous S25 series, we observed that the S26 comes with improved features when it comes to processing, storage and AI integration, but some of its features still feel the same or irrelevant.

One thing to note about the S26 lineup is the current memory standardisation. Samsung seems to have eliminated the base 128GB storage option, as the new models don’t include it. They have also increased the RAM to enable better multitasking and AI efficiency.

When it comes to camera setup, we observed that there is not much difference particularly in the S26 and S26+ models. But we hope that the software enhancements and AI integrations will translate to a better photography experience.

Compared to the base S25 model, the base S26 comes with a slight increase in battery size, from 4,000mAh to 4,300mAh.

But they might still feel the same when it comes to battery efficiency because the S26 base model has a more recent chipset. Although the Gen 5 chip is made for better power optimisation, endurance will eventually depend on the user’s usage pattern.

From the Galaxy Unpacked event, we gathered that the final market release is slated for March 11th, although you can pre-order any of the models currently.

The retail price for the S26 base model starts from $899 (Approx. N1,135,000), while the others will definitely cost more.

For users of the older Samsung Galaxy S series, from S23, the S26 models seem better when it comes to performance, image quality and AI efficiency, because the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Chip is made for the current software ecosystem, which is now woven into AI.

But for users of the S25+ or Ultra, the difference becomes less obvious. The difference between the 2 generations when it comes to hardware, display and camera is not too wide, only that the S26 gains with software and AI improvements.

Dubbed a “miracle device”, the S26 series, comprising the S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra, comes with AI that anticipates your needs, a first-of-its-kind Privacy Display, and tools that completely enhance photography and daily life.

Samsung said the Galaxy S26 series is powered by “the most proactive and adaptive Galaxy AI experiences yet” and is designed to simplify the tasks people do on their phones every day.

Samsung’s third-generation AI phones, Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra handle complex tasks in the background, allowing users to focus on results rather than how the technology works.

From the moment the briefing began, it was evident that Samsung is shifting the smartphone from a passive tool into a proactive assistant.

Senior executives including Lucas Lee, CEO of Samsung Electronics West Africa; Joy Tim-Ayoola, group head, Mobile Experience, Samsung Electronics West Africa; and Stephen Okpara, Product and Quality Assurance manager for Samsung Electronics stressed that the Galaxy S26 now acts as a personal agent, handling tasks in the background so users can focus on other aspects of their days.

The company added that the Galaxy S26 series was engineered with Samsung’s most advanced features working together as one, including performance, an intuitive camera system and Galaxy AI, giving users the confidence to depend on their phone throughout the day without compromising security or privacy.

AI That Runs Your Day

The Galaxy S26’s AI assistant can manage calls, schedule appointments, control smart home devices, and even book rides, all without touching the phone.

In Lagos, the demo showed how the device could take a spoken address, open Google Maps, and send the location to WhatsApp automatically. It can also decide which calls to accept or reject based on importance, making busy meetings distraction-free.

Samsung said the series integrates a choice of agents, including Bixby, Gemini and Perplexity. Once set up, tasks can be completed with a single button press or voice prompt.

The upgraded Bixby now works as a conversational device agent and can handle multi-step tasks in the background.

For example, with Gemini, booking a taxi is as simple as asking, reviewing the details and tapping confirm.

Samsung emphasised personalisation, explaining that the AI adapts to each user’s habits, learning routines and preferences to anticipate tasks. From managing plans and finding information to capturing and refining content, Galaxy S26 reduces the effort and number of steps required to get things done.

From waking up and adjusting home appliances to sending location updates and scheduling errands, the device essentially becomes a mobile concierge in your pocket.

Privacy That Protects You

The Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces the mobile industry’s first built-in Privacy Display, which dims pixels to block side-angle viewing without affecting screen quality. Samsung described it as privacy at the pixel level, built directly into the display rather than added as an accessory.

Designed for everyday situations like transit, cafés and shared environments, the feature limits what others can see from the side while keeping content clear for the user.

Unlike traditional stick-on privacy films, the integrated Privacy Display preserves full viewing quality when turned off and restricts visibility only when activated.

Users can activate it with a tap and customise privacy per app, ensuring sensitive information stays private, even in public spaces. It can also be set to turn on automatically when entering PINs, passwords or opening selected apps.

Partial Screen Privacy limits visibility for notification pop-ups, while Maximum Privacy Protection further obscures side views.

This feature takes away the need for third-party screen protectors while maintaining full colour and clarity for the user.

Beyond the display, Samsung said it builds protection into every layer of Galaxy S26. AI-powered Call Screening identifies unknown callers and summarises intent. Privacy Alerts notify users in real time when apps with device admin privileges attempt to access sensitive data such as precise location, call logs or contacts.

Private Album, built directly into Gallery, allows users to hide selected photos and videos without creating a separate folder or signing into a Samsung Account.

The company also confirmed it has extended post-quantum cryptography to critical system processes, including software verification and firmware protection.

Updates to Knox Matrix add end-to-end encryption for direct transfers like eSIM migrations and clearer visibility into firmware update status across connected devices.

Photography and Creativity Reimagined

The S26 series comes with Photo Assist and AI-powered editing tools that allow users to edit images simply by describing changes in natural language.

With the upgraded Photo Assist suite, users can describe what they want to change in their own words. Changing the scene from day to night is just a matter of asking. It can add to images and restore missing parts of objects like a bite taken out of a cake.

Personal details, such as a spill on clothing, can also be cleaned up with Galaxy AI’s ability to change outfits in photos. Edits can be made continuously, reviewed step by step, and adjusted or undone along the way.

Nightography Video keeps footage clearer and more vibrant in dim scenes, whether indoors or outdoors at night. Enhanced Super Steady now includes a horizontal lock option for more stable framing during movement.

On the Galaxy S26 Ultra, wider camera apertures allow more light to reach the sensor, delivering clearer photos with richer details in low-light conditions, even when zoomed in. Improvements to the AI ISP now extend to the selfie camera, capturing more natural skin tones and finer detail in mixed lighting.

For advanced creators, the device supports APV, a professional-grade video codec designed to deliver efficient compression for high-quality production workflows. Samsung said it ensures visually lossless video quality that stays true even after repeated editing.

Creative Studio brings sketches, photos and prompts into one integrated space, allowing users to create stickers, invitations and personalised wallpapers without switching tools. The AI-powered Document Scanner removes distortions such as creases or fingers and can organise multiple images automatically into a single PDF.

Power and Performance

Powered by a customised Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy processor, the Galaxy S26 Ultra delivers faster, smoother performance across multitasking, gaming and content creation.

Samsung said the chipset delivers up to a 19% CPU performance increase, a 39% improvement in NPU performance to power always-on Galaxy AI features, and a 24% boost in GPU performance for richer visuals and more fluid gameplay.

Across the line-up, the Galaxy S26 series is engineered for AI performance, power efficiency and thermal management, ensuring demanding tasks run smoothly and consistently. The Ultra model is also described as the slimmest Ultra yet.

Thermal management ensures consistent performance, while Super-Fast Charging 3.0 reaches up to 75% charge in just 30 minutes. Wireless charging is also supported, keeping the device ready for demanding daily use.

Taken together, Samsung noted that these advancements deliver dependable all-day performance.

Sustainability at the Core

The innovative giant is well focused on its environmental commitment. About 19% of materials across the S26 series come from recycled sources, packaging is 100% paper, and six years of software upgrades extend device lifespans, reducing e-waste while keeping users updated.

Everyday Automation in Action

What makes the Galaxy S26 indispensable?

• Scheduling smart home appliances automatically when you wake.
• Sending directions to friends via WhatsApp with only a voice command.
• Booking rides or appointments without opening an app.
• Editing photos or videos on the fly with AI-generated suggestions.

Galaxy S26’s ease of use continues even when the phone is out of reach. When paired with the new Galaxy Buds4 series, users can activate AI agents with their voices and manage calls through simple head gestures on Buds4 Pro.

Joy Tim-Ayoola, said, “Think about the device as an extension of yourself, it’s your personal assistant, securely grounded in our privacy networks.”

Availability

The Samsung Galaxy S26 series is available for pre-order in Nigeria starting February 25. Colours include Cobalt Violet, White, Black, Sky Blue, and Samsung.com exclusives in Pink Gold and Silver Shadow.

For added peace of mind, Samsung Care+ offers comprehensive coverage including fast repairs for accidental damage, extended warranty, and certified expert support available both at home and abroad.

The event will begin at 10am Pacific time, 1pm Eastern, 7pm in Nigeria and 6pm in the UK, and will be streamed live on Samsung’s website and YouTube channel.

The company is expected to introduce the Galaxy S26 series, which will include the Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra. 

Ahead of the launch, Samsung said the new devices are “built to simplify everyday interactions, inspire confidence and make Galaxy AI feel seamlessly integrated from the moment it’s in hand.”

One of the features teased is a new privacy display expected to debut on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. The feature will allow users to hide selected areas of the screen from people nearby, including notifications that may contain sensitive information.

Reports say Samsung will again split its choice of processors by market. Devices sold in the United States and China are expected to run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, while other regions may receive models powered by Samsung’s Exynos 2600 processor. 

While Qualcomm chips have traditionally outperformed Exynos in speed and heat management, the gap has narrowed in recent years.

Battery and charging upgrades are also expected. According to SamMobile, the Galaxy S26 will come with a 5,100mAh battery, with support for 60W wired charging and 25W wireless charging.

Samsung is also likely to refresh its audio lineup at the event. The Galaxy Buds 4 wireless earbuds are expected to be announced, with a redesigned look following complaints that the previous model closely resembled Apple’s AirPods.

Alongside the product launch, Samsung has opened pre-registration for customers interested in the new devices. 

In the UK, anyone who registers before 6pm on February 25 will receive a £30 voucher to spend on Galaxy ecosystem products. 

Customers who go on to pre-order a device will receive a larger incentive, including 512GB of storage for the price of 256GB, a discount valued at £170. 

Samsung is also offering a chance to win one of ten £500 vouchers through a prize draw.

Further details about the Samsung Galaxy S26 range have also surfaced through leaks. German publication WinFuture reported that the standard Galaxy S26 could start at €999 (roughly N1.6 million), while the S26+ may be priced at €1,269 (about N2.1 million).

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to cost at least €1,469 (N2.4 million). All three models are tipped to launch in white, blue, black and purple.

In terms of specifications, the Galaxy S26 is expected to feature a 6.3-inch Full HD+ display, while the S26+ may come with a larger 6.7-inch Quad HD+ screen. 

Both are said to use Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels with a 120Hz refresh rate and Gorilla Armor 2 protection.

The Ultra model is expected to feature a 6.9-inch display and a more advanced camera system, led by a 200-megapixel main sensor. It is also reported to support up to 16GB of RAM, up to 1TB of storage, and 60W wired fast charging.

Samsung has not confirmed pricing or full specifications ahead of the event. Those details are expected to be announced officially during the Galaxy Unpacked presentation later this month.