Samsung Unveils Galaxy S26 With AI Features and Privacy Shield

The latest Galaxy lineup includes price hikes and a new 'Privacy Display' mode on the Ultra model.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Samsung has unveiled its new Galaxy S26 smartphone lineup, which boasts enhanced AI capabilities and a new 'Privacy Display' feature on the top-tier Ultra model that blocks bystanders from seeing the screen. The standard and Plus models will see price increases of 10-13%, while the Ultra will remain at the same price as last year. The phones are set to hit stores on March 11.

Why it matters

The Galaxy S26 lineup represents Samsung's continued push to integrate AI technology into its flagship devices, aiming to make them more versatile and compelling for consumers. The new 'Privacy Display' feature on the Ultra model also addresses growing concerns around data privacy and security. However, questions remain about whether AI is truly a sought-after feature for most smartphone buyers.

The details

The standard Galaxy S26 will sell for $899, while the Plus model will cost $1,099 - $100 more than the comparable devices released in the past two years. The Galaxy S26 Ultra remains at $1,299. The phones will include camera and battery improvements, as well as the new 'Privacy Display' feature on the Ultra that blocks the screen from being viewed by people standing or sitting nearby. Samsung is also integrating AI assistants from Google and Perplexity to provide users with more intelligent information-gathering capabilities.

  • The Galaxy S26 lineup will arrive in stores on March 11, 2026.
  • Samsung unveiled the new phones on February 25, 2026.

The players

Samsung

A multinational electronics company and the world's largest smartphone manufacturer.

TM Roh

Samsung's CEO of device experience, who showcased the new Galaxy S26 lineup.

Google

The tech giant whose Gemini AI technology is heavily integrated into the Galaxy S26 phones.

Perplexity

A rising AI assistant company whose technology is also included in the Galaxy S26 lineup.

Paolo Pescatore

An analyst for PP Foresight who commented on the role of AI in smartphones.

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What they’re saying

“AI must become part of our infrastructure. You should be able to enjoy its benefits through the devices you use every day.”

— TM Roh, Samsung's CEO of device experience (nypost.com)

“This is the agentic AI phone.”

— TM Roh, Samsung's CEO of device experience (nypost.com)

“AI is still not a sought-after feature among users. The big opportunity is making AI feel like a daily habit rather than a party trick, with tighter integration across core apps. AI must be boringly useful. Less 'look what it can do,' more 'this saves me time every day.'”

— Paolo Pescatore, Analyst, PP Foresight (nypost.com)

What’s next

The Galaxy S26 phones will be available in stores starting March 11, 2026.

The takeaway

Samsung's latest Galaxy S26 lineup represents the company's continued push to integrate AI technology into its flagship devices, with the goal of making them more versatile and compelling for consumers. However, the success of this strategy remains uncertain, as AI has yet to become a must-have feature for most smartphone buyers.