Samsung just unveiled the Galaxy S26 family—its first AI‑first flip phones in six years—offering on‑device Perplexity AI, a real‑time privacy display, and premium foldable hardware. The lineup includes the S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra, all priced in the high‑end bracket and designed to put on‑device intelligence and privacy at the forefront of the user experience.
What’s Inside the Galaxy S26 Lineup
Model Overview
The S26 series rolls out three variants:
- S26 – the base model with a 6.7‑inch Dynamic AMOLED display, 256 GB storage, and a dual‑camera setup.
- S26 Plus – adds a larger battery, 120 Hz refresh rate, and a triple‑camera array while keeping the same form factor.
- S26 Ultra – tops the range with a periscope telephoto lens, 512 GB storage option, and an even bigger battery for all‑day endurance.
On‑Device AI Assistant: Perplexity
Perplexity lives entirely on the device, learning your habits and proactively tweaking the UI without sending data to the cloud. It can suggest apps, adjust settings, and even anticipate actions based on your typical patterns. Because the processing stays on‑phone, latency drops and your personal data stays private—something you’ll appreciate when privacy matters.
Privacy Display: Real‑Time Screen Masking
Samsung’s Privacy Display automatically detects sensitive content—think passwords, banking numbers, or private messages—and applies a translucent blur or pixelation in real time. This on‑the‑fly masking means onlookers can’t glimpse your confidential info, delivering a privacy shield that works without you having to toggle any settings.
Design and Hardware Highlights
- Thinner hinge – improves durability while keeping the classic clamshell silhouette.
- Dynamic AMOLED panel – offers vibrant colors and a high refresh rate for smooth scrolling.
- Rear‑mount camera module – swivels 90° for effortless selfies without compromising the sleek back design.
- Low‑power NPU – powers Perplexity while consuming less than 2 % of the phone’s power budget, preserving battery life.
- Premium build – aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for a premium feel.
Pricing and Value Proposition
The base S26 starts at 1,254,000 won for 256 GB, the S26 Plus at 1,452,000 won, and the S26 Ultra at 1,797,000 won. If you need more storage, a 512 GB option pushes the price toward the 2 million‑won mark, positioning the series firmly in the flagship‑flex segment.
Why Samsung Chose an AI‑First Launch
Launching the S26 in a global AI hub signals Samsung’s intent to be seen as an AI‑first brand. By showcasing on‑device intelligence and privacy‑focused features where AI research thrives, Samsung aims to set a new benchmark for mobile experiences that prioritize user control and data protection.
Impact on the Flagship Foldable Market
Apple’s recent AI push has raised expectations for on‑device intelligence. Samsung’s response—an AI assistant that never leaves the phone and a privacy‑display that shields your screen—could force competitors to rethink how they balance convenience with confidentiality. If you start demanding AI‑driven privacy by default, we’ll likely see a wave of edge‑AI solutions across Android OEMs.
Bottom Line
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series blends cutting‑edge design, on‑device AI, and real‑time privacy protection into a premium flip‑phone package. The pricing reflects its flagship status, and the on‑phone Perplexity assistant sets a new standard for privacy‑first mobile experiences. Whether you’ll choose the S26 over other high‑end options will depend on how much you value AI‑driven privacy in your daily use.
