The Samsung Galaxy S26 series launches three models—S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra—each featuring a dedicated AI accelerator, larger Dynamic AMOLED displays, and upgraded camera hardware. With on‑device AI handling translation, smart photo capture, and an enhanced Bixby assistant, the lineup aims to set a new standard for AI‑centric flagship phones while delivering faster performance and premium charging options.
Series Overview
Samsung’s new S26 family follows a three‑tier structure: an entry‑level S26, a mid‑range S26 Plus, and a flagship‑grade S26 Ultra. All three share a refreshed glass‑back design, matte aluminum frame, and a fresh “Nebula” color palette, but they diverge sharply in screen size, processing power, and AI capabilities.
Screen Size & Display Technology
S26 – 6.2‑inch Dynamic AMOLED
The base S26 sports a 6.2‑inch Dynamic AMOLED panel with a 2.0 µm pixel pitch, 2400 × 1080 resolution, and a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate. An upgraded HDR10+ engine delivers vivid colors and smooth scrolling, giving you a crisp everyday viewing experience.
S26 Plus – 6.7‑inch Dynamic AMOLED
The S26 Plus steps up to a 6.7‑inch display, maintaining the 120 Hz refresh while boosting peak brightness to 1,800 nits. The larger screen provides extra real‑estate for multitasking without compromising one‑handed usability.
S26 Ultra – 6.9‑inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED
At the top of the line, the S26 Ultra features a 6.9‑inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED panel with a 2.5 µm pixel pitch and a striking 2,200 nits peak brightness. This premium screen sets a new benchmark for flagship smartphones.
Performance & AI Accelerator
All three models integrate Samsung’s new dedicated AI accelerator, but the Ultra receives the most robust implementation. The AI engine runs locally, handling real‑time language translation, generative text suggestions, and a “Smart Capture” mode that auto‑applies professional‑grade depth‑of‑field effects.
Processor & Memory
- S26: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, 8 GB LPDDR5X RAM, 128 GB UFS 3.2 storage.
- S26 Plus: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3‑plus, 12 GB RAM, options for 256 GB or 512 GB storage.
- S26 Ultra: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Extreme, 16 GB RAM, up to 1 TB UFS 4.0 storage.
The AI accelerator works across the line, but the Ultra’s “Extreme” processor unlocks the fastest on‑device inference, giving you smoother AI‑driven experiences.
Camera System & AI Enhancements
Each S26 model upgrades its camera stack, with AI‑enhanced features that improve low‑light performance and scene optimization.
S26 – Triple‑Lens Setup
- 50 MP main sensor
- 12 MP ultra‑wide lens
- 5 MP macro lens
- AI Scene Optimizer for balanced exposure
S26 Plus – Enhanced Triple‑Lens
- 108 MP primary sensor
- 12 MP ultra‑wide lens
- 10 MP telephoto lens with 3× optical zoom
- AI‑driven image processing
S26 Ultra – Quad‑Lens Powerhouse
- 200 MP main sensor
- 12 MP ultra‑wide lens
- 10 MP periscope telephoto with 10× optical zoom
- 5 MP depth sensor
- AI‑Enhanced Night Mode for brighter low‑light shots
Battery Life & Charging
- S26: 4,800 mAh battery, 25 W wired fast charging, 15 W wireless charging.
- S26 Plus: 5,000 mAh battery, 25 W wired fast charging, 15 W wireless, plus reverse wireless charging.
- S26 Ultra: 5,200 mAh battery, 45 W wired fast charging, 30 W wireless, and 4.5 W reverse wireless charging.
These charging options ensure you stay powered through heavy AI workloads and high‑resolution media consumption.
Pricing & Market Position
Samsung prices the S26 series competitively: $799 for the base S26, $999 for the S26 Plus, and $1,399 for the S26 Ultra. By offering a robust AI suite and premium hardware at these price points, Samsung targets both power users seeking cutting‑edge AI features and mainstream buyers looking for larger displays without breaking the bank.
Why the S26 Matters
Samsung’s shift toward on‑device AI signals a strategic move to differentiate its flagship lineup in an increasingly crowded Android market. If the AI accelerator lives up to its promise, it could give you faster, more private AI experiences that set the S26 series apart from rival flagships.
