Samsung has unveiled its latest flagship smartphones — the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy S26+, and base Galaxy S26 — at this year’s Galaxy Unpacked event, introducing performance upgrades, new AI features, and a thinner design across the lineup.
The company adopted a unified design language for all three models, with rounded edges and color options including Black, White, Sky Blue, and Cobalt Violet.
Slimmer Ultra model, new chipsets
The Galaxy S26 Ultra measures 7.9 mm, making it the slimmest and lightest Ultra variant to date. Samsung said the reduction in thickness was achieved using armor aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass Armor 2 for durability while keeping weight down.
Powering the Ultra is the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor customized for Galaxy devices, delivering a reported 19% CPU performance boost, up to 24% faster GPU performance, and a 39% increase in NPU capability to support AI-driven features.
The Galaxy S26+ and S26 models run on the Exynos 2600 chip, also tuned for AI-focused workloads.
To manage heat under sustained use, Samsung introduced a larger vapor chamber and updated thermal materials designed to maintain performance during gaming and other intensive tasks.
Faster charging, display and privacy features
The S26 Ultra supports up to 60W charging, allowing the battery to reach 75% in about 30 minutes, according to the company.
Samsung also added its ProScaler display technology to improve sharpness and color precision, while a new Privacy Display feature limits viewing angles so only users directly in front of the screen can see sensitive content.
Security updates include app-level permission controls, alerts when apps access sensitive data, and a private album feature. A Call Screening function powered by Galaxy AI can transcribe messages from unknown callers.
Camera and video improvements
The Galaxy S26 Ultra features a 200-megapixel main camera designed to capture more light for improved low-light photography, along with a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto lens. A new Night Photography Video mode targets clearer footage in dim environments.
The series supports professional video formats and can record 8K video at 30 frames per second, paired with a Super Steady mode for stabilization.
PH pricing and pre-order window
Samsung announced the following local prices:
Galaxy S26 Ultra
- 16GB + 1TB — ₱121,990
- 12GB + 512GB — ₱100,990
- 12GB + 256GB — ₱86,990
Galaxy S26+
- 12GB + 512GB — ₱88,990
- 12GB + 256GB — ₱74,990
Galaxy S26
- 12GB + 512GB — ₱72,990
- 12GB + 256GB — ₱58,990
Pre-orders run from February 26 to March 17, with storage upgrade promotions, multi-buy discounts, trade-in offers, and installment plans through partner banks.
Galaxy Buds 4 also introduced
Alongside the smartphones, Samsung introduced the Galaxy Buds 4 series, featuring a redesigned metal finish and a transparent-lid charging case. The earbuds have a 20% larger speaker area intended to deliver improved hi-fi sound.
Additional features include adaptive noise control, enhanced call clarity, hands-free voice assistant support, head gesture controls, and real-time language interpretation.
The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro is priced at ₱14,990, while the open-air model retails for ₱11,490.
