Samsung Electronics announced the Galaxy S26 Series today. It comes in 3 flavours as usual, the S26 S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra which are all powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor.
This is Samsung’s third-generation AI phone lineup which focuses more on AI than raw performance which is already one of the fastest in the world.
Lazada discount Vouchers for the Samsung S26 series here.
Speed & Performance on the S26 Ultra
The Galaxy S26 Ultra uses a custom Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy. Samsung tuned this chip specifically for Galaxy, and the numbers are impressive:
- Up to 19% faster CPU → snappier multitasking and complex workloads
- 39% better NPU → smoother always-on AI features with zero lag when jumping between tasks
- 24% GPU boost → richer graphics and buttery gameplay
To keep the smartphone cool, Samsung added a redesigned Vapor Chamber with thermal interface material running along the sides of the processor. Gaming sessions, 8K video recording, or heavy multitasking won’t end you up with a hung machine.
There is Super-Fast Charging 3.0 gets you to 75% in just 30 minutes. Plus, the phone now has embedded ProScaler for sharper image scaling (crisper text and details) and Samsung’s upgraded mDNIe engine for four times more precise, lifelike colours.
Slight camera system upgrade
On the S26 Ultra, wider apertures pull in more light for cleaner low-light shots (even when zoomed). Nightography Video is upgraded for vibrant footage in dim conditions—think concerts or campfire nights. Super Steady now includes a horizontal lock for rock-solid framing during movement.
For creators, the big win is APV—a new professional video codec that delivers visually lossless quality even after multiple edits. Editing is just as effortless: the upgraded Photo Assist lets you describe changes in plain English (“turn this day shot into night” or “remove the coffee stain on my shirt”). Edits are non-destructive, step-by-step, and reversible.
There is also Creative Studio turns sketches, photos, or text prompts into stickers, invitations, or custom wallpapers without leaving one app. And Document Scan instantly fixes creases, fingers, and distortions, then auto-stacks multiple pages into a clean PDF.
The Most Intuitive Galaxy AI Experience Yet
This is where the S26 series really shines. Galaxy AI now feels proactive instead of reactive.
- Now Nudge surfaces smart suggestions in context—like instantly pulling up trip photos when a friend asks, or flagging calendar conflicts when you get a meeting invite.
- Now Brief is more personalised, giving you timely reminders based on your habits (reservations, flight updates, etc.).
- Circle to Search now recognises multiple objects in one go—so you can tap a whole outfit and search jacket + shoes at once.
- Bixby has been upgraded into a true conversational agent. Speak naturally to change settings or navigate—no rigid commands needed.
- You can also pick Gemini or Perplexity as your preferred agent. One voice prompt or button press can handle multi-step tasks across apps (booking a taxi is literally “book me a ride to the airport” → review → confirm).
All of this points toward more “agentic” AI—phones that anticipate needs and act on your behalf.
Privacy Display
How often do you have this experience of someone staring at what you are viewing on screen. The S26 Ultra introduces Privacy Display—a hardware-software breakthrough that controls how light leaves the pixels.
It works similary to privacy screen protector but the good news is that you can choose what to dim down with adjustable levels (partial for notifications, maximum for full side-angle obscurity
Availability in Singapore
Pre-orders kick off today, 26 February 2026, Thursday at 2AM SGT, with general availability from 11 March 2026, Wednesday.
The series shares a sleek unified design with colours: Cobalt Violet, White, Black, Sky Blue, plus online exclusives Pink Gold and Silver.
Quick Specs Snapshot
Cameras (S26 Ultra)
- 200 MP Wide (f/1.4, 2x optical quality, OIS)
- 50 MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.9)
- 50 MP Telephoto (5x optical, 10x optical quality, f/2.9, OIS)
- 10 MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4, OIS)
- 12 MP Front (f/2.2)
Memory & Storage
- Up to 16 GB RAM + 1 TB storage
- Also available: 12 GB + 512 GB / 12 GB + 256 GB
Charging
- Super-Fast Charging 3.0 (up to 75% in ~30 mins)
- Super Fast Wireless Charging
- Wireless PowerShare
Software
- Android 16
- One UI 8.5
Below are the pricing information
Pricing information
After thoughts
I think it is not a major upgrade for Samsung. If you already own a S24 Ultra, you might want to wait for S27 Ultra instead.