The AI Does the Work: Samsung Launches the Intuitive Samsung Galaxy S26 Lineup
TL;DR: Samsung has launched the Samsung Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra. The third-generation AI phones feature proactive intelligence, advanced camera systems with the new APV video codec, and upgraded processors. The S26 Ultra introduces an industry-first built-in Privacy Display. Prices start from RM5,199 in Malaysia, with generous pre-order promos available until 10 March.
Samsung Electronics has officially announced the Samsung Galaxy S26 series, introducing its third generation of AI-powered smartphones. The new lineup, comprising the Galaxy S26, S26+, and the premium S26 Ultra, is designed to simplify daily tasks with proactive, adaptive intelligence and an industry-leading camera system.
The Most Intuitive Galaxy AI Experience
The core philosophy of the Samsung Galaxy S26 series is to reduce the steps required to get things done. The new Galaxy AI works proactively in the background, surfacing the right support at the right moment.
New features include “Now Nudge,” which offers timely suggestions based on context, and an upgraded “Now Brief,” which provides personalised reminders for events and travel updates. Searching is also more powerful with an enhanced “Circle to Search,” capable of multi-object recognition.
Furthermore, the Galaxy S26 integrates a choice of AI agents, including Gemini and Perplexity, alongside an upgraded Bixby. These agents can handle complex, multi-step tasks across various apps through natural language commands.
Industry-Leading Camera and Creative Tools
Creativity is a major focus for the new lineup. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra features wider camera apertures for superior low-light performance and introduces the APV professional video standard for visually lossless video quality.
Editing is made fluid with the upgraded “Photo Assist” suite. Users can simply describe what they want to change in their own words, from changing the time of day in a scene to swapping outfits. The new “Creative Studio” provides a dedicated space to turn sketches, photos, or prompts into polished visuals like stickers and wallpapers.
Unmatched Performance and Thermal Management
To power these advanced AI features, the Galaxy S26 series is built on robust new hardware.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is powered by the customised Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy, delivering a 19% CPU boost, a 24% GPU boost, and a massive 39% improvement in NPU performance compared to the previous generation. It also features a redesigned Vapour Chamber to ensure consistent cooling during demanding tasks.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy S26 and S26+ are powered by the Exynos 2600 processor, engineered for excellent power efficiency and AI performance.
Galaxy S26 Ultra: The Privacy Display
A groundbreaking hardware addition exclusive to the Galaxy S26 Ultra is the built-in Privacy Display. By controlling how pixels disperse light, this technology keeps content clear for the user while limiting visibility from side angles. Users can customise when this feature activates, such as when entering passwords or opening banking apps, ensuring sensitive information is protected from wandering eyes in public spaces.
Hardware Specifications
Samsung Galaxy S26
- Display: 6.3-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
- Processor: Exynos 2600
- Memory and Storage: 12GB RAM, 512GB storage
- Cameras: 50MP Main, 12MP Ultrawide, 10MP Telephoto (3x Zoom)
- Battery: 4,300mAh with 25W fast charging
Samsung Galaxy S26+
- Display: 6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
- Processor: Exynos 2600
- Memory and Storage: 12GB RAM, 512GB storage
- Cameras: 50MP Main, 12MP Ultrawide, 10MP Telephoto (3x Zoom)
- Battery: 4,900mAh with 45W fast charging
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Display: 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X with built-in Privacy Display, 120Hz
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
- Memory and Storage: Up to 16GB RAM, up to 1TB storage
- Cameras: 200MP Main, 50MP Ultrawide, 50MP Telephoto (5x/10x Optical Quality), 10MP Telephoto (3x Zoom)
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 60W fast charging
- Extras: Built-in S Pen
Pricing and Launch Promotions
The Samsung Galaxy S26 series is available for pre-order in Malaysia starting from February 26, 2026, through the official Samsung website. Official retail pricing is as follows:
- Galaxy S26 (512GB): RM5,199
- Galaxy S26+ (512GB): RM6,199
- Galaxy S26 Ultra (512GB): RM6,799
- Galaxy S26 Ultra (1TB): RM7,999
Customers who pre-order between 26 February and 10 March 2026 can enjoy exclusive rewards. These include double storage and a Samsung Rewards Points Booster worth up to RM1,200, an instant RM700 rebate with selected bank cards, and savings of up to RM4,000 through the Galaxy Forever trade-in program.
In the meantime, you can check out our first look at the Samsung Galaxy S26 series right here.
