Smartphones have spent the past decade evolving through better cameras, sharper displays and faster processors, but the next leap is being driven by artificial intelligence. A new generation of AI-powered phones is emerging, promising to anticipate user needs, automate everyday tasks and reshape how people interact with their devices.
With Samsung Galaxy S26 series, powerful performance is at the core, enabling next-generation AI features to enhance everything from photography and messaging to personal productivity. Designed to streamline daily life while delivering flagship-level hardware, the device represents a significant step toward truly intelligent mobile technology.
Here, we explore how the Galaxy S26 blends cutting-edge AI tools with premium specifications and how its unique innovations are helping redefine the modern smartphone experience.
Performance innovation: Ultra-bright display, processing speed and pixel-level privacy protection
Smartphones have quietly become our pocket entertainment centres – used for everything from binge-watching and mobile gaming to scrolling social feeds and streaming music on the go. On Galaxy S26 Ultra, driving all of that is Samsung’s most advanced mobile chipset, designed to deliver high-performance gaming, advanced image processing and smooth multitasking without draining the battery.
Galaxy S26 Ultra is designed to balance serious performance with everyday ease of use. At its core sits an ultra-bright AMOLED display built for smooth scrolling, streaming and mobile gaming, paired with a powerful processor that keeps AI features running seamlessly in the background.
The vibrant screen makes videos, games and social media content appear sharp and vivid while remaining easy to read outdoors. While on Galaxy S26 Ultra, as a major innovation (and a first within the mobile industry), Privacy Display* helps reduce screen visibility from side angles, adding an extra layer of protection when using your phone in public.
It’s a perfect fit for public transit, shared spaces, and everyday moments when you want a little more privacy, such as when you are dealing with sensitive information. Users can even fine-tune privacy levels – turning on Partial Screen Privacy to hide notifications or activating Maximum Privacy Protection, making it even harder to peek from the side, all without hurting resolution.
Next-Level photography: Cameras for selfies, concerts and low-light video
Whether you’re capturing gig footage with friends or snapping the perfect selfie before, our phones have become the way we document and share our lives. By combining high-resolution sensors with smart software enhancements, Galaxy S26 Ultra is designed to capture everything with clarity and detail.
Galaxy S26 is built to shine in low light. Nightography Video**, powered by the Advanced ProVisual Engine, captures clearer, brighter footage at concerts and night-time events, while the 200MP main camera uses AI processing and a wide aperture to keep shots sharp and detailed – so no more blurry concert clips, grainy night photos or struggling to capture moments once the sun goes down.
Upgraded Super Steady Video*** with horizontal lock further improves video capture, using real-time gyro and Accelerometer data, to calculate gravity and automatically correct the horizon up to 360 degrees to keep footage level.
The 10 x optical zoom quality makes it easier to pull the stage closer from wherever you’re standing – ideal if front-row crushes aren’t your thing or you’re watching from further back, even when the light isn’t great. And when the crowd gets loud, Audio Eraser† steps in to tone down the background noise so the all-important vocals and music don’t get lost in the mix.
Selfies also get a boost, with the front-facing camera’s AI processor enhancing fine details like hair and textures while keeping portraits crisp and natural-looking in any lighting, whether you’re capturing bright beach days or late-night celebrations. AI is working in the background to ensure you look your best without appearing overly filtered.
The phone’s AI-powered editing tech enhances photos further still. Photo Assist‡ handles quick photo cleanups in the background, adjusting lighting and tidying up unwanted details. For more hands-on editing, users can tap into advanced AI tools, including Creative Studio§, which turns your gallery into a mini creative studio where you can doodle, remix, restyle and have a bit of fun with your photos without needing a separate app.
Meet your new AI Personal Assistant: How Galaxy S26 Ultra simplifies everyday life
Galaxy S26 Ultra ushers in a whole new era of groundbreaking intelligence❡. Instead of relying on manual input, the device learns how you use your phone, surfacing shortcuts, reminders and suggestions based on your daily habits. It’s designed to feel less like a generic piece of technology and more like a device that quietly adapts to your routines, preferences and pace of life.
The phone functions like an all-in-one digital personal assistant, helping organise schedules, streamline conversations and improve everything from photos to streaming and everyday organisation. The goal is simple: reduce friction in everyday tasks so you spend less time navigating menus and more time actually using your phone.
Features like Circle to Search with Google†† have evolved to make it even easier to act on what you see on-screen – like breaking down a full outfit all at once, so you can find exactly what you’re looking for.
The phone’s AI-powered editing tech will help make sure you always look the part, too. Photo Assist† handles quick photo cleanups in the background, adjusting lighting and tidying up unwanted details. For more hands-on editing, users can tap into advanced AI tools, which allow objects to be removed, repositioned or filled in naturally within a scene – meaning you can say goodbye to photobombers, stray objects or anything else spoiling your perfect shot.
What’s more, the Galaxy S26 expands how smartphones help manage communication and organisation through its me-centric AI experiences. In messages, features like Now Nudge‡‡ help the phone respond to what’s being asked – checking your availability or finding recent photos when the conversation calls for it. Backed by Bixby§§, the phone can also respond to natural, conversational voice commands, allowing users to adjust settings, search content or complete everyday tasks hands-free.
Built to last: Battery life, processing and 5G connectivity
Battery life is clearly a priority across the Galaxy S26 range. From navigating the morning commute to streaming shows in the evening, running out of battery can quickly disrupt plans. Fast charging❡❡ helps minimise downtime, while Galaxy S26 Ultra packs a 5,000mAh††† battery built to power long days of photography, streaming and gaming without constantly reaching for a charger.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra also features a Qualcomm processor designed specifically for Galaxy devices, helping deliver smoother performance during demanding tasks like real-time AI photo editing, mobile gaming or juggling multiple apps at once – whether that’s editing holiday photos while messaging friends or switching between work and entertainment during a busy day.
Galaxy S26 series supports fast SG connectivity designed to handle streaming, gaming and high-speed downloads across UK mobile networks, alongside enhanced wireless performance that helps maintain stable connections when switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data. In everyday use, that means fewer interruptions when streaming music during workouts, video calling on the move or downloading content before travelling.
Design that delivers: Build quality, durability and ease of use
Of course, we also want our phone to look as sleek and refined as the apps and experiences it delivers – and Samsung clearly understood the assignment.
Samsung puts durability front and centre with the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Super-tough Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and Corning Gorilla Armor 2 help protect the phone from everyday bumps and scrapes, without adding unnecessary bulk.
The result is a device that feels solid and premium in the hand, yet remains slim, balanced and comfortable for all-day use. It’s a design approach that reflects Samsung’s reputation for refined, high-end Korean consumer technology, where durability and premium materials sit seamlessly alongside elegant aesthetics – delivering a phone that looks good, feels good and performs effortlessly in everyday life.
Find out more about the Samsung Galaxy S26 at Samsung
*Requires manual activation in settings to function. Privacy Display feature is not AI powered.
**Results may vary depending on light condition, subject and/or shooting conditions.
***Super Steady results may vary depending on editing method and/or shooting conditions.
†Samsung account login required. Six types of sound can be detected; voices, music, wind, nature, crowd and noise. Results may vary depending on audio source & condition of the video. Network connection required to be used on supported apps.
‡Requires network connection and Samsung account login. A visible watermark is overlaid on the saved image to indicate it was generated by Galaxy AI. Accuracy of output not guaranteed.
§Requires network connection and Samsung account login. Accuracy of output not guaranteed.
❡Compared to Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
††Compatible with select languages only. Google Account login and network connection required. If Gemini UI or Google apps are in view: Google and Gemini/ Youtube/ Maps etc are trademarks of Google LLC. Works on compatible apps and surfaces. Results may vary depending on visual matches. Check responses for accuracy.
‡‡Samsung account login required. Supported apps only. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.
§§Samsung account login and network connection required.
❡❡60w Power Adapter sold separately.
†††Typical value tested under third party laboratory conditions. Rated minimum capacity of the Galaxy S26 Ultra is 4,855mAh.
‡‡‡Compatible with select languages only. Google account login and network connection required. If Gemini UI or Google apps are in view: Google and Gemini/ Youtube/ Maps etc are trademarks of Google LLC. Check responses. Setup required. Compatibility and availability vary. 18+.