Samsung has officially introduced the Galaxy S26 series, its latest flagship lineup aimed at making everyday phone use feel simpler and less time-consuming. The new range includes the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra—all built around faster performance, upgraded cameras, and deeper on-device AI features designed to work quietly in the background.
At the top of the lineup is the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which runs on a customized Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy. Samsung says the chip delivers up to a 19% boost in CPU performance, a 24% jump in GPU graphics power, and a 39% improvement in AI processing (NPU) compared to the previous generation. In practical terms, that means smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and more responsive AI features—even when several things are happening at once.
To keep the phone from overheating during gaming, video recording, or heavy multitasking, the Gaaxy S26 Ultra features a redesigned vapor chamber cooling system that spreads heat more efficiently across the device. It also supports Super Fast Charging 3.0, reaching up to 75% battery in about 30 minutes.
Samsung has also introduced what it calls the mobile industry’s first built-in Privacy Display on the S26 Ultra. Unlike stick-on privacy filters, this feature is integrated into the screen itself. When activated, it limits what people beside you can see—useful on public transport or in cafés—while keeping the display clear and bright for you. Users can customize when it turns on, such as while entering passwords or using selected apps.
Across the series, Samsung’s ProScaler technology sharpens text and fine details, while its upgraded mobile Digital Natural Image engine (mDNIe) improves color accuracy with four times the precision of the previous generation.
On the camera front, the S26 series continues Samsung’s push for high-quality mobile photography. The S26 Ultra features wider apertures to capture more light, resulting in clearer low-light photos, even when zoomed in. Enhanced Nightography Video improves footage in dim settings, while upgraded Super Steady adds a horizontal lock for more stable videos during movement.
For more advanced users, the S26 Ultra is the first Galaxy phone to support APV, a professional-grade video codec designed for high-quality, visually lossless recording even after multiple edits. AI improvements extend to the selfie camera, delivering more natural skin tones in mixed lighting.
Editing is also easier. With the upgraded Photo Assist suite, users can describe changes in plain language—such as turning a daytime scene into night or cleaning up a stain on clothing. Edits can be reviewed and undone step by step, making the process feel less intimidating.
Privacy and security receive major upgrades as well. Alongside Samsung Knox protection, the S26 series adds AI-powered Call Screening, real-time Privacy Alerts for sensitive data access, a built-in Private Album, and expanded post-quantum cryptography protections for firmware and system verification. Samsung is also committing to seven years of security updates.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, S26+ and S26 are now available for pre-order. Here are their prices:
- Galaxy S26
- 256GB: P58,990
- 512GB: P72,990
- Galaxy S26+
- 256GB: P74,990
- 512GB: P88,990
- Galaxy S26 Ultra
- 256GB: P86,990
- 512GB: P100,990
- 1TB: P121,990
Those who pre-order now get free double storage worth up to P14,000. You can also enjoy up to 18% savings, plus 0% installment up to 36 months at cash price via UnionBank, BDO, BPI, Metrobank, HSBC, and PNB. You can also enjoy up to 14% off, plus 0% installment up to 24 months at cash price via Eastwest, Security Bank, HSBC, and Chinabank at participating Samsung Authorized Stores nationwide. Online, you can also enjoy cash price offers with up to 18% savings via Samsung.com until March 8, Abenson.com, Lazada, and Shopee.
