Samsung Newsroom explored how Galaxy S26 Ultra’s AI features enhance travel moments while testing them on location in the city.

[Photo Assist]

Restore and Refine With a Single Prompt

When traveling, it’s easy to reach for the fork before snapping a photo. At a café in San Francisco, a cake had already been partially eaten — but with Galaxy S26 Ultra, even that missed moment was easily resolved.

By simply typing, “Make it look uneaten,” Photo Assist restored the cake to its original form.

Reimagine Any Scene After the Shot

Capturing the perfect shot while traveling isn’t always easy. Moments when the scenery, subject and timing align are rare.

Using Photo Assist, a photo of San Francisco’s streets was combined with an image of a passing tram, creating a seamless result — as if taken in a single moment.

Another notable feature is the ability to change the time of day. After uploading a daytime photo of San Francisco’s harbor and entering prompts such as “Make it look like sunset” or “Turn it into a night scene,” Galaxy AI adjusted the sky and lighting to recreate the scene at a different time of day.

[Creative Studio]

Turn Photos Into Artistic Creations

After capturing a scene of sea lions at Pier 39 — one of San Francisco’s iconic landmarks — the photo was imported into Creative Studio. Selecting the Oil painting style, Galaxy AI analyzed the image’s texture and colors, transforming it into an oil painting-style image.

The result is reimagined with a different aesthetic, making it feel like an entirely new piece.

Creative Studio on Galaxy S26 Ultra transforms travel photos into a range of styles, helping users preserve memories through fresh perspectives.

Create Custom Stickers With Ease

Custom stickers were also created using a photo of sea lions. After launching Creative Studio, selecting an image and choosing a style, tapping “Generate” produced a character sticker that captured the sea lions’ distinctive features.

Users can generate images repeatedly until they achieve the desired result, then choose from seven themes — such as “A slice of Life,” “School days” or “Today’s vibe” — to save the sticker as a themed set.

These stickers can be used not only to decorate photos, but also across text-based apps including messaging and notes.

With Creative Studio, users can transform everyday photos into personalized content, sharing memories in new ways — whether among friends and family or on social media.

Capturing moments in San Francisco with Galaxy S26 Ultra and enhancing them with Galaxy AI made travel memories richer than ever. From shooting and editing to sharing, the entire process comes together seamlessly in a single device.

Samsung Newsroom experienced the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s camera firsthand after Galaxy Unpacked 2026 in San Francisco, showcasing the city’s diverse scenery and unique atmosphere.

Sharp Detail at Any Distance

Pier 39, one of San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks, offers sweeping ocean views. With Galaxy S26 Ultra, even Alcatraz Island across the bay — typically seen clearly only up close by boat — appears crisp and detailed.

Galaxy S26 Ultra features a 200MP wide-angle camera and a 50MP telephoto camera with 10x optical zoom. The 200MP camera delivers exceptional detail, especially when images are enlarged. The wider F1.4 aperture captures more light than its predecessor, producing richer textures and finer detail. Even when zooming in or cropping, details remain sharp.

The camera also excels at video recording. When filming the sea lions at Pier 39 in 8K, even distant landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge remain clear and detailed when zoomed in.

Stable Video in Motion

Galaxy S26 Ultra is the first Galaxy device to support the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec, a professional-grade format that preserves detail even after multiple edits.

When filming in crowded areas or on the move, Super Steady keeps footage stable. The new horizontal lock option maintains a level frame in motion-heavy situations.

To test the feature, Galaxy S26 Ultra was panned side to side at a nearby theme park. With the horizontal lock option on, the footage maintains a stable horizon. Compared with footage shot under the same conditions with the feature off, the difference is clear.

With Galaxy S26 Ultra, users can record stable video without camera shake — from travel vlogs to activities like running or cycling.

Clear, Vivid Nights

As the sun sets, San Francisco’s streets take on a different atmosphere. With Galaxy S26 Ultra’s enhanced Nightography, the city’s iconic cable cars appear in motion at night.

A wider aperture and improved ProVisual Engine reduce noise in low light while preserving the mood of nighttime scenes. Moving cable cars and the night sky appear natural, reflecting the city’s after-dark atmosphere. Its nighttime charm — different from its daytime appeal — is rendered in vivid detail.

From the ocean and lively streets to the city at night, Galaxy S26 Ultra showcases San Francisco in stunning detail, creating vivid, lasting travel memories.

In part two of this series, Samsung Newsroom will explore the AI features of Galaxy S26 Ultra that extend the experience beyond capture to make everyday moments even more meaningful.

The Samsung Members platform provides information on Samsung products and services while fostering a community for user interaction. Top contributors who consistently create high-quality content and actively engage with others are selected as Samsung Members Stars, helping strengthen connections between the brand and its community.

More than a product showcase, the event emphasized community-driven dialogue and the exchange of perspectives — empowering participants to shape their own Galaxy experience.

Galaxy Unpacked 2026: Unveiling the Next Era of Galaxy AI

Galaxy Unpacked 2026 was the highlight of the three-day program. Samsung introduced a more integrated and personalized Galaxy AI, emphasizing a true agentic AI experience, along with enhanced privacy and security and new features of the Galaxy S26 series and the Galaxy Buds4 series.

“It was incredible,” said Samsung Members Star Oksana Bykova (USA). “Samsung showcased Galaxy AI to expand everyday experiences, and Super Clear Call on the Galaxy Buds4 series was especially impressive.”

“I’m excited about the Privacy Display on Galaxy S26 Ultra,” said Samsung Members Star Gerson Manzanares (Nicaragua). “The way the screen automatically adjusts viewing angles to block prying eyes is truly ingenious.”

▲ Participants attending Galaxy Unpacked 2026

▲ A participant visiting the Galaxy Unpacked 2026 Experience Zone

AMA Session: Going Behind the Scenes of Galaxy Camera Innovation

The Ask Me Anything (AMA) session was one of the most popular programs. Sungdae Joshua Cho — Executive Vice President and Head of Visual Solution Team, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics — took questions and responded in real time.

The program included briefings and demonstrations of the Galaxy camera’s key technologies and features. Participants noted visible differences in brightness, noise and detail, highlighting how these advancements translate into meaningful user experiences.

Going beyond a Q&A, the session became an open forum for direct dialogue between participants and Samsung.

▲ Cho presenting during the AMA session

▲ Participants listening to the AMA session

Explore SF: Capturing the City Through Galaxy

Another highlight was “Explore SF Your Way with Galaxy,” where participants explored the city using the Galaxy S26 series in their own ways.

With AI Eraser, they effortlessly captured San Francisco’s scenic views, while Super Steady delivered clear, blur-free shots even on the move. Participants shared these moments with their communities, extending their experiences and insights to a wider audience.

▲ Participants creating content using the Galaxy S26 series

Beyond the Event: Carrying the Momentum Forward

Galaxy Community Connect 2026 centered on the Galaxy S26 series, offering participants opportunities to explore Galaxy AI throughout the event. In San Francisco, they reinterpreted and expanded the Galaxy experience in their own ways, fostering authentic connections.

▲ Participants enjoying the Gala Night on the final day of the event

Samsung will continue strengthening direct engagement with its global communities, aiming to enrich the everyday lives of Galaxy users around the world.

‘#TeamGalaxy Connect’ is an event where influencers — who actively use Galaxy products to create content across themes like camera, gaming, health, and fashion and beauty — become the first to experience the newly announced products on-site and create and share authentic stories. The event was attended by approximately 140 #TeamGalaxy influencers from 35 countries around the world, who were able to experience the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Galaxy Buds4 Pro.

Experiencing the Infinite Possibilities of the AI Phone

The #TeamGalaxy Connect 2026 journey began with the ‘Galaxy Unpacked February 2026’ event, where #TeamGalaxy influencers experienced the new products firsthand and shared real-time reviews of the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Galaxy Buds4 Pro on social media.

Fans worldwide expressed particular excitement for the innovative features showcased at the Unpacked event, including the Privacy Display and Photo Assist on Galaxy S26 Ultra, as well as the premium Hi-Fi sound experience of Galaxy Buds4 Pro.

Galaxy S26 Ultra: The Ultimate Tool for Creators

Among the attendees was renowned one-person film production influencer Monique Yvonne (@moniqueyvonn), who shared an exclusive behind-the-scene story about the production of a film created with Galaxy S26 Ultra. The trailer of the film was showcased during the Unpacked event.

“Galaxy S26 Ultra transcends the traditional smartphone; it is a professional-grade tool meticulously designed for creators,” Monique remarked during an inspiration session with #TeamGalaxy influencers. “With its sophisticated AI integration and unrivaled camera performance, I expect it to enable even more creative and elevated content production.”

Reimagining Innovation through Camera, Gaming and Sound

Throughout the event, #TeamGalaxy influencers embarked on tailored content creation journeys, pushing the boundaries of Galaxy S26 Ultra and Galaxy Buds4 Pro through three core themes — camera, gaming and sound.

#TeamGalaxy Connect 2026 sparked immediate global engagement, with various content capturing global audience’s attention. Highlighting Galaxy S26 Ultra’s camera and AI features, influencer Mohamad Sofian (@sofyank96) created content with high-quality visual effects. Meanwhile, another influencer Ry Velasco (@ryvlsco) creatively showcased Galaxy Buds4 Pro’s Hi-Fi sound against the vibrant atmosphere of San Francisco. Furthermore, official #PlayGalaxy Cup livestream, featuring #TeamGalaxy influencers and top North American gaming clans 100 Thieve and Offline TV, recorded 16.77 million views, captivating the global gaming community.

A Celebration of Creativity and Global Connection

The three-day experience culminated in an evening of celebration, where the #TeamGalaxy influencers gathered to celebrate the diverse content produced during the journey. The night featured an awards ceremony that honored the most creative and impactful contributions, ending the #TeamGalaxy Connect 2026 on a high note of inspiration and shared vision.

David Moon, Head of the Influencer Marketing Group, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. “Seeing Galaxy’s innovation through unique and diverse lenses of our global #TeamGalaxy influencers has been an incredibly rewarding experience. We remain committed to bringing the everyday joys of Galaxy to fans around the world through the engagement with #TeamGalaxy.”

Galaxy for the Planet is the sustainability platform for Samsung’s Mobile eXperience(MX) business, guiding its long-term approach to advancing environmental sustainability. Since its launch, the initiative has driven steady progress across multiple focus areas, evolving alongside advances in technology, materials and operational capabilities.

“The progress we have made through Galaxy for the Planet reflects years of consistent effort across our teams and partners,” said TM Roh, CEO, President and Head of the Device eXperience(DX) Division at Samsung Electronics. “Sustainability is central to how we operate and innovate. It informs how we design products, manage resources and create value beyond our devices. As we work toward our 2030 goals, we are expanding our commitments beyond products and operations to address broader environmental impact as we work toward our 2030 goals.”

Progress on Galaxy for the Planet

Samsung has achieved all four of its 2025 sustainability goals for the Galaxy for the Planet initiative, which was designed to reduce the environmental impact of the company’s mobile products and operations.

A core focus has been expanding the use of recycled and responsibly sourced materials across Galaxy products.[1] Today, Samsung has applied 10 types of recycled materials[2] in both exterior and interior components, supported by ongoing research, testing and verification.

One area of progress is enhancing circularity through innovation in materials. Samsung has incorporated recycled plastics recovered from ocean-bound, discarded fishing nets, and continues its efforts in closed-loop systems such as its Circular Battery Supply Chain, which enables the recovery and reuse of materials from previously used Galaxy device batteries.

Samsung also eliminated single-use plastics from its mobile packaging, transitioning to paper-based and recycled alternatives.[3] At the same time, continued research and development in low standby power technology has reduced standby power consumption in Galaxy mobile phone chargers to near-zero levels  — an innovation now applied across multiple charger wattages.[4]

Across manufacturing operations, Samsung has advanced landfill waste reduction by implementing Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) practices globally. All 10 qualifying mobile manufacturing sites[5] have achieved the Platinum designation for ZWTL under the UL Solutions standard, reflecting landfill diversion rates of 100 percent. Such waste management practices are adapted to regional regulations and infrastructure, as well.

These achievements reflect Samsung’s progress under Galaxy for the Planet and provide momentum to expand the initiative further. With its initial targets met on schedule, Samsung is expanding its environmental commitments with new goals through 2030.

Deepening Our Commitments to the Environment

For its next phase, Galaxy for the Planet will expand beyond product-level initiatives to address the broader environmental and ecological impact of Samsung’s global operations. The new 2030 goals will focus on three key areas: circularity, water stewardship and biodiversity.

• Advancing Circularity

Samsung will continue to advance circularity across its mobile products, with the aim of incorporating at least one recycled material in every module of every mobile product. This underscores the company’s commitment to more responsible and efficient materials sourcing across the Galaxy ecosystem.[6]

• Strengthening Water Stewardship

Samsung is deepening its approach to water stewardship across its mobile operations,[7] with the goal of returning 110 percent of the water consumed. This includes pursuing the highest level of Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) certification for responsible water management practices.[8]

• Conserving Ecosystems

Recognizing that its operations can have an impact on surrounding ecosystems, Samsung has set a goal to conserve ecosystems equivalent to the footprint of its global mobile operations.[9] This goal focuses on protecting and restoring natural environments in ways that strengthen biodiversity and ecological resilience around Samsung’s global footprint.

As Samsung continues its sustainability journey, Galaxy for the Planet reflects Samsung’s belief that environmental responsibility is integral to how the company innovates, operates and creates long-term value, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability as a core part of its business.

The video capturing the journey of Galaxy for the Planet is available at the following link.

For more information about Galaxy for the Planet, visit here. Additional details on Samsung’s sustainability metrics, verification processes and progress are available in the Samsung Electronics Sustainability website.

[1] All recycled materials used in Galaxy products have undergone third-party verification figure based on ISO 14021. These include pre- and post- consumer recycled materials

[2] Includes plastics, glass, aluminum, cobalt, lithium, steel, copper, gold, rare earth elements and tantalum. Recycled material use varies by product. For more information, visit: https://www.samsung.com/global/sustainability

[3] In select markets, limited use of plastic wrapping or sealing labels remains due to local conditions. Some legacy packaging materials produced prior to the transition may still be in distribution. For more information, visit: https://www.samsung.com/global/sustainability

[4] Less than 0.005W standby power technology is based on newly released 15W, 25W and 45W Galaxy mobile phone chargers. Figures and product information are based on internal test and findings

[5] Brazil (SEDA-P(C), SEDA-P(M)), Egypt (SEEG-P), India (SIEL-P(N)), Indonesia (SEIN-P), Korea (Suwon, Gumi), Türkiye (SETK-P), and Vietnam (SEV, SEVT)

[6] “Module” refers to key functional components within a mobile product (such as the battery, display, camera or structural components). The goal applies to Samsung Galaxy phones, tablets, PCs and watches, excluding certain accessories and new or emerging form factors.

[7] Brazil (SEDA-C, SEDA-M), Egypt (SEEG), India (SIEL-N), Indonesia (SEIN), Korea (Suwon, Gumi), Türkiye (SETK), Vietnam (SEV, SEVT)

[8] ‘Highest level’ is defined as achieving the top certification level(‘Platinum’) of the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS).

[9] Brazil (SEDA-P(C), SEDA-P(M)), Egypt (SEEG-P), India (SIEL-P(N)), Indonesia (SEIN-P), Korea (Suwon, Gumi), Türkiye (SETK-P), and Vietnam (SEV, SEVT)

Highlighting the region’s strong demand for technology, he noted that 9 out of 10 young people in Southeast Asia use AI on their mobile devices daily.

He said, “Southeast Asia and Oceania is one of the most dynamic markets in the world and the region that adopts AI innovations the fastest”, emphasizing that with its openness and enthusiasm towards technological advancements, the region holds immense potential and will be a key area for future AI development.

Noting the region’s diverse population and landscape, TM Roh reiterated the importance of localization, sharing that Samsung is optimizing Galaxy AI for local languages, contexts and environments at three R&D centers in Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

“Our customers in Southeast Asia and Oceania have very high expectations for the latest technology,” he said. To meet the needs and demands of consumers in the region, he shared that “the Galaxy S26 is built to deliver the most powerful mobile performance to date, elevating the camera experience to the next level and is designed to help users complete daily tasks more quickly and naturally with enhanced Galaxy AI.”

The Galaxy S26 Series represents an important step forward in Samsung’s agentic AI approach by reducing effort from users to get things done and having AI quietly assisting in the background to make daily life simpler.

TM Roh revealed that 67% of the Galaxy S25 Series sold in Southeast Asia and Oceania were the Galaxy S25 Ultra, reflecting consumer demand for premium mobile experiences. He also shared that the sales of the Galaxy S25 Series in the region surpassed its predecessor, with momentum growing through real-use case reviews and word of mouth recommendations. He expressed heartfelt appreciation for the strong support from consumers in the region.

As consumers in Southeast Asia and Oceania anticipate and look forward to the arrival of the new line-up, the Galaxy S26 Series will be launched across five markets in the first phase – Thailand, Australia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Reimagined as a personalized audio assistant, the Galaxy Buds4 series marks a significant evolution in wearable audio — combining intelligent sound with all-day comfort.

Samsung Newsroom got an early hands-on look at the Galaxy Buds4 series during Galaxy Unpacked 2026.

▲ The Galaxy Buds4 series unveiled at Galaxy Unpacked 2026. (From left) Galaxy Buds4 and Galaxy Buds4 Pro

Design: Data-Driven Comfort for the Perfect Fit

The Galaxy Buds4 series embodies precision engineering. Developed using more than 100 million global ear-shape data points and 10,000 fit simulations, the earbuds feature a refined ergonomic design that delivers lasting comfort, even during extended wear.

The pinch control area — recessed where the fingers naturally rest — enhances tactility and enables intuitive control.

A semi-transparent charging case lets users easily check the earbuds and charging status. Beyond aesthetics, the device reflects thoughtful attention to everyday practicality.

Color: Modern Classics With a Signature Finish

The Galaxy Buds4 series stands out visually. Classic White and Black colors for both Galaxy Buds4 and Buds4 Pro feature a smooth, modern finish, while the online-exclusive Pink Gold for Galaxy Buds4 Pro adds a refined touch. With its subtle sheen and rosy hue, Pink Gold brings warmth and sophistication — doubling as a stylish accessory.

▲ (From left) Galaxy Buds4 in Black, Galaxy Buds4 Pro in White and Galaxy Buds4 Pro in the online-exclusive Pink Gold

Sound: Immersive Audio That Fills the Senses

Galaxy Buds4 Pro reveals its true capability in a listening session. For the first time, Samsung has introduced a bezel-less woofer that expands the speaker’s vibrating surface area by about 20% compared with the previous model. The result is deeper, more resonant bass paired with clear, refined highs from the tweeter — all in ultra-high-resolution 24-bit/96kHz audio true to the original recording.

Noise canceling is also more advanced. Enhanced Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) creates an optimized algorithm tailored to each user’s fit and ear shape. Even in a loud exhibition hall, ANC delivers an immersive experience — as if stepping into a quiet, personal listening space. An expanded equalizer adjustment range further ensures consistent sound quality without tonal shifts, regardless of how the earbuds are worn.

Call quality has improved as well. Powered by machine learning, Super Clear Call delivers crisp audio in noisy environments. With 16kHz bandwidth support, voice comes through clearly, free from surrounding noises.

▲ (From left) Galaxy S26 Ultra and the Galaxy Buds4 series

The Galaxy Ecosystem: Seamless,Hands-Free Control

The Galaxy Buds4 series reaches its full potential when paired with a Galaxy smartphone. Opening the charging case instantly triggers a connection pop-up for seamless pairing. Users can adjust noise canceling levels or change settings directly from the Quick Panel — even without the Galaxy Wearable app.

▲ A connection pop-up appears on a Galaxy smartphone when the charging case is opened.

Another highlight is the newly introduced Head Gestures feature. A simple nod allows users to answer calls hands-free — ideal when exercising or carrying items.

Voice commands also launch AI agents such as Gemini and Perplexity, minimizing the need to take the smartphone out of a pocket.

▲ Demonstration of Head Gestures

Moving beyond hardware innovation, the Galaxy Buds4 series delivers a personalized audio experience tailored to individual lifestyles.

Maggie Kang, the co-director of KPOP DEMON HUNTERS, joined Galaxy Unpacked 2026 as the event’s creative partner, shaping the experience from concept to stage. Kang brought a distinct creative perspective to the launch with her cultural authenticity and imaginative world-building.

Samsung Newsroom sat down with Kang to discuss her involvement in Galaxy Unpacked 2026 and how she approached blending culture, creativity and innovation.

Q. The meeting of a cultural icon like you and technology is refreshing. How did you come to take on this role?

Thank you! What excited me about this collaboration wasn’t just the opportunity to advise on an event, but the chance to explore how storytelling and technology intersect. Samsung has long been at the forefront of innovation, and I see technology as a powerful creative medium in itself. Samsung represents a unique bridge between heritage and the future – something I deeply relate to in my own work. This felt less like a typical partnership and more like a shared creative dialogue about how culture and technology can shape new experiences together.

Q. What stood out to you about collaborating with Samsung for the first time? Were there any memorable moments?

I was truly impressed by how open-minded Samsung was throughout the collaboration. I pitched a few ideas that might have been considered a bit unconventional for a tech brand like Samsung, but they were incredibly receptive. This kind of openness allowed us to explore new creative possibilities together.

One memorable moment was when we worked together in person while I was visiting Seoul last December. It was more than just a productive session; it felt like a shared creative journey. The team went out of their way to create an atmosphere where collaboration flowed naturally, even providing delicious local snacks to enjoy during our sessions. Those moments really stood out — they added a personal touch to the professional experience and helped foster a deeper sense of connection.

Q. What did you focus on most when advising on the creative aspects of the event?

As with everything I do, the first thing I focused on was always the story — how can we craft an experience that truly connects with the audience? How do we make technology feel relatable to users?

For me, it was also essential to weave in the Korean element. Samsung, headquartered in Korea, carries with it a legacy that holds a unique cultural significance. I wanted to ensure that this heritage wasn’t just acknowledged but lived through the narrative, even in subtle ways. Whether it’s through visual storytelling or cultural references, I felt it was important to keep that spirit alive, creating a deeper connection for both local and global audiences.

Q.What is the one thing you want the audience to take away from the event?

I hope the audience walks away with a sense of excitement about how Samsung is pushing boundaries and exploring new creative directions. The team truly took bold steps, showcasing ideas we haven’t seen from Samsung before. I want them to appreciate not just the innovation, but the openness — Samsung is embracing a spirit of openness that redefines what the brand stands for.

Q. As you worked on Galaxy Unpacked 2026, how did you view Samsung’s role in shaping culture through technology?

Honestly, I learned so much from working with the Samsung team. There’s so much Samsung is doing to advance technology to improve our lives. I found myself telling the team “I need this right now” many many times! And because so much is being done by Samsung, I really wanted to help get that message across to users— that’s what Galaxy Unpacked 2026 is all about!

What excited me most was helping convey the event’s message: “Stars by Your Side.” Through this theme, we wanted to make AI experiences feel closer, more approachable, and personal to users. Collaborating with Samsung allowed me to see firsthand how technology can connect with people on a cultural and emotional level, and to bring that story to the audience in a meaningful way.

Q. Do you plan to continue this type of cross-industry collaboration in the future?

Absolutely, I would love to continue! Storytelling is at the heart of everything I do, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see how these skills can bring new perspectives and creativity to the tech space. Collaborating across industries allows for exciting intersections between culture, narrative, and innovation, and I hope to keep exploring these opportunities to create experiences that are both meaningful and inspiring.

Marking the third generation of Samsung’s Galaxy AI phone, the Galaxy S26 series combines the most powerful performance in Galaxy S series history with the most intuitive AI experience to date.

Samsung Newsroom got an early hands-on look at the Galaxy S26 series during Galaxy Unpacked 2026.

▲ The Galaxy S26 series (from left) Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26

Design: Sleeker and Lighter Than Ever

The Galaxy S26 series makes a strong first impression with its refined, modern aesthetic, featuring a rounded curvature and cohesive color palette that create a unified design identity across the lineup.

▲ The Galaxy S26 series (from left) Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26

The slimmer, lighter build is equally notable. Galaxy S26 Ultra is 0.3 mm thinner than its predecessor and weighs 214 grams. Its slimmer profile enhances portability while maintaining a secure, comfortable grip.

▲ The Galaxy S26 series comes in Cobalt Violet, Black, Sky Blue and White.

Display: Privacy From Every Angle

Debuting on Galaxy S26 Ultra, Privacy Display limits side-angle viewing without the need for a separate screen protector. The display remains clear from the front while restricting visibility from the sides to help shield on-screen content from nearby onlookers.

▲ Privacy Display is the result of more than five years of research and development, blocking views from the sides, above and below.

Users can also assign the Privacy Display to the side button’s double-press function for greater convenience. Even when viewed from the side, content stays concealed — making it especially useful on crowded public transportation or in elevators.

▲ Users can adjust the level of privacy protection in the settings and apply it selectively when entering a PIN, pattern or password, or when notification pop-ups appear.

Galaxy AI: Intuitive AI for Everyone

Galaxy AI stands out on the Galaxy S26 series, combining enhanced contextual awareness with proactive suggestions to simplify everyday tasks.

The new Now Nudge feature reduces app switching by surfacing relevant information in context. When a friend asks about evening plans on messaging apps, Galaxy AI checks the calendar, detects conflicts and displays a tailored “Nudge” pop-up.

▲ Now Nudge presents timely information through context-aware icons.

A fan favorite since its debut on the Galaxy S24 series, Circle to Search has evolved to support multi-element searches. Circling a celebrity’s outfit, for example, generates curated pieces to recreate the look.

The Galaxy S26 series further expands its AI ecosystem with Bixby, Gemini and Perplexity. For example, users can use natural language commands to adjust settings, allowing them to effortlessly control their device even without knowing exact setting names or specific commands. Saying “My eyes feel tired,” for instance, prompts Bixby to suggest activating Eye comfort shield — eliminating the need to navigate complex menus. Together, these agents understand user intent and context to streamline daily routines, reducing steps and delivering a more seamless, efficient mobile experience.

▲ Bixby interprets user intent and instantly recommends relevant settings.

Camera: Pro-Level Capture, Powered by AI

The Galaxy S26 series marks another leap in mobile photography. Powered by advanced AI, the device enables effortless capture and editing of high-quality content — no expertise required.

Galaxy S26 Ultra features a 200-megapixel (MP) wide-angle camera and a 50 MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom and 10x optical-quality zoom, complemented by a wider aperture for enhanced low-light clarity. With upgraded Nightography, even a recreated San Francisco nightscape inside the exhibition hall appeared vivid and detailed despite dim surroundings. The AI ISP (Image Signal Processor), previously used in the rear camera, also extends to the front camera, capturing fine details — from individual hair strands to eyebrows — while preserving natural skin tones.

▲ Enhanced Nightography ensures clear filming even in low-light settings. A view of the exhibition space (top) and a video taken with Galaxy S26 Ultra. (bottom).

Beyond capture, the Galaxy S26 series expands creative possibilities. Powered by Galaxy AI, it provides an intuitive environment that turns ideas into finished results in moments.

The upgraded Photo Assist goes further — removing unwanted objects and naturally adding new elements. When prompted to restore a cake with a bite taken out, AI seamlessly reconstructs it as if untouched. The feature can also transform day into night or adjust wardrobe details to match the mood, enabling faster, more effortless editing.

▲ Photo Assist restores images using AI-powered editing.

With Creative Studio, edited photos can be turned into polished content. Users can simply type a prompt — such as “Please draw me a dog” — to generate a context-based sticker set, ready for use in messages or when editing photos. The feature also supports invitations, profile cards and wallpapers, expanding everyday creative possibilities in the future.

▲ Users can create images from simple text prompts and turn them into custom stickers with Creative Studio.

Starting with the Galaxy S24 series, the Galaxy S series has ushered in a new era of AI phones. With the Galaxy S26 series, Samsung introduces its third-generation AI phone — delivering personalized experiences that go beyond intent recognition. Featuring the most powerful performance and the most intuitive Galaxy AI to date, the Galaxy S26 series opens a new chapter in mobile innovation.

▲ Galaxy Unpacked 2026 was held at Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

▲ Journalists and visitors around the world were eager to discover the company’s next-generation Galaxy AI phone.

On February 25, Samsung Electronics hosted Galaxy Unpacked 2026 in San Francisco, unveiling the Galaxy S26 series and Galaxy Buds4 series.

Centered on three core pillars — Reach, Openness and Confidence — the event underscored Samsung’s commitment to embedding Galaxy AI more deeply into everyday experiences.

Samsung Newsroom attended Galaxy Unpacked 2026, where a new era of AI integration took center stage.

Galaxy S26 Series: Advancing Agentic AI

With the Galaxy S26 series, Samsung builds on its legacy of mobile AI innovation to deliver more intelligent and seamless experiences. At the core of this evolution is agentic AI.

“Every groundbreaking technology follows a similar journey. It begins as a marvel — rare, expensive and loudly celebrated. But the technologies that change history fade into the background because they become infrastructure,” said TM Roh, CEO and Head of Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics. “Infrastructure is responsibility. It must work for everyone, everywhere. Today, there is still a gap between what AI promises and what people actually experience. Closing that gap is where Galaxy keeps pushing forward.”

▲ Roh introduced Samsung’s vision for agentic AI.

▲ Galaxy 26 Ultra was unveiled in a video.

Galaxy AI: Everyday Intelligence in Action

Built on Galaxy AI, Call Screening summarizes incoming calls — identifying who is calling and why — so users can quickly decide whether to respond.

New to the Galaxy S26 series, Now Nudge understands conversational context and surfaces relevant suggestions, keeping users in the flow without switching between apps.

The latest version of Bixby supports real-time web search, with results appearing directly within the conversation rather than redirecting users to a browser.

▲ Rachel Roberts, Director of Product Management, Mobile eXperience (MX), Samsung Electronics America, explained how the new Now Nudge helps users stay focused on their day.

Agentic AI: The Foundation of Personal and Secure Intelligence

Samsung drives platform-level innovation that is personal, adaptive and agentic. For AI to feel intuitive, it must understand context — and smartphones are uniquely positioned to deliver that experience.

The Personal Data Engine (PDE) on the Galaxy S26 series learns from user preferences on device, while Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP) safeguards and isolates data within individual apps. Samsung Knox Vault adds another layer of protection by securing sensitive information — including passwords, security keys and biometrics — in a dedicated hardware environment.

▲ Won-Joon Choi, Chief Operating Officer of Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics, outlined the transition to an AI-powered platform spanning the entire operating system, data and security architecture.

Google Partnership: Pushing the Boundaries of What’s Possible

First introduced at Galaxy Unpacked 2024, Circle to Search continues to expand. Users can now search for multiple objects within a single image — making visual discovery more seamless.

Samsung and Google also previewed the next evolution of Android — a more intelligent, agentic platform powered by Google’s Gemini 3. On the Galaxy S26 series, the early preview will launch as a Google Labs feature, with additional capabilities rolling out over time.

▲ Sameer Samat, President of Android Ecosystem at Google, highlighted the upgraded functionality of Circle to Search.

Performance Built for AI: Powering Intelligent Experiences

Delivering seamless, on-device intelligence requires powerful performance. Samsung co-developed a custom application processor (AP) for Galaxy S26 Ultra, featuring a 39% more powerful neural processing unit (NPU) and a 19% faster central processing unit (CPU).

Galaxy S26 Ultra, powered by Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5, delivers enhanced graphics and gaming performance. A redesigned thermal architecture — including the largest vapor chamber yet — improves heat management for sustained performance. Optimized power efficiency extends battery life, while faster charging reduces downtime.

▲ Roberts explained performance enhancements in the Galaxy S26 series.

Privacy Display: A New Layer of Protection

Galaxy S26 Ultra debuts Privacy Display — a display-integrated layer designed to limit side viewing while maintaining clarity and brightness.

With privacy in mind, users can toggle the feature on or off and customize it for specific apps, while Maximum Privacy Protection offers enhanced shielding for sensitive information such as financial details.

▲ Miles Franklin, a tech content creator, demonstrated Privacy Display.

AI-Powered Camera: Smarter in Every Shot

The Galaxy S26 series features a front camera powered by an AI ISP (Image Signal Processor) for enhanced detail and color accuracy. Across the camera system, Nightography Video advances low-light capture, reducing grain and preserving sharpness after dark.

For creators, Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces professional-grade camera tools, including up to 8K recording with the APV codec. Galaxy AI also simplifies everyday tasks with intelligent Document Scan, which automatically flattens, cleans and converts documents into ready-to-share files. AI-powered editing features further streamline creativity, allowing users to remove distractions and enhance images directly on device.

▲ Mason Page, Director of Digital Experience Innovation at Samsung Electronics, described how AI helps capture clearer images.

Galaxy Buds4 Series: Refining the Audio Experience

The Galaxy Buds4 series, also announced at Galaxy Unpacked 2026, features a refreshed Blade design and enhanced audio performance. Galaxy Buds4 Pro includes a wider woofer in its two-way speaker system and refined tuning for richer bass and clearer highs.

Call quality has been upgraded with AI-powered noise reduction that minimizes background noise and improves voice clarity. Super Wideband further expands voice bandwidth for clearer, more natural calls, while hands-free access to Bixby, Gemini and Perplexity makes everyday interactions more seamless.

▲ Andrew Short, Mobile Business Manager, Mobile eXperience (MX), Samsung Electronics America, revealed the Galaxy Buds4 series.

Sustainability: Expanding Galaxy for the Planet

Samsung reaffirmed its Galaxy for the Planet initiative, announcing the completion of its 2025 environmental commitments and introducing new 2030 goals focused on resource circularity, water stewardship and biodiversity conservation, expanding the initiative to address broader environmental impact.

As part of new 2030 goals, Samsung plans to incorporate at least one recycled material into every mobile device, advance water stewardship across 10 global mobile device manufacturing sites to replenish 110% of water consumption to local communities and conserve ecosystems spanning an area equal to or greater than the combined footprint of these sites.

In line with this commitment, the Galaxy S26 series expands the use of recycled materials across key components of every mobile device, including recycled plastics, glass, cobalt and the newly added recycled tantalum.

Ocean Mode — a camera feature originally developed to optimize underwater image capture in support of coral reef restoration — has expanded to Expert RAW, enabling Galaxy users to experience advanced underwater photography.

▲ Cassie Smith, Senior Manager of Corporate Sustainability and U.S. Public Affairs at Samsung Electronics, shared the company’s sustainability efforts.

The Experience Zone: Where Galaxy Innovation Comes to Life

Following the event, attendees explored the experience zone for hands-on demonstrations of the Galaxy S26 series and Galaxy Buds4 series.

▲ The product experience zone attracts visitors at Galaxy Unpacked 2026.

“What stood out the most was Galaxy S26 Ultra and all of its new features,” said Kara Lewis, a content creator and member of Team Galaxy from the United States. “My favorite has to be Privacy Display on Galaxy S26 Ultra — just turning it on and off makes it so easy to hide sensitive information, like bank account details, while on the go.”

▲ Kara Lewis, a content creator and member of Team Galaxy from the U.S.

“It was my fifth Unpacked, and I still get excited every year about the new AI features and devices,” said Timos Kouremenos, a tech journalist from Greece. “With Galaxy AI’s Now Nudge, it really feels like the smartphone becomes my agent.

▲ Timos Kouremenos, a tech journalist from Greece

“It was surprising to see how quickly Creative Studio creates stickers with AI,” said Oksana Bykova, a Samsung Members from the U.S. “As a mother of three, I am sure that I will be playing around with the feature with my kids every day.”

“I loved how clearly the other person could hear me with Super Clear Call on the Galaxy Buds4 series,” said Gerson Manzanares, a Samsung Members from Nicaragua. “I can now call anyone with my earbuds wherever I am, without feeling distracted.”

▲ (From left) Oksana Bykova, a Samsung Members from the U.S., and Gerson Manzanares, a Samsung Members from Nicaragua

With the Galaxy S26 series and Galaxy Buds4 series, Samsung continues its shift toward AI as infrastructure — technology that works quietly in the background to support daily life. By combining personalization, performance and protection, Galaxy AI delivers a more seamless and intuitive mobile experience.