In response, Samsung asked a simple question: Can anyone create Hollywood-style videos on a Galaxy mobile phone? The answer is the Cinematic Look-Up Table (Cine LUT) feature on the Galaxy S26 Series. While the APV codec provides the foundation for cinema-quality video, Cine LUT brings a distinct colour style to the footage.

Cine LUT makes professional-level colour grading, once reserved for experts, accessible to anyone. Samsung collaborated with internal teams and external specialists to bring the feature to life. The Mobile eXperience (MX) Business led final camera implementation, Samsung Research developed core video processing technologies and U5K Imageworks — a colourist studio behind globally recognised productions — helped shape its visual aesthetic.

Following the introduction of the APV codec, which delivers visually lossless level of image quality, Samsung Newsroom spoke with three key developers behind Cine LUT — Sugon Baek of the Camera Quality Group at the MX Business, Bomi Kim of the Reality Media Lab at Samsung Research and Taesik Eom, CEO of U5K Imageworks — to hear the story of its creation.

(From left) Taesik Eom, Bomi Kim and Sugon Baek

Q. What is a LUT? What sets Cine LUT on the Galaxy S26 Series apart?

Baek: A LUT is essentially a “map” that transforms one set of colours into another, to achieve a desired look. Unlike conventional filters that simply overlay colour, Cine LUT reinterprets Samsung Log^[1] footage to deliver the depth and look of professional filmmaking.

Kim: It’s optimised for Log video. By leveraging its wide gradation,^[2] the feature precisely reconstructs colour and brightness to preserve subtle tonal details often lost with conventional filters for richer, more natural depth.

▲ Comparison of Log footage in standard settings and with the Thriller LUT and Blockbuster LUT

▲ Comparison of Log footage in standard settings and with the Coming-of-age LUT and Romance LUT

Q. What led to the development of Cine LUT?

Kim: While Galaxy devices supported Log video for high-quality capture, colour grading remained challenging. We aimed to make professional-looking results accessible without advanced editing skills.

Baek: We wanted to create an experience that lets users preview cinematic footage at the moment of capture, then apply a LUT and share the video with a single tap in the Gallery.

(From left) Bomi Kim of the Reality Media Lab at Samsung Research and Sugon Baek of the Camera Quality Group, MX Business at Samsung Electronics

Q. How did the collaboration with U5K Imageworks begin? How was Cine LUT developed?

Eom: Our collaboration began two years ago with Rec. 709 LUT advisory work for Samsung Log video, where we refined strong colours into more natural tones — an experience that led to Cine LUT. For this project, we developed multiple versions across three intensity levels — neutral, soft and strong — and tested them in diverse scenes, ultimately selecting four core styles.

Kim: Building on U5K’s colour direction, we validated the concepts against quantitative criteria to ensure consistent performance in different environments, refining them through testing until creative intent and technical quality aligned.

Taesik Eom, CEO of U5K Imageworks

Q. What challenges did you face during development?

Kim: We needed a large dataset to validate performance across diverse conditions. Testing in real-world environments — from natural and indoor lighting to day and night — and close collaboration were key to capturing the nuances of colour.

Baek: Maintaining consistent, undistorted colour in different environments was challenging. Through continuous testing, we developed a LUT that balances subjective preference with objective quality.

Q. What was the key consideration in creating looks optimised for mobile phones?

Eom: Ensuring reliable performance in real-world conditions was key. Since lighting, exposure and white balance constantly vary, we focused on creating looks that remain natural in any situation.

Kim: Quality was our top priority. We analysed each frame and validated performance using tools like colour charts, gray balance and vector scopes.

Q. Why were these four styles chosen for the Galaxy S26 Series?

Baek: We analysed the visual language of popular film genres and identified four representative styles. From the high-contrast Blockbuster to the fresh Coming-of-age, warm Romance and moody Thriller, each colour palette was designed to give everyday scenes an instant cinematic look.

▲ Users can preview Cine LUTs when shooting in Log and easily apply them to recorded footage using editing tools.

Q. Which Cine LUT styles do you recommend for different situations?

Eom: There’s no fixed answer — it depends on the situation. Blockbuster suits high-contrast environments like outdoor and urban scenes; Coming-of-age fits soft, trendy settings like cafes or vlogs; Romance adds warmth to character-driven scenes; and Thriller creates a more striking impression.

Q. What stood out to you in user feedback?

Baek: We expected it might be seen as just another video effect, but the response exceeded expectations. Users quickly recognised that combining Log shooting with Cine LUTs expands creative possibilities beyond simple filters. We’re also seeing more users choose styles based on the scene, with high-quality videos widely shared on social media — and even inspiring new ways to create content.

Q. What are your plans for the future?

Baek: We aim to further establish the Galaxy S26 Series as a professional-grade camera. We hope to see more content that resonates with both creators and viewers and will continue to set new standards in video creation.

Kim: As the world changes rapidly, our goal is to identify next-generation technologies. Through close collaboration with business divisions, we will work to bring them into products and deliver innovative experiences to users around the world.

Baek, Eom and Kim watch a video with Cine LUT applied.

Born from close collaboration, Cine LUT on the Galaxy S26 Series transforms everyday moments into cinematic visuals. Beyond its technical achievements, the feature marks an important step toward making video creation more accessible — lowering barriers once reserved for professionals and enabling anyone to express themselves.

Heesub Han, a commercial and documentary director, shot a series of short films on Galaxy S26 Ultra using the APV codec and Samsung Log. Explore the videos below to discover the possibilities of Cine LUT through the making-of and short films.

▲ Film director Heesub Han discusses how he uses the APV codec and Cine LUT to shoot professional-grade videos with a Galaxy S26 Ultra.

▲ The four Cine LUT styles are optimised for different scenarios to give footage a more cinematic look.

_{^[1] A technique that uses a logarithmic curve to expand detail in darker areas. While camera sensors capture brightness uniformly, the human eye is more sensitive to changes in shadows. Log helps footage better reflect natural perception.}

_{^[2] The smoothness and precision of tonal transitions in an image — how it shifts between light and dark.}

▲ Photo captured with a Galaxy S26 Ultra equipped with Ocean Mode

Samsung Electronics announced that its “Coral in Focus” initiative, powered by Ocean Mode^[1], an advanced camera feature on the newer Galaxy mobile phones, has received multiple awards for its contributions to coral reef conservation, including Gold in the “Best Sustainability or Conservation Initiative” category at Engage for Good’s 2026 Halo Awards.

Additionally, “Coral in Focus,” a documentary tied to the initiative, received the Coastal and Island Culture Award at the 23rd International Ocean Film Festival. Samsung was separately named to Fast Company’s 2026 Most Innovative Companies list for its work advancing mobile innovation in environmental research.

These recognitions reflect the impact of Samsung’s efforts to reverse the decline of coral reefs in partnership with U.S.-based non-profit organisation Seatrees and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego. By bringing together Galaxy’s advanced image capturing capabilities, Seatrees’ community-driven restoration model and Scripps’ knowledge on marine science, Samsung is transforming Galaxy mobile phones into powerful tools for ocean conservation.

Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor yet support approximately 25% of all marine life and sustain millions of livelihoods worldwide^[2]. Without intervention, many reefs are at risk of disappearing by 2050 due to climate change, pollution and overfishing.

To help address this challenge, Samsung collaborated with Seatrees and Scripps to advance coral reef restoration across a growing network of sites in Costa Rica, Fiji, the Galápagos Islands, Indonesia and the United States.

Through the “Samsung x Seatrees: Bring Coral in Focus” initiative, partners and local communities are given Ocean Mode-equipped Galaxy devices and underwater housings to capture high-quality underwater imagery with Ocean Mode, which is then used to generate detailed 3D photogrammetric models. This process improves how coral reefs are monitored and evaluated, resulting in critical insight into reef health and recovery.

Together, Samsung, Seatrees and Scripps have driven meaningful impact across restoration sites. To date, more than 20,000 coral fragments have been planted, and over 80 3D reef models have been built to support monitoring and research efforts.

▲ Side-by-side comparison of coral imagery captured on a Galaxy mobile phone with standard camera settings (left) and Ocean Mode (right), highlighting improved colour correction and reduced motion blur underwater.

Now available through Expert RAW^[3], Ocean Mode extends these capabilities to Galaxy users, making advanced underwater imaging^[4] available to more people while reducing reliance on expensive, heavy DSLR equipment. This increased accessibility is critical to scaling coral reef monitoring efforts, particularly in regions where resources and technical infrastructure may be limited.

These accolades build on Samsung’s broader commitment to sustainability under its initiative, Our Journey: Galaxy for the Planet. From incorporating recycled materials into Galaxy devices to developing technologies like Ocean Mode with like-minded partners, Samsung continues to explore how innovation can help protect the planet.

_{^[1] As of April 2026, Ocean Mode is supported on Galaxy S26 Series, and is expanding to the S25 Series, S24 Series, Fold 7, Flip 7, Z Tri-Fold, Fold 6 and Flip 6 throughout the first half of 2026.}

_{^[2] Smithsonian Museum of Natural History}

_{^[3] Expert RAW must be downloaded separately from the Galaxy Store, for free, before use. Supported on S26, S25, S24, S23 an S22 series devices, S21 Ultra, S20 Ultra, Note20 Ultra, Z TriFold, Z Fold7, Z Flip7, Z Fold6, Z Flip6, Z Fold5, Z Fold4, Z Fold3 and Z Fold2. Results may vary depending on editing method and/or shooting conditions including multiple subjects, being out of focus or moving subjects.}

_{^[4] Galaxy mobile phones used underwater were placed in a waterproof underwater housing. Galaxy mobile phones are not designed to be waterproof against seawater.}

If you thought smartphone innovation has peaked, think again. At Galaxy Unpacked 2026, Samsung introduced the new Galaxy S26 Series, setting the tone for what many are calling the era of truly intelligent, AI-powered phones. The excitement didn’t just stay on ground — it was captured, dissected, and reimagined through the lenses of our creators and media friends from Southeast Asia and Oceania (SEAO) who joined us in San Francisco.

For a full rundown on Samsung’s enhanced Galaxy AI, exciting features of the new devices, and how they help users accomplish more with less effort, check out @adamlob0’s interview with Carl Nordenberg, VP & Regional Head of the Mobile eXperience Business.

Unpacked energy, from San Francisco to SEAO

From Vietnam, the Schannel team breaks down and demonstrates how the brand-new feature works.

Adding to that, @chill_with_dan shares her first impressions on how you can customise the level of privacy to your needs. Thanks to an intelligent pixel-level layer, the display helps control what people around you can see, giving users a new sense of confidence when viewing sensitive information on their phones.

These are just some of the standout moments from Unpacked 2026. If you’d like to see more, you can check out the full replay of Unpacked here!

Innovation is often measured by what we can see – larger screens, thinner frames, or more vibrant displays. However, the most profound shifts occur when the technology itself begins to disappear.

We are stepping into an era where technology should feel like an extension of intent rather than a tool we must learn and manage. In short, we are moving away from digital complexity towards everyday convenience.

For over a decade, the smartphone experience has been defined by touch-based navigation. People all over the world have become accustomed to tapping on screens and managing fragmented applications to complete simple tasks. For this era to close, mobile experiences must become more proactive and adaptive, understanding context and providing assistance the moment it is needed.

With the all-new Galaxy S26 Series, the next chapter begins here. The path forward is not about adding more apps, but instead about creating an invisible architecture that enables easier daily living.

SEAO is Primed for an AI Revolution

Southeast Asia and Oceania (SEAO) represents one of the most dynamic, mobile-first digital economies in the world. Google’s recent e-Conomy SEA 2025 report^[1] highlights a powerful base of 200 million new users that have come online over the last decade across Southeast Asia. With three in five people now shopping online, and over 60% of all payments being made digitally, the region’s digital fluency has driven a surge in interest towards artificial intelligence (AI), at three times the global average.

This momentum is equally profound across Oceania, where AI has moved rapidly from a concept to a core business driver. In New Zealand, a significant 91% of businesses report efficiency improvements from AI, with half also citing positive financial impact^[2]. Australian businesses are mirroring this shift as well; with 40% of SMEs currently adopting AI^[3] and agreeing that AI offers a competitive edge and compelling use cases that can transform their operations.

The launch of the Galaxy S24 Series two years ago marked the transition from smartphone to a new era of AI phones. Today, for the millions across the diverse SEAO region — from hyper-connected urban hubs to rapidly developing tech frontiers — the phone has become more than a tool, and instead the primary platform for navigating life.

As our region accelerates its adoption of AI, true advancement is achieved when everyday use is powered by seamless anticipation of needs. For instance, the Galaxy S26 Ultra features Samsung’s most intuitive and user-friendly AI experience to date. Features like Now Nudge^[4] provide proactive and relevant context-aware suggestions, while Now Brief^[5] surfaces timely reminders for important events. The reliable delivery of these experiences requires a foundation of customised hardware, such as the Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5, which is designed for high-speed on-device performance on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Sitting quietly beneath the interface, this hardware orchestrates how intelligence understands context to enable intuitive workflows.

The Power of Open Intelligence

To harness these advancements without forcing people to learn entirely new interfaces, technology demands a deeply integrated approach. We understand that customers prefer having a choice in the tools they use, so Galaxy S26 Ultra also comes with a choice of agents^[6] to help users complete tasks more easily with a single button press or voice prompt. As we see it, the future lies in an open ecosystem of AI-powered features that users can embrace with confidence—knowing their personal data is secure while enjoying the benefits of a multi-agent experience that is backed by Samsung’s commitment to collaborative protection.

Crucially, this AI transformation cannot be reserved for a select few. We are committed to the democratisation of mobile AI, targeting an expansion to over 800 million users globally in 2026. True progress is only achieved when advanced capabilities reach the masses, ensuring broad availability to all.

Trust as the Foundation

With increased power comes a heightened need for trust. As both consumers and organisations scale their AI usage, a multi-agent approach must be built on the principle that access to personal information is strictly limited to the specific task at hand. AI experiences on Galaxy are protected at every level, with personalisation, transparency, and user choice guiding every step.

Security is not merely a feature, but a foundational element of our AI infrastructure that users can customise through granular privacy settings, opt-in security features, and intuitive dashboards designed to enable true control and transparency. For instance, the Privacy Display^[7] on the Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces a new form of personal protection. Integrated directly into the display hardware, it controls how the screen’s pixels disperse light, limiting visibility from side, top, and bottom angles when activated so users can preserve privacy when needed.

Meanwhile, Samsung Knox ensures that personal data remains protected on the device and is shared only when required. On the Galaxy S26 Series, the Personal Data Engine (PDE) enables context-aware AI experiences by processing data locally. To keep this process safe, Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP) encrypts the data of each app. Furthermore, Knox Vault adds a physical layer of protection by isolating sensitive data inside its own secure hardware. This system-wide approach combines hardware and software to keep personal information protected.

By equipping our flagship devices with up to seven generations of Android OS and One UI upgrades^[8], along with seven years of security updates, we provide consumers with the confidence that their hardware investments will remain secure over time.

The Blueprint for an Intelligent Future

The diverse and rapidly growing digital economies of the SEAO region have created an ideal environment for AI adoption and growth. The launch of our latest flagship line-up is more than an iterative hardware update; it is the deployment of mobile infrastructure required to meet this moment.

By balancing specialised hardware with a collaborative software philosophy, we are laying the foundation for a future where digital experiences become easier and more intuitive, fundamentally making life better for every user in the region.

_{^[1] Google, Temasek and Bain, e-Conomy SEA 2025}

_{^[2] AI in Action: Key Findings from New Zealand’s Third AI Productivity Report – AI Forum}

_{^[3] Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources – National Artificial Intelligence Centre (NAIC): AI adoption in Australian businesses 2024 Q4.}

_{^[4] Now Nudge feature requires a Samsung Account login. Available functions and features may vary by country, region and language. Text message prompts currently available with Samsung Messages and certain third-party messaging apps including Google Messages and Google Chat. Based on availability at the time of product launch. May change without notice. Share photos in Now Nudge works by analysing available image content. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.}

_{^[5] Now Brief feature requires Samsung Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language, device model, apps. Some features may require a network connection. The description of photos provided by moments may not align with the user’s intent. Notifications must be switched on to be used as the recalled data. Recalled data available from supported app notifications, Messages, Gmail and Samsung Wallet and data collected from Gmail is only applicable if the user consents to Personal Data Intelligence’s Gmail read permission. Recalled data for reservation details only available from reservation confirmation messages.} 

_{^[6] Availability may vary by region/country and language.}

_{^[7] Privacy Display feature controls the screen’s viewing range to limit peripheral vision. Some changes in image quality may occur outside the viewing range. When activated, some information may still be visible to others depending on the viewing environment, such as angle or brightness. Caution is advised when exposing sensitive information}

_{^[8] Availability and timing of Android OS upgrades and security updates may vary by device model and market}

The feature will begin rolling out from 23 March^[1], starting in Korea and expanding to more regions including Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, Latin America, North America, Southeast Asia, and Taiwan. AirDrop support^[2] will initially be available on the Galaxy S26 Series, with expansion to additional devices to be announced at a later date.

_{^[1] Availability and timing may vary by market.}

_{^[2] The ‘Share with Apple devices’ feature is turned on by default.}

The little tasks can add up quickly. Planning a trip with friends often means juggling multiple apps — checking your Calendar to avoid clashes, booking a car to the airport, reopening Notes to review the places you want to visit, keeping track of receipts, and staying up late to edit your photos until they’re ready to post.

 

Galaxy AI^[1] on the Galaxy S26 Series is designed to make those moments easier. By proactively working on your behalf, it cuts down on the steps needed, helping you get things done. It’s support that shows up at the right moment, so you can stay focused on the task at hand instead of bouncing between apps and managing every input.

 

What are the key Galaxy AI features on Galaxy S26 Series?

On the Galaxy S26 Series, Galaxy AI shows up across the tasks people deal with every day — making it simpler to plan, create, organise, share, and more. From context-aware suggestions that keep conversations moving to intuitive tools that help refine and organise visual content, Galaxy AI helps you stay in the flow.

 

Now Nudge^[2] adapts to what’s on your screen and what’s already on your device to proactively suggest helpful actions at just the right time. Texting a friend about plans for a night out? When a date comes up in the chat, the Galaxy S26 recognises it, shows what’s already on your calendar for that day, and offers to add the event, all without switching apps.

 

And when someone asks for photos from your trip to New York^[3], Now Nudge can automatically suggest relevant images from the Gallery, so you can share in seconds instead of searching through albums. It can even pull up saved info across your device, like a list of cool bars you jotted down in Samsung Notes — no need to dig through the relevant apps, Galaxy S26 takes care of the extra steps for you.

 

For step-by-step instructions on how to experience these Galaxy AI features, watch here:

 

 

The Galaxy S26 can take care of multi-step tasks behind the scenes, making everyday moments feel easier. Through natural interactions, Google Gemini can search and complete complex actions seamlessly across apps, such as looking up information on your next holiday destination and automatically adding it to Notes. It offers an early look at what agentic AI can do, completing routine tasks in the background so you can offload the busywork.

 

Galaxy cameras have always made it easy to capture fantastic photos. With the Galaxy S26, the upgraded Photo Assist and Creative Studio^[4] make editing and customising content just as seamless.

 

Photo Assist now supports natural language editing, allowing you to make edits by simply saying what you want to change, without technical terms, specialised tools, or editing expertise. Maybe you’re framing the perfect dinner shot, but your friend takes a bite before the photo happens. Ask to restore the missing bite, and Photo Assist fills it back in. Or if a landscape photo looks great but you want a moodier feel, ask to shift the scene from day to night. You can review changes as you go and jump back to any earlier stage whenever you want, making the process even easier.

 

 

Accessible from the Edge Panel, Creative Studio brings your ideas to life in one simple space, turning a sketch, photo, or prompt into polished visuals — like funny stickers for a group chat, or a wallpaper that reflects your style. Once you generate a result, you can keep editing or share it right away without switching tools, so your creative rhythm stays uninterrupted.

 

 

Galaxy AI also helps you stay organised and handle everyday documents with less hassle. Got paperwork that can’t wait? Document Scan is built right into the Camera app. Imagine you’re at a doctor’s office and a form needs to be filled out by a family member — you can scan it and send them a clean digital copy instantly. The Galaxy S26 recognises the document, removes distortions and distractions such as creases or even a finger in the corner. If there are multiple pages, they can be combined automatically into a single PDF, just like that.

_{^[1] Galaxy AI basic features provided by Samsung are free. Any Samsung enhanced AI features and all third-party AI features are subject to different terms and may be subject to fees. (Galaxy AI basic features are listed under “Advanced intelligence” in Samsung Services Terms and Conditions.)}

_{^[2] Now Nudge feature requires a Samsung Account login. Available functions and features may vary by country, region, and language. Text message prompts currently available with Samsung Messages and certain third-party messaging apps including Google Messages and Google Chat. Based on availability at the time of product launch. May change without notice. Share photos in Now Nudge works by analysing available image content. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.}

_{^[3] For location information, location permission should be allowed.}

_{^[4] Requires an internet connection / Samsung account login. Edited images may be resized and will have visible AI watermark. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed.}

What is Privacy Display?

Privacy Display on Galaxy S26 Ultra is an innovative form of personal protection built into the device that allows you to adjust the visibility of content on your screen. When enabled, visuals are clear for the user while limiting what others can see when looking at the screen from the side — perfect when you’re travelling or in other public places.

Unlike aftermarket stick-on privacy screen covers, the Privacy Display on Galaxy S26 Ultra offers protection without compromising the viewing experience during everyday use.

How does Privacy Display work?

Integrated directly into the display hardware, Privacy Display on Galaxy S26 Ultra controls how the screen’s pixels disperse light, limiting the visibility from side angles when turned on, while preserving the full display experience from any direction when it’s off. This hardware-first approach delivers a clearer and more consistent experience than a traditional privacy screen protector which permanently reduces brightness and clarity and can degrade touch responsiveness.

It’s also customisable. You can decide when it turns on, like when entering sensitive password information, or even limit visibility for specific types of content like popup notifications — it all comes down to user choice.

How to Use Privacy Display on Galaxy S26 Ultra

For step-by-step instructions to turn on Privacy Display, watch here:

Learn more about Galaxy S26 Ultra and all the latest Galaxy devices on Samsung.com.

_{^[1] Must be enabled in settings. Privacy Display feature controls the screen’s viewing range to limit peripheral vision. Some changes in image quality may occur outside the viewing range. When activated, some information may still be visible to others depending on the viewing environment, such as angle or brightness. Caution is advised when exposing sensitive information.}

Samsung developed its Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec in collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. as an open standard for professional video creation so the technology could be available to as many users as possible. It took years of close collaboration between the two companies to make APV a reality on the Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy^[1] chipset that powers Galaxy S26 Ultra. APV is the latest example of Samsung’s commitment to put the user experience first by collaborating with other industry leaders.

What is Samsung’s Advanced Professional Video (APV) Codec on Galaxy S26 Ultra?

Galaxy S26 Ultra is the first Galaxy device to support APV, enabling higher-quality video files that use your device storage more efficiently. For anyone who wants pro-level quality without sacrificing the convenience and portability of shooting video on mobile, APV on Galaxy S26 Ultra is a game changer.

Codecs compress and decompress video files for storage and sharing. With an HEVC codec, the system often removes very small visual details to reduce file size. As a result, fine elements like water droplets, splashes, or subtle textures in the image become blurred after rounds of encoding.

APV preserves more of the original information, which helps maintain delicate details such as water droplets, textures, and motion — noted by the clarity of the splash in the image despite multiple rounds of encoding. APV codecs achieve visually lossless quality even when subjected to repeated editing.

How does APV Work?

While other smartphone codecs prioritize small file sizes, they are not built for high-quality editing. APV makes for easier editing and more creative flexibility. Now you can capture video content on your Galaxy device that behaves like cinematic professional camera footage when it’s time to edit — maintaining video quality even after repeated edits. Supporting up to 8K resolution at 30 frames per second, APV uses 10% less storage than other comparable formats while maintaining the same objective visual quality.

How to Enable APV on Galaxy S26 Ultra

1. Navigate to Camera > Settings > Video Format > APV
2. Choose preferred APV control APV HDR or APV Log
3. Select the type of file compression APV 422 HQ (high-quality video) or APOV 422 LQ (optimized for storage capacity and limited data rates)
4. Toggle selected shooting mode on or off in Camera preview
5. Users also have the option to record APV directly to external USB storage, navigate to Camera > Settings > Save to External Storage

Learn more about APV here, and explore the capabilities of Galaxy S26 Ultra and all the latest Galaxy devices on Samsung.com.

Not sure you’re ready to make the switch to Galaxy? Check out Try Galaxy to test out some of the latest features on the device you’re holding right now.

_{^[1] Snapdragon branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Snapdragon is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated.}

Samsung Electronics today announced the global availability of the Galaxy S26 Series and the Galaxy Buds4 Series. As Samsung’s third generation of AI phones, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26 deliver the most intuitive and proactive Galaxy AI^[1] experiences yet, helping users accomplish more with fewer steps. Following Galaxy Unpacked, the newly launched Galaxy S26 Series has generated exceptional early demand, with initial pre-order figures surpassing previous records and marking a double-digit increase. The premium Galaxy S26 Ultra has quickly become the standout model, selected by more than 70% of pre-order customers worldwide.

Galaxy S26 Ultra: Where Innovation Leads

Galaxy S26 Ultra brings together Samsung’s most advanced innovation in a single device – powerful performance, an industry-leading camera system, enhanced intuitive Galaxy AI and an innovative built-in Privacy Display^[2].

Privacy Display, which has drawn widespread praise since its unveiling, changes how privacy can be protected on a phone at a pixel level. Designed for everyday situations, hardware and software are working as one to protect privacy without compromising everyday viewing experiences.

Built for all-day performance, Galaxy S26 Ultra delivers the most powerful performance on a Galaxy S Series yet, powered by a customised mobile processor — Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy^[3] — with significant gains^[4] across the CPU, GPU and NPU to support faster, smoother experiences that keep up throughout the day.

Galaxy S26 Ultra also features Samsung’s most intuitive and user-friendly AI experience to date. Features like Now Nudge^[5] provide proactive and relevant context-aware suggestions, while Now Brief^[6] surfaces timely reminders for important events. A choice of agents^[7] also help users to complete tasks easier with a single button press or voice prompt.

Galaxy S26 Ultra builds on Samsung’s industry-leading camera system, seamlessly integrating capture, editing and sharing into one intuitive workflow. Nightography video,^[8] keeps footage vibrant even in low light, and Super Steady, ^[9] which comes with a new horizontal lock option for greater stability, even during dynamic movement. Editing is just as easy and straight forward. With the upgraded Photo Assist,^[10] users can refine images and express their creativity by simply describing what they want in their own words, while Creative Studio^[11] empowers users to easily turn their ideas into polished visuals — from stickers and invitations to personalised wallpapers.

Galaxy Buds4 Series: Superior Hi-Fi Sound with Computationally Designed Fit

Users can enhance the capabilities of the Galaxy S26 with the new Galaxy Buds4 Series which integrated Samsung’s most advanced audio and wearability innovations together in one seamless experience. The Galaxy Buds4 Pro and Buds4 deliver superior hi-fi audio and everyday wearability to achieve the best listening experience across the Galaxy Buds Series to date. The Buds4 Series establishes a new iconic blade design with an engraved pinch control^[12] and ultra-sleek ergonomic fit, achieved by analysing hundreds of millions of global ear data points and running over 10,000 simulations^[13] to optimise for all-day wearability and comfort. Powerful hardware and software innovations on the Buds4 Pro such as a wider woofer and an enhanced Adaptive Equaliser and Active Noise Cancellation^[14] produce rich full-spectrum sound true to the original recording. With the integration of several AI agents^[15] and intuitive hands-free controls, the Buds4 Series becomes a natural companion to Galaxy S26, extending everyday experiences beyond the phone.

Starting 11 March, the Galaxy S26 Series will be available for purchase in Singapore. For details, please visit: https://news.samsung.com/sg/live-on-easy-mode-with-all-new-galaxy-s26-series-buds4-series-now-available-in-singapore 

For added peace of mind, Samsung Care+^[16] offers comprehensive coverage that protects the devices’ value, including fast repairs for accidental damage, extended warranty, and certified expert support available both at home and abroad.

_{^[1] Samsung Account login may be required to use certain AI features. Samsung does not make any promises, assurances or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the output provided by AI features. Availability of Galaxy AI features may vary depending on the region/country, OS/One UI version, device model and phone carrier.}

_{^[2] Must be enabled in settings. Privacy Display feature controls the screen’s viewing range to limit peripheral vision. Some changes in image quality may occur outside the viewing range. When activated, some information may still be visible to others depending on the viewing environment, such as angle or brightness. Caution is advised when exposing sensitive information.}

_{^[3] Snapdragon branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Snapdragon is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated.}

_{^[4] AP performance improvements shown compared to Galaxy S25 Ultra. Actual performance will depend on user environment, conditions and pre-installed software and applications.}

_{^[5] Now Nudge feature requires a Samsung Account login. Available functions and features may vary by country, region, and language. Text message prompts currently available with Samsung Messages and certain third-party messaging apps including Google Messages and Google Chat. Based on availability at the time of product launch. May change without notice. Share photos in Now Nudge works by analysing available image content. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.}

_{^[6] Now Brief feature requires Samsung Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language, device model, apps. Some features may require a network connection. The description of photos provided by moments may not align with the user’s intent. Notifications must be switched on to be used as the recalled data. Recalled data available from supported app notifications, Messages, Gmail and Samsung Wallet and data collected from Gmail is only applicable if the user consents to Personal Data Intelligent’s Gmail read permission. Recalled data for reservation details only available from reservation confirmation messages.}

_{^[7] Availability may vary by region/country and language.}

_{^[8] Results may vary depending on light condition and/or shooting conditions including multiple subjects, being out of focus or moving subjects.}

_{^[9] Super Steady results may vary depending on editing method and/or shooting conditions.}

_{^[10] Photo Assist may require a network connection and Samsung Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language or device model. Photo Assist may result in a resized photo. A visible watermark is overlaid on the image output upon saving in order to indicate that the image is generated by AI. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed.}

_{^[11] Creative Studio feature requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language or device model. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed. Sticker sets only compatible with Samsung Keyboard and can only be shared via Quick Share feature with other Galaxy devices that have One UI 5.0 or later installed and Quick Share app version 13.8.50.x or later.}

_{^[12] Galaxy Buds are available to connect as Bluetooth Audio regardless of OS, but to configure advanced settings, Galaxy Buds must be paired with a smartphone with Android 10.0 or above and a minimum of 1.5GB of memory.​ Advanced settings on the quick panel or Buds menu in Settings include Noise Control, Adaptive EQ, Pinch Control and software update. ​Some features are only available on compatible Samsung Galaxy smartphones.​ Android is a trademark of Google LLC.}

_{^[13]  Based on global ear data research conducted by Samsung Design Innovation Centre.}

_{^[14] Available on Buds4 Pro.}

_{^[15] AI features require a compatible Samsung Galaxy phone.}

_{^[16] Terms and conditions apply. Samsung Care+ coverage, service type and promotion details may vary by country/region and deductible (service fee) may apply. To be eligible for Samsung Care+ promotion benefit, registration may be required. For detailed Samsung Care+ information, please visit https://www.samsung.com/sg/offer/samsung-care-plus/mobile/}

Experience Galaxy AI with the all-new Galaxy S26 Series and Galaxy Buds4 Series, now available in Singapore starting today, 11 March 2026.

Galaxy S26 Series: Less effort, More life.

The Galaxy S26 Series will be available for purchase at:

• Local telecommunication operators (M1, Singtel and StarHub);
• Samsung Experience Stores;
• Samsung Shop App and Samsung Online Store (Galaxy S26 Ultra and Galaxy S26+ | S26);
• Samsung Official Stores in Lazada, Shopee, TikTok, iShopChangi and KrisShop;
• Major consumer electronics & IT stores;
• And other selected channels, including ZYM Mobile.

From 11 March to 3 April, consumers who purchase the Galaxy S26 Series will enjoy up to $180 e-voucher^[1]. 

For more details^[2] on launch promotions for purchases through local telecommunication operators, consumer electronics & IT stores, and other online retailers, please visit their respective websites:

• M1: http://m1.com.sg/galaxys
• Singtel: https://singtel.com/galaxys
• StarHub: https://starhub.com/samsung
• Samsung Official Store (Lazada): https://lazada.sg/galaxys
• Samsung Official Store (Shopee): https://shopee.sg/m/galaxys
• Samsung Official Store (KrisShop): https://krisshop.com/en/brands/samsung
• Best Denki: https://bestdenki.com.sg/samsunggalaxy
• Challenger: https://www.challenger.sg/pages/samsung-s26
• Courts: https://www.courts.com.sg/samsung/galaxys26
• Gain City: https://gaincity.com/new-galaxy
• Harvey Norman: https://harveynorman.com.sg/promotions/samsung-galaxy-s-series.html
• iShopChangi: https://ishopchangi.com/en/campaigns/samsung
• ZYM: https://zym.sg/promotion/

The recommended retail prices for the Galaxy S26 Series devices are as follows:

* Exclusive to Samsung Online Store and Samsung Shop App

Galaxy Buds4 Series: Unveil true Hi-Fi sound.

The Galaxy Buds4 Series will be available for purchase at:

• Local telecommunication operators (Singtel and StarHub);
• Samsung Experience Stores;
• Samsung Shop App and Samsung Online Store (Galaxy Buds4 Pro | Galaxy Buds4);
• Samsung Official Stores in Lazada, Shopee, TikTok, iShopChangi and KrisShop;
• Major consumer electronics & IT stores;
• And other selected channels, including ZYM Mobile.

From 11 March to 3 April, consumers who purchase via Samsung Online Store, Samsung Shop App, Samsung Experience Store or Samsung Official Stores can enjoy 15% off the new Galaxy Buds4 Series with eligible Galaxy Smartphone or Galaxy Tab purchases^[4].

Meanwhile, consumers who purchase via selected major consumer electronics & IT stores and local telecommunication operators can enjoy up to 15% off the new Galaxy Buds4 Series with any purchase^[5].

For more details on launch promotions for purchases through local telecommunication operators, consumer electronics & IT stores, and other online retailers, please visit their respective websites:

• Singtel: https://singtel.com/galaxys
• StarHub: https://starhub.com/samsung
• Samsung Official Store (Lazada): https://lazada.sg/galaxys
• Samsung Official Store (Shopee): https://shopee.sg/m/galaxys
• Samsung Official Store (KrisShop): https://krisshop.com/en/brands/samsung
• Best Denki: https://bestdenki.com.sg/samsunggalaxy
• Challenger: https://www.challenger.sg/pages/samsung-s26
• Courts: https://www.courts.com.sg/samsung/galaxys26
• Gain City: https://gaincity.com/new-galaxy
• Harvey Norman: https://harveynorman.com.sg/promotions/samsung-galaxy-s-series.html
• iShopChangi: https://ishopchangi.com/en/campaigns/samsung
• ZYM: https://zym.sg/promotion/

The recommended retail prices for the Galaxy S26 Series devices are as follows:

* Exclusive to Samsung Online Store and Samsung Shop App

New Galaxy Club: 50% value protected. Next Galaxy unlocked.

New Galaxy Club^[6] is a new Samsung programme that allows customers to upgrade to the next Galaxy S Series with up to 50% of their device’s value back and 2-year Samsung Care+ Screen Care, for extra peace of mind.

Available exclusively at Samsung Online Store.

Customers can join the New Galaxy Club at $168 and enjoy:

·       Guaranteed up to 50% of your device’s value back when upgrading to the next Galaxy S Series (up to $1,289); and

·       2‑year Samsung Care+ Screen Care included (worth $168)

For more information, visit: http://www.samsung.com/sg/smartphones/new-galaxy-club/

Cinch: Exclusive Subscription Partner

Consumers looking to purchase the latest Galaxy S26 Series can now consider a subscription of the device instead with Cinch. They can subscribe to the new Galaxy S26 Ultra from $84/month on a 12-month subscription plan.

The subscription programme provides low monthly payments, worry-free protection, with an option for a device-upgrade upon completion of the subscription term.

Consumers can visit http://samsung.cinch.sg to learn more about Cinch subscription programme^[7].

More information on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Series is available here.

_{^[1] This Promo is valid from 11 March 2026, 12:00AM SGT, to 3 April 2026, 11:59PM SGT. While stocks last. The products under this Promo may vary by retail outlet / platform. Samsung reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions and/or amend or withdraw this Promo at any time without prior notice and without assigning any reasons.}

_{^[2] Memory and colour variants differ from store to store. Please check with respective stores for availability.}

_{^[3] Actual user-accessible internal memory is less than specified total memory due to storage of the operating system, the software used to operate device features, and other built-in applications, and may vary after software updates/upgrades.}

_{^[4] This Promo is valid from 11 March 2026, 12:00AM SGT, to 3 April 2026, 11:59PM SGT. While stocks last. The products under this Promo may vary by retail outlet / platform. Enjoy 15% off each new Galaxy Buds4 Series product with purchase of any Galaxy Smartphone or Tab in a single transaction. Not stackable with other promotions. Samsung reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions and/or amend or withdraw this Promo at any time without prior notice and without assigning any reasons}

_{^[5] This Promo is valid from 11 March 2026, 12:00AM SGT, to 3 April 2026, 11:59PM SGT. While stocks last. The products under this Promo may vary by retail outlet / platform. Enjoy up to 15% off each new Galaxy Buds4 Series product with any purchase in a single transaction. Not stackable with other promotions. Samsung reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions and/or amend or withdraw this Promo at any time without prior notice and without assigning any reasons}

_{^[6]This Promo is valid from 26 February 2026, 2:00AM SGT, to 3 April 2026, 11:59PM SGT. Terms and Conditions apply. For more information, visit www.samsung.com/sg/smartphones/new-galaxy-club/.}

_{^[7] Full terms and conditions available here.}