As a Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner, Samsung Electronics is supporting the Games with Galaxy technology; from Victory Selfie and broadcast integrations to the Samsung Open Station, an experience space inside the Youth Olympic Village. Having supported the Youth Olympic Games since the inaugural edition in Singapore in 2010, Samsung has gone beyond technology at Dakar 2026 to support young athletes’ personal growth as well.

For the athletes competing at Dakar 2026, reaching the Olympic stage is the result of years of dedication. But some of the most lasting lessons came from what happened along the way — overcoming setbacks, building resilience, discovering what matters beyond results.

That is why, on 03 November, Samsung hosted “Beyond the Medal: Your Journey Shapes What Comes Next,” a mentoring session at the Samsung Open Station inside the Youth Olympic Village. By bringing in athletes who have walked the Olympic path before them, the session aimed to inspire pride and motivation in the next generation — and to share the spirit of openness at the heart of Samsung’s Olympic partnership.

Two IOC Athlete Role Models ¹– Senegalese canoe slalom Olympian, Jean-Pierre Bourhis (31) and Ugandan swimmer, Jamila Lunkuse (29) – joined New Zealand tennis bronze medallist Marcus Daniell (36) for a conversation with young athletes.

Moderated by Lefa Makgato, CSR Manager at Samsung Electronics Africa – the session brought the three mentors together with 28 young athletes from 12 countries to share the journeys that shaped them; and offer a guide for exploring where life beyond sport might lead.

Open the Way: Finding Your Own Path

Makgato opened by asking each mentor where their Olympic journey began.

For Bourhis, who represented Senegal at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 and is featured in Samsung’s “Voices of Galaxy: Paddling for the Future,” the dream took shape in 2008, when Togo’s Benjamin Boukpeti won a bronze medal in kayaking at the Beijing Olympics.

“As a kid, I realised an African paddler could reach the podium,” he said. “Rio 2016 showed me that the way could be opened. Now my job is to keep it open for others.”

Lunkuse, who made her Olympic Games debut at 15, recalled that swimming began with friendship rather than ambition. “I wasn’t thinking about medals or the Olympics,” she said. “I just enjoyed being part of something with my friends, and that’s what built my love for the sport.”

Daniell, who ended New Zealand’s 109-year wait for an Olympic tennis medal at Tokyo 2020, pointed to choosing tennis over football at 14. “Because I’d given up a sport I loved, I knew I had to fully commit,” he said.

Break Your Boundaries: Learning Through Challenges

The conversation then turned to the biggest challenges each mentor faced. With almost no whitewater facilities in Senegal, Bourhis had to build his training base in France — while holding down a full-time job as an engineer in electric vehicle repair. “As an engineer, I see a limit as a problem to solve, not a wall,” he said. “I train before work, during lunch or late at night. What keeps me going is purpose.”

Lunkuse spoke openly about the anxiety she faced ahead of Rio 2016. “I became so focused on qualifying times that I no longer enjoyed it,” she said. “It was only when I took time away that I could see what I was going through and what help I needed — and that’s what got me to Rio 2016.”

Daniell described a knee injury in 2022 that kept him out for nearly two years. “What got me through was having something bigger than tennis,” he said. “Everyone fails. Those who last are the ones who learn to pick themselves up when they fall.”

Beyond the Game: Turning Experience Into Opportunity

Finally, Makgato asked how the lessons of sport carried into what came next. Through non-profit work, Bourhis is building a canoeing ecosystem in Senegal. “We’re building it step by step — and building canoes locally makes the sport more affordable, creates local jobs and leaves a lasting legacy,” he said. “I want to give the next generation the tools to build their own way.”

Lunkuse, a youth coach and World Aquatics Athletes’ Committee member, urges young athletes to look beyond results. “Results do not define your value,” she said. Similarly, Daniell – an IOC Athletes’ Commission member and founder of High Impact Athletes, a non-profit connecting athletes with charities – advised: “Look for a goal beyond personal success. For me, that was what kept pushing me forward.”

Opening Possibilities for the Next Generation

▲ Lefa Makgato, CSR Manager at Samsung Electronics Africa, moderated the session. (Copyright: IOC/ Franco Arland)

Makgato closed the session with a story of her own. Growing up in a small township in South Africa, she first encountered a computer at 18 — at one of Samsung’s Solar Powered Internet Schools. She later joined Samsung Electronics Africa, where she now leads CSR programmes across the continent, including Solve for Tomorrow, giving the next generation the kind of opportunity she once received. Having seen first-hand how a single opportunity can change a life, she had good reason to stand before the young athletes that day.

“I know first-hand how access to technology and education opens doors you may never have imagined. Where you are today doesn’t determine where you’re going,” she said. “We wanted to encourage young athletes to stay open to new ideas and recognise the potential they have to shape their own futures.”

1. IOC Athlete Role Models (ARMs) have been part of the Youth Olympic Games since Singapore 2010. Selected by International Federations for each sport, these experienced Olympians stay on site to speak with young athletes and lead workshops on topics such as career management and injury prevention, helping shape the athletes of tomorrow. ︎

Modern life rarely slows down. Between managing work and family schedules, preparing meals, keeping up with household chores, and finding time to relax, many people spend their days juggling countless decisions and tasks. While technology has been making life easier, today’s households need more than connected devices. They need intelligent support that works quietly in the background, helping life run more smoothly. This is where Samsung is helping shape things up in the era of the AI Living Companion.

Rather than simply responding to commands, Samsung’s connected ecosystem is designed to understand routines, adapt to lifestyles, and simplify everyday experiences through intelligent automation. It is technology that feels less like a collection of devices and more like a trusted companion that helps manage daily life.

A Home That Works Around You

For decades, people have adapted their routines to technology. Samsung believes the future should work the other way around. Through built-in artificial intelligence, Samsung products can learn household patterns, preferences, and routines to create more personalised experiences. Over time, the home becomes increasingly responsive. This human-centred approach means technology can anticipate needs rather than simply waiting for instructions.

Laundry, for example, becomes less of a chore when intelligent systems help optimise cycles while connected notifications keep family members informed of progress. Instead of repeatedly checking appliances, people can focus on work, family commitments, or simply enjoying a moment of downtime.

Imagine viewing the ingredients in your fridge remotely while still at work. This can help you decide what to make for dinner and what ingredients you need to get. You can also get great recipes on Samsung Food¹ using the ingredients that you do have. The evening begins with fewer decisions and less stress, creating more opportunity for meaningful family time around the table. The result is not just convenience. It is a more manageable and balanced daily experience.

Connected Living Through SmartThings

At the heart of Samsung’s vision for intelligent living is SmartThings², the platform that brings devices together into one connected ecosystem.

Rather than operating independently, compatible Samsung products can communicate and work together to support daily routines. From home appliances and entertainment systems to climate control and connected devices, SmartThings provides a single platform for managing the home more efficiently. The value of connected living becomes clear during life’s everyday moments.

In the evenings, SmartThings can help create a more comfortable environment. Household settings can work together seamlessly to support relaxation, allowing families to transition naturally from busy daytime schedules into quality time spent together.

The Future of the AI Living Companion

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, Samsung is focused on creating experiences that feel more personal, intuitive, and useful. The future home is not simply connected, but intelligent enough to understand daily patterns, recognise changing needs, and adapt continuously to support people.

From simplifying meal preparation and household management to enhancing entertainment and comfort, Samsung is building technology that helps make everyday living easier in practical, meaningful ways. This vision is not about replacing human decision-making. It is about empowering people by reducing the complexity that often accompanies modern life.

The promise of Samsung is better living. By helping automate everyday responsibilities and creating more intuitive home experiences, Samsung’s AI-powered ecosystem enables households to focus on what matters most: family, wellbeing, connection, and the moments that make a house feel like home. Because the future of the home is not about technology taking centre stage. It is about technology working seamlessly in the background, helping people live better every day.

1. Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required. ︎
2. The SmartThings App is available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required. ︎

Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and Tab S12+ feature immersive displays and come bundled with the ergonomically designed S Pen for effortless note-taking and precise editing. With easy access to professional-grade apps and versatile accessories, users can pursue their passions and progress toward their goals with ease. Combining portability with professional-grade power, the Galaxy Tab S12 series gives users instant access to powerful capabilities whenever inspiration strikes.

Peak Performance in an Ultra-Thin Design

The Galaxy Tab S12 series combines powerful performance and long-lasting battery life into a thin and light design, making it easy for users to achieve more, wherever ambition takes them. At a remarkably slim 5.1mm, Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is Samsung’s thinnest Galaxy Tab, while delivering the most powerful performance of any Galaxy Tab to date, supporting productive use throughout the day.

For example, users taking an online course alongside a full-time job can catch up on a lesson during the commute, then work through course exercises on the large screen at a café or library later in the day. Both models are built to go the distance, allowing users to keep going without losing momentum. On a single charge, the all-day battery lasts up to 23 hours on Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra² and up to 21 hours on Galaxy Tab S12+³ – supporting long stretches of productivity

When it is time to recharge, the battery goes from 0% to 100% in about 95 minutes with the 45W adapter — minimising downtime so users can get back to what they were doing.⁴ Beyond long-lasting battery life, the Galaxy Tab S12 series delivers the most powerful performance of any Galaxy Tab to date; keeping pace with even intensive tasks.

The cutting-edge 3nm processor delivers improved GPU power compared to Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra.⁵ In everyday use, that means users can even enjoy gaming with increased speed and responsiveness. Whether rendering complex creative projects, gaming or watching a lecture while taking notes and asking AI for clarification — the experience stays responsive and fast with fewer interruptions to break their focus. A newly designed 3D Vapour Chamber efficiently dissipates heat to support more reliable performance during demanding tasks, whether users are editing video or gaming for hours.⁶

The Galaxy Tab S12 series also comes with an expansive screen designed to help users think bigger and give ideas more room to unfold. Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra features a large 14.6-inch display, making it easy to explore complex topics and keep multiple perspectives in view. The Galaxy Tab S12+ features a larger 12.6-inch display and slimmer bezels than its predecessor, offering more screen space without sacrificing portability.

Both models feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays reaching up to 1,600 nits of peak brightness⁷ — delivering clear, vivid visuals indoors. The upgraded seamless Vision Booster now adjusts brightness in real time based on lighting conditions for comfortable viewing. Sound gets a major upgrade as well, with 4-channel spatial audio; twice as many channels as the previous generation – delivering a richer, more immersive gaming experience as well as scenarios where users are streaming content, following a tutorial or editing.

Making Everyday Tasks More Intuitive & Effortless

Building on a ground-breaking hardware foundation, the Galaxy Tab S12 series turns its large screen into a flexible workspace that makes it easy to keep up with different tasks without missing a beat. Running Android 17 with One UI 9 and the latest Galaxy AI, it brings research, note-taking, creation and AI assistance into one place – giving users more freedom to explore new ideas, capture what matters and put what they learn into practice.

Thanks to the Galaxy Tab S12 series’ immersive screen, users can split the screen into up to three sections in Multi Window layout. For example, users can take notes in Samsung Notes on one side while playing a lecture and opening an AI assistant on the other. As key takeaways or questions come up, users can capture them with the S Pen directly in Samsung Notes, while Note Assist⁸ summarises their notes⁹ – all without pausing the lecture. Both models come bundled with an ergonomic S Pen, offering precise, intuitive input for note-taking, annotating materials and sketching concepts.

For a more structured, professional workstation, the Pro Keyboard elevates productivity with a premium aluminium finish and a Galaxy AI Key that enables instant access to AI assistants, while the Book Cover Keyboard Slim delivers flexibility with comfortable viewing angles and an effortless typing experience.¹⁰ The Galaxy Tab S12 series helps users bring information together and get real-time support the moment curiosity strikes. This series comes equipped with a six-month trial of Google AI Pro¹¹ – providing expanded access to Google’s most capable AI models from day one. Users can ask Gemini about anything unclear or dive deeper into subjects they want to explore the moment a question comes up.

With Gemini Notebook, users can bring together notes, images, recordings and files in one workspace and create summaries, podcasts and even quizzes to make key information easier to understand. As exploration expands into deeper research, Samsung Browser helps users stay focused without losing track of what they have already discovered. By understanding webpage content, context across multiple tabs and browsing history, it can summarise information across open pages or surface a relevant source viewed days earlier – helping users spend less time searching through past tabs and more time capturing the key insights that matter most.¹²

A Complete Ecosystem Designed to Take Skills and Creativity Further

The Galaxy Tab S12 series gives users the ideal place to put knowledge into practice, bringing together professional-grade apps¹³. Adobe Photoshop¹⁴ comes pre-loaded on the Galaxy Tab S12 series — a first for Android tablets — bringing pro-grade image editing and design to the tablet. The interface is optimised for tablets, and S Pen support makes it more intuitive to move ideas from hand to screen.

Photoshop includes AI-powered features such as AI Assistant¹⁵ and generative AI features powered by Adobe Firefly like Generative Fill and Image to Video, helping creatives edit faster and effortlessly. Exclusively for the Galaxy Tab S12 series, users receive four months of free access to the Photoshop mobile plan. Notability¹⁶, newly pre-loaded on Galaxy Tab, helps users capture their ideas, organise notes and build knowledge more efficiently with S Pen optimisation and AI-driven study tools with a six-month free trial, plus 20% off the first subscription.

Goodnotes¹⁷ delivers clean note-taking and organisation with one-year of free access and LumaFusion¹⁸ enables professional-grade video editing, offered at a 66% discount. And Notion¹⁹ supports flexible writing, planning and organisation with one month of its Plus plan free. Clip Studio Paint²⁰ brings precision drawing and painting tools for digital art with a six-month trial and 20% off the first subscription. In addition to these apps, users can explore a broader range of options that support different needs.

MyScript Math instantly solves handwritten equations and shows the steps behind each one, while MyScript Notes summarises handwritten notes into study materials with built-in AI tools to explain concepts or generate quizzes. Noteshelf 3²¹ offers customisable layouts for capturing and organising ideas, while ArcSite²² converts rough field sketches into precise CAD drawings.

Availability

The Galaxy Tab S12 series will be available locally starting 06 November 2026 with an exclusive offer on eStore from 19 October. Also, this comes in two colours, Gray and Silver.²³ Built for lasting and confident use, Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S12+ support up to seven years of OS upgrades and security updates.²⁴

And that’s not all, there’s an impressive local promotional launch offer that runs from 19 October to 31 January 2027 which includes: R1500 Voucher; 6m Free Google AI Pro – valued at over R2500; Pre-loaded apps such as Photoshop and Notability to name a few as well as an S-Pen that is also included in-the-box with up-to-23% discount on Samsung Care+. And for your added peace of mind, Samsung Care+²⁵ offers comprehensive coverage tailored to users’ device needs, including fast repairs for accidental damage, extended warranty, and certified expert support available both at home and abroad. The local Samsung Care+ promotion offer includes:

• Monthly Subscription: Samsung Care+ Premium – 36 months of Accidental Damage Protection with Unlimited Accidental Damage Repairs at a promotional Price of R99 per month – a 23% discount from the Normal Samsung Care+ recommended retail price of R129 per month.
• Once-Off Subscription: Samsung Care+ Premium – 24 months of Accidental Damage Protection with 2x Repairs at a promotional price of R1, 699 – a 15% discount from Normal Samsung Care+ recommended retail price of R1, 999 – all these are once-offs.

Additionally, Galaxy mobile phone users running One UI 9 can easily check the Samsung Care+ status of their Galaxy Tab and enrol through the Warranty and Care menu in the Settings. It provides quick access to warranty information, self-diagnostics, repair requests and remote support for connected devices; all directly from the mobile phone.

For additional information, visit Samsung Newsroom, SamsungMobilePress.com or Samsung.com.

Specifications

*Specifications may vary by market.

*All specifications and descriptions provided herein may be different from the actual specifications and descriptions for the product. Samsung reserves the right to make changes to this document and the product described herein, at any time, without obligation on Samsung to provide notification of such change. All functionality, features, specifications, GUI and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation. The contents within the screen are simulated images and are for demonstration purposes only.

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 country, region, OS/One UI version, device model or phone carrier. Galaxy AI basic features provided by Samsung are free. Future releases may include enhanced features or new services that are offered on a paid basis. Different terms may apply for AI features provided by third parties. Galaxy AI basic features are those services listed under “Advanced intelligence” in the current Samsung Services Terms and Conditions. Galaxy AI service may be limited for minors in certain regions with age restrictions over AI usage. ︎
2. Typical value tested under third-party lab conditions. Typical value is estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among battery samples tested under IEC61960 standard. Rated (minimum) capacity is 11374 mAh. Based on Samsung internal lab test conditions with pre-release version of given model connected to earphone via Bluetooth under default settings over LTE. Estimated against battery capacity and measured current over battery power consumption during video playback (video file resolution 720 p, saved on device), respectively. Actual video playback times vary by network connection, settings, file format, screen brightness, battery condition & other factors. ︎
3. Typical value tested under third-party lab conditions. Typical value is estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among battery samples tested under IEC61960 standard. Rated (minimum) capacity is 10392 mAh. Based on Samsung internal lab test conditions with pre-release version of given model connected to earphone via Bluetooth under default settings over LTE. Estimated against battery capacity and measured current over battery power consumption during video playback (video file resolution 720 p, saved on device), respectively. Actual video playback times vary by network connection, settings, file format, screen brightness, battery condition & other factors. ︎
4. Super-Fast Charging speed may vary depending on charging conditions and other factors. Galaxy Tab S12 series supports up to 45W wired charging. 45W power adapter sold separately. Use only Samsung-approved chargers and cables. ︎
5. The enhanced performance figures are based on a comparison of Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra to Tab S11 Ultra. Actual performance will depend on user environment, conditions and pre-installed software and applications. ︎
6. The 3D vapor chamber on both Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S12+ helps heat dissipate faster and more efficiently than the flat vapor chamber on their respective predecessors, the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S10+. ︎
7. Galaxy Tab S12 series supports peak brightness of 1,600 nits and outdoor brightness of 1,000 nits in High Brightness Mode. ︎
8. Note Assist feature requires a Samsung Account login. Available functions and features may vary by country, region and language. ︎
9. The note must include a minimum of 200 characters for the summary function to work. ︎
10. Pro Keyboard and Book Cover Keyboard Slim sold separately. The products are available for Galaxy Tab S12 Series. Features and keyboard layout may vary by country, language and device model. Galaxy AI Key can be assigned for select apps only. Pressing Alt + Galaxy AI Key provides the option to switch the AI assistant to Bixby, Gemini or Perplexity. A network connection is required to use Bixby, Gemini or Perplexity. To launch Gemini using the Galaxy AI Key, Google Assistant needs to be updated to Gemini. ︎
11. Gemini is a trademark of Google LLC. Terms apply. By subscribing, you agree to terms for Google One, AI Credits and offers. Offer ends Aug 1, 2027 at 11:59pm PT. Only available for ages 18+. Unless cancelled earlier, Google One will charge $19.99/mo after the trial ends. Cancel anytime. Return of purchased device may result in cancellation of subscription. See full terms at https://one.google.com/offer/terms-and-conditions/SamsungAIPro. ︎
12. Available functions and features may vary by country, region, language, and Samsung Browser version. The number of search queries may be subject to limitations. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Some features of Samsung Browser for Android requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. ︎
13. App availability and the terms of service may vary by country and region. ︎
14. Adobe Photoshop comes preloaded on Galaxy Tab S12 series in the Galaxy Picks folder. Adobe Photoshop for Tablet will be launched exclusively in the Galaxy Store for a period of at least six months starting Oct 7, 2026, after which Adobe may launch the app in other app stores. Galaxy Tab S12 series users are eligible to receive a 4-month free Adobe Photoshop premium mobile subscription, including 100 monthly generative credits. ︎
15. AI Assistant on Adobe Photoshop is beta version. ︎
16. Notability comes preloaded on Galaxy Tab S12 series in the Galaxy Picks folder. Galaxy Tab S12 series users are eligible to receive a 6-month free Notability subscription. Once the free full version period ends, an additional purchase is required for continuous use. App availability and the terms of service may vary by country and region. ︎
17. Goodnotes app comes with a 1-year free full version. Once the free full version period ends, an additional purchase is required for continuous use. App availability and the terms of service may vary by country and region. ︎
18. LumaFusion app is preloaded as stub, requiring users to click the icon and complete the purchase from Galaxy Store. All Galaxy device users can get a 66% discount when purchasing from Galaxy Store and receive a 1-month free Creator Pass subscription. 66% discount promotion limited until Nov 30, 2026. ︎
19. Notion app requires a separate download from Galaxy Store and comes with a 1-month free trial of the Plus&Notion AI for one newly created Notion workspace. App availability and the terms of service may vary by country and region. ︎
20. Clip Studio Paint membership required. Clip Studio Paint app comes pre-installed in select markets. The app can be downloaded from Galaxy Store and comes with a 6-month free trial for first-time users. Once the free trial period ends, paid subscription to a monthly or annual usage plan is required for continuous use. A 20% discount is available on the first subscription. ︎
21. Noteshelf 3 app requires a separate purchase for a Premium plan upgrade. A 30% discount on the upgrade is available only via Galaxy Store. ︎
22. ArcSite app requires a separate download from Galaxy Store and comes with a 1-month free trial for first-time users. Once the free trial period ends, paid subscription to a monthly or annual usage plan is required for continuous use. A 30% discount is available on the first monthly subscription. App availability and the terms of service may vary by country and region. ︎
23. Availability and timing may vary by market, carrier or model. Colour and model availability may vary depending on country, region or carrier. ︎
24. Availability and timing of OS upgrades and security updates may vary by device model and market. ︎
25. Terms and conditions apply. Samsung Care+ coverage, service type and promotion details may vary by country/region and a deductible (service fee) may apply. To be eligible for Samsung Care+ promotion benefits, registration may be required. For detailed Samsung Care+ information, please visit https://www.samsung.com/samsung-care-plus/. Care at home & abroad: When in need of Samsung Care+ services during your travel, contact the visiting country/region’s local customer services centre in advance for Samsung Care+ availability. ︎
26. Measured diagonally, Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra’s screen size is 14.6″ in the full rectangle and 14.5″ accounting for the rounded corners. Actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and the camera hole. ︎
27. Measured diagonally, Galaxy Tab S12+’s screen size is 12.6″ in the full rectangle and 12.5″ accounting for the rounded corners. Actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and the camera hole. ︎

Taking place in Senegal from Oct. 31-Nov. 13, Dakar 2026 is bringing together more than 2,700 young athletes from 207 countries across 25 sports. It also marks a historic milestone as the first Olympic Games of any kind to be held on the African continent. Additionally, Samsung is drawing on nearly four decades of experience within the Olympic Movement to further strengthen its commitment to the Youth Olympic Games, which dates back to the inaugural edition, Singapore 2010.

“The Youth Olympic Games represent an important stage in a young athlete’s journey — where competition, connection, and personal growth come together,” said Stephanie Choi, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Brand Centre at Samsung Electronics. “At Dakar 2026, we are committed to bringing the Games to more people and enriching the experience for the athletes who take part through purposeful Galaxy innovation and programmes designed around their needs.” 

Helping Power the Youth Olympic Games: Bringing Galaxy Innovation to Dakar 2026

Having introduced sports technology integrations at Paris 2024 and Milano Cortina 2026, Samsung is now bringing these innovations to the Youth Olympic Games for the first time. Galaxy S26 Ultra devices are being incorporated into skateboarding and taekwondo coverage alongside existing broadcast cameras, enabling handheld, close-up and vertical perspectives that can complement traditional production.

Dakar 2026 is also serving as an opportunity to test and learn from these applications as Samsung continues exploring how mobile technology can support future Games experiences — including on the road to the LA28 Games. The Olympic Victory Selfie is making its Youth Olympic Games debut at Dakar 2026, extending a programme that has become an iconic expression of athlete celebration at the Olympic and Paralympic Games since its debut at Paris 2024.

Centred on connection, emotion, and self-expression, Victory Selfie gives athletes a more personal way to capture and share the moments that define their journey. Using Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition devices, medallists across disciplines will have the opportunity to commemorate their winning moments as part of Victory Selfie activations around medal ceremonies to create lasting memories of their achievement that are sharable with friends, family and supporters around the world.

Supporting Athlete Journeys: Enriching the Games-time Experience for Young Olympians

At the Samsung Open Station inside the Youth Olympic Village, Samsung is creating a welcoming, relaxed space where athletes can step away from competition, meet peers from around the world, and explore new ways to express themselves through Galaxy technology. Inspired by Dakar’s coastal environment, the space brings together interactive activities designed to help athletes celebrate their individuality, create lasting memories and reflect on where their journeys may take them next. These activities include:

• Victory Talk – Athletes can capture their Dakar 2026 experience through a short-form video built around casual questions about themselves, their time at the Games and their aspirations for the future.
• Victory Wall – Using Galaxy devices, athletes can transform their photos into personalised Olympic-themed characters and posters, celebrating their individuality and creativity.
• Victory Photo Zone – Athletes can recreate the excitement of a medal ceremony moment by capturing and sharing the excitement of standing on the podium.
• Community Lounge – A relaxed social space where athletes can connect with one another, play a Dakar-themed mobile skateboarding game, personalise keepsakes and discover Galaxy Tips designed to help them get more from their devices.
• Mentoring Session: Beyond the Medal – Mentoring session where Olympians and IOC Athlete Role Models help young athletes shape their lives beyond the competition.

Samsung’s Commitment to the Olympic Games: Bringing the Dakar 2026 Closer to Local Communities

Dakar 2026 marks a milestone as both the first Olympic sporting event held on the African continent and as a new chapter in Samsung’s support of the Youth Olympic Games, which dates back to Singapore 2010. Alongside its athlete-facing programmes, Samsung is extending the excitement of the Games into communities across Senegal through local media, digital, retail and consumer activations designed to help more people take part in the excitement of Dakar 2026.

Out-of-home campaigns will spotlight Dakar 2026 – and Samsung’s programming – across key locations in Dakar and Senegal while Samsung consumer experience zones will bring the excitement of the Youth Olympic Games into local communities. This will give fans opportunities to explore Galaxy technology, take part in interactive sports and AI-powered challenges and create their own Olympic-inspired moments.

Samsung is also working with domestic partners on their retail initiatives for Dakar 2026, including special Galaxy offers and in-store activations, while a citywide pin programme spanning Samsung locations will encourage consumers to explore the Games and participate in Samsung experiences throughout Dakar. Together, these programmes extend Samsung’s commitment to the Olympic Games beyond the competition venues — supporting young athletes at the centre of the Games while creating more ways for local fans and communities to experience and celebrate this historic moment.

About Samsung’s Involvement in the Olympic Games

Samsung has been a Worldwide Olympic Partner since the Olympic Winter Games Nagano 1998. For over 25 years, athletes and fans have trusted Samsung’s transformative mobile technology to share the Olympic spirit globally and help to shape the digital future of the Olympic Games. The company’s commitment to the Olympic Movement soon faces its fourth decade of partnership and extends through the LA28 Games. Samsung’s purposeful innovations in the wireless communications and computing equipment category, including equipment that features artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality and 5G will help to change the way the world experiences the Olympic Games.

About Samsung’s Involvement in the Youth Olympic Games

Samsung has supported the Youth Olympic Games since the inaugural Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games, accompanying young athletes as they take on new challenges and begin their Olympic journeys. At Dakar 2026, Samsung continues that commitment by using Galaxy technology and athlete-focused experiences to help the next generation connect, create and share their stories on the Olympic stage.

Designed for those who want their technology to keep up with their lifestyle, the Galaxy S26 FE brings together the prestige and performance of Samsung’s Galaxy S series with a price that makes upgrading more attainable. Available in Pistachio, Blueberry and Graphite, it also brings a fresh pop of personality to the season, making it an everyday essential that looks just as good in your hand as it performs.

And the best part? You do not have to wait for the perfect moment to make the switch. With a starting price of R17,999¹, the Galaxy S26 FE makes it easier to step into the Galaxy experience and get summer started.

Summer is all about self-expression, from the outfits you put together to the places you explore and the memories you make along the way. Your smartphone is part of that picture, too. More than just another device, it is an accessory that goes wherever the season takes you, from festival outings to campus catch-ups and spontaneous nights out.

And joining Team Galaxy does not have to mean putting your plans on hold. The Galaxy S26 FE gives style-conscious consumers access to the Galaxy S series experience at a more accessible entry point. For a generation that wants to spend on experiences as much as the essentials that make them possible, that balance is important.

From refreshing your tech to refreshing your wardrobe or saving towards your next adventure, choosing a new smartphone should not mean sacrificing everything else on your summer wish list.

Between planning a weekend away, keeping up with a busy social calendar, creating content and juggling everyday responsibilities, summer can get hectic quickly. And that is where the Galaxy S26 FE’s artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and Gemini Pro² come into play.

Think of Gemini Pro as your always-ready summer sidekick, helping you tackle the little tasks that can take up precious time. Need help organising an itinerary for a group getaway? Looking for inspiration for your next social media caption? Want to pull your plans together while you are on the move? Gemini Pro can help you get started, helping you have you more time to enjoy the moments that matter.

For creators and aspiring content stars, it can also help support the creative process, from brainstorming fresh ideas to preparing content. And when the day moves from one adventure to the next, having AI assistance at your fingertips means you can get help without having to step away from the action.

Whether you are balancing your studies with a side hustle, planning your next outing or making your content stand out, the idea is simple: your phone should work with you, helping you make the most of your time and your summer.

Thinking about joining Team Galaxy but worried about moving everything across from your current phone? Switching devices should be the start of something exciting, not another item on your to-do list.

Samsung Smart Switch³ makes transferring compatible content from an old device to a new Galaxy smartphone straightforward, helping you transfer your contacts, photos, videos and other personal data.

While transfer times and the content that can be moved depend on your devices and settings, the process is designed to make the transition easier, whether you are upgrading from an older Galaxy or moving across from another compatible smartphone. For existing Galaxy users, it is an opportunity to refresh your everyday experience. For those considering a switch, it is a simple way to discover what Team Galaxy has to offer.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE brings together distinctive style, Galaxy S series performance and built-in AI assistance in a package designed to fit into everyday life. So, whether you are ready to upgrade your current device or finally make the switch to Galaxy, there is no need to wait for a new season or a special occasion. Find your colour, get connected and make this summer your own.

1. Recommended retail price only. Prices may vary per retailer. ︎
2. Gemini is a trademark of Google LLC. Gemini feature requires an internet connection and Google Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language or device model. Features may differ depending on subscription and results may vary. Compatible with certain features and certain accounts. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. ︎
3. Data and content available for transfer may vary by OS. For more information, contact Samsung HELP. To transfer data from iCloud or other cloud storage services, a data connection is required ︎

Celebrating Samsung Electronics’ 57th anniversary, this year’s Samsung Week carries the theme “Discover new ways to live smarter”. It shows how Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered devices can work together to create more connected and intuitive experiences across everyday life.

How can you apply AI in your everyday life?

You can use AI to keep work organised across devices, bring health information into one place, suggest meals, adjust appliance settings and improve entertainment. These everyday AI uses also extend into the AI home, where connected devices work through a shared platform to coordinate or automate routine tasks. Samsung.com brings the connected range and event benefits together.

An AI home is one where AI connects compatible devices, appliances and services through a platform such as SmartThings¹ so they can share information and automate routine tasks.

How does AI make your life easier?

AI can make everyday tasks easier by reducing the need to switch between devices or repeat the same actions. For people balancing meetings, messages and tasks on the move, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Buds4 Pro and Smart Monitor work together as a flexible productivity setup.

Multi Window² on the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra helps users to manage emails, messages to manage emails, messages and schedules at the same time, while Galaxy Buds4 Pro’s Active Noise Cancelling³ helps minimise distractions. Back at the desk, Multi Control⁴ on Smart Monitor allows users to operate multiple Samsung devices with a single keyboard and mouse. It is a connected approach to productivity designed to keep work moving, whether users are commuting, working remotely or settling in at their desk.

Find more info about Samsung Galaxy AI, read our dedicated guide.

AI for health and fitness

Samsung’s AI-powered ecosystem also brings greater insight to health and fitness. The Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy S26 Ultra and Galaxy Buds4 Pro combine detailed workout tracking, personal health insights and immersive audio to help users better understand their performance.

With Trail Run⁵ on Galaxy Watch Ultra, runners can access real-time information such as elevation and cumulative ascent and descent, while Samsung Health brings key metrics such as heart rate, calories burned and workout duration together in one place. The result is a more informed approach to training, helping users understand their bodies and make smarter decisions about their health and fitness⁶.

Everyday uses of AI in the kitchen

In the kitchen, AI can simplify the journey from ingredients to a finished dish. Samsung’s Bespoke AI Refrigerator, Bespoke Oven and Galaxy Z Fold8 connect food management, cooking controls and content creation.

AI Vision Inside⁷ on the Bespoke AI Refrigerator identifies ingredients and suggests recipes based on what is available, while Smart Control⁸ allows users to preheat the Bespoke AI Oven remotely. Once cooking begins, AI Pro Cooking⁹ can identify ingredients, adjust cooking settings and monitor progress, giving users more freedom to step away when needed.

And when the dish is ready, the Galaxy Z Fold8’s Dual Recording makes it easy to capture both the cooking process and the finished creation, turning an everyday meal into something worth sharing.

AI home automation can also support entertainment through to domestic chores

AI home automation can support downtime and household tasks with less input. Samsung’s AI TV guide shows how connected entertainment can make movie nights and gaming more immersive.

Micro RGB combines AI-powered colour optimisation with Glare Free^TM10 technology to deliver vivid, detailed visuals, while AI Gaming Optimiser¹¹ adjusts picture settings according to the content and game genre. Paired with the Q-Series 11.1.4ch Soundbar, which features Game Pro mode, the experience extends beyond the screen with room-filling cinematic sound.

Meanwhile, the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo works in the background, using AI OptiWash¹² to detect load characteristics and select appropriate wash settings before automatically opening its door at the end of a cycle to help air out moisture.

Samsung Week 2026 offers and rewards

Samsung Week is not only about discovering what Samsung technology can do. From 19 October to 1 November, customers who use Samsung Rewards points towards selected Mobile, Tablet and Buds purchases on Samsung.com will receive a discount matching the value of the points used at checkout, giving them an additional saving¹³.

Customers can also choose from Samsung.com colours, including Galaxy Z Fold8 in Pistachio, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra in Green Shadow and Galaxy Z Flip8 in Mint.

Additional subscription benefits include 60 days of Strava¹⁴ and iFIT¹⁵ with Galaxy Watch9 or Galaxy Watch Ultra, as well as six months of Google AI Pro¹⁶ with the latest Galaxy Z series, Galaxy S26 FE or Galaxy Tab S12.

Personalised recommendations for a connected AI home

Samsung Week’s Personalised Product Recommendation service uses devices registered to a customer’s Samsung Account to suggest compatible additions, including Bespoke AI appliances that connect through SmartThings¹⁷ or Galaxy Watch models that support health and fitness goals through Samsung Health.

“Samsung Week is about showing consumers that the value of AI is not limited to what a single device can do. It is about how our products work together to make everyday experiences more intuitive, connected and rewarding. Samsung.com brings that ecosystem together while giving customers access to benefits, colours and personalised recommendations. With Samsung Week 2026, we are inviting consumers to look beyond the next technology purchase and discover how a connected ecosystem can create new ways to live smarter,” says Kgomotso Mannya, Chief Marketing Officer at Samsung South Africa.

For full details on Samsung Week 2026 and available offers, visit Samsung.com/za.

1. The SmartThings App is available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required. ︎
2. Certain applications may not support Multi Window. ︎
3. The earbuds automatically recognize the user’s voice, boosting the ambient sound to enhance conversation clarity when it begins and increasing Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to block out background noise when the conversation ends. ︎
4. Multi Control requires updated Galaxy phones and tablets with One UI 5.1.1 or above and Galaxy Book series devices released in 2021 or later with Samsung Settings v1.5 (Intel) or Samsung Settings v3.3 (ARM). ︎
5. Trail running is available on Android phones (Android 10 or above) and requires the Samsung Health app (v7.0 or above). Samsung account login required. Service only available with Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. ︎
6. Heart software functions are not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease. ︎
7. A WiFi connection and a Samsung account required. Actual UI and contents may vary. ︎
8. The SmartThings App is available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required. ︎
9. AI based features are available on certain appliances, and based on our deep learning model, which is trained using a predefined. A WiFi connection and a Samsung account required. You must use a same log in account between the devices. Actual UI and content. ︎
10. UL Verified. Glare Free: Reflection Glare UGR <10 Discomfort Glare UGR <22 Disability Glare UGR <34 ︎
11. Your soundbar automatically adjusts the audio when it detects a console connected to your Samsung TV, then activated Gaming Pro mode. Game console sold separately. Compatible devices may vary. ︎
12.  Based on an advanced AI-created algorithm. It may not detect certain fabrics or accurately identify them when a load includes a mixture of different fabric types. To prevent wear, wash like fabrics together. ︎
13. Terms and Conditions Apply. ︎
14. Free 60-day Strava subscription trial promotion is available worldwide, excluding Belarus, China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, sanctioned parts of Ukraine and South Korea. Terms and Conditions Apply. ︎
15. Terms and Conditions Apply ︎
16. Terms and Conditions Apply. Redeem via Google. ︎
17. The SmartThings App is available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required. ︎

But sometimes, the scene we see with our own eyes does not translate exactly into a photo. Indoors, mixed lighting can make skin tones appear different from real life, while the colours of a clear sky may not come through as expected. In low-light conditions, capturing the desired scene can also prove challenging. In dark concert venues or when shooting at night, camera shake and noise can be a concern, while filming on the move during a trip requires users to continuously pay attention to the horizon and composition.

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is Designed to Reduce these Everyday Shooting Challenges

Powered by lens and image sensors, a high-performance AP and artificial intelligence (AI) based ProVisual Engine, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra analyses light, distance, movement and subjects within a scene. Combined with the foldable form factor, these technologies provide greater flexibility in how users capture and review their shots.

What matters is not memorising every camera feature but knowing how to use the right feature for each situation. Whether capturing themselves, photographing scenery while traveling or recording action-filled moments such as concerts and vlogs, users can choose the features that best fit the moment.

Capture Yourself More Naturally and Clearly

From profile photos to selfies for social media, one of the most common subjects people capture with their cameras is themselves

More Natural Indoor Selfies with AI ISP – Powered by AI ISP¹ (Image Signal Processing), Galaxy takes the face, surrounding scene and lighting conditions into account to help produce clearer, more natural-looking skin tones, even in complex lighting environments.¹ AI-powered image processing improves perceived resolution. This helps users capture natural-looking selfies in a variety of environments, including indoor lighting without the need for complicated settings.

• Create a More Natural Sense of Depth in Portraits – In portrait photography, AI does more than simply separate a person from the background. Galaxy considers the distance between the subject and background, their positions within the scene and even how light spreads based on the focal plane to create a natural background blur effect similar to one captured with a large-aperture lens.

By expanding the Virtual Aperture engine, previously available in Expert RAW, to Portrait mode; Galaxy can render bokeh² and points of light more precisely according to distance. This helps keep the subject clear while rendering the background naturally in selfies and portraits – allowing users to focus on their intended shot.

From Delicious Food to Travel Scenery, Capture What You See in Vivid Detail

From expansive landscapes to food, flowers and small souvenirs, a day of travel can involve photographing many different subjects in a short amount of time. Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra features a 200MP Wide Camera and a newly added 50MP Ultra-Wide Camera, enabling users to capture everything from sweeping scenery to the fine textures of nearby subjects.

• Go Wider and Get Closer with the 50MP Ultra-Wide Camera – The 50MP Ultra-Wide Camera can capture expansive landscapes, interiors and group photos as well as close-up shots that bring out the textures of food, flowers and small objects. Even when users move closer to a subject, the camera can capture fine textures with high-precision macro photography. This allows users to move from capturing expansive scenery at a distance to getting close to a subject and preserving its fine details.³

• Create Detailed 24MP Images with AI ISP – For users who want to zoom in on travel photos or preserve richer details in scenery, 24MP shooting provides another option. Galaxy combines 12MP and 50MP images to generate a 24MP image that balances brightness and clarity while retaining detail. Users can add the 24MP shooting option to Photo mode through the high-resolution settings in Camera Assistant, making it easy to use in everyday shooting without entering a separate professional shooting mode.³

• Capture High-Contrast Scenery With 200MP HDR – For scenes with significant differences in brightness, such as a bright sky and dark buildings or a bright view outside a window and a darker indoor scene, users can take advantage of 200MP HDR photography. The 200MP Wide Camera on Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra supports HDR capture in 200MP mode, helping preserve a wider range of detail and colour information in scenes that contain both bright and dark areas.³

• Capture the Night with Nightography – When traveling after sunset or attending a concert in a dark venue, users can turn to Nightography. The high-performance AP analyses and optimises light, movement and noise in low-light environments – helping users capture subjects and the atmosphere of the moment more brightly and clearly even in the dark.³

From Concerts to Travel Vlogs, Capture Moving Moments with Greater Ease

When a photo is not enough to capture the full moment, users naturally turn to video. At a concert, however, keeping a specific person centred in the frame can be difficult.

Likewise, maintaining a level horizon and reducing shake while walking and filming during a trip can require significant effort. The Galaxy Z series uses AI and its foldable form factor to assist with tasks that would otherwise require manual input from the person behind the camera.

• Keep the Focus on Your Favourite Person with My FanCam – My FanCam⁴ uses AI in the Video Editor to automatically track a person selected by the user and edit the video around that subject. Users can also choose their preferred video aspect ratio, making it easier to create content centred on the subject they want to capture, even in dynamic environments such as concerts and sporting events.
• Stay Level While Moving with Super Steady⁵ Horizontal Lock – Super Steady Horizontal Lock helps maintain a level frame even when the smartphone moves or rotates during recording. The feature continuously maintains the stable horizon even through 360-degree rotation, helping users create more stable footage when walking through a travel destination or recording scenes with significant movement.
• Capture Both the Subject & Yourself with Dual Recording – Dual Recording uses the front and rear cameras simultaneously to capture both the subject and the person behind the camera. On Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, users can view both camera feeds in real time across the Cover and Main Displays; enabling the person filming and the subject to create the scene together when traveling or recording a vlog. By capturing both the person filming and the atmosphere of the scene in the same frame, Dual Recording can also help create more dynamic content for sharing on social media.

Go Beyond the Shot and Make Photos and Videos Your Own

A great photo or video does not end when the shutter button is pressed. Users may want to remove an unwanted object that appeared in a travel photo, adjust the composition or add colours to a video that better reflect how the moment felt. Galaxy connects these post-capture processes into the broader camera experience.

• Make Photos Your Own with Photo Assist⁶ – Powered by generative AI, Photo Assist helps users edit captured photos according to their creative intent.
• Erase removes unwanted objects from a photo for a cleaner composition.
• Move repositions selected objects or adjusts the tilt of an image to recompose the shot.
• Create uses text to edit an image in the desired way.
• Style applies a new visual style to an entire photo or people’s faces.

Even when the original shot is not perfect, users can remove unnecessary elements, rework the composition or introduce new forms of expression to turn a captured moment into content that feels uniquely their own.

• Give Every day Videos a Cinematic Look with Samsung Log and Cine LUTs – For users who want greater control over the colour and mood of their videos, Samsung Log offers more creative flexibility. Log recording captures a wider range of detail and colour information in darker areas, expanding the expressive range of the footage. After shooting, users can apply Cine LUTs (Cinematic Look-Up Tables) to restore footage to a desired colour profile/continue editing it.

Alongside a standard colour option, Galaxy provides four Cine LUTs – Blockbuster, Teen Drama, Romance and Thriller; allowing users to give the same footage a different look and mood depending on the genre they want to evoke. The APV (Advanced Professional Video) codec preserves a broad range of detail in high-resolution video, supporting more precise editing after recording.

Capture Everyday Life With Galaxy AI Camera

Users do not need to know every camera feature to take a great photo. The goal of the Galaxy AI Camera is to help users capture themselves naturally indoors, preserve both expansive scenery and small details while traveling, record action-filled moments such as concerts and vlogs more steadily; and turn their shots into content that feels uniquely their own through post-capture editing. During this photo outing, users can experience first-hand how these features make a difference throughout the actual shooting process.

1. Camera Feature results may vary depending on light condition/shooting conditions including multiple subjects, being out of focus/moving subjects. ︎
2. Bokeh refers to the optical effect in which out-of-focus areas appear softly blurred or points of light are rendered as rounded highlights. ︎
3. Camera Feature results may vary depending on light condition and/or shooting conditions including multiple subjects, being out of focus or moving subjects ︎
4. My FanCam feature requires a Samsung Account login. Availability may vary by video. Not supported if there is no subject to track. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. ︎
5. Super Steady results may vary depending on editing method and/or shooting conditions ︎
6. 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. ︎

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 20 October 2026 – No matter who you are or what you do, we all have one constant companion we rely on every single day: our heart. Unseen but always at work, it beats around 100,000 times a day, keeping pace with us through every moment. Yet for something so essential to our lives, taking care of our hearts is often overlooked until it’s too late.

Heart disease is the number one cause of death worldwide,¹ which is why the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Heart Federation decided to recognise and commemorate Sept. 29 as World Heart Day. It is a reminder that the choices we make today can make a meaningful difference tomorrow.

These choices don’t have to be big. From choosing when to go to bed to making time for even just 30 minutes of exercise, the small choices we make every day add up to a healthier lifestyle. The good news is that Samsung Galaxy Watch can help you make proactive prevention part of daily life. By monitoring your sleep, activity level, stress and blood pressure, Galaxy Watch helps you to better understand what’s happening in your body and what steps to take to ensure your heart is doing its job well.

Understanding Your Body at a Glance: Heart Health Score

The American Heart Association recommends looking at Life’s Essential 8² as key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health: diet, exercise, sleep, weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and smoking cessation. But knowing what matters raises an important question: how do these factors change the choices we make every day?

Samsung Health’s Heart Health Score³ is designed to help you in this journey. It tracks and analyses complex health indicators such as sleep duration, daily activity level, body composition⁴ and vascular load,⁵ converting them into a single, simple score that anyone can intuitively understand and follow.

Think about what happens if you miss your daily exercise for a few days: your Galaxy Watch recognises when your moderate-to-high intensity activity level has decreased, reflects this change in a lower Heart Health Score and makes a recommendation to go for a run. With convenient insights right from your wrist, Galaxy Watch delivers personalised insights that make it easier to recognise changes, understand your habits and take the next step toward healthier ones.

Advanced Sensor Technology: From Measurement to Meaning

Samsung Galaxy Watches are equipped with an advanced BioActive Sensor which integrates three precision sensors in one: an optical heart rate sensor (PPG), an electrocardiogram sensor (ECG)⁷ and a bioelectrical impedance analysis sensor (BIA). 

With calibration just once every four weeks using a home blood pressure monitor, you can easily check your blood pressure⁸ from your wrist anytime, anywhere. When you place your finger on the watch’s side electrode for just 30 seconds, the watch measures an electrocardiogram to detect signs of abnormal heartbeats like atrial fibrillation or ectopic beats.

The Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification (IHRN)⁹ feature, which detects abnormal heart signals – monitors the user’s heart rhythm throughout the day and provides a proactive notification if abnormal signs are repeated. Even small reminders like this have the power to save lives. In several countries, these notifications¹⁰ have led to early detection of risks such as atherosclerosis or myocardial infarction.

Around-the-Clock Care: How Galaxy Watch Proactively Monitors Your Health Even During Sleep

Your heart is a constant you can count on and it works whether you’re awake or asleep. When you wear your Galaxy Watch to sleep, it analyses five major vital signs: heart rate during sleep, heart rate variability,¹² respiratory rate, skin temperature and blood oxygen saturation. These signals are compared against your personal baseline.

When you wake up, your Galaxy Watch will send a notification if it detects meaningful deviations from your baseline. By highlighting meaningful changes early, it gives you an opportunity to rest, recover or seek medical guidance before small issues become larger concerns¹³.

Heart to Heart: Connected Care that Adds Peace of Mind

Looking after your own heart is only one side of the story. From parents to partners, siblings to grandparents or even friends, the burden of caring for the hearts of those around you weighs heavily. Samsung Health’s Health Data Sharing¹⁴ function lightens the load by sharing agreed-upon data items (number of steps, blood pressure, heart rate, medication adherence to name but a few) with loved ones in real time. You can check if your parents who live far away have completed their daily walk or taken their prescribed medication on time, just as if you were right there with them.

World Heart Day coincides with the seasonal transition from winter to the summer season. As the temperature gap between day and night widens, blood vessels constrict – sharply increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The key to preventing heart disease lies not in reactive treatment, but in proactive habits of paying close attention to the subtle signals your body sends every day. Start managing your heart health with Galaxy Watch, a reliable health partner that stays with you around the clock.

1. Source: World Health Organisation (WHO), “Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)” Fact Sheet (July 31, 2025), “The top 10 causes of death” (Aug. 7, 2024). ︎
2. Source: American Heart Association (AHA), “Life’s Essential 8” (2022). ︎
3. Requires a compatible Samsung Galaxy phone, Samsung Health app v7.0 and Samsung account. Requires initial setup wearing watch for 24 hours (including while awake and asleep). Heart Health Score software functions are not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease. ︎
4. Not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. If you have health concerns, be sure to see a medical professional. Vitals requires sleep data of at least 7 nights. Vitals is available on Android phones (Android 11 or above) and requires the Samsung Health app (v7.0 or above). Samsung account login required. To use Vitals, it is necessary to wear a Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Ring while sleeping. ︎
5. Vascular Load feature measures the degree of stress placed on the cardiovascular system during sleep and displays the trend of change compared to a baseline value. It continuously analyses changes during sleep to provide a comprehensive score. ︎
6. Disclaimer for the caption: Image simulated for illustrative purposes. Actual UX/UI may be different. ︎
7. Electrocardiogram (ECG) feature records and analyses subtle electrical signals of the heart when the user places a finger on Galaxy Watch’s top button for about 30 seconds, detecting atrial fibrillation (irregular and rapid quivering) and ectopic beats (premature irregular beats). ︎
8. Blood Pressure feature measures systolic and diastolic blood pressure by analysing pulse waveforms with Galaxy Watch’s optical (PPG) sensor. An initial measurement using a separate cuff-type blood pressure monitor is required, and recalibration is needed every 4 weeks (28 days). ︎
9. Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification (IHRN) feature detects irregular patterns that may indicate atrial fibrillation through pulse monitoring and provides an early alert. ︎
10. Disclaimer for the caption: Image simulated for illustrative purposes. Actual UX/UI may be different. ︎
11. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) feature analyses minute-to-minute variations in the intervals between heartbeats to show autonomic nervous system balance. It is automatically recorded during sleep and resting states. ︎
12. Heart Health Score and Vitals features are supported on the Samsung Health app (version 7.0 or higher). ︎
13. Requires a compatible Samsung Galaxy phone, Samsung Health app v7.0 and Samsung account. Requires initial setup wearing watch for 24 hours (including while awake and asleep). Heart Health Score software functions are not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease. ︎
14. Health Data Sharing feature requires user consent, and users can independently choose which health data to share (including steps, workouts, sleep, weight, body composition, food intake, heart rate, stress, blood pressure, blood glucose, medication and vital signs). ︎
15. Disclaimer for the caption: Image simulated for illustrative purposes. Actual UX/UI may be different. ︎

Managing warranties and coverage for a Galaxy mobile phone, Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Buds, and Galaxy Tab can be a hassle. That’s where Warranty and care comes in. Introduced with One UI 9, it brings essential device management features together in one place, letting users check warranty status, run diagnostics, book repairs, and get support in just a few taps — all without leaving Settings.

Here’s a closer look at what Warranty and care, available with One UI 9 on Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, and Galaxy Z Flip8 offers.

Check Warranty Status Across Galaxy Devices

Keeping track of warranty periods and expiration dates across Galaxy devices isn’t always easy. Warranty and care consolidates this information in a single hub.

Available in Settings, Warranty and care displays information² about the device in use at the top of the screen — including remaining warranty period and eligibility for Samsung Care+ enrollment.³ Below, users can find the same details for other Galaxy devices linked to their Samsung account, making it easy to check warranty and coverage status across their Galaxy ecosystem.

For added protection beyond the standard warranty, users can easily explore and enroll in a Samsung Care+ plan that matches their needs.

Resolve Device Issues With Diagnostics and Bixby

When something doesn’t feel quite right, quickly finding out what’s wrong can make all the difference. The built-in Diagnostics feature checks the device — including its battery, charging, sensors, touch response, and connectivity — to help pinpoint the issue and guide users to the next step, whether that’s a suggested solution or a repair request⁴.

Users can also access Bixby⁵ from Warranty and care to ask about an issue and get help on the spot. For example, if a user asks, “My battery is draining too fast. What should I do?” Bixby can walk them through possible solutions step by step. It’s a convenient way to get answers to everyday questions without switching screens.

Protect Device Value for the Long Term

By bringing warranty information, diagnostics, support and repair services together, Warranty and care gives Galaxy users a simpler way to manage their devices for greater peace of mind. Checking the feature during setup makes it easier to know where to turn if an issue comes up later — from running diagnostics and asking Bixby or a chatbot for help to requesting a repair. With these essential services close at hand, users can keep their devices in good condition for longer and help preserve their value.

For peace of mind today and lasting value tomorrow, Galaxy devices are supported by professional care at nearby Samsung-authorised service centres, both at home and abroad.

Enjoy more peace of mind and cover your device for accidental damage for 36 months with Samsung Care+⁶ at these discounted rates. These offers are available until 30 September 2026⁷.

1. Available features in Warranty and care menu may differ by country/region. ︎
2. Warranty information is available only for devices registered to a Samsung account. ︎
3. Terms and conditions apply. Samsung Care+ coverage, service type and promotion details may vary by country/region and a deductible (service fee) may apply. To be eligible for Samsung Care+ promotion benefits, registration may be required. For detailed Samsung Care+ information, please visit https://www.samsung.com/samsung-care-plus/. Care at home & abroad: When in need of Samsung Care+ services during your travel, contact the local customer services centre at your destination country/region in advance for Samsung Care+ availability. ︎
4. Use of Diagnostics and Bixby does not guarantee results. Results may differ per user. If unresolved, kindly contact Customer Service for further support. ︎
5. Ask Bixby features and supported content may vary by country or language. ︎
6. Terms and conditions apply. Samsung Care+ coverage, service type and promotion details may vary by country/region and a deductible (service fee) may apply. To be eligible for Samsung Care+ promotion benefits, registration may be required. For detailed Samsung Care+ information, please visit https://www.samsung.com/za/samsung-care-plus/. Care at home & abroad: When in need of Samsung Care+ services during your travel, contact the visiting country/region’s local customer services centre in advance for Samsung Care+ availability. ︎
7. Terms and Conditions apply. ︎

For its latest digital cover, Glamour South Africa [AJP/OCE1] teamed up with TV presenter and content creator Chanley Wong, placing Samsung’s flagship Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra firmly behind the lens.

For years, Samsung Galaxy technology has consistently been one of the leaders in high-fashion editorial imagery, repeatedly proving that mobile devices can meet the stringent demands of top-tier publication covers. From pioneering mobile-shot covers to cinematic short films, Samsung continues to set its benchmark for what is possible when world-class camera innovation meets creative ambition, solidifying its place as a powerhouse in mobile-driven editorial storytelling.

This latest shoot marked the first professional cover assignment for the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, a unique opportunity to put the device through its paces in an environment where image fidelity, skin tone accuracy, dynamic range and detail are uncompromising essentials.

Ordinarily, professional fashion shoots require an extensive production rig: heavy camera bodies, multiple lenses, external monitors, and tethering cables. The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra streamlines that entire workflow into a single, hand-held powerhouse. Equipped with an advanced 200MP Wide camera, a 50MP Ultra-Wide lens, and a 10MP Telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom (plus 2x optical-quality zoom), the device gave the photographer total flexibility to switch perspectives instantly. Powered by Samsung’s ProVisual Engine, the system intelligently optimizes detail, lighting and natural skin tones in real time.

Beyond raw camera specs, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra’s foldable form factor completely transforms the on-set rhythm. Traditional DSLR setups force photographers to review shots on a tiny display or tether to an external monitor. Opening the Z Fold8 Ultra unfolds an expansive 8-inch main display¹, giving the creative team an immediate, large-format canvas to inspect composition, focus and detail right on set. Capture and high-definition review merge seamlessly into one device.

This milestone is part of a deliberate, multi-year legacy of Samsung pushing boundaries in South African media. In 2021 GQ South Africa made media history by using the Galaxy S21 Ultra to shoot its May/June dual covers, fashion spreads and behind-the-scenes content. The next year in 2022 would see GQ return to Galaxy with the S22 Ultra challenging an outdoor cover shoot, while Glamour South Africa utilised the same device for its flagship Disruptors issue. For the first artificial intelligence (AI) mobile device in the world in 2024, Samsung expanded into mobile filmmaking with Ekhaya, an acclaimed South African short film shot entirely on the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

The Glamour digital cover starring Chanley Wong represents the next evolution of this story. It reaffirms that professional creativity no longer requires bulky legacy equipment, just vision, talent, and standard-setting technology.

“Partnering with Samsung on this digital cover allowed us to rethink what’s possible in fashion journalism,” says Thobeka Phanyeko Features Editor at Glamour South Africa. “The clarity, colour accuracy and speed of the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, combined with the ability to review high-res images on its massive folded screen, made the shoot seamless. It truly delivered a cover worthy of our highest editorial standards.”

For Chanley Wong, the result is a striking visual spotlight. For Glamour, it represents modern editorial storytelling at its finest. And for Samsung, it is another bold demonstration of how Samsung Galaxy continues to lead, innovate and own the future of mobile photography.

1. Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra’s Main Screen size is 8.0-inch in the full rectangle and 8.0-inch accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners. ︎