Samsung Unveils Galaxy S26 with Advanced AI and New Privacy Screen Technology

Samsung has announced its Galaxy S26 smartphone series featuring enhanced artificial intelligence capabilities and a unique privacy display mode. The new devices will hit stores March 11 with price increases on basic models, while the Ultra version maintains last year's pricing.

Samsung introduced its newest Galaxy smartphone series on Wednesday during a San Francisco event, showcasing devices packed with advanced artificial intelligence features and a groundbreaking privacy display technology designed to prevent others from viewing your screen.

The Galaxy S26 collection will be available in stores starting March 11, with Samsung implementing price hikes of 10% to 13% on entry-level and middle-tier models. The base Galaxy S26 will retail for $899, while the Plus version carries a $1,099 price tag — both representing $100 increases from comparable models over the past two years. However, the Galaxy S26 Ultra maintains its previous pricing at $1,299.

Following industry trends, Samsung has enhanced both camera functionality and battery performance for the Galaxy S26 series, recognizing these elements as crucial factors influencing consumer upgrade decisions.

The company is introducing an exclusive feature called “Privacy Display” available solely on the Ultra model. This innovative technology modifies pixel behavior so the screen remains visible only when viewed straight-on, appearing blank when seen from angles, effectively preventing “shoulder surfing” by nearby individuals. Users can configure the system to automatically activate privacy mode for specific applications containing financial or sensitive data.

Samsung continues emphasizing artificial intelligence as a central selling point for its Galaxy devices, building upon a strategy launched two years ago when the company began incorporating AI to enhance device capabilities and appeal.

“AI must become part of our infrastructure,” stated TM Roh, Samsung’s CEO of device experience, during the San Francisco presentation. “You should be able to enjoy its benefits through the devices you use every day.”

The company promises this year’s Galaxy models contain AI functioning as multi-purpose assistants that gather information and content, eliminating the need for users to perform these tasks manually.

“This is the agentic AI phone,” Roh declared regarding the Galaxy S26.

While Samsung continues utilizing Google’s Gemini technology for AI capabilities, the company is also incorporating Perplexity, an emerging assistant known for operating its own “answer engine” for online information searches.

The Galaxy S26 series will feature additional photo-editing tools, including automatic skin tone softening for selfies captured with the front-facing camera.

Although AI technology appears across various smart devices from manufacturers like Apple and Google, consumer reception remains uncertain.

Despite Apple promoting its AI capabilities for nearly two years, the company has struggled to deliver promised features. Apple’s AI limitations have become so apparent that it’s relying on Google to improve its often-problematic virtual assistant Siri.

Nevertheless, Apple’s iPhone has maintained its position as the world’s best-selling smartphone for three consecutive years — a title Samsung last held in 2022, according to International Data Corp research.

“AI is still not a sought-after feature among users,” explained Paolo Pescatore, an analyst with PP Foresight. “The big opportunity is making AI feel like a daily habit rather than a party trick, with tighter integration across core apps. AI must be boringly useful. Less ‘look what it can do,’ more ‘this saves me time every day.'”