Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Launches Today with Innovative Privacy Display
Samsung enthusiasts eagerly awaiting an upgrade need not wait any longer. Today, at 6pm UK time, Samsung will host its Galaxy Unpacked event in San Francisco, where the tech giant is set to unveil the highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra. While many details remain shrouded in secrecy, the event promises to reveal all about these new smartphones. Samsung has already teased a groundbreaking "privacy display" feature, designed to make on-screen content difficult to read from off angles while maintaining clarity when viewed head-on. Additionally, leaks suggest the inclusion of an AI-powered scam detection system, previously exclusive to Samsung's Pixel range, which will help users identify potential fraudulent calls and texts.
Release Date and Pre-Order Incentives
The Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event takes place today, Wednesday 25 February 2026, marking a slight delay from the usual January launch window of previous years. This shift may be due to Samsung discontinuing its ultra-thin Edge model following weak sales, though the company has not officially commented. Pre-orders will open immediately after the keynote, with enticing bonuses for early adopters. Customers who pre-order any Galaxy S26 model will receive double the storage at no extra cost—for example, paying for a 256GB version yields a 512GB device. Furthermore, those registering interest before 25 February will receive a £30 voucher for the Samsung website and entry into a draw to win one of ten £500 Samsung vouchers.
Pricing and Design Expectations
Rumours about pricing indicate a potential increase in Samsung's home market of South Korea, driven by rising memory costs due to AI demand, with hikes of £50 for the 256GB model and £81 for the 512GB model. However, leaker Roland Quandt suggests that most international markets, including the UK, may avoid these increases, with Samsung absorbing the costs. If prices remain stable, the Samsung Galaxy S26 could start at £799, the S26 Plus at £999, and the S26 Ultra at £1,249. Design-wise, leaks point to iterative upgrades, with the S26 and S26 Plus featuring a new vertical camera bar similar to the iPhone 17, while the S26 Ultra boasts a slimmer frame and retained S Pen compatibility with Qi2 wireless charging. The privacy display technology, confirmed by Samsung in late January, is expected to debut on the S26 Ultra, dynamically dimming the screen from off angles to prevent shoulder surfing.
Specifications and Camera Upgrades
In terms of specifications, the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus are rumoured to use Samsung's Exynos 2600 chipset, while the S26 Ultra will feature Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Despite the different chipsets, performance is expected to be robust, with the Exynos 2600 reportedly offering six times the NPU performance of Apple's A19 Pro chip. Camera upgrades appear minimal across the range, with the S26 Ultra potentially receiving a wider aperture for its 200MP main camera and 5x telephoto lens. Battery life sees improvements, with the base S26 getting a 4,300mAh battery and the S26 Ultra a 5,200mAh battery, alongside faster 60W wired charging and Qi2 wireless charging support.
Colour Options and Final Thoughts
Colour options for the S26 Ultra are rumoured to include black, white, sky blue, and cobalt violet, with exclusive shades like silver shadow and pink gold for direct Samsung purchases. The regular S26 and S26 Plus may share similar colour schemes. As Samsung takes the stage today, tech fans can look forward to a blend of innovative features and refined upgrades, making the Galaxy S26 series a compelling choice in the competitive smartphone market.
