S26 ULTRA WITH SCREEN SHIELDING

– This is the world's first Privacy Display on a mobile device, and this is down to pixel level. We have two sets of pixels, some that go straight forward and some that are slightly to the side. When we turn on the filter, the pixels pointing to the sides are dimmed. Then you have no visibility from the side, or above, or below, says Stian Wensås at Samsung to the trade magazine Elektronikkbransjen.

According to Samsung, the privacy screen is about giving the user better control in everyday situations where unauthorized people can see the screen.

Privacy Display is activated from the quick panel. The user can choose whether the function should apply to the entire screen or just selected apps, such as work tools, gallery, or notes. This is intended to provide flexibility in situations where you want to hide content without having to reduce the screen's usability.

– You also have the option to set it on different applications. If you want to hide some work apps, gallery, or notes, you can do it just on these applications. I think people will increasingly consider that many might show a bit too much on the mobile screen, now that we are actually launching a solution, says product expert Wensås.

Hide what you want

Privacy Display is part of a larger package of security features in the Galaxy S26 series. Hardware and software are supposed to work together to protect both screen content and personal data. Samsung is developing several levels of screen shielding, including the ability to hide parts of the notification field or activate maximum shielding when entering passwords.

– We want people to be able to hide what they want, when they want, says Wensås.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 series consists of three models: Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra, but only the Ultra model has Privacy Display.

Wensås says Samsung last year adopted the term AI phone, as a successor to the smartphone.

– We want to lead in AI development, including new features for image processing, performance and user management, says Wensås.

The top model Galaxy S26 Ultra (78.1 × 163.6 × 7.9 mm) has a customised Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset with up to 19 percent higher CPU performance, 24 percent better GPU performance and 39 percent faster NPU for AI functions. It also has a larger and redesigned Vapor Chamber for better heat management, for demanding tasks such as gaming and video recording over extended periods.

The Ultra model has a 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 1-120 Hz adaptive refresh rate and Vision Booster.

200 MP main camera

The camera system is the most advanced in the series, with a 200 MP main camera that lets in up to 47 percent more light than before, a 50 MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom and 10x optical quality zoom, an additional 10 MP telephoto camera and a 50 MP ultra-wide-angle camera. The model supports enhanced Nightography Video, and is the first Galaxy device with APV codec for professional video streams. The 5,000 mAh battery supports Super-Fast Charging 3.0, which is said to provide up to 75 percent charge in about 30 minutes.

Galaxy S26+ (75.8 × 158.4 × 7.3 mm) is positioned as the mid-range model with a 6.7-inch QHD+ screen, 4,900 mAh battery, and 45W wired charging. It shares the camera configuration with the S26: 50 MP main camera with optical quality zoom, 12 MP ultra-wide angle, and 10 MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. Both S26+ and S26 are delivered in the Nordics with Samsung's own processor; Exynos 2600.

The standard model Galaxy S26 (71.7 × 149.6 × 7.2 mm) has a 6.3-inch FHD+ screen and a 4,300 mAh battery. It charges with 25W and has similar screen technology as the other models, including 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate. All three models support Wi-Fi 7, 5G, and are IP68-rated.

Galaxy Buds 4 Pro

Samsung is also launching the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro earbuds.

– They have a premium metal design and direct support for AI activation, so you can talk to the earbuds without picking up the phone, says Wensås.

The design of both models is intended to be more ergonomic, based on an extensive database of ear shapes and simulations, and the charging case has received a transparent design with a hinged lid. Buds4 Pro has a snug design that fits in the ear canal, while Buds4 has an open design.

Buds4 Pro introduces a wider bass speaker and larger speaker surface, which together with the tweeter provides a more detailed and immersive sound. They support 24-bit and 96 kHz high-resolution audio, and have improved adaptive equalizer and active noise cancellation that analyses the shape of the ear and adjusts the sound image in real time. Both models have improved noise reduction, and a Super Clear Call function that uses broadband technology for clearer calls.

The series is closely integrated into the Galaxy ecosystem, with voice activation of AI assistants such as Bixby and Gemini. Buds4 Pro also supports head tracking. Easier setup means that Galaxy devices automatically detect the earbuds when the case is opened. Prices in Norway are 1,990 kroner for Buds4 and 2,990 kroner for Buds4 Pro.