Key Points:
- Samsung launched the Galaxy S26 series and redesigned the Buds 4.
- The premium S26 Ultra features a new anti-snoop Privacy Display.
- All new phones use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip.
- New AI tools include multi-step task helpers and Perplexity integration.
Samsung just revealed its latest flagship phones and earbuds at the Unpacked event in San Francisco. The company showed off the new Galaxy S26, S26+, and the high-end S26 Ultra, alongside the completely redesigned Galaxy Buds 4.
Buyers will have to pay a bit more this year. The standard S26 and S26+ now cost $900 and $1,100, which is a $100 increase from the previous generation. Both models feature slightly rounded corners, larger batteries, and the powerful new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor.
While the physical camera hardware remains mostly the same, Samsung heavily upgraded the software. The phones now use a special chip to improve color accuracy. They also offer better video stabilization to help you capture moving subjects smoothly.
The premium Galaxy S26 Ultra keeps its $1,300 price tag. It boasts a massive 6.9-inch screen and introduces a brand-new Privacy Display feature. This screen technology automatically darkens the display when someone looks at it from an angle. It prevents strangers from snooping on your banking apps or private messages while you ride public transit. Surprisingly, Samsung still skipped adding magnetic Qi2 wireless charging to the entire lineup.
Samsung also gave its wireless earbuds a major makeover. The new Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro drop the sharp stems and flashing lights for a smoother, smaller design. The $250 Pro version even includes a clever siren detection feature that listens for emergency vehicles and alerts you.
Artificial intelligence heavily influenced this launch. Users can now summon the Perplexity AI search engine simply by saying “Hey Plex.” Additionally, Google introduced a new Gemini feature that handles multi-step tasks like ordering groceries or booking rides automatically. All devices are available for pre-order now and will hit store shelves on March 11.
