28 February 2026
In the latest video from Marques Brownlee, he dives into the new Samsung Galaxy S26 lineup, providing viewers with a comprehensive overview of what to expect from these devices. While Marques couldn't attend the launch event due to severe weather conditions, he managed to piece together insights from his team member who was there, along with the spec sheets.
Marques notes that the design of the Galaxy S26 series remains largely similar to its predecessor, the S25, with some new color options and a redesigned camera ring. However, the most significant change is the pricing. The S26 starts at $900, the S26+ at $1,100, and the S26 Ultra at $1,300. This marks a noticeable increase from last year's models, which started at $799.
The S26 series is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, which promises enhanced performance, particularly in AI applications. The Ultra model features a slightly updated design, making it thinner and less boxy, with aluminum sides instead of titanium. Charging speeds have also seen a modest increase, with the S26 supporting 25 watts, the S26+ at 45 watts, and the Ultra at 60 watts.
While the camera hardware remains largely unchanged, the Ultra model boasts wider apertures on its primary and telephoto lenses, allowing for better low-light performance. However, some features, like magnets and silicon-carbon batteries, are still absent.
One of the standout features of the S26 Ultra is its new Privacy Display. This innovative technology allows users to control the visibility of their screen based on the viewing angle. When activated, the display appears normal from the front but fades to gray or black when viewed from the side. This feature can be customized to activate for specific apps or locations, making it particularly useful for sensitive information.
Marques discusses the various AI enhancements included in the S26 lineup, such as improved call screening and a new feature called Nudge, which offers contextual suggestions while typing. However, he expresses skepticism about some of the AI functionalities, noting that they seem to be a mix of useful and unnecessary features.
In summary, Marques Brownlee's impressions of the Samsung Galaxy S26 series highlight both the incremental improvements and the innovative features that set the Ultra model apart. If you're considering an upgrade, the new Privacy Display feature is certainly worth noting, alongside the overall performance enhancements. For those who prefer to skip the lengthy video, Quickview has you covered with this concise summary!
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