Samsung Electronics has officially introduced the Galaxy S26 series, a new generation of smartphones built around one central idea around making artificial intelligence feel natural, helpful and quietly powerful.
The lineup, Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra, represents Samsung’s third generation of AI-powered phones, designed to handle complex tasks in the background so users can focus on results instead of figuring out how the technology works.
From planning your day and searching for information to capturing, editing and sharing content, the Galaxy S26 series reduces the number of steps needed to get things done. It combines performance, camera innovation and Galaxy AI into one cohesive experience, while reinforcing security and privacy at every level.
AI That Works Quietly in the Background
According to Evelyn Munene, Head of Product & Marketing, Mobile Experience Division at Samsung Electronics East Africa, the goal was to make AI dependable and effortless for everyday users. The Galaxy S26 series is built to anticipate needs, offer timely suggestions and automate routine actions, all without requiring technical expertise.
Features such as Now Nudge and Now Brief proactively surface relevant reminders, meeting conflicts or suggested photos without users having to dig through apps.
Meanwhile, upgraded Circle to Search with Google can recognize multiple objects in an image at once, identifying everything from a jacket to shoes in a single search.
Samsung has also enhanced Bixby into a more conversational assistant, allowing users to navigate settings or complete tasks using natural language. The phones also integrate third-party AI agents such as Gemini and Perplexity, enabling multi-step tasks like booking a taxi with a simple voice command.
A Camera System That Blends Creativity and Simplicity
On the S26 Ultra, wider apertures allow more light into the sensor, improving clarity and detail in low-light conditions.
Enhanced Nightography Video ensures clearer footage in dim environments, while upgraded Super Steady stabilization improves video stability even on uneven terrain.
The device also introduces APV, a professional-grade video codec designed for high-quality production workflows, maintaining visual integrity even after repeated edits.
With Photo Assist, users can simply describe changes in natural language — from turning a daytime scene into night to restoring missing parts of an image. Creative Studio further expands these capabilities, allowing users to transform sketches or prompts into stickers, wallpapers or invitations without switching apps.
Document Scan also simplifies everyday tasks by removing distortions and automatically organizing multiple images into a single PDF ideal for receipts, forms and notes.
Privacy at the Pixel Level
Unlike traditional privacy screen protectors, this integrated system limits side-angle visibility when activated while maintaining full clarity for the user.
Users can customize when the feature activates, such as during PIN entry or when opening specific apps and adjust privacy levels depending on the situation. Partial and Maximum Privacy modes offer additional discretion without compromising performance.
Beyond the display, the Galaxy S26 series strengthens software protections with AI-powered Call Screening, real-time Privacy Alerts, and a built-in Private Album feature within the Gallery app. Samsung has also extended post-quantum cryptography protections to core system processes, future-proofing device security.
All of this is supported by Samsung Knox, the company’s multi-layer security platform that protects data from the chip level upward. With seven years of security updates, the Galaxy S26 series is designed for long-term reliability.
Availability and Pricing in Kenya
The Galaxy S26 series will be available for pre-order from February 25, 2026, at Samsung Experience stores and authorized retailers nationwide. The lineup features shared color options including Cobalt Violet, White, Black and Sky Blue.
In Kenya, the Galaxy S26 Ultra 512GB will retail at Ksh.197,300, while the 256GB model will cost Ksh.171,400. The Galaxy S26+ 512GB will retail at Ksh.170,300, with the 256GB version at Ksh.144,400.
The base Galaxy S26 starts at Ksh.120,900 for 256GB and Ksh.141,700 for 512GB.
For added protection, Samsung Care+ offers coverage for accidental screen damage, a 24-month warranty and access to certified service centres nationwide.
