Smartphones are becoming AI-first devices at a rapid pace, and Samsung's latest flagship is further proof.

The S26 lineup, comprising the S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra, brought upgrades expected of a new smartphone generation, including improvements to form factor, camera system, and display. But the most significant hardware updates and exciting new features were united by a common theme: deeper integration of AI assistance.

For example, the Galaxy S26 lineup is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, which delivers improvements across the NPU, GPU, and CPU, collectively boosting AI performance. But the biggest upgrade of the three was the 39% increase to the NPU, which is specialized for AI workloads.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra also introduces a new thermal architecture with a redesigned vapor chamber for better heat distribution, along with Super-Fast Charging 3.0 for improved battery efficiency: both critical for sustaining demanding AI applications and workflows.

Beyond the hardware, there is a plethora of new AI features. These are the most noteworthy, starting with the ones that impressed me the most in hands-on testing:

1. Automated app action: With this feature, you can ask Gemini to perform an action in an app, and it will handle the setup, so all you have to do is approve. For starters, it will work with Uber. All you have to do is ask Gemini something like, “Call me an Uber to SFO,” and it will handle the rest.
2. Now Nudge: This feature provides real-time suggestions across any messaging app, working within the keyboard. It will feed you proactive information based on the context of your conversation, such as pulling contact information or calendar dates.
3. Bixby Update: Bixby was updated to better understand natural language. Its real appeal lies in its deep integration in settings, which allows users to easily adjust their phone settings with conversational prompts. The best part is you don’t need to pick between Perplexity, Gemini, or Bixby, as they can work in tandem.
4. Call Screening: While Call Screening already existed and has become a standard AI feature across all ecosystems, with this update, Galaxy AI can ask who’s calling and why, and show you the response in real time.
5. Selfie quality update: An enhanced AI ISP and Object-Aware model aims to produce selfies with better textures and tones.
6. Photo Assist: You can now use generative AI right within your Gallery app to add elements to your photos. For example, in a demo, we were able to take a picture of a half-eaten cake and then ask Galaxy AI to make it look whole, which it did seamlessly. Some more fun (yet silly) applications included using it to change my selfie background to the Golden Gate Bridge or add a cap to my head.
7. Document Scan: While this has always been available, it is now simplified: all users need to do is point their camera at the document, much like scanning a QR code. It also ignores creases, removes distortions, and completes the photo if it has bent corners.
8. Creative Studio: This serves as a hub for all your generative AI creation needs. It is last on my list because I don’t know how often I will need to create sticker packs, wallpapers, or contact cards, but from the demos I did, the generative outputs are pretty good.

The Galaxy S26 lineup is available for pre-order today and will be generally available on March 11. The Galaxy S26 Ultra starts at $1,299.99, the Galaxy S26 at+ at $1,099.99, and Galaxy S26 at $899.99.

Our Deeper View

Since generative AI soared in popularity, phone manufacturers have been racing to add new AI integrations and features. However, these additions need to be done tastefully, as adding features that aren't truly helpful, just for the sake of it, has led companies such as Apple to face significant backlash. Google's Pixel 10 release raised the bar for what an “AI phone” should look like. With the S26 launch, Samsung picked up where Google left off, adding AI features in subtle yet helpful ways that should improve users' everyday experiences. Most importantly, the company isn't overpromising, as seen with the app action integration. For example, Samsung isn't actually advertising that the feature will call an Uber for you, which might have sounded more impressive but could have fallen short in practice.