The countdown has begun for one of the biggest smartphone launches of the year. Samsung will unveil its much-anticipated Galaxy S26 series at the Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event in San Francisco on February 25. The company plans to showcase its next-generation flagship smartphones alongside new AI-powered features and audio products.
With competition intensifying in the premium smartphone market, Samsung aims to strengthen its position through upgraded hardware, smarter software and deeper artificial intelligence integration.
Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Event 2026 Live Streaming: When & Where to Watch Launch
Samsung will host the Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event on February 25 at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET / 11:30 p.m. IST). Viewers across the globe can watch the event live on Samsung.com, Samsung Newsroom and the company’s official YouTube channel.
The company has also opened pre-reservations in select markets. In India, customers can reserve the upcoming device by paying a refundable token amount of Rs 999 and receive benefits worth Rs 2,699 on purchasing the ‘Next AI Phone’. The pre-reserve window closes just before the launch event.
Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Event: What to Expect?
Samsung will likely focus heavily on artificial intelligence, privacy and camera improvements during the presentation. The company has already teased a new privacy-focused feature called “Zero-Peeking Privacy”, which prevents bystanders from viewing screen content from side angles.
Reports also suggest Samsung will introduce deeper AI assistant integration, including support for Perplexity AI with the hotword “Hey Plex”, alongside existing Bixby and Gemini capabilities.
Apart from smartphones, Samsung may unveil new Galaxy Buds and showcase major improvements in zoom photography, low-light imaging and AI-based productivity tools.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Lineup: Models Expected
Samsung is expected to introduce three models in the Galaxy S26 series:
- Galaxy S26
- Galaxy S26 Plus
- Galaxy S26 Ultra
The company will likely retain its familiar three-tier flagship strategy. While earlier rumours hinted at replacing the Plus model with an Edge variant, current leaks indicate Samsung will continue with the standard, Plus and Ultra lineup.
All three devices are expected to feature upgraded processors, improved battery life and AI-driven enhancements.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Specifications (Expected)
Samsung Galaxy S26 Specifications (Expected)
- Display: ~6.3-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 / Exynos 2600 (region dependent)
- RAM: ~12GB (expected)
- Storage: Likely starts from 256GB
- Rear Cameras:
- 50MP main sensor
- 12MP ultra-wide lens
- 10MP telephoto lens
- Front Camera: ~12MP
- Battery: ~4,300mAh
- Charging: ~45W wired fast charging
- AI Features: Enhanced on-device AI tools
- OS: One UI (Android latest version)
Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus Specifications (Expected)
- Display: ~6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 / Exynos 2600 (region dependent)
- RAM: ~12GB
- Storage: Likely 256GB and up
- Rear Cameras:
- 50MP main sensor
- 12MP ultra-wide lens
- 10MP telephoto lens
- Front Camera: ~12MP
- Battery: ~4,900mAh
- Charging: ~45W wired fast charging
- Wireless Charging: ~20W
- AI Features: Advanced AI tools for the camera and system
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Specifications (Expected)
- Display: ~6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 “For Galaxy” (may vary by region)
- RAM: Up to ~16GB
- Storage: Up to ~1TB
- Rear Cameras:
- 200MP main sensor
- 50MP ultra-wide lens
- 10MP 3x telephoto lens
- 50MP periscope telephoto lens
- Front Camera: ~12MP
- Battery: ~5,000mAh
- Charging: ~60W wired fast charging
- Wireless Charging: ~25W
- AI Features: Superior AI imaging and system optimisation
Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 & Buds 4 Pro
Samsung may also launch the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro at the event. The new earbuds could feature a refined design with metallic accents. Reports suggest the Pro model may include silicone ear tips for a better fit and improved noise isolation.
Leaks indicate possible features such as head gesture controls, camera remote functionality, and an upgraded Find My Phone shortcut, making the Buds more integrated with the Galaxy ecosystem.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Series: AI & Software Upgrades
AI will likely dominate the Galaxy S26 experience. Samsung is expected to introduce improved on-device generative AI capabilities, faster text-to-image processing and smarter battery optimisation.
The company may also highlight enhanced privacy tools, productivity assistants and camera-based AI editing features. With AI becoming central to modern smartphones, Samsung appears determined to make its features practical and everyday-friendly rather than experimental.
Can Galaxy S26 Redefine the Premium Smartphone Experience in 2026?
Samsung is entering 2026 with high expectations and even higher stakes. With stronger AI integration, upgraded camera systems, improved batteries and refined displays, the Galaxy S26 lineup aims to deliver more than just routine upgrades. The company is clearly focusing on practical artificial intelligence, better privacy tools and faster performance to stay ahead in the premium smartphone race.
If Samsung successfully combines powerful hardware with meaningful AI features, the Galaxy S26 series could set the tone for flagship smartphones this year. All eyes are now on Galaxy Unpacked 2026 to see whether Samsung delivers a true leap forward or simply a polished evolution.
