I am not sure if you have noticed. Until recently, Samsung has not been forthcoming about the system-on-chip (SoC) of its Galaxy S series devices at launch. That is likely because different regions get different processors. But that has changed. Starting with recent devices and now the Galaxy S26 series, Samsung is finally naming the AP (Application Processor). It is a tad late compared to last year, but yes, there’s a new S series, and guess what? It is leveling up in the AI department. But of course it has.
At the top of the food chain is the Galaxy S26 Ultra, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy. Samsung is not being shy about it this time, and understandably so. The chip delivers up to 19 percent faster CPU performance, 24 percent stronger GPU performance, and a hefty 39 percent improvement in NPU performance. In short, this thing is built to keep Galaxy AI running constantly without slowing down everything else you are doing. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S26 and S26+ may come with either the same Snapdragon chip or the Exynos 2600, depending on the market. So yes, regional processor differences are still very much part of the Galaxy experience.
Cooling has also been upgraded. The S26 Ultra features a redesigned vapor chamber with improved heat dissipation, which helps maintain performance during gaming, multitasking, and extended camera use. Battery capacity stands at 5,000 mAh on the Ultra, 4,900 mAh on the S26+, and 4,300 mAh on the S26. Charging speeds are equally respectable, with the Ultra capable of reaching up to 75 percent charge in around 30 minutes using a 60 W adapter. The S26+ reaches up to 69 percent in about 30 minutes with a 45 W adapter, while the S26 reaches up to 55 percent in the same time with a 25 W adapter.
Displays remain one of Samsung’s strongest cards. The Galaxy S26 Ultra features a 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with adaptive refresh rate from 1 to 120 Hz. The device measures 78.1 x 163.6 x 7.9 mm and weighs 214 g. The Galaxy S26+ comes with a 6.7-inch QHD+ panel in a 75.8 x 158.4 x 7.3 mm body weighing 190 g, while the Galaxy S26 offers a 6.3-inch FHD+ display in a more compact 71.7 x 149.6 x 7.2 mm chassis at 167 g. All three displays support Vision Booster for improved visibility in bright conditions.
The camera hardware continues to push numbers that would have sounded absurd just a few years ago. The S26 Ultra leads with a 200 MP wide camera with f/1.4 aperture, supported by a 50 MP ultra-wide camera, a 50 MP telephoto camera with up to 5x optical zoom and 10x optical quality zoom, and an additional 10 MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. The front camera is a 12 MP unit. The Galaxy S26 and S26+ feature a 50 MP main camera, 12 MP ultra-wide camera, and 10 MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, along with a 12 MP front camera. Improvements to Nightography Video, Super Steady stabilization, and AI image processing help produce clearer results in low light and moving scenes.
AI is now deeply integrated across the system. Features such as Now Brief and Now Nudge surface reminders, suggest relevant photos, and help organize daily activities. Photo Assist allows users to edit images using simple text instructions, while Creative Studio enables the creation of visuals, stickers, and wallpapers from sketches or prompts. Circle to Search can identify multiple objects within an image simultaneously, making it easier to look up products or information directly from the screen.
Privacy also sees a meaningful upgrade. The Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces a built-in Privacy Display that limits visibility from side angles while maintaining full clarity for the user, which is perfect for keeping shoulder surfers out. Samsung Knox, Knox Vault, and post-quantum cryptography protections help secure sensitive data. All models run Android 16 with One UI 8.5, support 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and carry IP68 water and dust resistance.
The new Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is now available for pre-order, starting at US$1,299.99. The Samsung Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+, on the other hand, start at US$899.99 and US$1,099.99, respectively.
Images: Samsung.
