Samsung Launches Galaxy S26 Series and Galaxy Buds 4 at Unpacked 2026

At the Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event in San Francisco, Samsung officially introduced its latest flagship smartphones: the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. With this announcement, Samsung effectively sets the tone for the premium Android segment in 2026. These are the first major flagship releases of the year, and understandably, expectations were high.

Alongside the smartphones, Samsung also unveiled the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, expanding its ecosystem with stronger AI integration and improved audio performance. Interestingly, all of this arrives during a global memory chip shortage, a situation that has quietly pushed up production costs across the mobile industry. That context perhaps makes these launches even more notable.

Key Takeaways:

• The lineup includes three models: Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra
• The S26 Ultra runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor
• A new elliptical camera module replaces the separate lens ring design
• Samsung continues with Lithium-ion batteries instead of silicon-carbon cells
• Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro introduce stronger AI-powered features

Refined Design with a Unified Camera Module

One of the first changes you notice on the Galaxy S26 series is the redesigned rear camera layout. Last year’s S25 models featured individually raised camera rings. This time, Samsung opted for a single elliptical module that houses the sensors together.

The shift gives the back panel a more cohesive and arguably cleaner look. It feels deliberate, almost like Samsung wanted to simplify the visual identity of the series. The premium materials remain intact, and the build quality still feels flagship grade. In some ways, it looks more mature. Or perhaps just more consolidated.

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Powers the S26 Ultra

Performance continues to be a defining factor for Samsung’s Ultra models. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is powered globally by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, positioning it as the most powerful device in the lineup. This processor is designed to handle intensive AI tasks, high-end gaming, and heavy multitasking while improving thermal efficiency.

Meanwhile, the standard Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus are expected to ship with the Exynos 2600 chip in several markets, including India. This dual-chip strategy is not new for Samsung, though it often sparks debate among enthusiasts. Still, for most users, the experience should remain smooth and consistent across daily tasks.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, however, is clearly the headline performer, especially for users who demand maximum performance or rely heavily on AI-driven features.

200MP Camera and AI Processing for Indian Users

For Indian consumers in particular, the Galaxy S26 Ultra stands out as a photography-focused device. It retains the 200MP primary sensor and builds further on zoom capabilities. Samsung seems to have shifted emphasis slightly toward computational photography this year.

AI now plays a stronger role in reducing noise in low-light videos and refining skin tone accuracy in portraits. These refinements might sound incremental, but in practice, they often make a noticeable difference, especially in challenging lighting conditions.

The Ultra model also offers higher peak display brightness compared to its predecessor. Under direct afternoon sunlight, which is common across many parts of India, this improvement should enhance readability and usability. It is one of those features you may not think about until you really need it.

Battery Strategy: Sticking with Lithium-ion

Battery technology remains a topic of discussion across the industry. While brands like Oppo and Realme have moved toward silicon-carbon batteries to increase energy density, Samsung has chosen to stick with established Lithium-ion cells.

As a result, battery capacities remain similar to last year. The Galaxy S26 Ultra houses a 5,000mAh battery, consistent with previous Ultra models. Charging speeds also remain unchanged, with 45W wired charging supported on both the S26 Plus and S26 Ultra.

Some may see this as conservative. Others might argue that reliability and long-term stability matter more than chasing marginal capacity gains. Either way, Samsung appears to be prioritizing proven technology over experimental shifts this year.

Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro: Smarter Audio with AI

Samsung also introduced the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro at the event. The new earbuds feature enhanced active noise cancellation and a redesigned fit aimed at improving comfort during extended use.

The standout feature, however, is AI integration. When paired with the Galaxy S26 series, the Buds 4 lineup enables real-time AI translation during voice calls and even face-to-face conversations. For Indian professionals working across multiple languages or for frequent travelers, this could be particularly practical.

It is not just about listening to music anymore. The earbuds are gradually becoming productivity tools within Samsung’s ecosystem.

Seven Years of Software Support

Samsung confirmed that the Galaxy S26 series will receive seven years of operating system and security updates. This extends support through 2033, which is significant in the Android ecosystem.

Long-term software commitment adds tangible value to flagship devices. It also reinforces Samsung’s effort to position its phones as long-lasting investments rather than short upgrade cycles. For many users, that reassurance matters almost as much as the hardware itself.

Availability and Pricing in India

Pre-orders for the Galaxy S26 series begin today in India. Samsung is offering various bank discounts and exchange bonuses through major retail partners and online platforms.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra starts at approximately ₹1,29,999 for the base storage variant. Final pricing may vary depending on local taxes and ongoing promotional offers.

Color options across the series include Titanium Gray, Titanium Black, Silver, and Navy Blue. And yes, the Galaxy S26 Ultra continues to feature a built-in S Pen, preserving the productivity-focused experience inherited from the earlier Note and Ultra devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the price of the Galaxy S26 Ultra in India?

A1: The Galaxy S26 Ultra starts at approximately ₹1,29,999 for the base storage variant. The effective price may vary based on bank offers and exchange deals.

Q2: Does the Galaxy S26 series support 5G in India?

A2: Yes. All three models support multiple 5G bands compatible with Indian telecom networks such as Jio and Airtel.

Q3: Is there a Galaxy S26 Edge model?

A3: No, Samsung did not introduce an Edge variant this year. The lineup consists of the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and Galaxy S26 Ultra only.

Q4: What are the color options for the Galaxy S26 series?

A4: Available color options include Titanium Gray, Titanium Black, Silver, and Navy Blue.

Q5: Does the Galaxy S26 Ultra include an S Pen?

A5: Yes, the Galaxy S26 Ultra comes with a built-in S Pen, maintaining the productivity features associated with previous Ultra and Note series devices.