New Samsung samsung Galaxy S26 phones just dropped: here’s everything you need to know
Samsung announced several new devices today, with the Galaxy S26 series and updated earbuds available for pre-order now and set to launch officially on March 11. The company says the S26 family and the new Buds carry storage, charging and AI improvements across the lineup.
Samsung lineup and pricing
The full S26 lineup includes the Samsung Galaxy S26, Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. All three models now start at 256GB of storage, up from 128GB on the S25 and S25 Plus. That storage increase coincides with higher retail prices for two models: the S26 and S26 Plus are $100 more expensive than before, with retail prices of $899 and $1, 099, respectively. The S26 Ultra starts at $1, 299, unchanged from last year’s S25 Ultra price.
Storage and chip upgrades
Each S26 model ships with a new internal chip intended for faster performance across tasks and to power new AI software features. All three starting points are 256GB, a jump from prior entry capacities on the S25 and S25 Plus.
Battery and charging changes
The Samsung Galaxy S26 has a slightly larger battery at 4, 300 mAh, up from 4, 000 mAh. The S26 Plus gains slightly faster wireless charging. The S26 Ultra adds improved cameras and faster wired and wireless charging as part of its updates.
Built-in privacy screen details
A major new feature is a built-in privacy screen option. Traditional privacy screens make the display look very dim or dark when viewed at an off-angle — imagine someone trying to see your screen while sitting next to you. Samsung’s implementation is highly customizable: users can choose which elements are dimmed for onlookers, including notifications, password screens and more.
New Galaxy Buds models
Samsung also announced two earbuds: the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. Both adopt a new design with smoother, rounded eartips, a clear departure from the Buds 3’s sharp, triangular stem shape. The Buds 4 are the more budget-friendly pair and do not have rubber eartips, giving them a semi-open ear design similar to Apple AirPods 4. They will get up to six hours of battery life, plus 30 more hours from the charging case. The Buds 4 Pro are positioned as the premium option, with traditional rubber eartips and up to seven hours of battery life plus 30 further hours from the charging case.
Edge model and summer plans
Last year the brand launched the Galaxy S25 Edge, described as a super-thin, super-light smartphone compared to its other models. The company did not mention an Edge model during this event, so we do not know whether there will be a Galaxy S26 Edge at this time. Samsung typically launches new Galaxy Watches, Z-Flip and Z-Fold phones in the summer, and a second Galaxy Unpacked event in the summer is expected for the latest versions of those devices.
Galaxy Ring and legal disputes
The Samsung Galaxy Ring launched in the summer of 2024. Oura, maker of the Oura Ring, quickly filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Samsung. The company has previously filed similar patent suits against smart ring makers such as Ultrahuman, RingConn, Zepp Health and others, and Samsung has filed a counter suit against Oura. All that to say: the fate of the Samsung Galaxy Ring is more uncertain than some of the brand’s other products. "I’m not sure when we might see the Samsung Galaxy Ring 2 hitting store shelves, " the reporter wrote.
All of the new products announced are available for pre-order today and will launch officially on March 11. The reporter covering these launches has followed Samsung and its competitors for years, focusing on phones, smartwatches and earbuds.
