Samsung has unveiled its latest series of flagship Galaxy phones, the Galaxy S26 range, which includes the S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra models. The company surveyed 11,000 Europeans to support the launch of the Galaxy S26 Ultra, with 56% of Europeans saying they have accidentally looked at a stranger's phone. The Privacy Display is only available on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, not on the standard S26 or S26+, and works by limiting light emitted by individual pixels, making the screen visible only from directly in front. Daniel Araujo, Vice President of Samsung's Mobile Experience Division, stated in a press conference that the Galaxy S26 series aims to revolutionize the user experience with next-generation AI, a second-generation custom processor, and improved sensors. Samsung confirmed key details about the Galaxy S26 series during its Q3 2025 earnings call, teasing AI, performance, and camera upgrades.
A Samsung Electronics survey reveals that public transport is the most likely place to notice someone else's screen, with 57% of respondents identifying it as the top location. According to the survey, 52% find it easy to view someone else's screen in public, and nearly half (49%) have felt someone was looking at their phone screen in public. The survey also indicates that 57% identify public transport as the most likely place to notice someone else's screen, followed by 35% while waiting in a queue and 13% in a bar, restaurant or café. Additionally, 27% agree they have seen something on someone else's phone in public they felt they should not have.
Detailed survey findings show that the most frequently seen content on others' screens includes personal photos or camera roll (38%), face or voice on a video call (33%), personal messages (29%), social media notifications or profiles (27%), online shopping (17%), dating app notifications or profiles (12%), and banking balance or account details (11%). According to the survey, 28% ignore or look away immediately when seeing someone else's screen, while 7% admit to continuing to look discreetly at someone else's screen. Fearing a stranger may see their screen, Europeans have avoided or delayed actions related to banking (62%), entering passcodes (49%), or reading private content. The survey also reports that 48% feel their own phone use is private when using it in crowded places.
Samsung promises seven years of software updates for the Galaxy S25 and S26 series, as part of its commitment to long-term support. The second-generation custom AP is widely interpreted as the Exynos 2600, Samsung's next high-end mobile chipset, expected to be a 2nm processor. Samsung may continue its dual-chip strategy, with certain regional variants using Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor. Reports suggest the standard Galaxy S26 may feature the Exynos 2600, while the S26+ and S26 Ultra could use Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip. Chipset evaluations for the Galaxy S26 lineup are still ongoing, with final configurations yet to be confirmed.
Rising component costs, particularly in memory, may lead to higher prices for the Galaxy S26 series. Chipset evaluations for the Galaxy S26 lineup are still ongoing, with final configurations yet to be confirmed, which could influence pricing decisions. The exact impact on prices remains uncertain, as Samsung has not specified how significant the increase will be due to these rising costs.
The Galaxy S26 series aims to revolutionize the user experience with next-generation AI, a second-generation custom processor, and improved sensors.
The Privacy Display technology on the Galaxy S26 Ultra works by limiting light emitted by individual pixels, making the screen visible only from directly in front. However, some users are complaining that the Privacy Display on the Galaxy S26 Ultra causes eye strain and nausea. The exact cause of these reported side effects is not yet clear, and Samsung has not provided detailed explanations for the discomfort experienced by some users.
During its Q3 2025 earnings call, Samsung confirmed key details about the Galaxy S26 series, teasing AI, performance, and camera upgrades. Samsung announced plans to bring more advanced health-focused AI features to its Galaxy devices, though the specific features have not been disclosed. The company has not revealed what specific AI, performance, and camera upgrades will be included, leaving details to be clarified closer to launch.
Samsung plans to expand its foldable lineup in 2026, enhancing the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series. Samsung announced plans to bring more advanced health-focused AI features to its Galaxy devices, but the exact nature of these features remains unspecified. These initiatives are part of Samsung's broader strategy to innovate in both form factors and AI integration.
Key unknowns persist regarding the Galaxy S26 series, including what specific AI, performance, and camera upgrades will be included. The final chipset configurations for each Galaxy S26 model are still under evaluation, with reports suggesting variations but no official confirmation. Additionally, how significant the price increase will be for the Galaxy S26 series due to rising component costs has not been quantified by Samsung.
Remaining uncertainties include the exact cause of the eye strain and nausea reported by some users of the Galaxy S26 Ultra's Privacy Display. Samsung has not detailed what specific advanced health-focused AI features will be brought to its Galaxy devices, leaving these aspects open for future announcements. These gaps in information highlight the evolving nature of the product launch as Samsung continues to refine its offerings.