Samsung Electronics has unveiled its Galaxy S26 smartphone series in Kenya, introducing new artificial intelligence features, upgraded performance and enhanced privacy tools as competition intensifies in the premium handset market.
The Galaxy S26 lineup, which includes the S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra, represents Samsung’s third generation of AI-focused smartphones. The company said the devices are designed to handle more tasks in the background, reducing the number of steps users need to complete everyday activities such as searching for information, managing schedules and editing photos.
“We believe AI should be something people can depend on every day, designed to work consistently for everyone and without the need for expertise,” said Evelyn Munene, Head of Product & Marketing, Mobile Experience Division, Samsung Electronics East Africa. “With the Galaxy S26 series, we focused on making AI feel effortless, working quietly in the background so people can focus on what matters.”
The launch comes as smartphone makers increasingly compete on artificial intelligence capabilities rather than hardware alone, integrating AI assistants, on-device processing and advanced imaging tools to differentiate flagship models.
Samsung said the Galaxy S26 Ultra features a customized Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy chipset, with performance improvements across CPU, GPU and neural processing units to support AI-driven tasks. The company said the Ultra model delivers up to 19% higher CPU performance, 39% improved NPU performance and 24% stronger GPU performance compared with its predecessor.
To manage heat during intensive tasks such as gaming and video recording, the S26 Ultra includes a redesigned vapor chamber system to improve heat dissipation. It also supports Super Fast Charging 3.0, which Samsung said can reach up to 75% battery capacity in 30 minutes.
In imaging, Samsung said the S26 series builds on its camera system with wider apertures for improved low-light photography and enhanced video stabilization. The Ultra model introduces support for APV, a professional-grade video codec designed for higher-quality production workflows.
AI-powered editing tools have also been expanded. Samsung said users can describe desired changes to photos in natural language using its upgraded Photo Assist feature, allowing adjustments such as altering lighting conditions or restoring missing parts of an image. Creative Studio integrates content creation and customization tools within a single interface.
The company is also emphasizing privacy and security as AI capabilities expand. The Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces what Samsung describes as the industry’s first built-in Privacy Display for mobile phones, designed to limit side-angle viewing when activated. Users can customize when privacy settings turn on, such as when entering passwords or opening selected applications.
Additional software safeguards include AI-powered call screening and privacy alerts that notify users when applications attempt to access sensitive data. Samsung said it has extended post-quantum cryptography protections to certain system processes and continues to support devices with seven years of security updates.
The Galaxy S26 series integrates Samsung’s Bixby assistant alongside third-party agents such as Gemini and Perplexity, allowing users to complete tasks through voice or button prompts. Samsung said features such as “Now Nudge” and “Now Brief” provide proactive suggestions based on context, including surfacing relevant photos or identifying calendar conflicts.
In Kenya, the Galaxy S26 series will be available for pre-order from Feb. 25 through Samsung Experience stores and authorized retailers. The Galaxy S26 Ultra will retail at 197,300 Kenyan shillings for the 512 GB version and 171,400 shillings for the 256 GB version. The Galaxy S26+ will retail at 170,300 shillings for 512 GB and 144,400 shillings for 256 GB, while the base Galaxy S26 will cost 141,700 shillings for 512 GB and 120,900 shillings for 256 GB.
Samsung Care+ coverage will also be offered, including screen repair coverage and a 24-month warranty through authorized service centers nationwide.