Frank Rondel
Samsung is set to host its first major event of 2026, unveiling the next generation of Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and the flagship S26 Ultra, along with new Galaxy Buds 4 headphones and advanced AI capabilities, reports customreceipt.com. The event will take place in San Francisco and will be streamed live for viewers unable to attend in person.
Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked 2026 is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, starting at 10:00 AM Pacific Time (8:00 PM Kyiv time). The company will provide live streaming on its official website and YouTube channel, allowing global audiences to follow the announcements in real time.
The presentation will focus on three new smartphones: the base Galaxy S26, the larger S26 Plus, and the high-end S26 Ultra. Early leaks suggest significant design updates. The Ultra model is expected to feature more rounded corners, aligning its aesthetics with the smaller models. The S26 will likely have a slightly larger 6.3-inch screen, while the S26 and S26 Plus will be thinner than previous generations. The S26 Ultra is anticipated to showcase an advanced display supporting 10-bit color depth and a privacy feature that automatically shields sensitive content from bystanders.
Under the hood, the devices will run on either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 or Samsung’s Exynos 2600, depending on the regional market. Despite high performance, initial hands-on reports indicate potential overheating, which may trigger thermal throttling under heavy workloads, according to PhoneArena.
Battery efficiency is a highlight of the new models, with estimated autonomy ranging from 51 to 55 hours. However, battery longevity may be shorter than expected. Leaks suggest a maximum of 1,200 charge cycles before a 20% capacity reduction, compared to 2,000 cycles for last year’s models. Expected battery capacities are 4,300 mAh for the S26, 4,900 mAh for the S26 Plus, and 5,000 mAh for the Ultra, as reported by ZDNet.
Samsung will also introduce the Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro, featuring updated designs with metal accents on the stems for a more premium appearance. The Pro variant will include silicone ear tips for improved noise isolation.
A substantial part of the event will be devoted to the Galaxy AI features, which enhance photography, image generation, and creative tasks through collaboration with Nota AI. All smartphones will maintain IP68 certification for dust and water resistance, allowing immersion in fresh water up to three meters deep for 30 minutes.
Regarding pricing, European consumers may face higher costs. The Galaxy S26 is expected to start at €999 for the 256 GB version, €100 higher than its predecessor. The S26 Plus could range from €1,249 to €1,269, while the S26 Ultra base model may retain last year’s price of around €1,449–€1,469. Higher-capacity Ultra models (512 GB and 1 TB) could see price increases of €80–€140. Samsung plans to maintain traditional pre-order bonuses, including free memory upgrades.
No flexible smartphones or new smartwatches are expected at this event, as those are typically reserved for summer releases. Additionally, the previously rumored Galaxy S26 Edge model has reportedly been canceled or postponed.
Earlier we wrote that Ukrainian Documentary “2000 Meters to Andriivka” Nominated at BAFTA 2026 as “One Battle After Another” Wins Best Film