The Samsung Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra are about to make mobile gaming history.
Set for release on March 11, they bring more power, longer-lasting batteries, and sharper visuals courtesy of improved screens. But it’s the unprecedented AI advancements that offer the most potential.
Fueled by the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, AI touches almost all of the phones’ features across the board – only not in the ways you might think.
Rather than chasing faster frame rates, Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series embraces AI in an attempt to make mobile gaming easier and more effortless.
AI-Optimized Energy Consumption
Take the algorithm-optimised energy consumption that intelligently prioritises where to funnel power so you can keep going for longer.
That means less unwanted breaks while you grind away on “Genshin Impact.”
Super Fast Charging
That better battery combines with Super Fast Charging 3.0. For the first time, it’s capable of going from full battery depletion to 75% in just 30 minutes on the Ultra, so you can get right back to gaming.
Wireless charging, meanwhile, gets a boost from 15W to 25W, which should increase charging speeds.
AI Call Screening
AI-assisted call screening answers your phone while you’re playing, giving callers the opportunity to leave a message. When you’re ready, you can either listen to it, or read a transcription. Think of it like a more active voicemail.
As a result, your games won’t get interrupted by contacts and unknown numbers alike.
AI Audio Eraser
If you like having multiple windows open, the intelligent audio eraser reduces irrelevant noise in apps to focus on the one you want – i.e. the game you’re playing.
An example Samsung uses is watching a YouTube travel vlog and having the audio eraser automatically tune down background pedestrians.
AI Screenshot Analyser
The AI-powered screenshot analyser organises all of your screenshots automatically, whether they’re boarding passes, coupons, Whatsapp chats, QR codes, or video games. Screenshot a task in “Stardew Valley,” for instance, and AI organises it into a relevant folder rather than a generic containing all screenshots.
If someone on WhatsApp then asks about your progress in Stardew Valley, your Galaxy S26 will detect the request and offer to fetch the screenshot instantly, so you don’t have to hunt for it.
AI Agent at System Level
The new and improved AI agent Bixby is better equipped to boost the user experience. For example, tell Bixby your eyes are tired and it’ll suggest turning on the eye comfort shield and increasing the font size. If you’re concerned with privacy, meanwhile, it’ll offer to switch on the new Privacy Display screen (more on that below).
Privacy Display
Privacy options built in at the pixel level let you choose how much to dim the screen when viewed from an angle, both horizontally and vertically. It’s a useful defense against shoulder surfers if you’re after more discretion. See how that looks here.
AI-Powered Samsung Galaxy Buds4
They’re an additional buy, but the AI-powered Galaxy Buds4 and Buds4 Pro promise to make games sound better than ever. Samsung says it’s tested over 100 million ears across the world to craft the perfect fit. AI then intelligently adapts EQ based on how the buds sit in each individual ear.
According to Samsung, 58% of its customer base are daily earphone users, meaning great-sounding ones are the number one purchase driver – especially if you want to savor rich video game audio or need a competitive edge.
AI Noise Cancellation
The Samsung Galaxy Buds4 have superior noise cancellation that adjusts intelligently based on your environment. Walking past a construction site? It’ll filter out the machinery. In the chaos of packed public transport? It’ll turn down the chatter, putting the focus on your gaming audio.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Release Date
Samsung Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra are set for release on March 11, 2026.