To truly put a car through its paces, you can’t just drive it around a leafy suburb for a week. You need to live with it, push it, and take it on an adventure. That’s exactly what we did, covering significant mileage across provinces to see if Volvo’s new flagship truly makes sense for the South African context. All with one purpose in mind; to find South Africa’s fastest charging station.

My time with the ES90 reaffirmed why Volvo currently leads the conversation in modern luxury. Electrified at that. It began the moment I saw it in the metal, resting in its striking Mulberry Red paint. If the deep, wine-hued red is too bold for your taste, Volvo offers a sophisticated spectrum including Aurora Silver, Crystal White (with a stunning pearlescent effect), Onyx Black, Vapour Grey, Denim Blue, or the earthier Sand Dune.

All colours work great on the Volvo ES90.

It doesn’t shout for attention; it commands it through sheer restraint. The exterior is a five-meter-long titanic of grace, featuring a body-coloured shield in place of a traditional grille to optimise aerodynamics.

The stars of the show are the HD Pixel LED headlights, retaining the “Thor’s Hammer” signature but with 20 000 pixel modules that wink at you upon approach. Our test unit stood tall on massive 21-inch 5-spoke Aero alloys, where glossy black inserts contrast perfectly against the red bodywork.

But the real emotional connection hit when I pulled the flush door handle and stepped inside. There’s that unmistakable “new Volvo” scent – a mix of high-end sustainable materials and fresh tech. Catching that first whiff of the interior and feeling the cool, tactile surfaces reminded me that luxury is best applied by perfect execution of a simple idea. Nothing flashy or loud here.

Back to the point. The cabin is less of a car interior and more of a rolling Zen studio. At least in my world. The level of craftsmanship is immediately evident in the wood finishes. Here you get the contemporary natural Birch wood inlays that feel incredible to the touch.

The driver is treated to a 9-inch instrumental display behind the steering wheel, supplemented by a massive 13.2-inch Head-Up Display. One would think the instrumental display is too small for its intended purposes, but that is not the case. It fits the vehicle perfectly and displays all the necessary information the driver needs.

You even get the option to change its layout to suit your needs and information you prefer. As part of the most recent updates to Volvo’s UI, you can have your navigation (regardless on whether its via Waze, Apple Maps or Google Maps) projected on this very same instrumental display. The Heads-Up Display is able to project the directions too.

For the audiophiles, the 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity system is a masterpiece, featuring speakers built directly into the headrests to create an immersive 1610-watt soundstage. It even features an Abbey Road mode to help you setup the sound to your preference and musical taste.

Look up, and you’ll find the electrochromatic panoramic roof. In a departure from tradition, there is no physical blind; instead, a simple tap on the screen tints the glass electronically to keep the sun away. When it comes to practicality, the fastback design allows for a massive boot opening with 446 litres of space, while the 27-litre “frunk” up front is the perfect home for your charging cables or anything else you don’t have space for in your boot.

I jokingly share with Gift, our media manager, on a regular that one could get away with hiding things you don’t want people to see in there.

Rear passengers aren’t treated as an afterthought. Step through the power-release, soft-close doors and you’ll find a genuine sanctuary. The rear seats feature an electric recline function, and while the battery placement means under-thigh support is slightly less than a traditional petrol sedan, the clever seat contouring means you honestly don’t feel it once you’re settled in. It’s more plush and comfortable than ever.

The centrepiece back here is the Rear Lounge Armrest. Finished in gorgeous natural wood, it features cupholders that lift out with a damped, premium action and a dedicated spot for your phone. It’s the perfect environment for a chauffeured run through Sandton or a quick airport drop-off.

On the road, the first thing you notice – or rather, the first thing you don’t – is noise. It is deathly quiet. Between the laminated glass and extensive insulation, it feels like you’re driving a Swedish S-Class. As much as I hate comparisons, this is the best way to put it.

Our Ultra trim features adaptive air suspension, which provides a twofold experience. It has that classic flagship “waft,” gliding over rolling speed humps like a cloud. However, on those jittery, corrugated surfaces we often see here in SA, the 21-inch wheels do let a hint of vibration through, keeping the ride “honest” without ever feeling harsh. It’s not a Volvo issue, but more about the state of our roads.

The rear-wheel-drive setup delivers 245 kW, propelling the ES90 to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds. The power delivery is rather polite. A surge of torque rather than a kick. My favourite touch? The accelerator pedal gives you a subtle haptic “nudge” to let you know you’re hitting the speed limit, rather than annoying you with constant beeps. The Chinese need to take notes.

When it comes to charging, the 800V architecture is the real hero here. In a country where range anxiety is the first exhaustive topic at every dinner table, the ES90’s 755 km (WLTP) claim is a game-changer. In our real-world testing while cruising at 120 km/h we found a realistic range of over 600 km is easily achievable. Stopping at a Zero Carbon Charge station like the one in Wolmaransstad, we went from 10% to 80% in about 22 minutes. That’s barely enough time to grab a coffee and a snack before you’re ready for another 500+ km.

The ES90 enters a ring with established heavy hitters, but the contrast is unmistakable. The BMW i5 eDrive40 remains the athlete of the group, offering sharper handling but trailing the Volvo significantly on range.

The Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ is a tech-fest that leans heavily into screens, yet its “pebble-like” design can feel polarising against the Volvo’s classic, strong lines. Even the Audi Q8 e-tron 55, with its legendary build quality, struggles to match the Volvo’s sheer distance and accessible starting price. Against these, the ES90 stands as the champion of comfort and range confidence. It’s up to Volvo now to position and market this product properly.

The 2026 Volvo ES90 is the ultimate quiet achiever. It proves that luxury in the electric age doesn’t have to be about aggressive styling or gimmicky tech. It’s a sophisticated, long-range cruiser perfectly suited for those who want to travel in total silence. If you want a car that makes the world slow down while you’re moving fast, this Mulberry Red sanctuary is the one to beat.

At a starting price of R1,590,000 for the Core, and R1,795,000 for this Ultra, Volvo has found a sweet spot. Volvo is including a GridCars wallbox, installation, and two years of free public charging with each purchase.

Configure and purchase yours here.

The headline feature of the A6k is its 6500mAh battery, one of the largest capacities currently available in the mid-range segment. This battery is engineered to support “continuous use,” allowing users to navigate long calls, streaming, and gaming throughout the day without the need for a power bank.

Under the hood, the A6k is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 Mobile Platform. This is paired with 4GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. While 4GB of RAM handles the multitasking, the 256GB of storage is a standout feature at this price point, providing ample space for high-resolution photos, apps, and documents.

Further, the device features a large 6.75-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This high refresh rate ensures fluid scrolling and responsive touch interactions. The screen is also optimised for outdoor visibility.

Despite the large battery, the A6k maintains a slim profile and is available in two finishes: Crystal Violet and Crystal Blue.

For everyday photography, the A6k boasts a 50MP main camera and a 5MP front-facing sensor. The camera system is designed for straightforward “point-and-shoot” captures.

The device runs on ColorOS 15, which is OPPO’s latest software layer based on Android. ColorOS 15 focuses on long-term responsiveness with AI-driven background management to ensure that the phone remains smooth even as the storage fills up and more apps are installed over time

Running on the latest One UI 8.5, these devices introduce “Awesome Intelligence” which is a suite of AI-powered tools previously reserved for flagship models. The tools are designed to simplify productivity, photo editing, and search.

With a focus on longevity, Samsung is promising up to six generations of OS upgrades and six years of security support.

The new A-series leverages AI to streamline daily workflows. A standout addition is Voice Transcription within the Voice Recorder app, which can now transcribe and translate meetings or turn voicemails into text.

Productivity is further enhanced by AI Select, accessible via the Edge Panel, which allows users to extract text or images directly from the screen and move them into Samsung Notes or the Photo Editor using a drag-and-drop interface. Additionally, the popular Circle to Search with Google now supports multi-object recognition, allowing users to identify multiple items within a single image simultaneously.

Both the Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G feature a versatile triple-camera system led by a 50MP main sensor. Supported by an improved Image Signal Processor (ISP), the hardware delivers sharper details and better colour balance in varied lighting. Samsung’s Nightography has also been refined, reducing noise and sharpening details in low-light environments.

In terms of styling, the Galaxy A57 5G features a refined, slimmer design while improving sustained performance through a 13% larger vapor chamber to manage heat during gaming or intensive recording sessions.

It is equipped with a bright Super AMOLED+ display with Vision Booster technology for better outdoor visibility. Both devices house a 5000mAh battery capable of up to two days of use, and with Super-Fast Charging 2.0, users can reach a 60% charge in approximately 30 minutes.

The phones also carry an IP68 rating, providing high-level water and dust resistance for real-world durability.

Security remains a pillar of the A-series experience. For the first time in this segment, Samsung is emphasising Knox Vault, a hardware-based, tamper-resistant solution that protects sensitive data. New features include Private Album for locking away personal media and Privacy Alerts, which proactively notify users of potential risks regarding location permissions or suspicious data monitoring.

The Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G are available in several colour ways, including Awesome Navy, Grey, Lavender, and Dark Green.

Launch promotions include bundle savings on the Galaxy Fit3 and Galaxy Buds Core when purchased from Samsung stores, Incredible Connection, or Takealot. Owners can also opt for Samsung Care+ for comprehensive device protection.

The data suggests this “seasonal dip” isn’t necessarily due to a change in criminal intent, but rather a change in operational patterns. With the closure of schools, offices, and commercial hubs, the sheer volume of targets on the road, and where they are parked, shifts fundamentally at year-end.

The Business vs. Personal Risk Profile

The primary driver behind the December decline was a significant 35% reduction in the theft of business-owned vehicles. This aligns with the slowdown of corporate fleets and logistics operations during the holidays.

However, the risk profile between business and personal vehicles remains distinct:

• Business Vehicles: These are twice as likely to be hijacked than stolen, representing a high-risk “active” threat for commercial operators.
• Personal Vehicles: The split is nearly even, with a slight tilt toward theft (52%) over hijacking (48%).

Regional Anomalies: The Western Cape Outlier

While Gauteng followed the national downward trend, the Western Cape presented a localised spike in crime involving business-owned vehicles. During December, the province recorded its highest levels of both hijacking and theft in the commercial sector.

Analysts attribute this to the Western Cape’s high hospitality and tourism activity during the summer. As deliveries surge to keep up with tourist demand in hotspots, opportunistic criminals pivot their focus toward these active commercial veins, a trend corroborated by recent SAPS quarterly statistics.

Timing the Threat: Peak Hours for Theft and Hijacking

The Tracker Index provides a specific breakdown of when vehicles are most at risk, revealing that criminals operate on highly structured schedules:

The data indicates that hijackings are largely a weekday phenomenon, peaking during the late afternoon and evening “commute” windows. Conversely, vehicle theft peaks during the weekend for personal vehicles and at the close of the business week for commercial fleets.

Recovery and Arrest Metrics

Despite the seasonal fluctuations, the high-volume nature of vehicle crime in Mzansi remains a constant. Tracker reported that in the final six months of 2025 alone, the company recovered 3590 vehicles, leading to 127 arrests and the recovery of 12 firearms.

Duma Ngcobo, Chief Operating Officer at Tracker, warned that while the numbers might dip periodically, vigilance shouldn’t. “While schools and workplaces close, crime hasn’t stopped,” Ngcobo noted. The shift in routine – such as parking in unfamiliar holiday locations or altered driving times – can often create new vulnerabilities that criminals are quick to exploit.

While previous iterations of the program saw a high volume of applications from the ICT sector, Samsung is now zeroing in on entrepreneurs with specialised skills in mobile device and consumer electronics repairs. The initiative is particularly targeting businesses in underserved provinces and those operating in urban or peri-urban areas with a strong retail footprint.

Addressing the SME Profitability Gap

The service centre industry in South Africa is notoriously competitive, often requiring years of operation before reaching profitability. Samsung’s Nicky Beukes highlighted several “immediate challenges” currently stifling SME growth:

• Vertical Integration: Small players are often squeezed out by larger corporations that keep operations in-house.
• Increased Device Durability: As electronics improve in quality, the timeframes between repairs have lengthened, reducing consistent footfall for independent shops.
• Supply Chain Barriers: Accessing specialised equipment and genuine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts remains a significant hurdle for unaccredited SMEs.

Beyond Funding: Accreditation and Supply Chain Access

Successful applicants to the EEIP ED programme receive more than just a financial injection. The program is designed to provide a holistic “capitalization” of the business, which includes:

• Grant Funding: Targeted capital to support daily operations and scaling.
• OEM Accreditation: The opportunity to become an officially accredited Samsung service centre.
• Technical Infrastructure: Access to specialised repair equipment and Samsung’s official supply chain for genuine parts.
• Business Development: Specialist support services to help SMEs navigate the transition from a small shop to a sustainable commercial enterprise.

Qualifications and Deadlines

To qualify for the 2026 intake, participating SMEs must be 51% black-owned and the management or owner must demonstrate a minimum of three years of experience in the electronics repair industry. This aligns with South Africa’s NDP Vision 2030, which leans heavily on small businesses to generate the majority of the country’s projected 11 million new jobs.

Eligible entrepreneurs have until 17 April 2026, to submit their applications. Detailed criteria and the official entry portal can be accessed through Samsung’s local empowerment page.

The most significant technical spec of the OPPO A6 is its 7000mAh battery. For context, most modern flagships hover between 4500mAh and 5000mAh. This massive cell is engineered for “extreme endurance,” targeting South Africans who face long commutes or unpredictable access to power.

To mitigate the downtime associated with such a large battery, the A6 supports 45W SUPERVOOC fast charging. Perhaps more important than the daily charge is the long-term health of the cell; OPPO claims the battery is designed to retain 80% of its original capacity even after 1800 charge cycles. This suggests a five-year lifespan for a typical user, directly addressing the “planned obsolescence” concerns common in the mid-range segment.

While many modern phones carry an IP67 or IP68 rating, the OPPO A6 pushes into IP69 territory. This is the highest level of protection against solids and liquids. Specifically, an IP69 rating means the device isn’t just “waterproof” for a swim; it is engineered to withstand high-pressure, high-temperature water jets.

Coupled with a sealed unibody midframe, the A6 is built for real-world environmental stressors – from heavy rain and dust to accidental high-pressure exposure. It’s a level of ruggedness typically reserved for specialised industrial devices, now brought to a consumer aesthetic.

Under the hood, the A6 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 mobile platform. While this is an efficient everyday processor rather than a gaming powerhouse, it is supported by 8GB of physical RAM (expandable by an additional 8GB through RAM expansion) and 256GB of internal storage.

To ensure the hardware doesn’t feel sluggish after a few months, the A6 runs on ColorOS 15 (based on Android 15) and includes what OPPO calls “5-Year Fluency Protection.” This is a software-level optimisation designed to keep the system responsive and smooth for half a decade, matching the five-year physical durability of the battery.

The A6 features a large 6.75-inch HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The high refresh rate is a critical inclusion, as it provides the fluid scrolling and responsive interaction that users have come to expect in 2026.

On the photography front, the device uses a 50MP main sensor supported by a secondary 2MP lens and an 8MP front-facing camera. Rather than competing on sensor size alone, OPPO is leaning into AI-powered imaging tools, as is the global trend. These native features allow users to refine clarity, remove unwanted background elements, and enhance lighting directly on the device, reducing the need for third-party editing software.

South African Pricing and Availability

The OPPO A6 is launching in two colours: Aurora Gold and Sapphire Blue. The lineup will eventually be flanked by the A6 Pro, A6x, and the upcoming A6k (arriving in May), giving the A6 Series a tiered presence in the local market.

• Prepaid Price: R8999 (Recommended Retail)
• Contract Price: Starting from R399 per month over 36 months.
• Network Availability: Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, and Cell C.

However, given the many complaints users have generally had with their AI support system systems for business accounts and ad campaign setup, many are very skeptical of how this will in actual work.

The most immediate change for users is the Meta AI support assistant. Unlike previous iterations of “Help Centers” that relied on keyword searches and static articles, this new tool is designed to take direct action within the app. Meta claims the assistant can respond to most queries in under five seconds, a significant benchmark for a platform with billions of users.

Beyond answering questions about privacy settings or new features, the assistant is being granted permission to execute account-level changes. Users can now ask the AI to reset passwords, update profile settings, and manage notification toggles directly. Crucially, it also handles the “paperwork” of moderation, allowing users to report impersonation accounts and track the status of content appeals through a conversational interface rather than a series of nested menus.

On the back end, Meta is deploying more sophisticated AI models to handle content enforcement, moving away from a primary reliance on third-party human review teams. The company shared several data points from early testing that suggest these models are outperforming human moderators in specific, high-velocity areas:

• Scam Mitigation: The AI currently identifies approximately 5,000 scam attempts per day that were previously missed by human reviewers.
• Impersonation: Meta reports an 80% reduction in user reports regarding celebrity impersonation since the AI began flagging these accounts at the point of creation.
• Contextual Awareness: The system is now capable of identifying “account takeovers” by analyzing clusters of behavior—such as a password change combined with a new login location and profile edits—that might look harmless to a human reviewer when viewed in isolation.

One of the most significant technical leaps is in language support. While previous systems covered roughly 80 languages, the new AI models are trained to understand cultural nuances, slang, and regionally specific code words across languages spoken by 98% of the online population.

The company is also targeting “spoofing” more aggressively. In one test case, the AI was able to detect fake retail sites by identifying the use of legitimate logos paired with suspicious web addresses and “unusually low” pricing. This specific application reportedly drove down views of scam-related ads by 7%.

The core of this update is a complete redesign of the Volvo Car UX, which is built on the Android Automotive operating system. Volvo’s primary objective with the new layout is a reduction in “tap fatigue.”

Real-world research conducted by the automaker suggested that drivers were spending too much time menu-diving for basic functions, so the new interface promotes high-use apps like maps, media, and phone controls directly to the home screen.

In practice, this means a driver following Google Maps navigation no longer needs to exit the map view to adjust a music playlist or answer a call. These functions now live in a persistent space, allowing for a more seamless multitasking experience that mirrors modern smartphone interactions rather than traditional, clunky automotive infotainment.

A significant addition to the interface is a new “contextual bar.” This dynamic menu changes its shortcuts based on the vehicle’s current state. For instance, if the car is moving at low speeds, a camera icon will automatically appear on the bar to assist with parking or tight maneuvers.

For owners of Volvo’s plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models, the update adds a dedicated “Drive Modes” shortcut to the home screen. This allows drivers to toggle the “Pure” electric-only mode with a single tap. Previously, switching power sources often required navigating through several settings layers, and this change is designed to encourage PHEV owners to utilize their electric range more effectively during short commutes.

Perhaps the most forward-looking aspect of this update is the preparation for Google Gemini. Volvo has confirmed that this software refresh lays the groundwork for a conversational AI experience powered by Gemini, which is scheduled to arrive on these same eligible vehicles later this year, around September/October. This move suggests that Volvo is leaning into the idea that a car’s cabin should function as an evolving smart space rather than a static piece of hardware.

Furthermore, Volvo is using this OTA event to test a new digital revenue stream. Customers whose vehicles were not originally equipped with the “Pilot Assist” driver assistance feature will now have the option to purchase and download the software directly to their cars, provided they have the necessary integrated hardware.

The update is free of charge and applies to all Volvo models equipped with Google built-in.

Rather than just a refreshed chassis, the ExpertBook Ultra leans heavily into Intel’s latest silicon and a high-end display tech usually reserved for premium tablets and creator-class machines.

Under the hood, the ExpertBook Ultra is powered by up to the Intel Core Ultra 7 (Series 3) processors. The standout metric here for professionals is the dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU), which Asus claims delivers 50 TOPS (Trillions of Operations Per Second). When combined with the CPU and GPU, the total platform output reaches up to 180 TOPS, intended to handle local AI workloads like real-time meeting summaries and background noise cancellation without taxing the main processor.

To keep the thin-and-light frame from throttling under these loads, Asus has implemented its “ExpertCool Pro” system. The cooling solution utilises a triple air outlet design that reportedly increases central air pressure by 12%. This allows the machine to maintain a 50W performance profile in turbo mode, even while the lid is closed. Which is a common pain point for professionals using docked setups.

Perhaps the most notable hardware inclusion is the 14-inch 3K tandem OLED touchscreen. Tandem OLED technology uses a dual-layer structure to achieve higher peak brightness – up to 1400 nits in this case – while actually consuming less power than traditional single-layer OLED panels. This is paired with a 120Hz variable refresh rate and a layer of Gorilla Glass for scratch resistance, a necessary addition for a touchscreen intended for travel.

The chassis itself is constructed from an aviation-inspired magnesium-aluminum alloy, keeping the weight down to just 0.99 kg (roughly 2.18 lbs). Despite the sub-kilogram weight, Asus claims the device meets 9H durability standards and features a “Nano Ceramic” coating designed to resist the stains and scratches that typically plague matte-finish business laptops.

For IT departments and those obsessed with particulars, the ExpertBook Ultra includes the “ExpertGuardian” suite. This provides BIOS-level controls and is compliant with NIST SP 800-193 security guidelines. Hardware-level security is also present via a TPM 2.0 chip and Microsoft Pluton, alongside a physical fingerprint sensor for biometric login. My key takeaway here? The fingerprint sensor login.

While various configurations exist globally, the primary retail variant for the South African market features the Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, 32GB of LPDDR5x RAM, and a 1TB SSD. The ExpertBook Ultra is priced at R59 999 and is available through major tech retailers including Takealot, Incredible, and Computer Mania.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has announced the Galaxy S26 series, powered by the most proactive and adaptive Galaxy A experiences yet and designed to simplify the tasks people do on their phones every day. From managing plans and finding information to capturing and refining content, Galaxy S26 series reduces the effort and number of steps required to get things done. As Samsung’s third-generation AI phones, Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra, handle complex tasks in the background, allowing users to focus on results rather than how the technology works.

The Galaxy S26 series was engineered with Samsung’s most advanced capabilities working together as one: incredible performance, an intuitive camera system and Galaxy AI. This provides a strong foundation that gives Galaxy S26 users the confidence to depend on their phone throughout the day without compromising security or privacy.

Building on Samsung’s decades of innovation in display technology, the Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces the industry’s first built-in Privacy Display for mobile phones to unlock a new class of display experiences and reinforce Samsung’s commitment to privacy at a pixel level. The Galaxy S26 Ultra also delivers a customised chipset and upgraded thermal management that enable faster and more powerful AI — all wrapped up in the slimmest Ultra yet.

Together, these choices allow the Galaxy S26 series to deliver the most powerful Galaxy experience yet.

“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 TM Roh, Chief Executive Officer, President, and Head of Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics. “With the Galaxy S26 series, we focused on making AI feel effortless by designing it to complete tasks naturally, working quietly in the background so people can focus on what matters.”

Powerful Performance Designed Around Everyday Use

Engineered for all-day performance, the Galaxy S26 series is built on the most powerful hardware ever on a Galaxy S series, powered by a customised chipset. Across the line-up, the Galaxy S26 series is engineered for AI performance, power efficiency and thermal management, ensuring demanding tasks run smoothly and consistently, so users can rely on their device when it matters.

On the Galaxy S26 Ultra, a customised mobile processor — Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy — delivers the best performance ever in its class with significant gains across CPU, GPU, and NPU to support faster, smoother experiences that keep up throughout the day.

A CPU performance increase of up to 19% means the Galaxy S26 Ultra responds more quickly and handles complex workloads intelligently, even when multiple tasks are running at once. A 39% improvement in NPU performance powers always-on Galaxy AI features that run seamlessly, allowing users to move between tasks without lag or interruption. A 24% boost in GPU performance delivers richer visuals and more fluid gameplay.

To sustain this level of performance, Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces a redesigned Vapor Chamber with thermal interface material positioned along the sides of the processor, allowing heat to spread more efficiently across a larger surface area. This improves heat dissipation to keep the device cool and consistent, even during demanding activities such as gaming, multitasking and video capture. To support all-day use, the Galaxy S26 Ultra also brings Super-Fast Charging 3.0, minimising downtime by reaching up to 75% charge in just 30 minutes.

Embedded into the processor, Samsung’s proprietary technologies enhance visual performance. ProScaler improves image scaling so photos and videos appear richer and clearer at a glance by sharpening text and fine detail while smoothing textures. Additionally, Samsung’s mobile Digital Natural Image engine (mDNIe) delivers more subtle and lifelike colours thanks to image processing with four times the precision compared to the previous generation.

Taken together, these advancements deliver dependable all-day performance, making every action feel effortless.

Galaxy’s Best Camera System Yet

The Galaxy S26 series brings the same focus on intuitive interaction to creativity and productivity, delivered through the best Galaxy camera system ever. With an approach that integrates content capture, editing and sharing into a single, seamless experience, creativity feels more natural and accessible even without professional tools or technical knowledge.

On Galaxy S26 Ultra, wider camera apertures allow more light to reach the sensor, delivering clearer photos with richer details in low-light conditions, even when zoomed in. Enhanced Nightography Video keeps footage clearer and more vibrant even in dim scenes, whether capturing concerts indoors or recording moments around a campfire after sunset. Video capture is further enhanced with upgraded Super Steady capabilities, which add a horizontal lock option for greater stability and to make consistent framing easier to achieve, even with bumpy trails or fast-paced activities. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the first Galaxy device to support APV, a new professional-grade video codec designed to deliver efficient compression for high-quality production workflows. Optimised for advanced creators, it ensures visually lossless video quality that stays true even after repeated editing.

Improvements to the AI ISP now extend to the selfie camera, capturing more natural skin tones and finer detail in mixed lighting.

Editing photos and videos is just as easy and straightforward, with AI-powered tools built into familiar workflows so users can make changes quickly and unlock their creativity without design expertise.

With the upgraded Photo Assist suite, users can simply describe what they want to change in their own words. Changing the scene from day to night is just a matter of asking. It can also add to images and restore missing parts of objects like a bite taken out of a cake. Personal details, such as a spill on clothing, can also be cleaned up with Galaxy AI’s new ability to change outfits in photos. Edits can now be made continuously, reviewed step by step, and easily adjusted or undone along the way, making the process feel fluid rather than final.

Creative Studio builds on this simplicity by bringing creation and customisation into one integrated space, making it easy to act on ideas when inspiration strikes. Starting from a sketch, photo or prompt, users can quickly turn ideas into polished visuals — from stickers and invitations to personalised wallpapers — and refine or share them without switching tools or interrupting creative flow.

The Galaxy S26 series also simplifies frequent visual tasks with AI-powered tools like the Document Scanner, which removes distortions and distractions such as creases or fingers to deliver clean scans instantly. Multiple images can be organised automatically into a single PDF, making it easy to digitise receipts, forms or notes.

Everyday Ease With Proactive And Adaptive Galaxy AI

The Galaxy S26 series is designed to make frequently used experiences feel straightforward and user-friendly, with Galaxy AI reducing the steps between intent and action. It works more proactively and seamlessly on the user’s behalf based on context, surfacing the right support at the right moment and automating tasks with minimal manual input. As the technology fades and handles tasks in the background, users can focus on the results.

With Now Nudge, timely and relevant suggestions help users stay in the flow without being distracted. If a friend asks for photos from a recent trip, Galaxy S26 automatically suggests photos from the Gallery, removing the need to search through albums or switch between apps. When receiving a message about a meeting, Galaxy S26 can recognise related Calendar entries and check for conflicts.

On the Galaxy S26 series, Now Brief has become more proactive and personalised. The Now Brief widget recommends exercise playlists and surfaces timely reminders for important events based on personal context.

Searching for information is also easier than ever. Circle to Search with Google on the Galaxy S26 series has been upgraded with enhanced multi-object recognition, so users can now explore more deeply on multiple parts of an image at once. If users spot a look they love, the feature also identifies everything from the jacket to the shoes, all in one search.

The Galaxy S26 series integrates a choice of agents, including Bixby, Gemini and Perplexity. Once set up, tasks can be completed with a single button press or voice prompt. The series features an upgraded Bixby as a conversational device agent, making it easier than ever to interact with Galaxy devices. Galaxy S26 can also handle multi-step tasks in the background, streamlining the process on the user’s behalf. For example, with Gemini, requesting a ride or booking a taxi is as simple as asking, reviewing the details and tapping confirm. These assistants support tasks such as searching, coordinating actions across apps, and controlling device settings through natural interaction.

Together, these proactive, personalised and adaptive experiences lay the foundation for more agentic AI experiences — setting the stage for Galaxy devices to become trusted companions that understand and anticipate user needs.

Layers of Protection in the Age of AI

As mobile experiences become more personalised thanks to AI, protecting user privacy becomes even more critical. Samsung builds protection into every layer of the Galaxy S26, keeping personal data secure while giving users transparency and control over how their information is used.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces privacy at the pixel level with the mobile industry’s first built-in Privacy Display, a breakthrough in display technology that fundamentally changes how privacy can be protected on a phone. Designed for everyday situations like transit, cafés and shared environments, Privacy Display goes beyond anything previously available on mobile devices — hardware and software working as one to protect privacy without compromising the viewing experience.

By controlling how pixels disperse light, the display keeps content clear, bright and comfortable for the user in everyday use, while limiting what others can see. Unlike traditional stick-on privacy films, Galaxy’s integrated Privacy Display preserves full viewing quality from all directions when off, and limits visibility for others from side viewing angles when activated, even when switching between portrait and landscape orientation.

Users can customise when it turns on — such as when entering PINs and passwords or opening selected apps — and adjust privacy levels depending on the situation. Partial Screen Privacy intelligently limits visibility for notification pop-ups, while Maximum Privacy Protection further obscures side views for added discretion, all with minimal impact on power or usability.

The Galaxy S26 series also brings smarter software safeguards that work quietly in the background. AI-powered Call Screening identifies unknown callers and summarises intent, making it easier to safely manage calls. Privacy Alerts use machine learning to proactively notify users in real time when apps with device admin privileges unnecessarily attempt to access sensitive data, such as precise location, call logs or contacts. These alerts help users quickly understand when apps are seeking deeper access, so they can manage permissions with greater clarity and control.

Private Album, built directly into Gallery, lets users easily hide selected photos and videos without creating a separate folder or signing into a Samsung Account. To stay ahead of emerging threats, the Galaxy S26 also extends Samsung’s innovation in post-quantum cryptography (PQC) to critical system processes, including software verification and firmware protection, strengthening device integrity for the future.

New updates to Knox Matrix further strengthen protection across connected Galaxy devices, adding PQC-enabled end-to-end encryption for direct transfers like eSIM migrations and clearer visibility into firmware update status across the ecosystem through Security Status of Your Devices.

These experiences are supported by Samsung Knox, the multi-layer security platform that protects Galaxy devices from the chip level up. For on-device Galaxy AI, Personal Data Engine (PDE) enables context-aware, personalised AI experiences. To keep this process safe, Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP) encrypts each app’s data, while Knox Vault adds a physical layer of protection that isolates sensitive data inside its own secure hardware. Together with settings that let users choose how AI features operate, Galaxy S26 combines hardware and software to deliver a comprehensive, system-wide approach designed to keep personal data protected.

These updates build on Galaxy’s existing security and privacy portfolio which includes Auto Blocker, Theft Protection, Private Sharing, Secure Wi-Fi and more. These layers of protection are designed to give users greater transparency, choice and control through Samsung’s continued mobile security innovation in the age of AI. And with seven years of security updates, Galaxy S26 helps keep these layers resilient over time — supporting longer, more confident use well into the years ahead.

The Galaxy S26’s ease of use continues even when the phone is out of reach. The new Galaxy Buds4 series is a natural companion to the Galaxy S26, extending everyday experiences beyond the phone while delivering rich and immersive hi-fi sound. When Galaxy S26 is paired with Galaxy Buds4, interactions can continue naturally in moments when using hands isn’t practical. Users can activate AI agents with their voices, manage calls through simple Head Gestures on Buds4 Pro, and stay connected without breaking their flow.

Availability

The Galaxy S26 Ultra, S26+ and S26 will be available for pre-orders from 26 February to 19 March 2026. You can double your storage and save up to R5,000 in an exclusive pre-order offer. The Galaxy S26 series features a unified design language across all models, with shared colour options including Cobalt Violet, White, Black and Sky Blue.

For added peace of mind, Samsung Care+ offers comprehensive coverage from a once off fee of just R799. Samsung Care+ is optimised to users’ device needs, including fast repairs for accidental damage, extended warranty, and certified expert support available both at home and abroad. This ensures a seamless mobile lifestyle and provides lasting protection that safeguards the value of Galaxy devices.

The Galaxy S26 series will be available at these recommended retail prices; Galaxy S26 Ultra 256GB from R30,999, Galaxy S26 Plus 256GB from R25,999, and Galaxy S26 256GB from R20,999²⁵.

What struck me first wasn’t the specs or the marketing spiel about AI buttons and massive batteries. It was the simplicity of what Honor was trying to accomplish. In a market where flagship phones cost the same as a decent second-hand car, the X7d 5G positions itself as the sensible choice. It doesn’t chase benchmark records or camera wizardry. Instead, it focuses on the fundamentals: battery life that actually lasts, storage you won’t fill in a week, and build quality that can survive daily abuse.

After three months of real-world testing, I’ve got plenty to say about whether this R4999 device deserves a spot in your pocket.

Built Like a Bakkie, Looks Like a Sedan

The Honor X7d 5G won’t win any beauty contests, but that’s not really the point. This phone feels substantial in a way that budget devices rarely do. The IP65 rating means it’s survived a few accidental encounters with spilled coffee, Joburg’s infamous summer downpours, and enough dust to coat a Hilux after a weekend in the Karoo.

Honor earned Swiss SGS Premium Performance Certification for drop and crush resistance, which sounds impressive until you realise it’s still a smartphone and gravity still exists. I wasn’t brave enough to test this deliberately, but the phone did take a tumble off my kitchen counter onto tile. The result? A minor scuff on the corner, but the screen remained intact. That’s more than I can say for some far pricier devices I’ve owned.

The design itself is unremarkable. You get a 6.77-inch display with bezels that are noticeable but not offensive, a plastic back that doesn’t pretend to be glass, and a camera module that sits flush enough to avoid the wobble when you’re typing on a flat surface. It comes in Desert Gold and Velvet Black, though my unit was the latter.

At 199 grams, it’s heavier than some competitors, but the weight feels reassuring rather than cumbersome. The power button doubles as a fingerprint sensor, and it’s quick enough that I rarely noticed the authentication process. Face unlock is also available, though it struggles in low light, as you’d expect from a phone in this price bracket.

That Display: Functional, Not Flashy

Let’s address the elephant in the room. The Honor X7d 5G sports a 6.77-inch TFT LCD with HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. TFT LCD in 2026 feels like a relic, especially when you’ve been spoilt by AMOLED panels. The colours lack punch, blacks aren’t truly black, and viewing angles are average at best.

But here’s the thing: for everyday use, it’s perfectly adequate. Scrolling through social media, reading articles, and watching YouTube videos didn’t feel compromised. The 120Hz refresh rate keeps interactions smooth, which matters more for daily usability than pixel density most people won’t notice.

Brightness is the bigger issue. Outdoors under direct sunlight, the display struggles. I found myself cupping my hand over the screen more than once whilst trying to read messages in a parking lot. Indoors, it’s fine. Outside, you’ll squint.

For the price, I wasn’t expecting miracles. What I got was a screen that does the job without being remarkable. It’s the automotive equivalent of a solid set of all-season tyres. They’re not exciting, but reliable.

Performance: Steady as She Goes

The Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 processor inside the X7d 5G is essentially a rebranded Snapdragon 695 with slightly higher clock speeds. It’s not going to win any speed tests, and it’s not designed to. Paired with 8GB of RAM, the phone handles daily tasks with competence rather than flair.

Apps open quickly enough, multitasking doesn’t cause noticeable slowdowns, and light gaming is possible. I spent a fair amount of time playing “Call of Duty Mobile” and “Genshin Impact” to see how the phone coped. CoD ran smoothly on medium settings, delivering a playable experience without overheating. Genshin Impact, however, was a different story. Frame drops were frequent on anything above low settings, and extended sessions caused noticeable warmth.

This isn’t a gaming phone, and Honor doesn’t pretend it is. For casual players who stick to less demanding titles, it’ll do. For anyone serious about mobile gaming, seriously, look elsewhere.

The real strength here is stability. Over three months, I didn’t encounter app crashes, freezes, or performance degradation. The phone just keeps chugging along, day after day, without drama. That consistency is worth more than flashy benchmark scores for most people.

MagicOS: Surprisingly Thoughtful

The Honor X7d 5G ships with MagicOS 8.0, based on Android 15. Out of the box, there’s a bit of bloatware, but nothing you can’t uninstall or disable within five minutes. Once you’ve cleared the clutter, what remains is a surprisingly clean and thoughtful interface.

The standout feature is the dedicated AI button on the left edge of the phone. Press it, and you trigger Honor’s AI assistant, which can recognise objects, translate text in real-time, or help with quick searches. It’s not revolutionary because Google Lens does similar things, but having a physical button makes it more accessible. I found myself using it to identify plants during hikes and translate foreign text more often than I expected.

MagicOS also includes some genuinely useful features. The parallel space function lets you run two instances of apps like WhatsApp, which is handy if you’re juggling personal and work accounts. The phone also supports gesture navigation, dark mode, and customisable themes, all of which work as advertised.

One gripe: Honor’s update policy is murky at best. The company promises two years of security updates, but major Android version upgrades are less certain. For a budget phone, that’s not unusual, but it’s worth considering if you plan to keep the device for more than two years.

Camera: Solid, Not Spectacular

The camera setup on the X7d 5G includes a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 2-megapixel macro lens, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. Let’s be honest: the latter two are there to pad the spec sheet. The macro lens produces soft, uninspiring close-ups, and the depth sensor exists solely to help with portrait mode.

The main camera, though, is surprisingly capable. In good lighting, it captures sharp, detailed photos with accurate colours. Dynamic range is limited, so high-contrast scenes will blow out highlights or crush shadows, but for everyday snapshots, it’s more than adequate.

Night mode helps in low light, though you’ll need a steady hand or a surface to rest the phone on. Noise is present but not overwhelming, and the results are usable for social media. Don’t expect the clarity of a flagship camera, but you won’t be embarrassed by what the X7d 5G produces.

Video recording maxes out at 1080p 60fps. The footage is stable thanks to electronic image stabilisation, though colours can look a bit flat. For quick clips and casual recording, it’s perfectly acceptable.

The 8-megapixel front camera does what it needs to. Selfies are sharp enough, though skin tones can lean a bit too warm. Video calls on WhatsApp and Teams were clear, which matters more for daily use than selfie perfection.

The Battery That Just Won’t Quit

This is where the Honor X7d 5G truly shines. The 6,500mAh battery is enormous, and it delivers on the promise. On a typical day which includes several hours of social media, an hour of streaming, navigation, and plenty of WhatsApp messages, I’d end the day with 40-50% remaining. On lighter days, two-day battery life was easily achievable.

Even with heavier use, including extended gaming sessions and video recording, I never felt the anxiety of hunting for a charger by mid-afternoon. This phone has genuinely liberated me from the tyranny of low battery warnings.

Charging is handled by a 35W SuperCharge brick included in the box. A full charge from empty takes about 90 minutes, which isn’t lightning-fast by flagship standards but feels perfectly reasonable given the battery capacity. You also get 7.5W reverse wired charging, which I used a couple of times to top up wireless earbuds. It’s a small convenience, but appreciated.

There’s no wireless charging, which is expected at this price point. Honestly, with battery life this good, you won’t miss it.

Honor X7d 5G: Worth Your Rands?

After three months with the Honor X7d 5G, I’ve come to appreciate what it represents. This isn’t a phone trying to be something it’s not. It doesn’t chase flagship features it can’t deliver or make promises it can’t keep. Instead, it focuses on doing the basics exceptionally well.

The battery life alone makes this phone worth considering. Add in the generous storage, solid build quality, and competent performance, and you’ve got a device that punches well above its weight. The display and camera won’t wow anyone, but they’re fit for purpose.

If you’re after a reliable workhorse that won’t leave you stranded by lunchtime, the Honor X7d 5G deserves serious consideration. It’s not the most exciting phone on the market, but excitement fades. Reliability doesn’t.

For R4,999, you’re getting honest value. And in a market full of empty promises, that’s refreshing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Honor X7d 5G support wireless charging?

No, the Honor X7d 5G does not support wireless charging. However, it does include 35W wired fast charging and 7.5W reverse wired charging for accessories.

How long does the battery last on the Honor X7d 5G?

In real-world testing, the 6,500mAh battery easily delivers a full day of heavy use, with two-day battery life achievable under moderate usage. Standby time is exceptional.

Is the Honor X7d 5G good for gaming?

The Honor X7d 5G can handle casual and light gaming well, including titles like “Call of Duty Mobile” on medium settings. However, demanding games like “Genshin Impact” will struggle with frame drops on higher settings. This is not a gaming-focused device.

Does the Honor X7d 5G have a headphone jack?

Yes, the Honor X7d 5G includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is becoming increasingly rare in modern smartphones.

What is the camera quality like on the Honor X7d 5G?

The 50-megapixel main camera produces sharp, detailed photos in good lighting with accurate colours. Low-light performance is acceptable with night mode, though noise is present. The 2-megapixel macro and depth sensors are largely supplementary. Overall, the camera is solid for everyday photography but not comparable to flagship devices.

How much storage does the Honor X7d 5G have?

The Honor X7d 5G comes with 256GB of internal storage, which is expandable via microSD card up to 1TB. This is significantly more generous than many competitors in this price range.

Is the Honor X7d 5G waterproof?

The Honor X7d 5G has an IP65 rating, making it splash-proof, water-resistant, and dust-proof under normal use. It is not designed for submersion in water but can handle rain and accidental spills.

Will the Honor X7d 5G receive Android updates?

Honor promises two years of security updates for the X7d 5G. Major Android version upgrades are less certain, which is typical for budget devices. The phone currently ships with Android 15 and MagicOS 8.0.

What is the screen quality like on the Honor X7d 5G?

The 6.77-inch TFT LCD display offers HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Whilst it provides smooth scrolling, the colour reproduction and brightness levels are not as strong as AMOLED panels. Outdoor visibility can be challenging in direct sunlight.

Does the Honor X7d 5G support dual SIM cards?

Yes, the Honor X7d 5G supports dual nano-SIM cards with dual standby functionality, allowing you to use two numbers simultaneously. The SIM tray also includes a dedicated microSD card slot.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited the Hisense booth at CES 2026, marking his first attendance at the event. He toured the exhibition with FIFA’s Chief Business Officer Romy Gai, viewing the Hisense Elite Collection for FIFA World Cup 2026, which is a customised lineup of televisions, laser projectors, and home appliances designed for football-related scenarios.

Elite Collection for tournament operations

The Elite Collection includes RGB MiniLED TVs that will be integrated into tournament operations across multiple areas. The displays are designed to provide enhanced clarity and performance for officiating workflows, enabling clearer visualisation of fast-moving actions and fine details during matches.

The technology reflects Hisense’s three consecutive FIFA World Cup partnerships, each featuring technological advancements from large-screen viewing to professional-grade visual solutions for elite match operations.