The Galaxy S26 FE launches on Friday, 11 September 2026 for R15 499 (128GB) and R17 999 (256GB).

In terms of style, the device borrows the same aesthetics from the standard Galaxy S26 with rounded edges and a triple camera setup at the rear and comes in a rage of colours; Blueberry, Graphite and Pistachio.

At a glance, and to get the technics out of the way, the Galaxy S26 FE is powered by the Exynos 2500 processor with Android 17 and One UI. It features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz and 1,900 nits display.

For content creation and memories that are sure to last there’s a 50MP Wide, 12MP Ultra-Wide, 8MP Telephoto (3x optical zoom) and 12MP Front camera setup. The battery capacity is rated at 4,900mAh with support for 45W wired and 15W wireless charging.

FAQ:

Q: What processor does the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE use?

A: Exynos 2500 (3nm)

Q: What is the battery life and charging speed of the Galaxy S26 FE?

A: The 4,900mAh battery provides 45W fast charging, allowing up to 65% charge in around 30 minutes. 

Q: Does the Galaxy S26 FE support wireless charging?

A: Yes. It has 15W Fast Wireless Charging – Limited to Samsung or other brand smartphones with Qi wireless charging.

Q: What Galaxy AI features are included in the Galaxy S26 FE?

A: The Galaxy S26 FE is powered by the latest One UI 9, bringing a range of intuitive, context-aware Galaxy AI features including Now Brief, Now Nudge, Circle to Search with Google and Gemini Live.

Q: When does the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE go on sale?

A: 11 September 2026

Q: How much does the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE cost in South Africa?

A: R15 499 (128GB) and R17 999 (256GB)

To get a better understanding of what these new devices mean for local consumers, we spoke directly with Zahir Cajee, Lead for Product and Commercials at Samsung South Africa. Watch the full interview video below for an in depth look at the strategy, technology, and local rollout plans. See the full interview below.

What is Samsung’s Strategy for the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Fold8 Ultra?

Samsung has split its book style foldable lineup into two separate models to cater to different user needs.

The standard Galaxy Z Fold8 features a wider 4:3 main display aspect ratio designed for reading and content consumption. It offers a more natural, tablet like feel in the hand without the narrow cover screen seen on older models.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is aimed at power users who want maximum performance. It features a larger 8.0 inch inner screen, a titanium frame, and a 200MP camera system identical to Samsung’s ultra flagship range.

How Does Agentic AI Work on the New Galaxy Devices?

Agentic AI on One UI goes beyond standard text generation or basic voice commands. It is built to perform multi step tasks across apps automatically.

When a user receives a text message with a proposed meeting date, time, and venue, the on screen assistant recognizes the details and suggests a scheduling prompt. Tapping the prompt opens the calendar side by side in split view and populates the details without forcing the user to switch back and forth between applications.

Will Samsung’s AI Features Work with Local South African Apps?

Global platforms like Uber and Expedia integrate directly with Samsung’s AI automation engine. Local service integrations are currently in progress.

Samsung South Africa is actively working to connect on device AI capabilities with local delivery, retail, and ride hailing platforms such as Checkers Sixty60, Woolies Dash, and local Uber services. The goal is to allow users to complete full tasks, such as ordering groceries or scheduling a ride, through direct AI prompts.

How Much Do the Galaxy Z Fold8, Z Flip8 and Z Fold8 Ultra Cost in South Africa?

Local pricing for the new range reflects its premium positioning, with options available through cash purchases and network contracts.

• Galaxy Fold8 Ultra 1TB – R60,999
• Galaxy Fold8 Ultra 512TB – R50,999
• Galaxy Fold8 512GB – R45,999
• Galaxy Fold8 256GB – R40,999
• Galaxy Flip8 256GB – R26,999

Pre orders include additional value bundles, such as an R1,500 accessory voucher, a six month trial of Google AI Pro, Samsung Care+ screen protection, and 24/7 emergency support via SOS Plus.

At a recent exclusive Unpacked July 2026 briefing, Samsung South Africa unveiled its next-generation foldable ecosystem: the Galaxy Z Flip8, the Galaxy Z Fold8, and the debut Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, accompanied by the Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.

To unpack the hardware innovations, pricing strategy, and the role of agentic AI in Mzansi, we sat down with Zahir Cajee, Lead for Product and Commercial at Samsung South Africa.

1. Galaxy Z Fold8 & Z Fold8 Ultra: Redefining Big-Screen Productivity

Samsung’s strategy for its book-style foldables introduces two distinct form factors designed around different user behaviors.

Comparison: Galaxy Z Fold8 vs. Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra

Key Engineering & Display Advances

• Content-Native Display Ratio: The Z Fold8 features a 4:3 inner aspect ratio (7.6 inches) paired with a 10:16 cover screen. This setup minimizes letterboxing for e-readers, video streams, and split-screen documents.
• FlexTitanium Protection: Both foldables integrate a high-strength titanium alloy film directly underneath the OLED panel, backed by a structural titanium support plate. This layer reinforces structural integrity and mitigates crease visibility over hundreds of thousands of fold cycles.
• ProVisual Engine & 8K Editing: The Z Fold8 Ultra leverages an upgraded NPU and Samsung’s ProVisual Engine. This pipeline supports enhanced nightography video and provides the processing overhead to record and edit 8K videos directly on the 8-inch canvas.

“The Fold8 Ultra is built for power users who want the top-tier 200MP camera system, a titanium frame, and zero specs sacrificed. Meanwhile, the standard Fold8 captures a new audience who found previous fold designs too narrow and want a portable, Kindle-like reading and browsing experience.”

— Zahir Cajee, Lead for Product & Commercial, Samsung SA

2. Galaxy Z Flip8: Pocketability Meets Pro Photography

Designed for creators and lifestyle users who prioritise compact portability, the Galaxy Z Flip8 delivers significant structural and thermal enhancements while remaining the entry point to the foldable lineup.

• Dimensions & Weight: Measures 6.1 mm thin when unfolded and weighs 180 grams—making it 13.1% thinner and nearly 4% lighter than its predecessor.
• Displays: Features a 6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED inner panel (120Hz, 2,600 nits peak brightness) and a 4.1-inch Super AMOLED Flex Window cover screen wrapped in Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
• Dual 50MP Cameras: Equipped with dual 50MP sensors (wide and ultra-wide) supporting Dual Recording to capture front and rear video feeds simultaneously.
• Battery & Fast Charging: Houses a 4,800 mAh battery supporting up to 26 hours of video playback, 45W wired charging (0 to 63% in 30 minutes), and 10W wireless charging.
• South Africa Pricing: Starts at R26,999 for the 256GB model.

3. Beyond Simple Prompts: Agentic AI in Action

With One UI, Samsung introduces on-screen agentic task automation, extending across more than 40 system and third-party applications. Unlike basic text-generating AI, agentic AI actively interprets context and performs multi-step actions across apps without forcing you to switch screens.

Real-World Workflow: Multi-Step Automation via “Now Nudge”

Imagine a colleague sends you a chat message saying: “Can we meet this Thursday at 08:00 AM at the Sandton Convention Centre?”

Here is how the Galaxy Z Fold8 automates this workflow:

1. Context Detection: On-device AI recognizes the date, time, and location mentioned in the incoming text message.
2. Now Nudge Trigger: A subtle visual prompt appears on screen asking if you want to create a calendar entry.
3. Split-Screen Execution: Tapping the nudge opens your Calendar side-by-side with your chat app using the Fold’s split view.
4. Automated Entry: Event details are populated automatically into your schedule—allowing you to confirm and save without leaving the conversation.

How To Automate Travel and Booking Workflows

1. Spot Content: While browsing social media or web pages (e.g., viewing a reel of a travel destination), trigger the on-screen AI assistant.
2. Contextual Action: The system identifies destination details and offers direct booking prompts via integrated partner services.
3. Automated Transaction: Specify parameters (e.g., “Book for four adults in September”), and the agent handles flight queries, shuttle arrangements, and itinerary creation within a single interface.

Local Ecosystem Integration in South Africa

While global platforms like Expedia and Uber integrate directly with the agentic engine, Samsung South Africa is actively working to bring local service providers into the fold.

“The AI capability is ready, but full agentic execution depends on local integration. We are actively working toward connecting on-device AI with local delivery, retail, and ride-hailing services like Checkers Sixty60, Woolies Dash, and Uber SA so users can complete end-to-end tasks like restocking a fridge or ordering a ride, straight from an AI prompt.”

— Zahir Cajee

4. Galaxy Watch9 & Watch Ultra 2: Next-Gen Wearables

Alongside the smartphone lineup, Samsung unveiled two updated smartwatches running on the Snapdragon Wear Elite processor and focused on holistic wellness metrics.

5. Local Availability, Pre-Orders, and Value Offers

Color Palette Options

• Universal Colors: Cream, Graphite
• Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra: Violet Shadow
• Galaxy Z Fold8: Lavender, Pistachio
• Galaxy Z Flip8: Pink, Mint

Exclusive Pre-Order Packages in South Africa

For South African consumers purchasing at launch, Samsung has bundled several promotional offers:

• R1,500 Accessory Voucher: Redoable in-store or online for protective cases, chargers, or official accessories.
• Google AI Pro Trial: 6 months of complimentary access to Google’s premium AI tier (valued at R2,500).
• Samsung Care+ Coverage: Options including screen repair and battery replacement coverage.
• SOS Plus Integration: 24/7 medical and emergency response support included with flagship purchases.

What I’m really getting to is that the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is an unapologetic powerhouse. Let’s get into why.

Let’s start with the looks. Samsung has gone back to an aluminium body for the Galaxy S26 range. It may read like a step backward on paper, but once you hold it in your hands, only then will you realise that it isn’t. There are benefits for the tech too. Firstly, aluminium dissipates heat a lot quicker than titanium and, when paired with the vapor chamber, prevents the device from getting heated under stress. Secondly, it handles anodization better compared to the PVD coating titanium needs. And it shows in the way its colours pop.

Speaking of colours, you get a range of them too. There’s Cobalt Violet (the one I tested), Sky Blue, White, Black and two other Samsung online exclusive tones; Pink Gold and Silve Shadow.

Earlier I mentioned the feel of the device in your hands. Here, Samsung has finally fixed those sharp, palm-digging corners I used to hate. The rounded edges are a subtle change, but they change how the phone feels entirely. The hand feel is much thinner and easier to manage in one hand. It feels nice and confident and after just one week of using the device (without a cover, I might add), it feels so natural.

The camera array around the back still sticks out and causes the phone to rock a bit when lying flat on a table or any surface. It’s worth a mention, but that’s one ergonomic compromise that’s been around for years, even with other branded devices.

The screen up front gets a Corning Gorilla Armor 2 layer mixed with ceramic for better protection and glare reduction. The rear also gets Gorilla Glass Victus 2.  As drop tests usually go, I fortunately didn’t have the stomach to deliberately drop the phone, but it picked up exactly zero micro-scratches over the two months of accompanying me on a rugged off-road adventure from Johannesburg to Durban, the Midlands, Sani Pass, Lesotho, Barckley East, Graaff Reinet and Gqeberha. My backpack had everything in it. And I mean everything from keys, charging cables, snacks, a charging brick, cameras and tripods.

In Lesotho we were lucky enough to come across snow. The Galaxy S26 Ultra holds its IP68 rating, which greenlights it for accidental dops in 1.5m of water for 30 minutes. The reassurance came in handy in these conditions.

Then there’s the S Pen which lives in the bottom left corner inside of the device. It feels much thinner and more comfortable with a curved end that sits flush against the new body. Functionality on the pen hasn’t changed much but it’s still the best stylus on any phone by far. You can use it to scribble, draw, edit pictures and make notes on the fly.

The screen itself is a gorgeous 6.9-inch flat Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2x panel with QHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Even when I spent my days outside, the Peak HDR brightness bumped up to 2500 nits and I never had to squint when sun was too bright.

The one standout feature is the Privacy Display built straight into the hardware rather than the aftermarket films you’d find elsewhere. It allowed me to hide the screen from whoever was sitting right next to me. I’ve used it countless times when I’m on a flight and even at events when I really need to do something urgent and sensitive. Sometimes when I had to open my X app because you never know what the timeline will surprise you with.

Samsung built the Privacy Display at the sub-pixel level by combining wide-view OLED pixels with narrow-beam pixel arrays. When you switch it on, the wide-view pixels turn off. Anyone looking at the screen from an angle of more than 45 degrees sees a dim, near-black display, while the person viewing it head-on can still see everything clearly. But Samsung didn’t stop there. Privacy Display has a bunch of granular controls too that allow you to either leave it on at all time or set it to specific apps or notifications.

When I first heard of the feature at launch, I was very sceptical. That’s until I got to use it and got surprised looks from the people around me.

Let’s talk about that camera array. Here you get a quad-camera layout that looks heavily familiar. I spent most of my time testing it our properly during our cross-province trek where the aperture and processing changes add up to the real gains. The main 200-megapixel main sensor does the heavy work. It features a new f/1.4 aperture, up from f/1.7 seen on last year’s Galaxy S device. The wider aperture pulls in more light which comes in handy when capturing content at night or in any low-light environment like a restaurant, really.

Samsung has gotten me used to saying the word Nightography more than I should have. It sticks, to be honest. Not just in the saying, but because that f/1.4 main lens produces impressive results in terms of colour realism and surface details.  I used it quite extensively at night during the trip, and before that I’d use it at the balcony at work when I’m working late nights. What I see from up here is the beautiful Sandton skyline with Hotel Sky and The Leonardo taking centre stage. The image comes out cleaner with the bright points of distant neon lights and windows staying crisp.

That doesn’t mean it doesn’t perform during daylight. The very same 200-megapixel sensor defaults to a 12-megapixel shot that’s incredibly clean, crisp and detailed. You can still switch over to the 200-megapixel setup though, which gives off even more detailed results that you can crop into with ease. What I did notice though is that the 200-megapixel results carry a little bit of noise.

If you want to take things further, the two telephoto lenses are where the fun is at. Here you get the 3x lens which works wonders in portraits and quick shots for social media use. The 5x telephoto lens is the masterpiece as it pushes its aperture wider. Elsewhere there’s 100x Space Zoom and it’s the part trick that really gets things going. It works fine for reading far-off signage and bringing objects closer that the naked eye wouldn’t normally see. In front the camera gets a wider frame which makes it easy to squeeze in three friends into a frame. Or in my case, a vehicle in my background. The details are good and the skin tones are handled with immense clarity too.

Then there’s the Horizon Lock video mode which genuinely impresses. At one press of a button, your video picture and subject matter remains in focus regardless of whatever sudden movements or shakes your hands make.

Underneath all that glass and aluminium you’ll find the highly customized Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5  for Galaxy silicon which handles everything you throw at it whether its AI through Gemini, capturing 8K content on the go, with buttery smooth agility without a stutter. For those into specifics, you get fast UFS 4.0 storage and either 12 GB or 16 GB of RAM to go with it. All of that allows apps to snap open at the tap and the camera to open up instantly ready to capture in 8K.  

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra ships running Android 16 with One UI 8.5 baked on top. With it comes Google’s seven years of major OS and security updates, which means your phone is covered for the long haul. The UI itself genuinely isn’t bad. It’s most probably one of the only Android UI’s that I really like. I do hope Samsung updates this over time.

The battery remains the trusted 5000 mAh, the same capacity as previous Ultra models. On paper, that may seem modest, but in everyday use it delivers solid performance. On a heavy day of countless emails, document editing, picture and video editing, 5G use and maps, I averaged between 6 and 7 hours of screen-on time and I’d only charge it at night.  The welcome addition of 60W wired charging also reduces the wait when you need to top it up before heading out. To put it into perspective, it would take me about 50 minutes to charge the device from near dead to full. Meanwhile, wireless charging has been bumped up to 25W on the Qi 2.2 standard. Magsafe doesn’t come standard here and you’d have to buy a specific magnet-equipped case which is a bit a let-down.

The big question remains, should you buy yourself the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?  In the grand scheme of things, Samsung has establish the Ultra formula and given us a device that’s been improved year-on-year without fail. You get an improved aluminium frame, a faster chipset and clever baked-in tech like that Privacy Display and AI features that push the envelope even further. And after spending months with the phone, I can confidently say if you want a device that does everything, this is definitely the one to get.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is priced from R30 999.

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.

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.

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.

Samsung Electronics has achieved numerous firsts in mobile camera performance and technology since the pre-smartphone era. From the Galaxy S’s 5-megapixel (MP) rear camera in 2010 — at the dawn of the smartphone era — to the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 200 MP ultra-high-resolution camera, 50 MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and suite of Galaxy AI editing features, Samsung has continuously redefined what a smartphone camera can do.

Always one step ahead

For the past 15 years, Samsung has always been one step ahead, pushing mobile photography to new heights and ushering in a new era of Galaxy camera technology. Explore this groundbreaking journey in the infographic below.

Initially launched with the Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, Galaxy A26 5G, and later rolled out to the Galaxy A17 5G and Galaxy A17, Samsung SOS+ is extending the 12 month free-to-use, 24/7 emergency response access to include its latest flagship and foldable Galaxy models, ensuring that more Galaxy users can experience the added peace of mind that comes with round the clock emergency support.

Devices now supported include:

• Galaxy Z Series (Z Fold7, Z Flip7, Z Flip7 FE)
• Galaxy S Series (S25 Ultra, S25+, S25, S25 Edge, S25 FE)

Customers who purchase any of the eligible Galaxy devices from 1 November 2025 to 31 January 2026, on both pre-paid and post-paid (contract), will receive 12 months’ free access to private medical and armed response, courtesy of Samsung SOS+. The access does not cover private in-hospital medical care, only emergency assistance to the hospital.

In an emergency, Samsung SOS+ instantly geolocates the user and dispatches the nearest private security or medical response unit. Access is simple and intuitive, and users can trigger support through the ICE (In Case of Emergency) list, the app, SMS, or a toll-free number.

Emergencies can strike without warning, from medical incidents to road accidents or security threats. Samsung SOS+ turns your Galaxy device into a smart, powerful emergency lifeline, combining communication, advanced location technology, and rapid response capabilities in one solution.

“At Samsung, we’re integrating safety into the everyday lives of our customers,” says Zahir Cajee, Mobile eXperience Lead: Product & Commercial at Samsung Africa. “We continue to push the boundaries of connected innovation, from Artificial Intelligence (“AI”)-powered mobile experiences to thoughtful, safety-led features like Samsung SOS+. This access reflects our ongoing commitment to enhancing everyday life through technology, ensuring our customers have access to real, reliable, and rapid emergency support when it matters most. With SOS+, help is always just a few taps away, giving users greater confidence and peace of mind.”

You can get the Samsung SOS+ eligible devices from Samsung authorised network operators, participating retail partners, Samsung App Shop, Samsung stores and online.

What Is Real QLED?

Samsung’s Real QLED has earned official certification from the globally respected German testing body TÜV Rheinland. This mark verifies that Samsung QLED TVs comply with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 62595-1-6 standard, which defines the application of quantum dot (QD) light converting unit combined with blue light sources for standard QLED displays.

In simple terms, the Real QLED mark confirms that your TV delivers superior picture quality, powered by genuine Quantum Dot technology. When it comes to visual brilliance, Samsung’s Quantum Dot technology is leading the charge in delivering a picture-perfect viewing experience.

Why It Matters: The Samsung Difference

Here’s what the Real QLED certification guarantees:

• True Quantum Dot Display: A real quantum dot light-converting film combined with blue light sources ensures richer, more accurate colours than ungenuine “QLEDs.”
• 100% Colour Volume*: Samsung QLED TVs produce a multitude of shades, delivering vivid and consistent colours at any brightness level. Whether you’re watching a summer cricket match in broad daylight or a late-night blockbuster, the picture remains stunningly real.
• Colour Accuracy: TÜV Rheinland testing confirms the separation of red, green, and blue light sources — the foundation of lifelike, vibrant images.
• Environmentally Responsible Technology: Samsung’s Real QLED is cadmium-free** and built with sustainability in mind, aligning with global eco-conscious standards. More than sustainability, it’s also about safety for humans. Cadmium is a hazardous chemical, and that is why it has been removed from the manufacturing process.

*Samsung achieved the Digital Cinema Initiative’s colour standard DCI-P3 and achieved 100% colour volume for the first time in the world — thereby presenting unparalleled colour expression.

**Samsung’s quantum dot technology has been recognised by global testing organization Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS) for its excellence in cadmium-free design — an environmentally conscious approach that eliminates the use of cadmium, a toxic heavy metal known to pose risks to human health and the environment.

Ask the Right Questions Before You Buy

When shopping for a TV this Black Friday, don’t just be swayed by a label. Ask the real questions:

• Is it cadmium-free?
• Does it deliver 100% colour volume?
• Has it earned Real QLED certification or any recognition for environmental responsibility?

If the answer is “no,” then it’s not a Real QLED.

Built for Now, and for the Future

A Samsung Real QLED TV isn’t just an investment in a screen; it’s an investment in true-to-life colour, unmatched brightness and lasting quality. Whether it’s family movie nights, high-action sports weekends or gaming marathons, Samsung’s QLED TVs deliver the kind of performance that brings every moment to life. The 2025 TV line-up is even better, it features Samsung’s most advanced TV technologies yet – including QLED and OLED panels powered by Vision AI.

This Black Friday, when you see the QLED label, don’t settle for less. Look for the Real QLED mark and enjoy a Real experience.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra isn’t so much an upgrade as it is a provocation. Every curve, sensor, and silicon layer exists with intent—and while the spec sheet may look familiar on the surface, to that of the yeat before, the experience feels anything but.

But don’t mistake this confidence for perfection. While Samsung’s Ultra lineup still plays in the elite flagship arena, a few cracks are starting to show – and not just in the marketing or sentiments polish.

First Impressions Count: Still Premium, But It’s Getting Stale

The Galaxy S25 Ultra looks like… well, an Ultra. If you’ve seen the S22, S23, or S24 Ultra, you’ve more or less seen this one too. It’s not that the industrial design is bad – far from it. The titanium frame is solid, the matte finish hides fingerprints, and it feels like money in your hand.

But five iterations in, the silhouette is starting to age. There’s a fine line between “refined continuity” and “design fatigue”, and Samsung is now straddling it.

The camera island still protrudes uncomfortably when flat on a desk, and while the flat edges aid grip, they also feel sharp compared to the softened curves of rivals like the Pixel Fold or iPhone 16 Pro Max.

It’s still a premium device, but it no longer surprises.

Right in front, the 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display remains a highlight. It’s sharp, colourful, and bright enough to burn through midday glare without flinching. The upgraded Adaptive Vision Engine genuinely adapts tone and contrast based on your environment.

Watching HDR content or even navigating Instagram Stories in inconsistent lighting feels more fluid and visually stable.

That said, the jump from 120Hz to 144Hz adaptive refresh is more spec-sheet brag than noticeable boost. If you’re coming from an S22 or later, the difference is subtle at best.

Inside, Samsung’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 for Galaxy chip handles everything from Adobe Premier Rush, Lightroom edits to Genshin Impact sessions without breaking a sweat. Thermal management is excellent, and RAM allocation is smarter, with background apps staying alive longer—even after camera-heavy usage.

Battery life hits above expectations. The new 5,500mAh cell delivers genuine all-day performance with headroom to spare. Paired with 65W wired charging, top-ups are faster, though still lagging behind Chinese competitors pushing 100W+ standards.

When it comes to the camera, the S25 Ultra’s hardware is exceptional on paper – and mostly excellent in practice. The 200MP primary sensor remains a monster in good light, and the dual telephoto configuration (3x and 5x) delivers detailed zoom shots with minimal loss, even up to 20x.

But the marketing term “Nightography” continues to promise more than it delivers. Low-light photos often err on the side of aggressive brightening, leading to washed-out shadows and unnatural skin tones.

Night mode introduces noise-reduction artefacts, especially on the telephoto lenses, making shots look painted rather than captured. If you’re shooting after dark, don’t expect Pixel-level computational finesse.

Ah, the legendary S Pen is still here—and it still writes beautifully. Latency is near zero, pressure response is tight, and Samsung Notes remains best-in-class for digital handwriting.

But it’s hard to ignore how limited its ecosystem has become. Air Actions, once a clever trick for camera controls and media, are barely supported in third-party apps. The stylus no longer feels integrated into Samsung’s vision—it feels like a vestige. For power users who bought into the S Pen dream years ago, this generation feels like a quiet withdrawal.

One UI 7 runs on top of Android 15 and is as feature-packed—and bloated—as ever. There’s undeniable polish in the animations, settings menus, and gesture navigation. Samsung’s multitasking tools, especially split-screen and pop-up view, remain a standout.

But the pre-installed app count is getting out of hand. Between Samsung’s own suite, Google apps, and third-party bundles, your app drawer feels full before you even log in. Thankfully, most of it can be uninstalled—but it shouldn’t be there in the first place.

For those willing to live with a few quirks—aging design, pared-down S Pen tricks, and a night mode that is the best, but could still be improved in my books – the Galaxy S25 Ultra is undeniably one of the most capable Android devices you can buy today.

Priced from R28,999 for the 256GB model, it doesn’t come cheap, but then again, it’s not pretending to. This is a phone built for power users, creators, and loyalists who want maximum firepower in their pocket even if the polish is starting to wear thin in a few corners.

Samsung Electronics has unveiled the Galaxy Z Flip7, a compact AI phone with multimodal capabilities, powered by a new FlexWindow. Small enough to slip into a pocket, yet powerful enough to deliver the handiest assistance, it melds Galaxy AI with a now edge-to-edge FlexWindow, a flagship level camera and an ultra-compact and iconic design. From intuitive voice AI to the best selfie capabilities, the Galaxy Z Flip7 is an intelligent pocket-sized companion built for seamless interaction and everyday reliability.

“Galaxy Z Flip7 is proof that big intelligence can come in a small, pocket-sized form factor,” said TM Roh, President and Acting Head of the Device eXperience (DX) at Samsung Electronics. “By bringing rich multimodal AI capabilities and seamless functionality to the FlexWindow, we’ve created a device that adapts, anticipates and empowers users, unlocking a smarter, more intuitive way to engage with the world.”

Biggest, Brightest FlexWindow Yet

Content spills elegantly from edge-to-edge on the Galaxy Z Flip7’s stunning FlexWindow display, which brings essentials front and center and makes it easy to type out quick messages, check schedules at a glance and snap high-quality selfies. Galaxy Z Flip’s brightest FlexWindow yet delivers a super-smooth refresh rate, so everything looks vivid and feels fluid – even when outside on a sunny day.

• The 4.1-inch Super AMOLED FlexWindow is the largest ever on a Galaxy Z Flip, with edge-to-edge usability that enables users to see and do more on the cover screen.
• With 2,600 nits of peak brightness and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate on both the main display and the FlexWindow, Galaxy Z Flip7 enables ultra-fluid scrolling, streaming and gaming. Plus, the FlexWindow gets an upgrade with Vision Booster, enhancing outdoor visibility so users can stay connected wherever they are.
• The main display is a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, built for an ultra-smooth, immersive experience.

Thinnest Yet Durable Galaxy Z Flip

Galaxy Z Flip7 is crafted for portability and puts powerful performance right in the palm of the user’s hand. With its compact size and sleek silhouette, it slips effortlessly into a small pocket or purse, perfect for whatever the day brings. Whether catching calls during a coffee outing or snapping pictures at the store – no need to worry about the inevitable drops and bumps along the way. It’s also built to last and engineered to handle the rigors of daily use.

• Weighing just 188 grams and measuring only 13.7mm when folded, Galaxy Z Flip7 is the slimmest Galaxy Z Flip yet.
• The cover and back are protected by Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2.
• The Armor FlexHinge is thinner than the hinge on the previous generation and features a restructured design and high-strength materials for smoother folds and long-lasting durability.
• A robust Armor Aluminum Frame provides a tough exterior for resilience.

Power That Lasts Longer and Works Smarter

While the Galaxy Z Flip7 has been slimmed down and refined throughout, it now features a bigger battery and an even bigger display – all in a more compact form. With the largest battery ever in the Galaxy Z Flip series, it delivers enough additional power to watch an extra movie without charging. Users can stream music or listen to podcasts during long commutes, edit photos on the fly and share updates throughout the day without missing a beat.

• The 4,300mAh battery is the largest ever on a Galaxy Z Flip, delivering up to 31 hours of video play time on a single charge.
• The Galaxy Z Flip7 is powered by the latest 3nm processor, customised for Galaxy and fit for today’s lifestyle with an even more powerful CPU, GPU and NPU than Galaxy Z Flip6.
• Samsung DeX comes to a Galaxy Z Flip7 for the first time, enabling it to instantly transform into a handy workstation: users can flip it open, connect to a screen and instantly get PC-like tools for enhanced multitasking.

Pocket-Perfect AI

With FlexWindow enhanced for greater usability and Galaxy AI that is smarter and more intuitive than ever, Galaxy Z Flip7 introduces a new era of convenience and functionality, empowering users to search with their voice, get answers and take action directly on FlexWindow. Powered by the newest One UI 8 and Android 16 right out of the box, it delivers true multimodal AI experiences optimised for the Flip’s iconic design, with many tasks now able to be handled right from the cover screen. This intuitive, one-handed experience enhances productivity and introduces even more personalisation options, making the Galaxy Z Flip7 a smart and handy companion, whether a user is traveling around the globe or simply navigating a busy day.

Galaxy Z Flip7 brings a new level of AI-powered personalisation, tailored to users’ style and routine. From curated wallpaper suggestions to emoji, colour and widget customisation, the FlexWindow becomes a dynamic extension of a user’s personality. Whether prepping for travel or matching the mood, personalisation is effortless and always evolving.