Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026 LIVE: The S26 Extremely Reveal Is Right here

screenshot of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Privacy Display with a darkened notification. — Samsung

Lastly seeing the Galaxy S26 Extremely at Unpacked 2026 did not actually change my thoughts in regards to the rounded design (nonetheless not a fan), however it did make clear the tradeoff Samsung is making. The telephone feels extra cohesive with the remainder of the S26 lineup, and it is undeniably extra mainstream and simpler to reside with. Within the course of, although, the Extremely loses among the visible authority it used to have, for my part. The earlier Be aware-era boxy look gave it the sense that this was the telephone for individuals who wished the most telephone, not simply the nicest-looking one.

That stated, the brand new Privateness Show is the sort of function that made me cease complaining. Constructed straight into the show {hardware}, the function limits side-angle visibility and might robotically cover delicate notifications or kick in if you’re utilizing particular apps like banking providers. As Katie Collins notes in her commentary, it is one of many uncommon telephone options that really feels new. Not flashy AI for its personal sake, however a sensible, invisible repair for an actual on a regular basis drawback.

Basically, a lot of the AI bulletins did not land as strongly for me. Plenty of it nonetheless appears like desk stakes at this level: summaries, photograph enhancing instruments, nudges, briefs, blah blah blah. I do not actually look after extra AI options except they’re doing one thing to avoid wasting me time or cut back friction. And that is why AI name screening stood out. Spam calls are the bane of my existence (I get dozens a day), and something that may intercept them, summarize what occurred and let me determine if it is price my consideration is precisely how AI ought to be used.

So sure, I am nonetheless mourning the sharp-cornered Extremely somewhat, however between the Privateness Show and some genuinely sensible AI touches, the S26 Extremely is at the very least making a case that it is evolving in ways in which truly matter… to me.

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