Samsung's S26 Ultra: A Peek into the Future

The Top 3 Innovations of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

On February 25, Samsung unveiled its latest flagship device lineup, which is clearly tailored for the AI era. The focus of the Galaxy S26 series is the Ultra model, which not only includes hardware advancements but also software innovations that elevate the smartphone experience to a new level. The emphasis is now on how artificial intelligence becomes an integral part of everyday use, rather than simply offering more power or a better camera.

The Ultra version pushes the boundaries of the premium category. Pre-orders began on February 25, and the device became available in stores from March 11. The starting price is 5,099 dirhams, while the most powerful configuration with 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage costs up to 7,099 dirhams. This is clearly the highest price point within the series, but based on the offered features, the device is not just another generational leap, but a change in perspective as well.

Built-in Privacy Display – Finally Real Control

One of the most interesting innovations is the integrated privacy display. Anyone who has ever used aftermarket privacy films knows how many compromises they entail. The display becomes darker, the viewing angle decreases, and readability often becomes uncomfortable even for the user. However, in the case of the S26 Ultra, privacy protection is not an accessory but a technology implemented at the panel level.

This means that the user can turn the privacy mode on or off as needed. When it's not necessary, the display operates at full brightness and natural color scheme. But when dealing with sensitive information – such as reading messages on the metro, using a banking app in a public place, or reviewing business emails at the airport – protection can be activated with a single gesture.

Moreover, the system is not global but finely tunable. It can be set to activate for specific apps or even just specific screen areas. For instance, it can be configured so that only notifications appear in protected mode while the background remains visible in normal mode. This level of customizability can be particularly valuable for those who frequently work in public environments, whether it's a café in Dubai, a coworking space, or international travel.

One of the greatest advantages of the built-in solution is that it does not involve a constant visual compromise. There is no longer a need to choose between security and visual experience. This seems like a minor improvement at first glance, but it makes a significant difference in everyday use.

Horizontal Lock – Stable Video During Any Motion

At first glance, the camera layout hasn't changed drastically from the previous generation. However, the wide-angle and telephoto lenses have been upgraded with larger apertures, resulting in better light sensitivity and clearer images in low light conditions. This alone is a step forward, but the real novelty is the Horizontal Lock feature.

This feature locks the orientation of the video recording, even if the device is completely rotated during recording. The composition remains exactly as it was when the recording was started. This is especially useful for content creators shooting in dynamic environments while on the move.

One of the biggest problems with mobile video recording so far has been that a small turn could change the framing or perspective. Horizontal Lock eliminates this uncertainty. The user can move freely, even rotating the phone 360 degrees, while the video remains stable and consistent.

This is not just a technical innovation but also provides creative freedom. Content creation is no longer only the privilege of professional cameras. In many cases, a high-end smartphone has become the primary tool. In recent years, Samsung has clearly reached out to the creative community, and this feature also shows that the focus is on user experience and practical usability.

Unlimited AI Photo Editing Directly on the Device

Perhaps the biggest highlight of the S26 Ultra is the advanced AI-based photo editing that runs on the device itself. Artificial intelligence does not appear as a cloud-based limited service, but operates relying on the phone's own hardware. This results in faster response times, greater data security, and a more seamless experience.

The user can modify images using text or even voice commands. A simple request, such as changing the color of a piece of clothing, can produce realistic results in seconds. Missing elements can be supplemented, distracting elements removed, and backgrounds transformed – all using natural language commands.

It's particularly noteworthy that Samsung offers this with unlimited editing possibilities for Ultra owners. In the current market, many AI tools are subscription-based or have usage limits. However, here creative freedom does not hit a payment wall.

This approach benefits not only everyday users but also those who are seriously engaged in visual content creation. A quick social media post, visual content for a business presentation, or even the visual basis of a marketing campaign can be created directly on the phone.

The Flagship Device of the AI Era

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is not merely another hardware update. The emphasis is on intelligent features, customization, and creative freedom. The integrated privacy protection, the Horizontal Lock that elevates video stability to a new level, and the unlimited AI photo editing collectively show that Samsung no longer views the smartphone simply as a communication device but as a personal digital assistant.

Despite the premium price, the Ultra model is clearly positioned for those who do not want to compromise on performance or functionality. Here, artificial intelligence is not a marketing ploy but a real, tangible advantage.

With these three features, the S26 Ultra clearly sets the direction for the next few years' flagship devices. The question is no longer whether there is a need for AI in a phone, but how deeply and in what quality it is integrated. In this regard, the new Ultra model is currently one of the strongest contenders on the market.