Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event focused on tightening privacy controls, improving camera systems that are powered by AI and refining core hardware across its Galaxy S26 lineup. This year, the South Korean manufacturer as kept these key points to make the Galaxy S26 series to "deliver the most powerful Galaxy experience yet."

 Here are five key takeaways from the launch.

1. Hardware-level privacy with built-in Privacy Display

Samsung introduced Privacy Display on the Galaxy S26 Ultra — a hardware-based feature designed to limit side-angle viewing by dynamically adjusting screen pixels.

Users can assign specific apps, such as banking or private messaging, to automatically activate restricted viewing. When enabled, screen visibility narrows to prevent others nearby from reading sensitive information.

Notification previews are obscured when the feature is active. Privacy Display can also be switched on instantly by double-pressing the power button.

A Maximum Mode strengthens the effect further, making the display appear nearly black from side angles while remaining clearly visible when viewed head-on.

2. Layered security architecture at the core

Samsung framed device protection as central to the Galaxy S26 lineup. At the centre of its approach is Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP), working alongside the hardware-isolated Knox Vault.

The layered system separates sensitive information such as passwords, biometrics and encryption keys from the main operating environment. The company said this reduces exposure even if other parts of the system are compromised.

Samsung also introduced post-quantum cryptography (PQC) for selected processes, including firmware validation and software updates, aimed at strengthening long-term data protection against evolving threats.

3. Camera upgrades focus on consistency, zoom and low-light

The S26 Ultra retains Samsung’s multi-zoom approach, featuring a 50MP periscope telephoto system for high-quality optical zoom, alongside additional telephoto support for intermediate focal lengths. Samsung said the updates are intended to deliver sharper long-range images and more stable video recording in challenging lighting conditions.

Across the lineup, the emphasis this year is on colour accuracy, stabilisation and consistent image output. Samsung also introduced enhanced editing tools that allow users to refine photos for tone, lighting and portrait balance more easily.

The company expanded its “Circle to Search” functionality, allowing users to circle multiple objects within a photo or video frame to search for them simultaneously.

4. Galaxy Buds4 series brings upgraded ANC and improved call clarity

Alongside the smartphones, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Buds4 and Galaxy Buds4 Pro.

The Buds4 series introduces a bezel-less woofer that expands the speaker’s vibrating surface area by about 20% compared with the previous model. The company said this delivers deeper bass alongside clear highs in 24-bit/96kHz audio.

Enhanced Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) now uses an algorithm tailored to each user’s ear shape and fit. An expanded equaliser adjustment range is designed to maintain consistent sound quality regardless of how the earbuds are worn.

Call quality improvements are powered by machine learning through Super Clear Call, with 16kHz bandwidth support intended to deliver clearer voice transmission in noisy environments.

In India, the Galaxy Buds4 Pro is available at an introductory price of ₹22,999, compared with a regular price of ₹29,999. The Galaxy Buds4 is available at ₹16,999 as an introductory offer.

5. New context-aware features and expanded visual search

Samsung positioned the Galaxy S26 series around more context-aware features designed to reduce the need to switch between apps.

A new feature called Now Nudge surfaces suggestions based on on-screen activity. For example, it can recommend relevant photos while responding to a message or highlight scheduling conflicts.

Search capabilities have also been expanded. The updated Circle to Search allows users to circle multiple objects in an image at once, generating contextual results in a single action and linking visual content more directly to search and shopping tools.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 lineup is now available for sale in India, with the Galaxy S26 starting at ₹79,999, the Galaxy S26+ priced at ₹89,999, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra starting at ₹1,29,999.