Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Launched
Samsung Electronics Japan has officially launched its latest AI-driven smartphones, the
Samsung Galaxy S26,
Galaxy S26+, and
Galaxy S26 Ultra. These innovative devices feature cutting-edge AI capabilities, high-performance hardware, and top-tier camera technology that simplify everyday tasks. Available from March 12, 2026, these smartphones can be purchased at all au retail outlets and on the au Online Shop, alongside a range of dedicated accessories available for purchase from the same date.
Sophisticated Design and Comfort
The
Samsung Galaxy S26 series showcases a sleek and modern design characterized by smooth curves and a cohesive color palette. Notably, the
Galaxy S26 Ultra has been slimmed down to approximately 0.3 mm thinner than its predecessor and weighs in at about 214 grams. This design not only enhances portability but also provides a comfortable grip for prolonged usage.
Enhanced Privacy Features
A standout feature of the
Galaxy S26 Ultra is its
Privacy Display, which is designed to protect users from unwanted gazes without the need for specialized privacy films. This function effectively limits visibility from the sides while maintaining clear viewability from the front. Users can also toggle the Privacy Display on and off with a simple double-click of the side button, making it ideal for use in crowded spaces such as public transport and elevators.
Intuitive AI Experiences
The
Galaxy AI present in the
Samsung Galaxy S26 series offers an intuitive user experience. With enhanced text recognition and proactive suggestions, the phone simplifies various operations. The new
Now Nudge feature automatically displays relevant information based on context, reducing the need to switch between apps constantly. For instance, if a friend inquires about evening plans through a messaging app, Galaxy AI can check the calendar and display available options promptly.
The popular notification feature,
Kakotte Search, has evolved to support multi-faceted searches. Users can now select an outfit worn by a celebrity in a photo, and the AI will return a bundle of accessible items worn by that celebrity, a massive improvement that promotes efficient searching and discovery. Furthermore, the AI ecosystem has expanded to include agents like Bixby, Gemini, and Perplexity, enhancing both functionality and convenience.
Pro-Level Photography Powered by AI
Equipped with advanced AI technology, the
samsung Galaxy S26 series offers simplified photo and video capture and editing capabilities. The
Galaxy S26 Ultra boasts a remarkable approximately 200 million pixel wide-angle camera, alongside a 50-megapixel telephoto camera that supports 5x optical zoom and up to 10x optical equivalent zoom. Thanks to its lowered F-number, low-light shooting performance has improved significantly.
Nightography technology ensures that evening scenes are captured vividly with intricate details.
Editing functionalities have also seen significant upgrades, assisting users in transforming ideas into reality. Thanks to enhanced
Photo Assist, users can describe their desired edits verbally, and the AI will execute the changes accordingly. For instance, instructing the AI to restore an image of a partially eaten cake will yield a seamlessly generated complete image.
The
Creative Studio tool allows users to finalize edited photos, creating high-quality content from simple inputs like “Draw a dog.” The AI generates context-regulated stickers, which users can save for messaging or photo editing. This significantly broadens the potential for creative expression in everyday life.
Purchase Campaigns to Celebrate Launch
To celebrate the release of the
Samsung Galaxy S26 series, several promotional campaigns are now underway. If customers purchase any model from the
Samsung Galaxy S26 series and pair it with the
Samsung Galaxy Buds4 series, they can enter a draw for a Ponta gift card when they utilize the
Samsung Wallet application. This promotion runs from March 12, 2026, to May 31, 2026, encouraging users to engage with the ecosystem promptly.
In addition to this, all existing au customers can enjoy a special upgrade discount of up to ¥22,000 with eligible rate plans when switching to any of the devices in the Galaxy S26 series during promotional periods.
eSIM Transfer Between Different OS
In an exciting development, the
Samsung Galaxy S26 series devices launched by au from March 12, 2026, will allow users to easily perform eSIM transfers between iOS and Android platforms. This user-friendly procedure which previously was limited to Samsung Galaxy to Samsung Galaxy or other Android devices adds considerable convenience to switching devices.
Innovative Services with Samsung Wallet
The
Samsung Wallet application is pre-installed on the
Galaxy S26 series, empowering users with the ability to seamlessly access credit cards, QR and barcode payments, and loyalty cards. Exciting new services will be rolled out starting in April, enhancing the payment experience further. Monthly app-based promotions, including earning additional Ponta points, also incentivize users to engage with the wallet feature actively.
In conclusion, with the introduction of the
Samsung Galaxy S26 series, Samsung continues to redefine standards in mobile technology, blending practicality with state-of-the-art innovation. Stay tuned for more updates and features as they become available.