Key Takeaways
1. Display Enhancements: The Galaxy S26 Ultra is set to feature the new Samsung M14 AMOLED panel, promising a brighter, more energy-efficient, and thinner display compared to previous models, while other variants will retain the older M13 panel.
2. Competitor Showcases: Chinese smartphone makers like Vivo have already highlighted the capabilities of the M14 display, boasting features such as 2,600 nits brightness and 144Hz refresh rate, though it remains unclear if these specs will apply to the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
3. New Privacy Features: The Galaxy S26 Ultra will include a “Flex Magic Pixel” feature, providing a privacy filter to prevent screen peeking, with options for maximum privacy mode and manual settings for specific apps.
4. Video Capabilities: Samsung is developing the Advance Professional Video Codec (APV) for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, aiming to attract video professionals with features like lossless compression, support for high-quality video formats, and efficient storage use.
5. Competition with Apple: Samsung’s enhancements in camera and video capabilities aim to challenge Apple’s offerings, particularly targeting video creators who currently favor the iPhone 17 Pro.
While the Apple iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone Air, and various Chinese smartphones like the Xiaomi 17, Vivo X300, and Oppo Find X9 are grabbing attention, there’s some thrilling news about Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 models. Recent social media discussions and insider information have shed light on the successors to the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, Galaxy S25 Edge, and Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Display Upgrades on the Horizon
One major enhancement expected for the Galaxy S26 Ultra is its display. According to the Korean outlet EtNews, the new Samsung M14 AMOLED panel could debut in a flagship device. When paired with the previously discussed COE technology, it promises a display that is brighter, more energy-efficient, and thinner for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. However, it seems this upgrade may only be available for the Ultra variant, while the Galaxy S26 Pro and Galaxy S26 Edge (also referred to as Galaxy S26 Air) will stick with the older M13 AMOLED panel, which is already used in the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S25.
Early Teasers by Competitors
Samsung has yet to officially announce its new M14 displays, but Chinese smartphone makers are already showcasing their features. Vivo was the first to highlight the M14 at the launch of the iQOO 15, claiming it can achieve a maximum brightness of 2,600 nits, consume 44% less power, and support a refresh rate of 144Hz. It remains uncertain if these specs will be part of the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Nevertheless, the absence of a polarizer is expected to bring significant benefits not just to the iQOO 15, but also to the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Privacy Features Confirmed
A few months back, there were whispers about a “Flex Magic Pixel” feature for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Recent code analysis of an early One UI 8.5 beta version has confirmed this feature. Code snippets shared by Android Authority indicate that it might be marketed under names like “Private Display” or “Privacy Display,” which aptly reflects its function. This feature acts as a privacy filter, similar to those from third-party vendors, and can be turned on with a button or through AI technology to prevent others from peeking at your screen on public transport.
The code also suggests a maximum privacy mode that darkens the screen, alongside manual settings to activate it in specific apps or at designated times. With the combination of the M14 AMOLED panel and a more streamlined design that uses a color filter instead of a polarizer, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra could deliver a notable display improvement, likely reserved for the Ultra model alone.
Competing for Video Professionals
Finally, Samsung appears to be eyeing camera experts with a new alternative to Apple’s ProRes. The APV codec aims to maintain high-quality, “Hollywood-level” video even after heavy post-processing. Some of the screenshots below come from an official Samsung video from the 2023 Samsung Developer Conference (SDC23), which we’ve linked at the end.
Ice Universe reports, referencing two sources for this One UI 8.5 leak, that the Advance Professional Video Codec will be 20% more efficient in storage, creating smaller video files with lossless compression while supporting Log, HDR, and 12-bit colors. Other features mentioned include 4:4:4 chroma subsampling, frame rate support up to 4K100 and 8K25, along with Horizon Lock and LUT compatibility in the Galaxy S26 Ultra camera app. Samsung seemingly aims to entice aspiring video creators away from Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro. Time will tell if they will succeed, as earlier leaks regarding the Galaxy S26 camera hardware suggested brighter cameras but still used somewhat outdated sensors.
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