Tag: privacy display

  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Security Patches Falling Behind

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Security Patches Falling Behind

    Key Takeaway

    1. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is a refined, premium device with advanced features like Wi-Fi 7, UWB, and a 5,000 mAh battery.
    2. Its Privacy Display effectively restricts side viewing angles, enhancing privacy in public but reducing brightness and color accuracy.
    3. The device runs on Android 16 with One UI 8.5, promising seven years of updates, security, and feature longevity, with some delays in Google Play system updates.

    Impressive Specifications of the Galaxy S26 Ultra

    The Galaxy S26 Ultra is a highly refined device, with Samsung putting a lot of effort into perfecting every detail. It boasts an impressive set of specs, featuring cutting-edge Wi-Fi 7, Ultra Wideband (UWB), a swift USB 3.2 port, latest cellular connectivity options, and a robust 5,000 mAh battery. Such specifications ensure that the device is well-equipped for future-proof usage, and its hardware performance is quite remarkable for a flagship model.

    Practical Features for Daily Life

    One of the standout features in real-world use is the new Privacy Display. This technology significantly limits side viewing angles, which is particularly handy when you’re in public spaces. However, this privacy comes with some trade-offs—namely, reduced brightness and slight imperfections in color fidelity. Nonetheless, the display, performance, and camera are all top-tier, showing that Samsung prioritized optimizing existing features rather than reinventing them, especially regarding battery life and camera functions.

    Android and Software Support

    Perhaps most appealing is the software experience. The Galaxy S26 Ultra ships with Android 16 and Samsung’s One UI 8.5 interface. The device is promised seven years of updates—meaning support until at least February 28, 2033. This extensive update window positions the Galaxy S26 Ultra as a smart choice for users looking for long-term security and functionality. Plus, several AI-powered features are available, many of which process data directly on the device itself, enhancing privacy.

    Update Reliability and Concerns

    Since its release, Android updates have been consistently punctual, with security patches current as of April 5, 2026. However, the Google Play system updates are still lagging, stuck on the November 1, 2025 version. The previous Ultra model, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, also experienced delays initially but then saw reliable updates. It’s hopeful that Samsung will improve this aspect for the Galaxy S26 Ultra soon, ensuring complete and timely software support for users.

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  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Insights from MWC 2026 Roundtable

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Insights from MWC 2026 Roundtable

    Key Takeaways

    1. Slim and Lightweight Design: The S26 Ultra showcases a super thin and light casing that maintains high performance without compromise.

    2. Advanced Cooling Technology: It features a newly designed vapor chamber for effective cooling during demanding tasks like gaming and AI processing.

    3. Enhanced Image Quality with mDNIe: The mobile Digital Natural Image engine delivers vibrant colors, adaptive brightness up to 3,000 nits, and reduced reflections.

    4. Innovative Privacy Display: The hardware-based Privacy Display protects sensitive information from side views and can be activated for specific apps, minimizing brightness loss.

    5. Battery Technology Updates: Samsung is testing silicon-carbon technology for better battery capacity but continues with a 5,000 mAh battery and 60W wired, 25W wireless charging for the S26 Ultra.

    The Samsung hardware roundtable highlighted some exciting innovations like a slim design, improved cooling, the reliable mDNIe (mobile Digital Natural Image engine) technology, and the unique Privacy Display feature. Attendees also had the chance to engage in direct Q&A sessions with Samsung engineers.

    Impressive Design and Performance

    Samsung showcased the S26 Ultra’s casing as a true example of miniaturization: it’s super thin and light, yet does not sacrifice performance. One standout feature is the newly designed vapor chamber, which effectively cools down the device during intense activities like ray tracing gaming or on-device AI (Galaxy AI). This is paired with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, which operates in a specially optimized version. Complementing this is mDNIe, Samsung’s exclusive image engine that delivers vibrant colors, adaptive brightness of up to 3,000 nits, and reduced reflections.

    Innovative Privacy Feature

    Of particular interest is the Privacy Display, which shields information from side views by dimming the edge pixels, safeguarding sensitive data like banking details or emails. Unlike software filters, this feature is hardware-based, functions in any orientation, and can be activated for specific apps. Additionally, the brightness loss is less significant compared to using a film. When inquired about why the pixels don’t turn off completely, the developers mentioned that doing so could negatively affect the overall display, causing color distortion or a more substantial drop in brightness. There was also curiosity regarding the potential inclusion of the Privacy Display in other Galaxy models. Samsung’s answer was cautious, indicating that it largely relies on how well it is accepted in the market, with no definite plans for additional devices at this time.

    Battery Discussion

    Another focal point was the conversation about batteries, particularly why Samsung hasn’t adopted silicon-carbon technology yet, which could offer larger capacities in the same size. Samsung representatives acknowledged that tests are ongoing but mentioned that there are unresolved issues, without going into specifics, that need to be tackled first. As a result, the S26 Ultra (buy here on Amazon) continues with a 5,000 mAh battery, now featuring 60W wired and 25W wireless charging, promising good battery life, albeit with no groundbreaking advancements.

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  • Privacy Display V2 for Galaxy S27 Ultra Unveiled at MWC

    Privacy Display V2 for Galaxy S27 Ultra Unveiled at MWC

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung introduced the Privacy Display feature with the Galaxy S26 Ultra to enhance user privacy by hiding sensitive information on the screen.
    2. The updated version of Privacy Display, showcased at MWC, allows users to conceal a larger portion of the display while keeping some content visible.
    3. The new Privacy Display enhancement will only be available in future devices and will not be added to the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
    4. The Galaxy S27 Ultra is expected to feature the upgraded Privacy Display along with potential advancements in battery technology and camera capabilities.
    5. Samsung plans to transition to Exynos processors for all Galaxy devices, with the Galaxy S27 series likely being the first to use more in-house chips.

    Samsung has unveiled a fresh feature named Privacy Display with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which stands out as the main highlight of their new flagship. This innovative function lets users conceal their screen or sensitive details from prying eyes, utilizing a blend of hardware and software. Just weeks after its debut, the company has already revealed a version two of Privacy Display at MWC.

    Improved Privacy Features

    At the event, Android Authority caught a glimpse of the enhanced Privacy Display on what appear to be Samsung prototypes resembling the Galaxy S26 Ultra. This latest iteration of the feature allows for a greater portion of the display to be obscured. While users can still hide the entire screen along with sensitive data like passwords and notifications, the new functionality permits a significant section of the screen to be concealed while the rest remains visible.

    Device Specifications

    Images released by the publication show two devices, one with half of the screen hidden and the other with just under a third obscured. Unfortunately, Samsung has indicated to Android Authority that this enhancement will only be available in new devices, meaning it won’t be available for the Galaxy S26 Ultra due to the need for new hardware.

    Future Upgrades

    Despite this, one executive hinted that the Galaxy S27 Ultra might feature this upgraded Privacy Display. If this turns out to be accurate, the Galaxy S27 Ultra is poised to be a significant advancement in the largely stagnant Galaxy S lineup. Recently, reports indicated that Samsung is looking into silicon carbon batteries, which could be part of the Galaxy S27 series. It’s also been mentioned that substantial camera improvements are expected with the Galaxy S27 Ultra.

    Moreover, another report suggested that Moon Sung-hoon, Samsung Electronics’ Vice President of Hardware, stated that the company is moving towards Exynos processors for all its Galaxy devices. While there isn’t a specific timeline for this transition, it’s likely that the Galaxy S27 series will see a higher number of phones utilizing the in-house chip.

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  • Galaxy S26 Ultra Privacy Display: Brightness Concerns Addressed

    Galaxy S26 Ultra Privacy Display: Brightness Concerns Addressed

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces a “Privacy Display” that obscures the screen from side views, but some users are concerned about its impact on display quality.
    2. Hardware changes for the Privacy Display have altered the anti-reflective coating, leading to mixed reviews on brightness and text clarity compared to the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
    3. Independent reviews are necessary to fully assess the Galaxy S26 Ultra, as user experiences alone may not provide a complete picture.
    4. Side-by-side comparisons show the Galaxy S26 Ultra may scatter light differently than the S25 Ultra, making it difficult to determine which has a better anti-reflective performance.
    5. Initial observations suggest that the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s brightness may appear better than the S25 Ultra, despite both having the same peak brightness of 2,600 nits.

    Samsung made a big reveal yesterday with the Galaxy S26 Ultra. This new phone has only a few hardware upgrades compared to the Galaxy S25 Ultra, but it introduces a unique “Privacy Display” that obscures the screen when viewed from the sides. Some users, however, are worried that this new feature may have negatively impacted the 6.9-inch AMOLED display, making it less impressive than its predecessor.

    Display Adjustments

    Because the Privacy Display is a hardware enhancement rather than a software add-on, Samsung has had to adjust various display characteristics. This means that the anti-reflective coating on the Galaxy S26 Ultra differs from that of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and some users are saying it’s not as good. The brightness levels and text clarity also appear to have been affected, with some reports suggesting that the Privacy Display has led to a decline in both areas.

    Need for Independent Reviews

    While we can’t solely rely on user experiences, and we need to conduct our own review of the Galaxy S26 Ultra, it seems that the Privacy Display does alter the anti-reflective features a bit. Nonetheless, this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a straight downgrade; the anti-reflective coating on the Galaxy S26 Ultra operates differently than it does on the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

    Side-by-Side Comparisons

    Tech reviewer Daniel Scuteri demonstrates this on X by placing both the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Galaxy S26 Ultra next to each other under direct light. The anti-reflective coating on the Galaxy S26 Ultra seems to scatter light in a different way than the Galaxy S25 Ultra. It’s tough to determine definitively from just the photos which one performs worse, but the Galaxy S26 Ultra doesn’t appear to be at a disadvantage in this aspect.

    As for brightness, Daniel Scuteri’s comparison suggests that the Galaxy S26 Ultra looks brighter than the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Both phones officially have the same peak brightness of 2,600 nits. Therefore, the noticeable difference could be due to the Adaptive Brightness feature of the Galaxy S25 Ultra not functioning properly.

    In summary, based on these early observations, the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s Privacy Display doesn’t seem to reduce the effectiveness of the anti-reflective coating or brightness levels. However, we still need to test the Galaxy S26 Ultra ourselves to provide a more conclusive opinion.

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  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Launches with Unique Privacy Display

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Launches with Unique Privacy Display

    Key Takeaways

    1. Integrated Privacy Display: The Galaxy S26 Ultra features a world-first Privacy Display that reduces side visibility while maintaining front clarity, adjustable for specific apps.

    2. Performance Enhancements: Powered by the overclocked Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, the S26 Ultra includes a vapor chamber for better thermal management and supports Super Fast Charging 3.0.

    3. Advanced Camera System: The device has a versatile camera setup with improved low-light capabilities thanks to wider apertures, AI enhancements, and new stabilization features for video.

    4. Software Commitment: Samsung promises seven years of software and security updates, along with integration of Galaxy AI, Google Gemini, and Bixby for improved user experience.

    5. Pricing and Availability: Pre-orders start at €1,449 in the EU, with a retail launch expected on March 11, 2026.

    Samsung has officially introduced the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which is being called the “first in the world” smartphone featuring an integrated Privacy Display. This isn’t just an added layer on the screen; it’s a hardware-level innovation that manages pixel-level light dispersion to reduce visibility from the sides.

    Enhanced Viewing Experience

    While the side views are limited, Samsung assures that the clarity from the front remains unaffected. Users have the option to adjust this feature to activate when they’re using specific apps or handling sensitive information. Although it’s a Samsung exclusive for now, reports indicate that Chinese manufacturers are also looking into similar technology.

    Performance Upgrades

    This device isn’t just about new privacy features; it also sees significant upgrades compared to the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The flagship is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, which is an overclocked variant of the standard SoC. Samsung claims it’s tailored to enhance performance.

    To keep everything running smoothly, the Galaxy S26 Ultra includes a vapor chamber along with extra thermal materials. Although the battery remains the same, it supports Super Fast Charging 3.0, allowing users to charge the battery from 0% to 75% in just 30 minutes when using a fast charger (the 160W Anker Prime charger is currently priced at $105.99 on Amazon).

    Camera Innovations

    On the camera side, the S26 Ultra boasts a 50MP ultrawide lens with an f/1.9 aperture, a 200MP main camera with OIS and an f/1.4 aperture, a 50MP OIS telephoto lens with 5x zoom and an f/2.9 aperture, and a 10MP telephoto lens offering 3x zoom with an f/2.4 aperture. While this setup may look similar to its predecessor, the wider apertures on three of the sensors should improve low-light photography capabilities.

    There’s also a new AI ISP designed to enhance both rear and selfie images, and the Super Steady video feature now includes a horizontal lock option for improved stabilization.

    Software and Availability

    Galaxy AI continues to be a core part of the system, and with the addition of Google Gemini, the Galaxy S26 Ultra also incorporates Perplexity and Bixby. On the software front, Samsung is maintaining its commitment to seven years of software and security updates.

    Pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra have begun, with a starting price of €1,449 in the EU. The retail launch is anticipated for March 11, 2026. For further insights, check out our first impressions video below.

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  • Xiaomi 18 Series to Feature Galaxy S26 Ultra’s Privacy Display

    Xiaomi 18 Series to Feature Galaxy S26 Ultra’s Privacy Display

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces a new Privacy Display feature, which may not have many other new features compared to its predecessor.
    2. The Privacy Display is currently being tested by various Chinese manufacturers and may debut in flagship devices later this year.
    3. The Xiaomi 18 series is expected to be one of the first to implement the Privacy Display technology in September.
    4. Other Chinese brands, like Oppo and Vivo, are likely to follow suit by introducing the feature in their upcoming models.
    5. The Privacy Display enhances user privacy and reduces the need for physical privacy screen protectors.

    The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra might not come with a lot of new features compared to the previous model, but early reviews highlight the introduction of a fresh Privacy Display option. This feature is expected to be quickly adopted by other manufacturers.

    New Feature in Testing

    According to information from Digital Chat Station, the Privacy Display feature is currently being evaluated by various Chinese manufacturers and is anticipated to be included in upcoming flagship devices later this year. Although the leaker hasn’t specified which brands will implement this hardware-based option, they suggest that new models featuring it could launch in September. This strongly points to the Xiaomi 18 series being among the first to use this new technology.

    Follow-Up by Other Brands

    It’s likely that other Chinese companies, like Oppo and Vivo, will introduce the feature in the months following Xiaomi’s release. While the Privacy Display may not be seen as a groundbreaking innovation by everyone, it serves as a useful quality-of-life improvement, making privacy screen protectors less necessary. It also gives users control over when they want their phone’s display to be hidden from onlookers.

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  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. S25 Ultra: Key Changes Explained

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. S25 Ultra: Key Changes Explained

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Samsung Galaxy S26 series, including the flagship S26 Ultra, is set to launch globally this week.
    2. The S26 Ultra features significant display advancements, including a new Privacy Display and an upgraded M14 10-bit panel.
    3. Camera improvements include larger apertures for better low-light performance and a wider lens for the selfie camera.
    4. The charging capabilities have been upgraded to 60 W wired charging and 25 W wireless charging.
    5. These enhancements mark the first major improvements in charging technology since 2019.

    The Samsung Galaxy S26 series is on the verge of launching. These premium smartphones are set to make their global appearance this week, with the Galaxy S26 Ultra at the forefront as the top-tier model. This device has already been featured in various hands-on previews prior to its official release, highlighting the key upgrades compared to last year’s version.

    Display Advancements

    According to leaked specifications for the S26 Ultra, this flagship phone will come with numerous display enhancements over the S25 Ultra. The standout feature is the new Privacy Display, which makes the Galaxy S26 Ultra nearly impossible to read from an angle, ensuring greater privacy while in public settings. The display is reportedly an M14 10-bit panel, a step up from the M13 used in the previous model, and it also boasts improved anti-reflective tech.

    Camera Improvements

    In terms of camera capabilities, the S26 Ultra doesn’t show a massive leap from its predecessor, but it still brings some valuable upgrades. This includes larger apertures on both the main and zoom lenses, enhancing its performance in low-light conditions. Additionally, the selfie camera has been upgraded with a wider lens, making it easier to capture group photos.

    Charging Enhancements

    As has been widely known for some time, the charging capabilities of the Galaxy S26 Ultra have seen improvements as well. This flagship device will support 60 W wired charging, marking Samsung’s first significant boost to its charging technology since the 45 W charging introduced with the Galaxy Note 10 Plus in 2019. Moreover, wireless charging will also receive an upgrade, increasing from 15 W to 25 W.

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  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Hands-On Video Showcases Display Upgrade

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Hands-On Video Showcases Display Upgrade

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has been showcased prematurely by a retailer in Dubai, ahead of its official reveal.
    2. A notable feature of the device is the “Privacy Display,” which narrows the viewing angle to enhance privacy.
    3. Users can activate the Privacy Display to prevent others from seeing sensitive information in public settings.
    4. This feature is particularly useful for tasks like sending private messages, sharing photos, or online banking.
    5. Exclusive colors for the Galaxy S26 Ultra will be available on Samsung’s official online store.

    Shortly after the initial hands-on images of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra surfaced on YouTube, a retailer in Dubai prematurely showcased the new Android device. Samsung is set to officially reveal its white flagship this Wednesday, but it seems it is already being sold unofficially. Hence, we can anticipate more reports and hands-on videos in the upcoming days.

    Privacy Display Feature

    An early user has uploaded a video that highlights what is likely the most intriguing new feature of the display, which has been mentioned in various leaks. Dubbed the Privacy Display, this function allows users to forgo privacy screen protectors, as the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s display has one built-in. Activating this feature in the settings causes the pixels in Samsung’s AMOLED panel to narrow the viewing angle significantly. While this is usually not beneficial, it can indeed be practical in public settings.

    Practical Use Cases

    This feature could be advantageous for individuals who are sending private messages or sharing photos, as well as those receiving sensitive data like passwords while using public transport or sitting next to colleagues at work. Users might also find the Privacy Display useful for online banking, as it greatly lowers the likelihood of someone seeing their current account balance. According to the video, the display noticeably dims from the sides, but it doesn’t become entirely black. Additionally, exclusive colors for the Galaxy S26 Ultra that will be available on Samsung’s official online store have also been revealed today.

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  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Features Overclocked Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Features Overclocked Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Galaxy S26 Ultra will feature a new Privacy Display, distinguishing it from last year’s model.
    2. The smartphone will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, offering improved performance and efficiency.
    3. The S26 Ultra achieves higher benchmark scores compared to other Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 devices, with a 7% advantage in multi-core scores.
    4. Single-core performance is competitive with high-end models like the Honor Magic8 Pro and Xiaomi 17 Ultra.
    5. The official launch event is scheduled for February 25, where the Galaxy S26 Ultra will be unveiled alongside the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and new Galaxy Buds.

    Samsung is on the verge of launching the Galaxy S26 Ultra worldwide in just a few days. Recent information suggests that one of the major enhancements of the Galaxy S26 Ultra will be its new Privacy Display, setting it apart from the previous year’s model. However, it seems that there won’t be any significant upgrades to the camera system for this new Ultra flagship.

    Performance Boosts with New Chipset

    The switch to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset designed for Galaxy will likely deliver noticeable improvements in both performance and efficiency. This special ‘for Galaxy’ version is set to have quicker Prime Cores compared to other Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 models, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 4.74 GHz, which is a 3% increase.

    Benchmarks and Comparisons

    As a result, the Galaxy S26 Ultra has already started to achieve benchmark scores that exceed those of many smartphones powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 that we have evaluated thus far. For example, the Galaxy S26 Ultra consistently scores around 7% higher in the Geekbench 6.5 multi-core benchmark compared to the OnePlus 15, which is currently priced at $899 on Amazon.

    The single-core performance is competitive with that of the Honor Magic8 Pro, Xiaomi 17 Ultra, and even the gaming-oriented RedMagic 11 Pro, as well as GPU performance in the OpenCL benchmark. Samsung plans to unveil the Galaxy S26 Ultra on February 25, alongside the more affordable Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus. Recent leaks also suggest that the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro will be featured at the event as well.

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  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Four Color Variants Revealed in Photos

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Four Color Variants Revealed in Photos

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra will be available in colors black, “Cobalt Violet,” white, and “Sky Blue.”
    2. A Russian retailer, Cifrus, displayed images of the Galaxy S26 Ultra, but some details in the white and blue versions may be inconsistent.
    3. The S Pen for the Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to come in four different colors, with possible exclusive options from Samsung’s online store.
    4. The official launch date for the Galaxy S26 Ultra is anticipated to be February 25, along with the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus.
    5. The Galaxy S26 Ultra will feature the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and a new “Privacy Display” feature to protect sensitive information.

    The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has been spotted in what seem to be official product images recently, showcasing the colors black and “Cobalt Violet.” Shortly after, a leaked promotional image also highlighted the flagship device in violet. Rumors suggest that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will also come in white and “Sky Blue.”

    Retailer Listings

    A Russian online store named Cifrus has briefly showcased the Galaxy S26 Ultra, providing pictures of the flagship in these two additional colors. However, there are small inconsistencies noted in the white and blue versions, such as the placement of the camera module and the Samsung logo’s corner radius. Hence, it is wise to approach these images with some caution.

    S Pen Colors

    Given that the S Pen was recently leaked in four different colors, it is likely that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will be offered in those shades too, although the actual colors may vary slightly from what is shown in the images. Additionally, there may be unique color options available exclusively through Samsung’s online store. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is priced at $1,049 on Amazon and was available in silver, light gray, dark gray, black, and light blue at common retailers. The company also provides options like “Titanium Pinkgold” and “Titanium Jadegreen” through its own platforms.

    Launch Date and Features

    The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is anticipated to be officially launched on February 25, alongside the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus. In addition to being upgraded to the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, this flagship device is expected to introduce a feature called Privacy Display, which will help keep sensitive information like messages or passwords hidden from prying eyes.

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