All articles tagged with #galaxy s26
T-Mobile is rolling out new promos: switchers can get the iPhone 17e for free with no trade-in, and a Galaxy S26 can be free with a line on the Experience More plan. Other offers include up to $1,100 off the iPhone 17 Pro with a trade-in, up to $900 off the Galaxy S26+ with trade-in, and up to $800 toward paying off an old device when switching.
Google's Gemini Intelligence requires flagship Android hardware—12GB RAM, AI Core and Gemini Nano v3+ support—plus six years of security updates and five years of Android OS upgrades; as a result, most Galaxy devices are excluded, with only the Galaxy S26 family currently meeting the requirements. Google says Gemini Intelligence will roll out later this year on Pixel and Galaxy devices, with folding phones and future Galaxy models likely to follow.
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 lineup (S26, S26+, S26 Ultra) started receiving the May 2026 security patch, a ~560MB update (build S94xBXXS2AZE2) that first landed in Europe after earlier Korea releases. Samsung is prioritizing One UI 9 (Android 17) development, with a beta program available in Germany and the UK (and others like the USA, Korea, India, Poland). To update, go to Settings > Software update > Download and install.
Samsung released a hotfix for the Galaxy S26 series One UI 9.0 beta to fix a mobile data connectivity issue on some carriers, currently rolling out in the US as a 523.48MB update (firmware version S94xU1UEU2ZZEG).
Samsung has released the first public beta of One UI 9.0 for the Galaxy S26, adding a more customizable Quick Panel, on-device Game Booster shortcuts, a redesigned precise location permission UI, and Samsung Notes updates—including the Tape feature for masking parts of notes and new pen styles with a Straighten Lines option.
Samsung’s One UI 9 beta for the Galaxy S26 lineup introduces a 12-item changelog: more customizable quick panel controls, DeX improvements (desktop previews and easier window moves), a new Tape feature in Samsung Notes, expanded Game Booster settings, location access transparency indicators, and a host of accessibility upgrades (Text Spotlight, Select to Speak, TalkBack updates) plus mouse/keyboard enhancements. The beta is rolling out to Galaxy S26/S26+/S26 Ultra, with the Ultra build roughly 3.6 GB.
Samsung’s Device Care app update to version 13.8.80.7 adds Intelligent Blocking to analyze push notifications and mute apps that flood users with ads; blocked apps can be unblocked in Device Care settings. The feature targets One UI 8.5 devices like the Galaxy S26 series, with older app versions available via sideloading and a gradual official rollout expected over the coming weeks.
Samsung has kicked off the One UI 9.0 beta rollout for the Galaxy S26 lineup (S26, S26+, S26 Ultra) in Germany, the UK, and the USA, with firmware S94xBXXU2ZZEF (~3.6GB) and the May 2026 security patch; a South Korea variant carries S94xNKSU2ZZEF. The update adds a more customizable Quick Panel, improved Samsung Notes, enhanced privacy/security options, and new accessibility features, with more countries likely to follow in the coming weeks. If you registered for the beta, check Settings > Software update to install; note that beta software can be buggy.
Samsung announces the One UI 9 beta for the Galaxy S26 series in select markets, built on Android 17 with new creativity tools (Samsung Notes, Creative Studio access), a redesigned Quick Panel, enhanced accessibility features (Mouse Key speed, TalkBack), Text Spotlight for easier reading, and strengthened security against high-risk apps; customers can apply via the Samsung Members app, with the full One UI 9 experience to roll out later this year on flagship devices.
Samsung has started creating One UI 9 Beta Program pages for the Galaxy S26 in Germany, India, Poland, South Korea, the UK and the USA, signaling a possible beta rollout by month’s end. An early One UI 9.0 build has been spotted on Samsung’s servers, and the update is expected to be based on Android 17, potentially bringing Android 17 features alongside Samsung’s tweaks. Samsung typically favors smaller 9.0 changes with broader features arriving via 9.x updates, while Google I/O 2026 is set to showcase Android 17’s design that could influence One UI 9.
Samsung has begun internal testing of One UI 9.0 for the Galaxy S26 lineup, with the first beta for the Galaxy S26 Ultra based on Android 17 (build S948BXXU2ZZE7) spotted on Samsung’s servers, even as One UI 8.5 remains in beta. Early builds are described as having few user‑facing changes, echoing a similar timing to last year, and Samsung is likely aiming to roll out the stable 8.5 update soon while continuing 9.0 testing.
Samsung is porting Galaxy AI features from the Galaxy S26 to older devices via One UI 8.5, including real-time video noise reduction with Advanced Audio Eraser, on-device Call Screening, Creative Studio, and a text-prompt-driven Photo Assist; rollout currently targets the Galaxy S25, S24, Z Fold 7, Z Fold 6, and Z Flip 6, with potential expansion to additional models later.
Samsung executives say the Galaxy S26 lineup adheres to a cohesive design language built on rounded corners (7R curvature) and vertically arranged triple rear cameras, preserving the Galaxy identity across premium and mid-range models; the Galaxy S26 Ultra drops the Note’s sharp corners, signaling a continued emphasis on consistency rather than outward redesign, while Samsung still avoids features like Qi2 magnetic wireless charging.
Notebookcheck’s Samsung Galaxy S26+ review finds a premium build and a bright 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display with long software updates, powered by the new Exynos 2600, but upgrades over the S25+ are modest and it trails rivals in areas like battery life and camera performance for its €1,249 price.
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 and Google’s Pixel 10 both pack 6.3-inch, 120Hz displays and IP68 durability, but the S26 nudges ahead with a lighter design, stronger processor, and larger base storage for $899, while the Pixel 10 undercuts by $100 with 128GB of base storage, gains a brighter outdoor display (3,000 nits) and a 5x telephoto, plus built-in magnets for accessories. Both run Android 16 with seven years of OS/security updates and offer contrasting software experiences (One UI vs Pixel UI). The choice comes down to storage needs and which software ecosystem you prefer.