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Samsung’s Galaxy S26 launch underscores a premium pivot: modest hardware tweaks paired with higher prices and a much bigger AI pitch. The S26 and S26+ rise by $100 (starting $899 and $1,099), while the Ultra sits around $1,300, framed as Samsung’s first “agentic AI” phones. Samsung is also expanding Galaxy AI via Perplexity integration (including “Hey Plex” and a dedicated helper button) and refining practical features like improved thermals, easier NFC payments, and broader satellite connectivity through carrier partners. Meanwhile, Samsung appears to be dialing back costly experiments, winding down the $2,899 TriFold after just months.
Samsung has reportedly discontinued the Galaxy Z TriFold just three months after its launch amid poor sales and market reception. The TriFold, a bold attempt at a triple-folding smartphone, faced criticism for its bulky design, high price, and limited practical demand compared with simpler foldables. Samsung’s move underscores the risk of experimental form factors in a conservative smartphone market and suggests the company will refocus on more conventional foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold and Flip lines. For consumers and competitors, the cancellation signals limits to foldable innovation and may slow investment in complex folding mechanisms across the industry.
Mike Sorrentino / CNET : Samsung rolls out Apple AirDrop support to Quick Share, starting with the Galaxy S26 series in South Korea, and plans to expand to more devices and regions — AirDrop support will start with the Galaxy S26 this week and is planned for more Galaxy devices later.
The device is being developed by the company's Devices and Services division, and it would feature personalized features aimed at making it easier to use Amazon's suite of apps, including Amazon shopping, Prime Video, and Prime Music, according to Reuters.
Greg Bensinger / Reuters : Sources: Amazon's ZeroOne team is developing “Transformer”, a phone that syncs up with Alexa; it would be Amazon's first smartphone since its 2014 Fire Phone — In 2014, Amazon (AMZN.O) introduced its first smartphone, hoping to take on Apple and Samsung.
Reuters : Filing: Samsung says it plans to spend ~$73.3B on capital expenditure and research in 2026, up from ~$60B in 2025, and pay ~$6.5B in regular dividends — Samsung Electronics (005930.KS) said on Thursday that it plans to invest more than 110 trillion won ($73.24 billion) …
Samsung is discontinuing the Galaxy Z TriFold just three months after launch, according to Bloomberg, and will stop selling it once remaining inventory is gone. The tri-fold device debuted in South Korea on December 12 and reached the US in January priced at $2,899. Built around Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite with 16GB RAM and up to 1TB storage, it unfolded into a 10-inch 2160x1584 display via two hinges. Analysts told The Register the product largely achieved its goal as a proof of concept and marketing “halo” device, but its high price, lack of carrier subsidies, and limited mainstream demand constrained sales. Omdia also cited margin pressure from rising memory and storage costs as a potential factor.
Samsung to Stop Selling $2,899 TriFold Phone After Three Months
Yoolim Lee / Bloomberg : Samsung says it is considering a shift toward multi-year contracts for memory chips that may help stabilize supply and ease concerns about a shortage — Samsung Electronics Co. is considering a shift toward multi-year contracts for memory chips, a much longer timeframe than is typical …
Samsung is discontinuing the Galaxy Z TriFold just three months after its December 2025 debut in South Korea and a January 2026 U.S. rollout. The $2,899 device, an engineering showcase with two hinges that expands to a 10-inch tablet, will be removed from Samsung’s home market first and will vanish from other regions as existing inventory sells out. Samsung gave no official reason for ending sales; Bloomberg and market signals suggest the phone was more of a limited-run demo than a mainstream product—despite strong demand and secondary-market markups. The move signals Samsung is retreating from experimental, high-cost foldable form factors while it focuses on more practical consumer models.
Bloomberg : Samsung says it is winding down sales of its $2,899 Galaxy Z TriFold in South Korea and the US once it clears inventory, after just three months on the market — Samsung Electronics Co. is winding down sales of its Galaxy Z TriFold smartphone after roughly three months on the market …
Samsung has retracted earlier claims that the Galaxy S26 series features 10‑bit color depth displays. A Samsung spokesperson told Sammobile that the S26 Ultra and other S26 models use 8‑bit panels, and Samsung China’s specs list 16.7 million colors consistent with 8‑bit. While 10‑bit screens can render about 1.07 billion colors and reduce banding, a YouTuber’s hands‑on comparison showed the S26 Ultra exhibiting less color banding than the S25 Ultra, prompting speculation Samsung may be using FRC (8‑bit + frame rate control) to simulate 10‑bit output. The clarification matters for display quality expectations and marketing accuracy.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra smartphone has been confirmed to lack support for the native Android Linux terminal, according to a report from Android Authority. This limitation arises because the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip, used in the S26 Ultra, does not support the required 'unprotected virtual machine' feature. In contrast, the Galaxy S26 and S26+ models, which utilize Samsung's Exynos 2600 chip, can run the Linux terminal without issues. This distinction highlights the varying capabilities of different chipsets in the same product line, impacting user experience and functionality.
A tech enthusiast shares their experience using a water-damaged Google Pixel 4a, highlighting Android's accessibility features that allow continued use despite hardware issues. The article discusses alternative zoom gestures, such as one-finger zoom, which are beneficial for users with motor impairments or damaged touchscreens. This exploration of Android's accessibility tools emphasizes the importance of software solutions in extending the life of devices and promoting sustainability in tech. The insights provided are applicable to any device running Android 13 or newer, making it relevant for developers and users alike.
Apple has officially launched the iPhone 17e, expanding its smartphone lineup with new features aimed at enhancing user experience. This latest model includes upgraded camera capabilities, improved battery life, and a more powerful A17 chip, which promises better performance and efficiency. The introduction of the iPhone 17e is significant as it reflects Apple's ongoing commitment to innovation in the consumer electronics market, particularly in the highly competitive smartphone sector. Analysts suggest that these enhancements could help Apple maintain its market leadership amidst increasing competition from other tech companies.
Samsung has announced that its Samsung Wallet app will support the Aliro smart access standard, compatible with NFC and UWB technologies, during the MWC 2026 event. This update will allow users to unlock smart locks from brands like Aqara, Nuki, Schlage, and Xthings. The Aliro standard, developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), aims to create a unified and secure framework for smart locks. Additionally, digital keys within Samsung Wallet will be protected by the Knox chip, meeting the highest EAL6+ security standards. This move highlights Samsung's commitment to enhancing smart home security and interoperability.
iQOO has announced the upcoming release of its Z11x smartphone, set for March 12, featuring the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Turbo chip. The device targets the mid-range market, boasting an AnTuTu score exceeding 1 million. It will include a 6.8-inch 1080P IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 7000mAh battery with 45W fast charging, and a camera system comprising a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 32MP front camera. The Z11x will run on OriginOS 6, based on Android 16, and is expected to be priced below 25,000 Indian Rupees (approximately 1,897 CNY). This launch highlights iQOO's strategy to compete in the mid-range smartphone segment.
A recent discussion on Hacker News highlights the challenges users face when setting up Android phones compared to iPhones. Users express frustration over the complexity and time-consuming nature of the Android setup process, particularly with various manufacturers like Samsung adding unnecessary steps. In contrast, Apple devices are praised for their straightforward setup, allowing users to quickly restore from backups. This conversation underscores the ongoing debate about user experience in mobile operating systems and the trade-offs between customization and ease of use. As smartphone adoption continues to grow, these issues remain critical for both consumers and manufacturers.
Samsung has launched its Galaxy S26 Ultra smartphone with significant discounts during its debut. The device, featuring advanced hardware including a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and a 200MP camera, is priced starting at 9,999 yuan for the 256GB model. Initial promotions include a government subsidy of 500 yuan and additional discounts totaling 1,300 yuan, making the effective price for the 512GB version as low as 10,149 yuan. The phone also introduces a privacy screen feature and supports AI functionalities, enhancing user experience. This launch highlights Samsung's competitive strategy in the premium smartphone market amidst rising consumer expectations.
Samsung has enhanced its Galaxy S26 series smartphones with a new NFC antenna located at the top of the devices, improving the convenience of contactless payments. This upgrade applies to the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra models, allowing users to complete transactions by simply bringing the device close to payment terminals. Previously, NFC antennas were only located on the back of the phones. Additionally, there are rumors that the new series may support Quick Share, enabling file transfers between compatible devices through touch. This innovation reflects Samsung's commitment to enhancing user experience in mobile payments and interactions.
Global smartphone sales are projected to decline by 13% this year, primarily due to a significant memory chip shortage affecting production. Major manufacturers, including Apple and Samsung, are grappling with supply chain disruptions that have led to increased costs and reduced availability of devices. This downturn in sales is significant as it reflects broader challenges in the tech industry, particularly in hardware production. The memory crunch not only impacts smartphone sales but also raises concerns about the overall health of the consumer electronics market, potentially affecting future innovations and market dynamics.
Samsung Electronics has announced an expansion of its satellite communication capabilities for its Galaxy smartphones, including the upcoming Galaxy S26 series, through partnerships with major telecom operators in North America, Europe, and Japan. This initiative aims to enhance reliable communication for users during critical moments, leveraging Samsung's long-standing expertise in wireless technology. Since 2025, Samsung has integrated satellite communication features in select Galaxy flagship and A series models, collaborating with T-Mobile and Starlink in the U.S., Virgin Media O2 in Europe, and KDDI in Japan. The move signifies a growing trend in mobile communication, emphasizing the importance of satellite connectivity in modern smartphones.
Samsung has confirmed that its Galaxy S26 series smartphones, including the S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra, are equipped with 10-bit displays, despite the company's website incorrectly listing them as 8-bit. This discrepancy sparked discussions among users, as 8-bit displays can show approximately 16 million colors, while 10-bit displays can represent over 1 billion colors, offering improved color accuracy and reduced banding. Following inquiries, Samsung clarified the specifications to multiple media outlets. A YouTube review further validated the 10-bit capability by demonstrating superior color performance in the S26 Ultra compared to its predecessor, the S25 Ultra. This incident highlights the importance of accurate product specifications in the tech industry.
Samsung's head of mobile business development, Won-Joon Choi, explained that the new Galaxy S26 series smartphones do not include native magnetic attachment functionality due to concerns about increased thickness and reduced battery capacity. Choi noted that around 80-90% of users utilize phone cases, which are increasingly popular with magnetic features. Instead of integrating magnets into the phones, Samsung plans to offer magnetic cases separately. However, Choi mentioned that the company is researching the possibility of integrating this feature in future models if it can be done without compromising the device's design and battery life.
Everything Samsung revealed at its Galaxy Unpacked event
Samsung has unveiled its Galaxy S26 series, featuring the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra, which are touted as the first 'Agentic AI phones.' Despite minimal cosmetic changes and limited hardware upgrades, the prices have increased by $100 for the two lower models, with the Ultra priced at $1,300. The devices are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, promising enhanced performance and AI capabilities. Notably, Samsung has introduced a larger vapor chamber for better thermal management and improved battery efficiency, with the base model's capacity increased to 4,300 mAh. This launch reinforces Samsung's dominance in the Android market and highlights the growing integration of AI in consumer electronics.
Patrick Holland / CNET: Samsung announces the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus, featuring a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset, starting at $899 and $1099, respectively, a $100 hike — Amid the Greco-Roman grandeur of the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, Samsung announced the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus and S26 Ultra at its Galaxy Unpacked event on Wednesday.
John Higgins / The Verge: Samsung launches the $179 Galaxy Buds 4 and $249 Buds 4 Pro, keeping the AirPods-esque design, with better battery life and noise canceling, available March 11 — Same AirPods-esque design as the Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro, now with improved battery life and better noise canceling.
The Verge: A live blog of Samsung Galaxy Unpacked February 2026, where the company is expected to announce the Galaxy S26 series — Samsung's announcing the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra. … We're here in San Francisco, where Samsung is set to unveil its new Galaxy S26 series phones and probably …
Cheyenne MacDonald / Engadget: Samsung will add Perplexity to Galaxy AI on the upcoming S26 series; users can launch the Perplexity agent by saying “Hey Plex” or with a physical helper button — The wakeup phrase will be, ‘Hey Plex.’ — Samsung's next flagship devices will offer Perplexity as part …