Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Debuts Amid Global Smartphone Price Surge

The launch of the latest generation of Samsung's flagship series, the Galaxy S26, marks a turning point in the corporation's mobile strategy. The most significant innovation is the confirmation of work on a new operating system, developed jointly with Google, which is intended to eventually replace traditional Android with a solution based on proactive artificial intelligence. This system aims to redefine interaction with the phone by offering an assistant that anticipates user needs, allowing Samsung to compete more effectively with upcoming innovations from Apple. Concurrently, competitive solutions are appearing on the market, such as a Realme model equipped with a record-breaking 10001 mAh battery cell, intensifying the battle for battery life on a single charge. On the hardware front, Samsung, after nearly a decade, has decided to take a significant step in power technology. The new Galaxy S26 models will receive batteries with increased energy density, translating to longer battery life without increasing the device's size. The manufacturer also explained the lack of built-in magnets for the Qi2 standard, arguing this is due to a focus on S Pen stylus precision and a desire to maintain backward compatibility with existing accessories. However, users can look forward to a new "Privacy Display" feature, which uses advanced polarizing filters to prevent bystanders from reading screen content from an angle. Since the launch of the first Galaxy S in 2010, Samsung has consistently built an ecosystem intended to be a direct alternative to Apple's closed environment, leading to the current dominance of these two brands in the premium segment.Despite technological optimism, the market is grappling with a growing price crisis. A report from IDC raises concerns, indicating that the costs of RAM and AI components are forcing manufacturers to implement drastic price hikes. This situation affects not only Samsung but also Apple, which according to reports will pay significantly more for components than in previous years. Experts explicitly state that the era of cheap smartphones is over, and flagship prices will continue to break new records, which could lead to a global decline in consumer electronics sales. „The tariffs and pandemic crisis seem a joke compared to this: Cheap phones could be gone forever thanks to the RAM crisis.” — IDC Analysis In response to rising prices, Samsung has prepared aggressive pre-sale campaigns, including bundles with Galaxy Buds4 headphones and special device trade-in programs. The Polish launch includes all series variants, including the top-tier Ultra model, which has been dubbed a performance "beast" by early reviewers. Simultaneously, against the backdrop of Samsung's innovations, controversies are emerging with other manufacturers, such as Hisense, which is introducing ads displayed during channel changes in its new televisions.

Perspektywy mediów: Liberal and technology media emphasize the innovativeness of the AI OS system as an opportunity to break the systemic duopoly. Conservative and financial media focus on the negative effects of technological inflation and the increasing barrier to entry for less affluent consumers.