Samsung has officially launched its new flagship smartphone line, the Galaxy S26, focusing on advanced artificial intelligence integration and innovative hardware solutions. Alongside the phones, the Galaxy Buds 4 headphones debuted, and Google presented the Nano Banana 2 model. Despite technological progress, the industry is grappling with a RAM component price crisis, which directly translates to higher device costs for consumers.
Privacy-Protecting Screen
Implementation of new display technology in the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which blocks content visibility for people viewing from the side.
RAM Memory Price Crisis
Global component shortages forced manufacturers to raise prices of flagship smartphone models in 2026.
New AI OS
Samsung's collaboration with Google on a new AI-based operating system, intended to compete with Apple's solutions.
The launch of the latest generation Samsung Galaxy S26 smartphones dominated the technology market in February 2026. The South Korean giant presented its flagship series, including the Ultra model, which stands out with unique solutions in privacy and photography. One of the most discussed innovations is the "magic display," using advanced privacy protection technology that prevents bystanders from viewing screen content from an angle. In the video area, the manufacturer introduced the Super Steady Horizontal Lock system, offering stabilization comparable to professional gimbals, allowing full device rotations without losing image smoothness. Since 2010, when the first Galaxy S series model debuted, Samsung has consistently competed with Apple for the title of innovation leader in the premium segment, introducing breakthrough solutions in OLED displays and mobile photography. The price increase of new devices has become the subject of broad discussion. Manufacturer representatives confirmed that higher final prices result from the global crisis in the RAM memory market and rising raw material costs. In response to this challenge, Samsung announced an ambitious plan to create a new artificial intelligence-based operating system, developed in cooperation with Google, which is ultimately intended to challenge the Apple ecosystem. Simultaneously, Google presented Nano Banana 2 — a new generation of its vision AI model, characterized by significantly faster data processing and better understanding of visual context. „You can blame RAM — and other materials — for the Galaxy S26's higher pricetag” — Samsung Representative Alongside the premium segment, the first details regarding the popular Galaxy A series were revealed, specifically the A37 and A57 models, which are set to receive larger battery cells. Concurrently, the accessories market saw the arrival of the Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro headphones, offering improved noise cancellation. Despite enthusiasm around the new products, analysts warn of a potential sales decline across the entire smartphone market, driven by inflation and saturation with technological novelties, which for some users are becoming merely insignificant additions.