Everything Samsung announced at Unpacked this week: Galaxy S26 Ultra, Privacy Display, Buds 4 Pro
From Galaxy S26 phones with creative features to new earbuds and agentic AI, here's everything unveiled at Samsung Unpacked 2026.
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Smartphones
Everything Samsung announced at Unpacked this week: Galaxy S26 Ultra, Privacy Display, Buds 4 Pro
From Galaxy S26 phones with creative features to new earbuds and agentic AI, here's everything unveiled at Samsung Unpacked 2026.
[nina-raemont-headshot]
Written by
Kerry Wan, Editor in Chief
Editor in Chief
and
Nina Raemont, Editor, Wearables & Health Tech
Editor, Wearables & Health Tech
Feb. 28, 2026 at 2:59 a.m. PT
Reviewed by
Radhika Rajkumar
[Prakhar Khanna holding the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.]
Kerry Wan/ZDNET*
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Samsung's first Unpacked event of the year is in the rearview mirror, with the company launching new Galaxy S26 phones, the Galaxy Buds 4 series, and more earlier this week.
Also: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. S26 Plus vs. S26: I compared the key differences
ZDNET has been reporting from the ground in San Francisco -- and remotely, around the clock -- to get you the latest information on Samsung Unpacked 2026. Here are the latest updates, now that the dust has settled.
How to (re)watch Samsung Unpacked 2026
For those tuning in virtually, Samsung livestreamed the event on Samsung Newsroom, Samsung.com, or Samsung's YouTube channel, with on-demand replays available now. ZDNET's sibling site, CNET, also broadcasted the event, featuring live reactions and commentary from editors and analysts.
Every product announced at Samsung Unpacked 2026
The Samsung Galaxy S26 lineup was the headlining act, featuring larger displays with thinner bezels and the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, with the Ultra model, in particular, introducing 60W charging and a specialized Privacy Display. Accompanying the phones are the Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro, with support for ultra-wideband and gesture controls, alongside OneUI 8.5, which will offer refined notification and Bixby interactions.
Here's a rundown of ZDNET's Unpacked coverage, now that we've gone hands-on with all the products.
Comparisons
- Every Galaxy S26 model compared
- Galaxy S26 Ultra hands-on: I need Privacy Display on my iPhone ASAP
- Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. Pixel 10 Pro XL
- Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max
Preorder deals
- How to preorder the Galaxy S26 series - and where to find the best deals
- AT&T Galaxy S26 deals
- T-Mobile Galaxy S26 deals
- Verizon Galaxy S26 deals
- Amazon Galaxy S26 deals
- Best Buy Galaxy S26 deals
- Best Galaxy S26 cases
More commentary
- This Galaxy S26 privacy feature stole the show for me at Unpacked - how it works
- 5 phones you should buy instead of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Latest updates
How to preorder the Samsung Galaxy S26
[T-Mobile logo at MWC 2025]
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
By Kerry Wan, Editor in Chief / Feb. 26 at 7:00 a.m. ET
Now that the dust has settled, are you preordering the Samsung Galaxy S26? If so, which model? No matter if you go big or small, there's likely a quality preorder deal available through your local carrier or retailer. This year, Samsung has partnered with Amazon and Best Buy to offer preorder deals, too, which bundle free gift cards and further discounts.
Also: How to preorder the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (and other models) - plus the best deals
If you're going tried-and-true and buying directly from a carrier, make sure to read the fine print to understand the qualifications for that "free" or "$1,000 off" phone. So long as you trade in a qualifying device, agree to the installment plan, and are a part of an eligible data service, you should be fine.
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Unboxing the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
[Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra unboxing]
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
By Kerry Wan, Editor in Chief / Feb. 25 at 8:30 p.m. ET
While I couldn't travel to San Francisco for Unpacked this year, Samsung graciously delivered my review unit ahead of my flight out for Mobile World Congress tomorrow, so here it is -- box fresh.
No surprises: as you can see, it's minimal packaging with only a charging cable, user manuals, and a SIM ejector tool included.
[...]