Highlights
- Samsung will launch the Galaxy S26 series on February 25, 2026 with the S26 Ultra introducing a new “zero-peeking privacy” display feature.
- Early benchmarks show the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 variant outperforming the Exynos 2600, especially in single-core performance, though multi-core scores are close.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra may retain a 12MP Sony selfie camera, similar to past Ultra models.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Set for February 25 Launch. (Image credit – Samsung)
The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 series is all set to make its official debut on February 25. Ahead of the launch, early benchmark listings of the purported Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Ultra have surfaced online, highlighting performance differences between chipset variants.
At the same time, Samsung has teased a new “zero-peeking privacy” feature that is expected to debut with the premium model. That’s not all, we also have the latest tip on possible camera features of S26 Ultra. Here’s a roundup of all the new details surfacing about the upcoming Samsung flagship lineup.
Samsung Teases New “Zero-Peeking Privacy” Feature
Samsung teases Zero-peeking privacy feature. (Credit – Samsung)
Samsung Electronics has released a teaser video on YouTube showcasing what it calls the Privacy Display feature. The short clip depicts commuters on a metro train attempting to glance at a user’s Galaxy S26 series phone screen. The user then enables a “zero-peeking privacy” feature, which blocks visibility of the screen content from side angles.
The teaser ends with the tagline, “Can your phone do that?” and confirms the Galaxy S26 lineup launch date as February 25.
Samsung had previously hinted at the Privacy Display technology, which is designed to prevent shoulder surfing. The feature is expected to be one of the standout upgrades of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Functionally, the feature will operate similarly to privacy screen protectors or laptop privacy filters. The display will appear normal when viewed head-on, but from side angles, it will look blacked out. This could prove especially useful when accessing sensitive information such as PINs, OTPs, or personal data in crowded environments like buses or elevators.
Reports suggest that the Privacy Display may remain exclusive to the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Users are also expected to have customisation options, such as dimming notifications or restricting visibility for specific apps.
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 vs Exynos 2600 – Early Benchmark Comparison
As the launch approaches, fresh benchmark comparisons have surfaced via Greek outlet TechManiacs. The report compares the Snapdragon-powered Galaxy S26 Ultra with the Exynos-equipped standard Galaxy S26.
According to Geekbench listings, the Galaxy S26 Ultra powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 “for Galaxy” scored 3,724 in single-core and 11,237 in multi-core tests. These figures align closely with earlier benchmark leaks, particularly in single-core performance.
In contrast, the Galaxy S26 running on the Exynos 2600 achieved 3,197 in single-core and 11,012 in multi-core scores. The difference in single-core performance is especially noticeable.
Screenshots showing SoC details of the tested Galaxy S26 Ultra (right) and S26 (left). (Screenshot by TechManiacs)
It remains unclear whether the tested Galaxy S26 Ultra model featured 12GB or 16GB of RAM, as TechManiacs concealed certain hardware details in the listing. For reference, non-Ultra variants in the lineup are expected to offer up to 12GB of RAM.
The higher single-core score of the Snapdragon variant appears to be aided by an overclocked Prime core. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 “for Galaxy” has its Prime core clocked at 4.74GHz, slightly higher than the standard 4.61GHz version found in devices such as the OnePlus 15.
By comparison, the Exynos 2600’s ARM C1-Ultra core is clocked at 3.80GHz. While the Snapdragon chip leads in single-core performance, the multi-core difference is marginal, with the Snapdragon variant holding approximately a 2% advantage.
Despite trailing in single-core benchmarks, the Exynos 2600 may benefit from Samsung’s deca-core architecture and advanced 2nm GAA process, potentially improving performance under parallel workloads. However, as these are pre-release benchmarks, the results should be viewed cautiously.
Galaxy S26 Ultra May Retain 12MP Selfie Camera
In another development, well-known tipster Ice Universe has claimed that the Galaxy S26 Ultra could feature a 12-megapixel Sony front camera sensor. The reported specifications include a 1/3.2-inch sensor size, 1.12μm pixel size, f/2.2 aperture, and an 85-degree field of view.
It seems that I forgot to add information about the front camera of the Galaxy S26 Ultra. It is like this: 12MP , SONY, 1/3.2″ , 1.12um F2.2 85° https://t.co/w652u985XJ
— Ice Universe (@UniverseIce) February 16, 2026
If accurate, these details closely mirror the front camera hardware used in the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. This could disappoint users expecting a significant upgrade in selfie quality, low-light performance, or autofocus features in Samsung’s 2026 flagship.
Apart from this, previous reports have revealed that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will feature 60W fast charging. The model will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and sport a 6.89-inch 2K 120 Hz AMOLED LTPO display.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 series is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched smartphone launches of the year. Multiple details related to enhanced privacy tools, chipset competition between Snapdragon and Exynos variants, and camera upgrades have been teased or tipped so far. All eyes are now on February 25 for the official unveiling.
FAQs
Q1. When will the Samsung Galaxy S26 series launch?
Answer. The Galaxy S26 lineup is officially set to debut on February 25, 2026, with Samsung teasing new privacy and performance features.
Q2. What is the new Samsung “zero-peeking privacy” feature?
Answer. Exclusive to the Galaxy S26 Ultra, this Privacy Display blocks screen visibility from side angles, preventing shoulder surfing in crowded spaces.
Q3. How do the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and Exynos 2600 compare in benchmarks?
Answer. Early Geekbench results show the Snapdragon variant leading in single-core performance, while multi-core scores are close, with only a slight Snapdragon edge.