Samsung just launched its Galaxy S26 series in Kenya, jumping into the premium smartphone race with a big focus on AI. You’ve got three options this time Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra. Samsung’s promising smarter automation, better cameras, and tougher privacy features compared to last year’s lineup.
What’s interesting here is the shift. It’s not just about faster chips or sharper screens anymore. Now, it’s about how the phone’s software, especially AI, makes your daily life smoother. At the launch, Evelyn Munene, who heads Product and Marketing for Samsung East Africa, said the goal is to keep things simple for everyday users. Her take: “We want AI to work quietly in the background so people can focus on what they want to do, not how the technology works.”
One cool addition is the S26 Ultra’s built-in privacy display. Basically, if you’re working on a bus or in a busy café, it helps keep your screen safe from prying eyes. It’s a smart move, especially with everyone glued to their phones in public these days.
On the inside, Samsung worked with Qualcomm to build a custom processor. The company says it can handle heavy-duty stuff gaming, video recording, multitasking without getting too hot. And if you’re in a rush, the Ultra model charges up to 75% in about half an hour, thanks to fast charging.
Cameras are still front and center. Samsung says you’ll get sharper low-light shots, steadier video, and handy AI tools that let you tweak photos just by typing what you want. Like, you can remove something from a picture or fix the lighting without needing to be a photo editing pro.
They’ve also beefed up voice assistants. Bixby now works alongside other AI services, so you can look up stuff or manage your schedule just by talking to your phone. Security’s stronger too; there are new features to spot dodgy apps and protect your private data.
You can already pre-order the Galaxy S26 Series in Kenya from Samsung stores and official retailers. Prices depend on storage, but the top-end S26 Ultra is going for over Ksh190,000, definitely on the high end.
All this arrives as phone makers rush to pack more AI into their devices, hoping the new features will convince people to upgrade, even as prices keep climbing.
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