Samsung Galaxy S26 series: 26 AI features you should know about

I have been using the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra for the past few weeks, and while the hardware is polished and premium, it is the software that really stands out in day-to-day use. For starters, Samsung has added a bunch of AI features to this phone, and in this article, I am going to list the 26 best Galaxy AI features. The good thing is that most of them are not limited to the Ultra model. Whether you buy the standard Galaxy S26, the Plus, or the Ultra, you still get access to the same smart tools that aim to make everyday tasks easier. Since the Galaxy S26 lineup launched at Galaxy Unpacked on 25 February 2026, people have had plenty of questions. Which model should you buy? Is the Ultra worth the extra money? Are these AI tools genuinely useful or just plain gimmicks?

Also read: Samsung Galaxy S26 series: 26 most asked questions answered

I have spent time testing these in real situations to see what they are actually like to live with. Here are 26 Galaxy AI features that matter the most.

Communication and text

1. Chat translation

This works directly inside the Samsung keyboard. It translates incoming and outgoing messages in real time, so you can chat with someone on WhatsApp or Instagram in another language without switching apps.

2. Writing composer

Useful when you know what you want to say but cannot find the words. You type a short prompt, such as asking Galaxy AI to compose an email on a topic, and it turns it into a clear message that sounds natural.

3. Style and grammar

This does more than fix spelling mistakes. It checks the tone of your writing and helps make it sound more formal, more friendly, or more polished, depending on who you are speaking to.

Also read: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review: King of the hill

4. Live translate

If you are on a phone call with someone who speaks another language, this translates both sides of the conversation as you speak. It feels strange at first, but it can be genuinely helpful.

5. Interpreter (conversation mode)

The phone screen splits into two sides so both people can read translations clearly. You speak, they read it in their language, then reply the same way.

6. Interpreter (listening mode)

Ideal for lectures, speeches, or presentations. Leave the phone nearby, and it listens, then turns spoken words into live translated text on the screen.

7. Call screening

When an unknown number calls, AI can answer first and ask who is calling. You see a live transcript and can decide whether to pick up or ignore it.

8. Notification highlights

Instead of scrolling through hundreds of unread messages, this gives you a quick summary of the important updates from busy chats.

9. Real-time call transcription

This creates a written record of your phone call while it happens. Handy for work calls or important conversations where you may need to check details later.

Also read: Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus review: Reliable, polished and easy to live with

Search and awareness

10. Multi-object Circle to Search

Circle several items in a photo or video at once, and the phone identifies them together. For example, it can recognise a lamp, chair, and rug in the same room.

11. Now nudge (conflict detection)

This checks your messages and calendar together. If you agree to meet someone at a time when you already have another booking, it warns you.

12. Now nudge (media suggest)

Mention an old holiday or birthday in a conversation, and the phone can suggest matching photos from your gallery to share instantly.

13. Ask AI browser tool

When reading a long article in the Samsung Internet browser, you can highlight text and ask for a simpler explanation, more context, or a quick summary.

Also read: Samsung Galaxy S26 review: This phone is almost perfect… almost

Photo and video assist

14. Generative edit

One of the most entertaining features. You can move people, remove objects, or resize parts of a photo, and the AI fills in the background so it looks natural.

15. Creative studio

This is Samsung’s built-in image generator. Type something like ‘a cat wearing a space helmet,’ and it creates an original image for you.

16. Sketch to image

Draw a rough doodle on a photo, such as glasses or a hat, and the phone turns it into something realistic that blends into the picture.

17. Portrait studio

This changes selfies into different artistic styles, including cartoon, painting, or sketch effects. Great if you want a different profile picture.

18. Instant slow-mo

You can turn a normal video into slow motion after recording it. AI creates extra frames to make the motion look smoother.

19. Live effect

This adds subtle movement and depth to still photos, making them feel more dynamic and eye-catching.

20. AI ISP selfie processing

Samsung uses AI to process selfies more intelligently by recognising skin, hair, and eyes separately. The result looks cleaner without appearing overly filtered.

21. Virtual reflector

If a portrait photo looks too dark, you can add virtual lighting afterwards and adjust where the light falls on your face.

22. Horizon Lock AI

Useful while walking and recording video. Even if your hand moves or the phone tilts, the footage stays level and steadier.

Also read: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs S26 Plus vs S26: Which one should you actually buy?

Productivity and Security

23. Note assist (auto format)

This turns messy notes into something easier to read by adding headings, bullet points, and structure automatically.

24. Transcript assist

Record a meeting, and the phone can identify up to 10 different speakers, create a complete transcript, and give you a summary of the main points.

25. Privacy display (Galaxy S26 Ultra)

If someone nearby looks at your screen, the phone can blur sensitive information in notifications to protect your privacy.

26. AI document scan

This makes scanning paper documents much easier. It detects page edges, removes shadows, smooths out folds, and saves a cleaner-looking PDF.