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Galaxy S26 Ultra: All Galaxy AI features explained

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is packing some real AI smarts, but it’s up to you to get the most out of the package!

By Polina Kovalakova

Published: May 05, 2026, 10:59 AM

Samsung

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The Galaxy S26's Galaxy AI menu in Setting

It all starts here with Galaxy AI! | Image by PhoneArena

The Galaxy S26 Ultra comes with advanced AI features out of the box. Some are brand-new, while others are returning with improvements that could tempt you into wanting to use the phone more.

In case you’re worried that you may be missing out on the full Galaxy S26 Ultra experience, I’m here to help. I’ll guide you through each Galaxy AI[1] feature and give you tips on how to set them up on your own Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Productivity-focused AI features on the Galaxy S26 Ultra

Samsung has successfully integrated Galaxy AI[1] on a system level with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, offering improvements to familiar features and also brand-new ones for a streamlined productivity experience.

Live Translate

If you’d like to use Live Translate, this is where you’ll need to go. | Image by PhoneArena

Live Translate[2] is a an on-device feature that translates an ongoing call in real time — to either party or everyone involved.

Live Translate on the Galaxy S26 Ultra makes it straightforward to break down language barriers, whether it’d be in person or during a voice call. You can even pick from several voice types or create a new one that matches your own.

You can also get real-time transcripts of what the other person is saying directly on the screen as the conversation is going on and even choose to have Galaxy AI[1] read those aloud for you.

A quick guide to setting up Live Translate:

Open the phone app
Tap the three-dot menu at the upper-right corner and select Settings
Switch Live Translate on or off, depending on your needs
If necessary, download additional language packs
When making or taking a call, tap the Call Assist button
Select Live Translate
Transcripts appear right on the screen as the other person talks

Real-time Camera Translation

Real-time Camera Translation translates everything that the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s camera sees into a language you know.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra relies on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy to overlay translations directly in the camera viewfinder. The overlay even tries to show the result in the same font and style as the translated text.

How to use Real-time Translation:

Open the Camera app
Tap on the yellow T button in the lower-right corner
Point your camera at what you’d like to translate
You should see the magic happen in front of your eyes

Make sure you’ve downloaded the relevant language pack from the Galaxy AI[1] section within Settings to get the most out of this feature.

Universal Screen Translation

Universal Screen Translation allows you to translate anything on your screen on the spot, without needing to open another app or menu.

This is practically the new version of “Tap to Translate”. Thanks to an amped-up version of AI Select on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, you can circle any part of your screen with the S Pen — even while using third-party apps like Instagram — to get an instant translation.

This upgrade removes the hassle of having to go into a dedicated app to translate a snippet of text. That extra friction is gone: you can now translate almost anything you’re looking at on the spot — on your screen or in front of the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s viewfinder.

In order to set-up Universal Screen Translation:

Pull out the S Pen, open the flyout S Pen menu and tap on AI Select (or choose AI select from the edge panel)
Select the portion of the screen you want translated and tap on the “Translate” button

Or:

Go to the Advanced features in Settings, and select Side Button
Set the Double Press or Press and hold shortcut to “Live Translate”
Voilà! Now you’ll be able to use this feature without the S Pen

Interpreter

Now considerate of you and the party you are speaking with. | Image by PhoneArena

Interpreter[3] translates an ongoing live conversation in real time in a language known to either involved party.

Interpreter has gotten a few very considerate tweaks, which make it more intuitive to use, especially when speaking to someone else in person. For example, if you use split screen mode on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the upper half of the screen will rotate 180 degrees, so that whoever you’re speaking to can see it clearly.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra also features a Listening Mode, which is designed for continuous listening. It seems designed for situations like lectures or tours, as it provides a continuous flow of translated text, powered by Galaxy AI[1].

What’s new in the Interpreter feature on the Galaxy S26 Ultra:

Expansion to 22 languages
Much faster processing
Deep integration with the Galaxy Buds4

It is features like this that remove the “lost in translation” anxiety for good.

How to use Interpreter on the Galaxy S26 Ultra:

Open the Quick Settings menu
Tap the Interpreter icon
Adjust languages
Choose mode (Conversation mode or Listening mode)
Tap the microphone icon and speak in your language
An AI-powered translation pops up immediately for the other person

Now Brief

Don’t forget to tweak your Now Brief for the best results! | Image by PhoneArena

Now Brief[7] is a feature that curates and suggests content or actions based on your schedule, and behaviors.

You can add it as a widget on your home screen or check it out on the Edge Panel or the Now Bar on the smartphone’s lock screen.

Each morning, you will have a Morning Brief to view, which will give you things like the daily forecast or your Energy score, if you are using a Galaxy Watch for health monitoring.

Throughout the day from there on out you can add actions to your Calendar, Reminders or Map routes. At the end of each day, you’ll get an Evening Brief as a daily recap.

Now Brief debuted on the Galaxy S25 lineup. On the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the Galaxy AI[1]-powered feature becomes more proactive and personalized. It intelligently suggests reminders for important events, such as hotel reservations and airport travel updates.

With the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Now Brief provides updates based on personal context like your own events and plans. For the best results, you might want to focus on using Samsung’s variants of apps like Calendar or Messages.

It might also take some time for Now Brief to adjust to your schedule, so don’t be too quick to judge it isn’t meeting your expectations on the very next day.

What’s new in Now Brief on the Galaxy S26 Ultra:

Now Brief uses data from Personal Data Engine (PDE) to analyze data and user habits on-device
Spotify suggestions are enhanced with personal use data

How to enable and personalize Now Brief on the Galaxy S26 Ultra:

Open Settings
Select Galaxy AI[1]
Tap Now Brief and toggle it on.
In the Now Brief menu, locate the Content to Include button
Select relevant content you want to appear in Now Brief, such as events and tasks, travel, and finance

Screenshot Analyser

Some categories generated by the Analyser feature. | Image by PhoneArena

Screenshot Analyser is a feature that automatically sorts your screenshots in categories, so that you can find them more easily later on.

For those of us who love to take a lot of screenshots as memos, this can save a lot of time, as you’ll no longer need to manually move them to specific folders or mark them as favorites.

A must-know feature of Screenshot Analyser for first-time users:

“Go to source” feature — Screenshot Analyser guides users to the exact source of the screenshot they're viewing. It doesn't just work with webpages but also with messaging apps and even emails.

How to access your categorized screen captures:

Go to Gallery
Tap Collections
Find the category you need (coupons, social media, etc.)
Open the screen capture you need
To reach the source, tap “Go to source” found at the bottom of the screen
Galaxy AI[1] refers you to the specific webpage or app

Using Galaxy AI to edit photos on the Galaxy S26 Ultra

This image would be better without the figures in the background, right? We can take care of that! | Image by PhoneArena

Photo editing has always been important in the digital era. Sometimes it feels like only creative individuals know how to get the best results, but with the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Galaxy AI, you can easily achieve pro-grade results.

Generative Wallpapers

One of the wallpapers we generated on the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s Creative Studio. | Image by PhoneArena

Generative Wallpapers is an on device-feature that helps create high-res backgrounds from scratch via Creative Studio[5] by using text prompts.

This means that instead of scrolling for hours on end for the perfect background image, you can unleash your creativity and generate your own whenever you want.

There are some reasonable limitations at play — you won’t get any unexpectedly spicy results, for example — but you are allowed to use an impressive array of styles.

What’s new in Generative Wallpapers on the Galaxy S26 Ultra:

Aspect ratio now lets users choose different aspect ratios for their generated wallpapers
Natural language text prompts (up to 100 words) are now supported for background image generation
Sketch to Wallpaper functionality

For those who love to customize everything on their phone, this is a very fun option. If you’re struggling to find the right words to express what you want, you can even use the S Pen to draw a sketch, which can then be turned into a refined image.

AI has gotten pretty good with image generation — we all know that thanks to the numerous social media trends of late — but you have to admire how easy it has gotten. Just a few years ago, results like these wouldn’t have been possible on a PC, let alone on your phone.

How to set up a background with Generative Wallpapers:

Tap and hold a blank space on your home screen
Tap Wallpapers and style
Tap Change wallpapers
Either choose the Generative option within Create with AI, then pick a theme, add keywords, then tap Generate
Or go to Creative studio, tap Create wallpaper, and then use natural language or scribble on the screen to generate a new wallpaper

And by the way, you can use the same set of steps to create Stickers that you can use in your messages for extra style points.

Photo Assist

Without the figures in the background, the photo is much more focused and clean. | Images by Images by PhoneArena

Photo Assist[4] allows you to touch up your images with generative AI using text prompts.

Photo Assist[4] will let you give a more refined look to your photos by removing clutter or unwanted subjects or adding elements in.

Once you have a solid base to work with, you can keep adding more features or change the entire style of the result with a single tap.

For a practical test, look at the example below. It was effortless to check out how a dress would look in a different color.

This is how easy it is to change your clothing to plan outfits ahead of time. | Images by Image by PhoneArena

What’s new in Generative Photo Edit and Remove on the Galaxy S26 Ultra:

Natural language text prompts — This allows users to type edits using natural language. AI understands the request and analyzes pixels, making the edited photo look more natural.
Artistic Overlays — Galaxy S26 Ultra users can add AI “Styles” to specific parts of an image, leaving the rest as is.
Advanced Generative Removal — Objects don’t just get “erased” from the photo. Galaxy AI[1] intelligently restores the pixels and shadows, creating a lifelike result.

Have we seen photo editing like this before? Yes. Is it notable on the Galaxy S26 Ultra still? Yes!

Galaxy AI[1] is impressively aware, not only for understanding what you are trying to achieve while considering details like reflections, but also because it lets you decide how to get there: through text, voice or with the S Pen.

A quick-step guide to using Generative Photo Edit and Remove:

Take a photo
Click on the icon with the stars
To erase an object from your photo, tap on Erase and circle the object
To edit a photo, tap on 'Create'
Use a voice command or a text prompt to tell Galaxy AI[1] what you need to be changed
You can save the edited image, keep editing, or discard changes

Security at the forefront of the Galaxy S26 Ultra experience

The Security and privacy menu on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. | Image by PhoneArena

Security on smartphones needs to do two things: be hassle-free and reliable. The Galaxy S26 Ultra manages to deliver on both fronts. Some features require a bit of setup or the press of a button here and there, but overall the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s security suite works hard to create a sophisticated shield for its users.

Call Screening

Make sure to enable Call screening if you’d like to use it. | Image by PhoneArena

Call Screening allows the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s AI assistant to pick up instead of you so that you can decide if you’d actually want to join the conversation or not.

The assistant provides real-time transcripts of the conversation so you don’t miss out on any crucial context. While the call is ongoing, you can use Text call to direct the conversation with your own prompt or preset phrases. And, of course, you can join the call at any time.

This feature helps users regain control of their phone calls. Anyone who’s dealt with spam calls knows how frustrating it becomes to pick up after a while. But with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, AI makes sure only the truly important calls get to you.

What’s new in Call Screening on the Galaxy S26 Ultra:

Contextual Quick Replies — Galaxy AI[1] suggests contextual quick replies based on the conversation.
Auto Screen — Galaxy S26 Ultra users can enable an Auto Screen feature, which automatically screens unknown callers and suspected spam.

How to adjust Call Screening on the Galaxy S26 Ultra:

Open the phone app
Select the keypad and tap on the three dots in the upper-right corner, and tap Settings
Locate Call Screening under Call Assist
Toggle on/off, depending on your needs

Privacy Alerts

Privacy Alerts monitors your activity in the background and alerts you to suspicious activity as soon as possible.

Privacy Alerts act as the Galaxy S26 Ultra's active "watchdog," which protects users from digital threats. The feature relies on complex machine learning to monitor apps with admin privileges that try to collect sensitive data, such as call logs or live location data, without permission from the user.

If Privacy Alerts detects something fishy, you’ll get a notification in real time, which enables you to act and get rid of the threat. This is very promising, considering that we’ve all heard stories about seemingly safe, but actually malicious third-party apps.

How to control Privacy Alerts on the Galaxy S26 Ultra:

Open Settings
Tap Security and Privacy
Scroll down to the Privacy section and tap on Controls and alerts
Toggle the Camera Access, Microphone Access and Alert when clipboard accessed on/off

Knox Matrix

The Knox Matrix is Samsung’s patented on-device security platform, which helps you and your data stay protected at all times.

Knox might sound familiar to you, as it has been available on Galaxy devices for a while. The Galaxy S26 Ultra, however, debuts with an improved Knox Matrix[6]. It now uses post-quantum cryptography (PQC) on a hardware level to keep eSim transfers, firmware verifications and more, secure and isolated.

What’s new about Knox Matrix on the Galaxy S26 Ultra:

Knox Matrix is upgraded, delivering improved cross-device security
Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) is baked into the Galaxy S26 Ultra at the chip level
Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) is extended to more services on the Galaxy S26 Ultra

This matters because now you have a stronger security system built directly into the Galaxy S26 Ultra, regardless of whether you are connected to the internet or not.

Just make sure you have a Samsung account and stay logged in while using the device to take advantage of the advanced Knox protection.

Frequently asked questions

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is an absolute powerhouse if you use it right. | Image by PhoneArena

1. Are Galaxy AI[1] features free?

Following recent adjustments to Samsung Services Terms and Conditions, Samsung specifies that built-in Galaxy AI[1] features will remain free. Third-party AI features like those from Gemini or Perplexity are free to use too. There are Pro versions, of course, and those do require an active subscription, but the features themselves are available without having one.

2. Which AI features are built-in?

Below is a full list of all built-in Galaxy AI[1] features listed as “Basic” in the company’s current T&C:

Call Assist
Browsing Assist
Photo Assist
Creative Studio
Audio Eraser
Interpreter
Detailed screen and image descriptions (Samsung TalkBack)
Weather Wallpaper
Writing Assist
Note Assist
Transcript Assist
Bixby
Now Nudge
Now Briefco
Notification Highlights
Health Assist (Samsung Health)

3. How long will the Galaxy AI[1] features remain free?

Basic Galaxy AI[1] features should remain free for the foreseeable future.

4. Does the Galaxy S26 Ultra require an internet connection for these features?

The Galaxy S26 Ultra can be defined as an “on-device first” AI smartphone. Thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip, many of the features listed above work just fine without an internet connection. You could need one, for example, to download extra language packs for the Live Translate feature. But there are a few features that are cloud-based, and as such: online only.

5. Which AI features on the Galaxy S26 Ultra are online only?

Photo Assist[4] — The Galaxy S26 Ultra needs the help of the cloud to render the new image based on your prompt.
Generative Wallpaper — Since a brand-new image is being generated, your phone needs the extra processing power of the Cloud for this one.
Now Brief — Data analysis and tracking is done on-device, but some of the details require an internet connection, like fetching weather updates, tracking your flight status or getting suggestions for new content to check out online.

6. Are Galaxy AI features exclusive to the Galaxy S26 Ultra?

No. Galaxy AI features are available across the Galaxy S26 lineup, as well as previous-generation flagship models. Some AI features are available on select A-Series devices. However, some Galaxy AI features that are specific to the S Pen are locked to Galaxy S Ultra models.

[1] Galaxy AI - Samsung account login is required for certain AI features.
[2],[3] Live Translate and Interpreter - SEUK Live Translate and Interpreter disclaimer: Samsung account login is required. Certain languages may require language pack download. Service availability may vary by language. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Available in 20 languages from launch.
[4] Galaxy AI's Photo Assist - Requires network connection and Samsung account login. A visible watermark is overlaid on the saved image to indicate it was generated by Galaxy AI. Accuracy of output not guaranteed.
[5] Creative Studio - Requires network connection and Samsung account login. Accuracy of output not guaranteed.
[6] Knox Service Plugin - Valid Samsung Knox Account required.
[7]Now Brief - Samsung account login and network connection required.

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Polina Kovalakova, a News and Affiliate Content Writer, has nurtured a passion for mobile technology since the era before smartphones. With a history of exploring a variety of devices, her insights into the mobile world are both broad and nuanced. Polina's non-partisan view extends to appreciating nearly every smartphone brand, a reflection of her open-minded approach to technology. Polina is equally passionate about uncovering the best online deals, tirelessly working to ensure her readers snag top-tier tech at unbeatable prices.

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