Samsung has launched the Galaxy S26 smartphone line and the Galaxy Buds4 wireless earbuds range in Australia, expanding its premium mobile and audio portfolio with new privacy and AI-driven features.

The Galaxy S26 line includes the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26. The devices are on sale nationwide through Samsung and its retail partners.

Samsung is positioning the S26 series around camera upgrades, on-device software features and a new screen privacy option. The Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces the company’s first “dynamic Privacy Display”, which changes the screen’s viewing angle to reduce what people can see from the sides.

The S26 series also adds updated camera features, including improved Nightography and SuperSteady. Samsung also highlighted “Now Nudge”, which it said provides prompts and actions through Galaxy AI.

“The Samsung Galaxy S26 series marks a new benchmark in how Australians use and interact with their smartphones in their everyday lives,” said Nathan Rigger, Head of Product, Mobile eXperience at Samsung Electronics Australia. “With our first Privacy Display, Australians have greater control than ever of what they do and don’t share, and Galaxy AI helps make complex tasks simple for everyone – not just tech enthusiasts.”

Audio range

Alongside the phones, Samsung has released the Galaxy Buds4 and Galaxy Buds4 Pro, focusing on comfort, call quality and noise reduction for everyday use.

The Buds4 line includes adaptive noise cancelling and an Adaptive Equaliser, designed to target low-frequency noise during travel. The Buds4 Pro also add Head Gesture controls, which Samsung said can answer or reject calls with head movement.

“Users are getting our best-ever sound yet with the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 series,” said Kylie Mason, Head of Wearables, Mobile eXperience at Samsung Electronics Australia. “They offer super clear, high-quality and full-spectrum audio without compromising premium comfort for Australians to use wherever their lives take them.”

Upgrade programme

Samsung is rolling out a new upgrade and protection offer in Australia called the New Galaxy Club. It described the plan as including repairs and support through Samsung Care+ and an upgrade pathway tied to the recommended retail price of eligible devices.

Customers can receive up to 50% of the recommended retail price back when upgrading to an eligible next-generation Galaxy phone between nine and 13 months after signing up. The program is available for the Galaxy S26 series through Samsung’s online store, with either monthly payments or a one-year upfront option.

Retail activations

Samsung is supporting the launch with in-store activity at Samsung Experience locations in Chadstone (Melbourne), Mount Gravatt (Brisbane) and Parramatta (Sydney). Plans include live demonstrations and interactive photo activities tied to Galaxy AI, plus giveaways such as a prize draw for a Galaxy S26 Ultra and Samsung vouchers.

Marketing will include a local campaign developed with Clemenger BBDO, running across social media, video streaming services, out-of-home placements and Samsung TV Plus.

The campaign centres on a three-part vertical video “Microdrama” series, “The Elephant in the Room”. Samsung said it was shot on Galaxy devices and features the Galaxy S26 Ultra alongside other products in its connected ecosystem. Campaign materials reference S26 Ultra features including 100x zoom, the Privacy Display and Nightography.

For out-of-home, Samsung plans what it described as a full takeover of the Central Walk area at Sydney’s Central Station. It said the placement spans walkways, screens and floor media and reaches 4.4 million monthly visitors. The company also flagged content partnerships, including podcast integrations with Australian shows.

Pricing and colours

Samsung set the recommended retail price of the Galaxy S26 at AUD $1,549 for 256GB and AUD $1,849 for 512GB. Colours include Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue, Black and White, with Silver Shadow and Pink Gold as online exclusives.

The Galaxy S26+ starts at AUD $1,849 for 256GB and AUD $2,149 for 512GB. The Galaxy S26 Ultra starts at AUD $2,199 for 256GB, rising to AUD $2,499 for 512GB and AUD $2,949 for 1TB.

For audio, Samsung priced the Galaxy Buds4 at AUD $399 in Black, White and Pink Gold, and the Galaxy Buds4 Pro at AUD $299.

The New Galaxy Club is available in Australia with the Galaxy S26 series through Samsung’s online store on either a monthly plan or a one-year upfront plan.