Lastly seeing the Galaxy S26 Extremely at Unpacked 2026 did not actually change my thoughts in regards to the rounded design (nonetheless not a fan), but it surely did make clear the tradeoff Samsung is making. The telephone feels extra cohesive with the remainder of the S26 lineup, and it is undeniably extra mainstream and simpler to stay with. Within the course of, although, the Extremely loses a few of the visible authority it used to have, for my part. The earlier Notice-era boxy look gave it the sense that this was the telephone for individuals who wished the most telephone, not simply the nicest-looking one.
That mentioned, the brand new Privateness Show is the form of characteristic that made me cease complaining. Constructed straight into the show {hardware}, the characteristic limits side-angle visibility and might routinely conceal delicate notifications or kick in if you’re utilizing particular apps like banking companies. As Katie Collins notes in her commentary, it is one of many uncommon telephone options that really feels new. Not flashy AI for its personal sake, however a sensible, invisible repair for an actual on a regular basis downside.
On the whole, a lot of the AI bulletins did not land as strongly for me. Plenty of it nonetheless appears like desk stakes at this level: summaries, picture modifying instruments, nudges, briefs, blah blah blah. I do not actually look after extra AI options except they’re doing one thing to avoid wasting me time or scale back friction. And that is why AI name screening stood out. Spam calls are the bane of my existence (I get dozens a day), and something that may intercept them, summarize what occurred and let me resolve if it is price my consideration is strictly how AI must be used.
So sure, I am nonetheless mourning the sharp-cornered Extremely a bit, however between the Privateness Show and some genuinely sensible AI touches, the S26 Extremely is no less than making a case that it is evolving in ways in which truly matter… to me.
