Malaysians spend more time on their phones than almost any other device they own. Whether it’s checking bank balances, snapping food photos, or gaming on the commute home, your phone is doing a lot of heavy lifting. So when Samsung launches a new flagship series, it’s worth paying attention to what’s actually changed and whether the pre-order perks make it worth jumping in early.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 series launched on 25 February 2026 at Galaxy Unpacked, and pre-orders are now open in Malaysia. The lineup includes the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26 Ultra, and Samsung is sweetening the deal with up to RM1,200 in pre-order benefits if you get in before 10 March 2026.

What’s New With The Galaxy S26 Series

The Galaxy S26 series runs on Samsung’s next-generation AI platform, which Samsung is calling “Agentic AI.” In practical terms, this means Galaxy Genie, the phone’s on-device AI assistant, can now do things like provide real-time summaries of what’s on your screen, translate conversations on the fly, and serve up contextual suggestions based on what you’re actually doing at the time. Because the AI processing happens on the phone itself rather than in the cloud, things run faster, and your data stays local.

One UI, Samsung’s interface layer, has also been reworked. It now learns your usage patterns and adapts accordingly, so if you tend to open Grab at 8 am every weekday, the phone will start surfacing it before you even think to look. Notification summaries are smarter too, highlighting what actually matters so you can stay on top of your day without constantly checking your phone.

The Camera Upgrades Are The Biggest Draw

For photography-minded Malaysians, the S26 series has some meaningful upgrades. Larger sensors across the range mean sharper images with more detail, even in low light. Whether you’re snapping a shot of your mamak supper or capturing a late-night pasar malam stroll, the S26 series handles it with ease.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra gets the most noticeable camera improvements. Samsung has upgraded the telephoto lens for clearer long-range shots, so that photo of the Petronas Twin Towers from across the park should come out looking significantly better. Night videography has also been improved with AI-powered noise reduction and motion-aware processing, so your low-light videos come out brighter, smoother, and packed with detail.

Samsung’s AI camera processing works behind the scenes across all three models, automatically adjusting exposure, colour balance, and stabilisation. For most people, this means better photos with less effort.

Beyond The Camera

The Galaxy S26 series has a few other upgrades worth knowing about. All three models come with faster processors and improved GPU performance, which makes a noticeable difference in gaming. Samsung has improved thermal management so the phone stays cooler during longer sessions, and the high refresh rate AMOLED displays make everything from scrolling through feeds to playing Mobile Legends feel noticeably smoother. Smarter power management means the battery holds up well even when you’re pushing the phone hard.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra also introduces a customisable privacy screen, which restricts viewing angles so that the person sitting next to you on the LRT can’t read your WhatsApp messages or peek at your banking app. Given how packed public transport gets during rush hour in KL, this is a genuinely practical feature for Malaysian commuters. It works across all apps, so whether you’re checking your portfolio or replying to a private message, your screen stays yours.

Pre-Order Deals Worth Up To RM1,200

If you’re planning to buy a Galaxy S26, the pre-order window from 26 February (2 am) to 10 March 2026 (11.59 pm) is worth looking at. Samsung Malaysia is offering three perks that stack together for up to RM1,200 in total value.

Here’s a quick look at what you get when you pre-order during the campaign period.

Pre-order Promotion	Details
Double storage upgrade worth up to RM800	Selected models only. All storage upgrades are capped at RM800
Samsung Rewards Points Booster Enjoy extra savings up to RM400	When you redeem Samsung Rewards Points to pay for your purchase on Samsung Online Store and Shop app.
Buy more, save more Up to 10% off	Applicable for selected Galaxy Tab, Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Buds only (maximum 2 units) in the same transaction

The double storage deal is arguably the best reason to pre-order rather than wait. Storage upgrades usually cost a few hundred Ringgit, so getting that for free makes a real difference to the overall value proposition. And if you’ve been sitting on Samsung Rewards Points, now is the time to put them to work for an additional saving of up to RM400.

Should You Pre-Order?

If you’re already using an older Samsung flagship (S23 or earlier) or you’re thinking about switching from another brand, the Galaxy S26 series is a solid upgrade. The AI features, camera improvements, and privacy screen on the Ultra model are all practical upgrades that you’ll actually use day to day.

With pre-order perks worth up to RM1,200, this is one of the best times to pick up a new Galaxy flagship. The free storage upgrade alone saves you a few hundred Ringgit, and stacking it with Samsung Rewards Points makes the deal even sweeter.

Grab your Galaxy S26 before 10 March to lock in up to RM1,200 in savings! Pre-orders are open now through the Samsung Online Store. 

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