Kota Kinabalu (Feb 28) - Samsung’s latest flagship smartphone lineup — the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, along with the standard Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+, has officially launched in Malaysia, marking a new chapter in mobile performance, artificial intelligence (AI) features, and user privacy enhancements. Pre-orders are now open nationwide, with special pricing and telco offers expected to attract tech enthusiasts across Sabah and the rest of the country.
What’s New in the Galaxy S26 Series?
1. Cutting-Edge Performance and Camera Capabilities
The Galaxy S26 Ultra leads the series with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset, delivering faster CPU, GPU, and AI processing — ideal for heavy multitasking, gaming, and content creation. The Ultra keeps a 200 MP main camera with improved aperture and enhanced imaging capabilities, plus faster charging at 60 W wired and 25 W wireless. All models run Android 16 with One UI 8.5, introducing smarter AI features like Creative Studio (text-prompt editing), Audio Eraser, AI Call Screening, and more.
2. Privacy Display
A standout feature on the S26 Ultra is the built-in Privacy Display, which limits screen visibility from side angles — a boon for users who often work in public spaces or handle sensitive information. This is especially helpful for commuters or those working outdoors in Sabah’s urban and rural areas.
Malaysia Launch Prices & Promotions
In Malaysia, the official retail prices are:
- Galaxy S26 (512 GB) – RM 5,199
- Galaxy S26+ (512 GB) – RM 6,199
- Galaxy S26 Ultra (512 GB) – RM 6,799
- Galaxy S26 Ultra (1 TB) – RM 7,999
Samsung is also offering early-bird perks on pre-orders (26 Feb – 10 Mar 2026), including double storage bonus, Samsung Rewards Points, RM 700 instant bank rebates, up to RM 4,000 savings with the Galaxy Forever trade-in programme, and 0 % instalment plans for up to 36 months.
Local Telco Pre-Order Deals
Malaysian telecom providers — Maxis, Yes 5G, CelcomDigi, and U Mobile — are rolling out bundled pre-order promotions that make upgrading more affordable:
- Maxis: Offers low monthly instalments on Zerolution and postpaid plans, plus free device protection and TNG e-wallet credit.
- Yes 5G: Features competitive “Infinite+” plans with uncapped 5G data and low instalments, or prepaid bundles with data and upfront discounts.
- CelcomDigi: Zero upfront payments with Easy360 instalment plans, added device protection, bonus trade-in value, and exclusive freebies like a mobile gaming controller on selected plans.
- U Mobile: Includes double storage upgrades and even free devices on certain deals, along with rebates for switching to their network.
These offers provide flexibility for Sabahans who prefer higher-end devices but want to manage costs through monthly plans or bundled perks.
What This Means for Sabahans
Better Connectivity & Performance: With built-in 5G support and advanced AI tools, the Galaxy S26 series makes high-speed internet and smart device experiences more accessible — especially in Sabah’s urban centres like Kota Kinabalu and Tawau where digital services are increasingly essential.
More Affordable Upgrade Paths: Telco instalment schemes and trade-in deals make premium smartphones like the S26 Ultra more obtainable for users outside major metropolitan areas. Instead of paying full retail pricing upfront, monthly plans can ease the financial burden for students, professionals, and mobile photographers across Sabah.
Enhanced Privacy on the Go: Features like the Privacy Display are particularly useful for users working in crowded environments — whether riding public transport in the city or using mobile services outdoors.
AI-Driven Everyday Use: New Galaxy AI capabilities (like call screening, smart suggestions, and voice-activated tasks) can help Sabahans stay productive and connected — from managing work communications to creative content tasks — even on the move.
With competitive pricing, carrier promotions, and innovations like Privacy Display and expanded Galaxy AI features, the Samsung Galaxy S26 series offers Sabahans exciting new smartphone capabilities — blending technology, convenience, and connectivity.