The 6 Best Galaxy S26 Fidden Features to Try

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 vary has launched, however with the Extremely mannequin getting all one of the best {hardware} options, together with the modern and unique Privateness Show, the opposite telephones within the vary should rely extra on software program to stay fascinating.

The excellent news is that the function race is now in full pressure, primarily because of Galaxy AI. We’re nonetheless making 13.5 billion telephone calls per day worldwide and doomscrolling always on Instagram, however in the event you’re not utilizing AI to edit a photograph by voice or ordering meals to be delivered at a set time, you’re lacking out.

Samsung has made important strides ahead with the Galaxy S26 smartphone, and people two examples are proof optimistic. AI is popping telephones into pocket assistants.

Probably the most fascinating discovering with the Samsung S26 – particularly in comparison with the Google Pixel – is that the jaw-dropping options are inclined to concentrate on real-world interactions. I used to be impressed with Pixel 10 software program tips like vibe coding (making apps with a immediate), however the S26 is a tool that enhances your life.

For instance, you possibly can movie somebody as they stroll and the digicam will lock on horizontally. While you’re hungry, you possibly can ask Gemini to order meals that then arrives at your door.

I experimented with dozens of Galaxy AI options on the S26 Plus and located six that have been so ground-breaking, I saved telling folks about them and demonstrating how they work. It’s a real signal of innovation once you all of the sudden turn out to be a champion for the options. Right here they’re and the best way to use them.

1. Textual content voice replies throughout calls with your individual voice

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The Google Pixel 10 has an astounding function associated to stay translation (it makes use of your individual voice to talk in a overseas language), however the S26 has a equally jaw-dropping innovation. While you allow a function known as Textual content Name, you possibly can sort replies throughout a stay telephone name. The AI makes use of your personal voice to reply, which may be the right AI trick for introverts like me.

To allow Textual content Name, open the telephone dialer and use the three-dot menu on the higher proper. Choose Settings, then allow Textual content Name. You need to practice the bot by saying a number of phrases, and my exams revealed the bot sounds somewhat like me, however not sufficient to idiot anybody (like my children).

Nonetheless, it’s completely wonderful as a result of the voice doesn’t sound robotic in any respect.

2. Edit images along with your voice

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One other actually magical function on the S26, this AI enhancement looks like one other parlor trick — however it’s truly fairly helpful. While you snap a photograph, you can also make edits by typing prompts and even utilizing your voice. It’s sensible since you don’t must know any of the settings and even what they imply. It’s proof that, sometime quickly, we’ll use AI for an actual productiveness increase.

To seek out the function, click on the little AI icon within the heart row of icons under any photograph. Click on the Create icon and kind any command – equivalent to “brighten this picture” to make edits. You can too click on the microphone icon on the keyboard and converse any modifying command you need.

3. Use Now Nudge to enhance productiveness

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I wasn’t certain in regards to the Now Nudge function once I first heard about it, however it’s nice. The thought is to let the telephone do a number of the onerous be just right for you with regards to scheduling conferences or discovering images.

Let’s say you might be texting with a good friend and obtain a textual content that claims: “Are you able to meet at 4pm at present to speak in regards to the social gathering?” The Now Nudge function will have a look at your calendar and counsel a time, reserving the assembly for you or suggesting an alternate time.

The quickest approach to allow this function is to go looking in Settings for Now Nudge after which click on the choice and allow it. Any more, when a textual content is available in asking about particular images or conferences, the AI will make real-time strategies proper within the textual content thread.

4. Ask Gemini to order you some meals

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There’s one thing magical about this distinctive function, which makes use of Agentic AI – a flowery time period that simply means the AI does be just right for you. Utilizing Google Gemini on the S26, you possibly can ask the bot to order meals utilizing a supply service like Uber Eats or Grubhub.

To order meals, simply begin Gemini and use a immediate like this: “Order breakfast at Starbucks and have it delivered by Uber Eats at 8am tomorrow morning.” Gemini instantly will get to work utilizing the Uber Eats app (which must be put in beforehand).

You possibly can watch as Gemini goes by the ordering course of, or click on an choice to take over the order your self. Be aware that is presently restricted to the US market.

5. Lock on horizontally once you movie a video

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Right here’s one other function that made me assume AI has made a leap ahead as soon as once more. I can’t clarify the way it works technically, however I used to be amazed. When capturing a video with the S26, you possibly can allow the Horizontal Lock function. What this implies is that your topic will keep completely horizontal irrespective of the way you flip the telephone. The telephone can flip this fashion and that, however the digicam makes use of AI to maintain your topic completely straight.

While you report a video, search for the little icon of an individual operating on the high of the display screen, however be sure to choose the one which has somewhat lens-lock icon. While you shoot a video, your topic will keep horizontal within the body even in the event you can’t hold the telephone straight.

6. Scan a doc in seconds

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One final function that actually made me sit up in my seat for a second has to do with scanning paperwork. You might already know that the iPhone (and lots of smartphones) can scan paperwork.

For instance, with an iPhone, you should utilize the Notes app to allow scanning mode, which robotically identifies a sheet of paper and crops solely to that sheet robotically. Useful, proper? Besides the S26 beats that by a major margin.

While you use the digicam and maintain the telephone over a contract or another official sheet of paper, the S26 robotically detects that it’s a doc. That function has existed for some time, however with the S26’s new AI model, if there’s a smudge, shadow or a stray finger in the way in which, the telephone removes it.

There are not any settings to allow, it simply works out of the field. When the telephone detects a doc, you simply must snap the photograph. Any edits which might be wanted happen robotically.

Additionally try our professional ideas and tips for the Galaxy S26 Extremely.