Stephen Okwara, the head of product management for Mobile Experience at Samsung Electronics, has announced the debut of the Galaxy S26 series, which brings forth a new generation of smartphones equipped with advanced artificial intelligence functionalities aimed at automating sophisticated tasks and enhancing user privacy.
In an interview with ARISE NEWS, Okwara characterized the Galaxy S26 lineup as a groundbreaking advancement in AI-powered smartphones, driven by a technology he refers to as "agentic AI."
He articulated, "The newly launched Samsung Galaxy S26 series serves as a blend of a super smartphone and an advanced AI system known as agentic AI."
According to Okwara, Samsung’s venture into AI within smartphones commenced two years ago with the Galaxy S24 series, which introduced a command-based AI capable of performing intricate commands.
"The S24 series was our first full AI smartphone that utilized prompts to execute complex tasks — a significant innovation in the smartphone sector," he remarked.
"A year later, we rolled out AI agents that not only executed complex tasks but also anticipated user actions, providing suggestions on how to proceed. Now, we have elevated this concept with agentic AI."
Okwara explained that agentic AI extends beyond simple prompt-based responses to actively undertaking tasks on behalf of the user.
"This technology leverages AI's intelligence and personalizes it according to the user's context," he stated.
For instance, if a user prompts the device to launch an Uber app to schedule a trip to Eko Atlantic and set a timer, the AI agent can make suggestions, whereas agentic AI is capable of organizing everything regarding the trip automatically, thus minimizing the needed user prompts.
Another significant feature introduced in the Galaxy S26 series is its privacy display, designed to shield users from anyone looking over their shoulders when using their phones publicly.
"For the first time in mobile technology, Samsung is unveiling the privacy display," Okwara shared, explaining that it optimizes screen visibility while blocking side views. "There are often instances in public spaces when one struggles to use their smartphone because others can see the display."
He noted that while many users depend on external privacy screen protectors, these accessories frequently diminish visibility in bright conditions.
"With the privacy display, toggling it on will thwart side views while you continue to enjoy your content at full resolution," he elaborated.
Okwara also discussed AI-enabled call screening methods developed to defend users against spam and suspicious calls. "We are in an era where users need to be highly vigilant about cyber threats due to our current environment," he remarked.
"The system filters out calls from unsaved numbers, posing inquiries such as the caller's name and the reason for their call, showcasing the responses in real time for the recipient to decide whether to answer the call."
He pointed out that this entire mechanism operates securely within Samsung’s security network.
"All processes are conducted securely through our Knox framework, which includes Knox Matrix, the Personal Data Engine, and various additional layers aimed at ensuring user safety," he explained.
Okwara clarified that Samsung’s AI system is proprietary and works in conjunction with Google’s generative AI solutions.
"Samsung's AI is exclusive to our devices and embedded directly, whereas Google's AI relies more on generative capabilities, gathering information from the cloud," he said. He emphasized that the partnership with Google allows both AI technologies to enhance user experience.
"Together, they provide users with the best of both worlds — the generative strengths of Google AI and the integrated, customized Samsung AI running on the device's chipset," he added.
Addressing growing concerns over data privacy in a more AI-influenced world, Okwara assured that Samsung has designed its ecosystem to grant users full control over their personal data.
"We utilize a feature called the Personal Data Engine, which ensures that nothing is sent from your device without your explicit permission — you dictate what stays and what goes," he explained.
He highlighted that Samsung remains committed to investing heavily in R&D; to uphold security standards.
"At Samsung, security is paramount. We invest considerable resources daily in research and development to deliver optimal security solutions," he stated.
"Even when users retrieve data from the cloud or utilize generative AI, the interactions are fully end-to-end encrypted. Our Knox environment is highly regarded for its exceptional safety standards, employing systems like Knox Secure, Knox Guard, and Knox Matrix to shield users."
Okwara also mentioned that Samsung routinely updates its software to tackle new security challenges, stating, "Absolute security remains unattainable in the digital realm, which is why we provide monthly software updates," he noted.
"We continuously test our systems, identify vulnerabilities, and provide updates to address these issues. We have teams dedicated to monitoring leaks and neutralizing them promptly."
Despite the dedicated focus on AI, Okwara reaffirmed that camera performance continues to be a vital highlight for Samsung's flagship models.
"The quality of pictures remains a priority — in fact, it has improved," he stated, noting that the device features a standard 200-megapixel camera complemented by several AI enhancements.
One such feature is nitrography, which enhances low-light photography.
"It enables users to capture images in poorly lit settings while still achieving crystal-clear results, assisted by AI-powered editing tools for final adjustments," he added.
Okwara confirmed that the Galaxy S26 series is currently available for pre- order in Nigeria.
"The pre-order phase is active and will continue until March 20," he noted, mentioning that customers can reserve a device with a ₦500,000 initial deposit and can benefit from promotional offerings.
"Shoppers can receive products worth close to ₦500,000, including a soundbar with a subwoofer," he said, outlining the price breakdown: the Galaxy S26 (base model) at approximately ₦1.2 million, the Galaxy S26+ priced between ₦1.5 million and ₦1.7 million based on storage variant, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra at around ₦1.7 million for the 256GB model, ₦2 million for the 512GB model, and approximately ₦2.4 million for the 1TB version.
Samsung also provides a Care Plus program for device repairs, working similarly to screen insurance.
"If something happens to your device requiring repairs that would typically cost around ₦250,000, under the Care Plus program, you would only need to pay about ₦25,000 to fix the screen over a one-year period. Registration for this initiative is complimentary," he explained.
Okwara encouraged potential buyers to visit Samsung Nigeria's official platforms for access to pre-order links, stating, "The pre-order remains active. Those interested can navigate to our Instagram page where the link is available."
Comments (0)
You must be logged in to comment.
Be the first to comment on this article!