Samsung in 2026: The Ultimate Guide to the Latest Galaxy Devices, As we settle into 2026, the smartphone landscape continues to be dominated by the relentless innovation of Samsung Electronics. The South Korean giant has successfully transitioned from merely pushing hardware boundaries to defining the “AI-first” mobile experience. For consumers in Dubai and the wider UAE, this year offers a mature portfolio of devices that cater to every niche—from the ultra-premium productivity of the Z Fold series to the refined power of the S series and the democratization of flagship features in the A series.
This comprehensive guide explores the latest major Samsung devices available in the market as of January 2026. We will dive deep into the specifications, pricing, and unique selling points of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, the foldable Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, and the value-champion Galaxy A56 5G.
1. The Flagship Standard: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
While the tech world eagerly anticipates the imminent launch of the S26 series, the Galaxy S25 Ultra remains the undisputed king of the “candy bar” form factor. Released in early 2025, it has held its value and relevance thanks to a processor that was arguably ahead of its time and a camera system that set a new benchmark for mobile photography.
Design and Display
The S25 Ultra refined the boxy aesthetic of its predecessors, utilizing a Grade 5 Titanium frame that reduces weight while enhancing durability. The device features a massive 6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display, pushing a resolution of 3120 x 1440 pixels. This screen is protected by Gorilla Glass Armor 2, which significantly reduces reflections and improves scratch resistance. With a peak brightness of 2600 nits, outdoor visibility in the Dubai sun is flawless.
Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Elite
Under the hood, the S25 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, a 3nm chipset designed specifically for Samsung. This processor features an octa-core architecture with Oryon cores clocked as high as 4.47GHz, ensuring that even a year after release, it handles heavy multitasking, 8K video editing, and high-fidelity gaming with ease. It is paired with either 12GB or 16GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 256GB up to a massive 1TB.
Camera: The 200MP Titan
Samsung continues to lead in imaging. The S25 Ultra sports a quad-camera setup:
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Main: 200MP sensor with OIS and laser autofocus.
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Ultra-Wide: 50MP sensor (a significant upgrade from previous 12MP iterations).
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Telephoto 1: 10MP with 3x optical zoom.
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Telephoto 2: 50MP Periscope lens with 5x optical zoom.
This configuration allows for “Space Zoom” capabilities and exceptionally detailed low-light photography. The inclusion of a 50MP sensor for the 5x zoom was a game-changer, allowing for lossless cropping and sharper zoomed portraits.
Price in Dubai
As the S26 launch approaches, the S25 Ultra sees competitive pricing:
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256GB Model: Approx. AED 3,499 – AED 5,099.
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512GB Model: Approx. AED 3,999 – AED 5,599.
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1TB Model: Approx. AED 5,699 – AED 6,599.
2. The Foldable Revolution: Galaxy Z Fold 7 & Z Flip 7
Released in the latter half of 2025, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 represent the seventh generation of Samsung’s folding technology. These devices have moved beyond “novelty” to become durable, mainstream options for power users and fashion-forward consumers.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: The Pocket PC
The Z Fold 7 is the ultimate productivity tool. It features a thinner, lighter hinge design than the Fold 6, making it feel more like a traditional phone when closed.
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Displays: It boasts a 7.6-inch inner AMOLED display and a 6.3-inch cover screen. The “crease” is virtually non-existent in this generation due to improvements in the ultra-thin glass layers.
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Specs: Powered by the same top-tier silicon as the S-series, it comes with 12GB of RAM standard and up to 1TB of storage.
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Durability: It carries an IP48 rating, offering water resistance and improved dust protection compared to early foldables.
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AI Integration: The Fold 7 is heavily optimized for Galaxy AI, offering features like split-screen translation, summarization of notes via the S Pen, and advanced multitasking workflows.
Price in Dubai:
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256GB: ~AED 5,399 – AED 6,499.
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512GB: ~AED 5,949 – AED 6,999.
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1TB: ~AED 7,495.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Compact Style
The Z Flip 7 continues to be the best-selling foldable due to its nostalgic “clamshell” form factor and lower entry price.
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Design: It features a large 3.4-inch “Flex Window” cover screen that allows users to reply to messages, check maps, and control music without opening the phone.
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Cameras: A dual-camera system (50MP Main + 12MP Ultra-wide) optimized for “Flex Mode,” allowing users to take hands-free selfies or tripod-style videos.
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Price in Dubai:
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256GB: ~AED 3,599.
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512GB: ~AED 3,999.
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3. The “New” Essential: Galaxy S25 FE
For those who want flagship features without the premium price tag, the Galaxy S25 FE (Fan Edition) is a standout recent release (late 2025). It bridges the gap between the mid-range A-series and the S-series.
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Key Specs: 6.7-inch display, 8GB RAM, and a triple camera setup.
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Price: It is aggressively priced around AED 1,899 – AED 2,199, making it a “flagship killer” within Samsung’s own lineup.
4. The Mid-Range Hero: Galaxy A56 5G
The Galaxy A-series is often the volume driver for Samsung, and the A56 5G is the best iteration yet for 2026. It brings a premium “glass and metal” sandwich design that mimics the S25, ditching the plastic feel of older mid-rangers.
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Display: 6.6-inch Super AMOLED with a 120Hz refresh rate and Vision Booster for sunlight legibility.
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Performance: It runs on the Exynos 1480 (or updated 1580 equivalent for the ’56’ model), which is powerful enough for gaming like PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile without overheating.
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Memory: Unusually for a mid-ranger, it offers up to 12GB of RAM, ensuring longevity and smooth performance for years.
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Battery: A 5000mAh battery with 25W fast charging.
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Price in Dubai:
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256GB / 12GB RAM: Approx. AED 1,249 – AED 1,599.
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5. Software: One UI 8 and Galaxy AI
All these devices run on Android 15 or 16 (depending on the update cycle) with Samsung’s One UI 8 skin. The defining feature of this generation is Galaxy AI.
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Live Translate: Real-time two-way voice translation on phone calls.
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Circle to Search: A partnership with Google allowing users to circle any object on screen to search for it instantly.
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Generative Edit: Move or remove objects in photos after taking them.
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Chat Assist: Adjusts the tone of your messages (e.g., from casual to professional) before you hit send.
Summary Comparison Table (2026 Market)
| Feature | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Galaxy Z Fold 7 | Galaxy A56 5G |
| Best For | Photography & Power Users | Productivity & Multitasking | Value & Battery Life |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3/Elite | Exynos Mid-Range |
| Main Camera | 200MP Quad System | 50MP Triple System | 50MP Triple System |
| RAM | 12GB / 16GB | 12GB | 8GB / 12GB |
| Battery | 5000mAh (45W Charge) | 4400mAh | 5000mAh |
| Build | Titanium Frame | Armor Aluminum | Aluminum & Glass |
| Price (AED) | ~3,499 – 5,699 | ~5,399 – 7,495 | ~1,249 – 1,599 |
