Galaxy S26 Ultra could boast a "magical" privacy feature and a better OLED screen
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Credit: Tom's Guide
Samsung may or may not release a tri-folding phone later this year, but we know it will likely release a new series of Galaxy S26 come January. And thanks to a pair of regular Samsung leakers, we have an idea of how the display could change.
First from tipster Jukanlosereve comes a report from the Korean publication ET News that the S26 Ultra will feature a "brighter and thinner" screen, thanks to a new OLED technology that introduces new materials and "innovations."
The new display is supposed to feature the M14 material set, the latest version of Samsung's OLED display technology. In addition, it will use CoE (color-filter-on-thin-film-encapsulation), technology, which removes the polarizer layer, a first on the Galaxy S series. Reportedly, this would only be on the S26 Ultra, not the rebranded S26 Pro or the S26 Edge .
For comparison, the entire iPhone 17 lineup uses the new M14 OLED display material set. The S24 series and S25 series both feature M13 material.
This new material should improve the luminous efficiency of the phone, creating both a brighter display and a longer lifespan.
What is CoE and why is it important?
Credit: Tom's Guide
CoE technology or color-filter-on-thin-film-encapsulation replaces the polarizing plates in OLED displays with a color filters and changes the Pixel Define Layer to black. What does this mean for your phone?
Simply, the polarizing layer eliminates reflections and improves visibility, especially in sunlight. However, it thickens the display and blocks some of the emitted light, which means that the phone has to work harder to reach the desired brightness levels, thereby reducing the battery life.
CoE uses a color filter for color reproductions while the new PDL is meant to prevent reflection. This can be seen on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 where Samsung has used CoE tech since the Z Fold 3 .
Smart Privacy Display
The other big screen leak comes from regular Samsung leakmonger IceUniverse . According to them, the Galaxy S26 will get a new smart privacy screen dubbed Flex Magic Pixel.
The feature would limit the ability for people to look at your screen from the side to protect your privacy. In a video from their tweet you can see the display looks black until you're directly facing the phone.
We had some concerns about whether or not the feature could be turned off, but the video hints at a "switchable" option. So perhaps when you're not in public you can switch off the feature.
It's not clear from IceUniverse's post if this is a display technology or a feature that is being introduced as part of One UI 8.5 when it releases. They also do not clarify if it will only be available on the S26 Ultra or if it will come to other S26 devices or older Galaxy phones.
It's one to keep an eye on because it does seem like a great privacy tool.
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