The Galaxy S26 Ultra isn’t just a hardware upgrade — Samsung has packed it with some of the most ambitious software features seen on any Android phone. From RAW portrait photography to OS-level agentic AI, here’s every new feature broken down.
Galaxy S26 Ultra: New Software Features at a Glance
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Virtual Aperture | RAW portrait mode across all lenses — not just the primary |
| Agentic AI | OS-level AI that executes multi-step tasks across apps autonomously |
| 4:2:2 APV Codec | Professional-grade video colour subsampling for post-production workflows |
| Built-in LUTs for Log Video | Apply cinematic colour grades directly in-camera to log footage |
| 360° Horizon Lock | Keeps footage level across a full 360° rotation — no gimbal needed |
| Display Privacy Customisation | Fine-tune the Privacy Display — control viewing angle and intensity |
| Integrated Perplexity | AI-powered search built into the OS, not just a downloadable app |
| Audio Eraser (3rd party apps) | Remove unwanted background noise in videos shot via third-party camera apps |
| Photo Assist | AI-powered photo editing — object removal, background replacement, remastering |
| Creative Studio | Generative AI creative tools for transforming images and video |
| Now Nudge | Contextual AI suggestions based on time, location, and activity |
| Call Screening | AI screens and transcribes calls in real time — filters spam automatically |
Why These Features Matter
The Virtual Aperture across all lenses is a genuine photography milestone — until now, RAW portrait-style depth control was locked to the main sensor. Extending it to the ultrawide and telephoto lenses gives S26 Ultra users creative control that no other smartphone offers at this level.
The 4:2:2 APV Codec and built-in LUTs for log video are aimed squarely at content creators and filmmakers — 4:2:2 colour subsampling retains far more colour data for grading, and having LUTs applied in-camera to log footage eliminates the need for desktop colour correction for most social content.
360° Horizon Lock is the feature that could make gimbals redundant for casual videographers — keeping footage perfectly level through a full barrel roll is a capability previously requiring dedicated stabilisation hardware.
Agentic AI at the OS level builds on Google’s Android AppFunctions framework, letting Gemini execute complex multi-step tasks across apps without user intervention — booking a ride while replying to a message while setting a calendar reminder, all from a single voice command.
Integrated Perplexity as a system-level search assistant rather than a standalone app makes AI-powered web search as seamless as a long-press. Call Screening with real-time transcription finally brings a feature Android users in other markets have had for years — critically useful for filtering spam and telemarketing calls.
Also check our Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra full review and best AI camera features on smartphones in 2026 on TechnoSports.
