Samsung - Galaxy S26 256GB (Unlocked) - Cobalt Violet
Carrier
UnlockedBuilt-in Storage
256GBColor
Cobalt Violet
Key Accessories:
- Samsung - Galaxy Buds4 Pro Wireless Earbud Headphones - Black$249.99
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Specifications
- Screen Size6.3 inchesRear-Facing Camera50 megapixelsCarrier CompatibilityAT&T, Boost Mobile, Cricket, Google Fi, H2O Wireless, Mint Mobile, Sprint, T-Mobile, Ultra Mobile, US Cellular, Verizon, VisibleBuilt-in Storage256 gigabytesProcessor ModelSnapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 for GalaxyPhone Memory (RAM)12 gigabytes
- Key Specs
- Screen Size: 6.3 inches (Size of the screen, measured diagonally from corner to corner.)
- Rear-Facing Camera: 50 megapixels
- Carrier Compatibility: AT&T, Boost Mobile, Cricket, Google Fi, H2O Wireless, Mint Mobile, Sprint, T-Mobile, Ultra Mobile, US Cellular, Verizon, Visible
- Built-in Storage: 256 gigabytes
- Processor Model: Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy (Your computer's processor is like its brain. Working in combination with system memory, the power of the processor determines the complexity of software you can run, how many programs you can have open at the same time, and how fast those programs will run. Most computers feature an AMD, Intel or Snapdragon processor.)
- Phone Memory (RAM): 12 gigabytes (Random-access memory (RAM) temporarily stores data so that it can be accessed quickly. The size of the RAM determines how efficiently the phone can handle large amounts of information at once, such as switching between several open apps.)
- General
- Brand: Samsung
- Model Number: SM-S942UZVEXAA
- Product Name: Galaxy S26 256GB (Unlocked)
- Color: Cobalt Violet
- Series: Samsung Galaxy S26 (Part of a group of the same product type with similar features.)
- Year of Release: 2026
- Display
- Screen Size: 6.3 inches (Size of the screen, measured diagonally from corner to corner.)
- Screen Resolution: 2340 x 1080 (Screens come in a range of resolutions (measured in pixels, horizontal x vertical). The higher the resolution, the greater the picture quality.)
- Display Type: OLED
- Screen Type: AMOLED
- Screen Material: Glass
- Foldable Screen: false
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz (The number of frames per second the device can produce natively without enhancement. Higher rates help produce smooth, seamless pictures.)
- Brightness: 2600 nits (A measure of the total light output.)
- Camera
- Integrated Camera: Front, Rear, Ultrawide, Telephoto 1
- Front-Facing Camera: 12 megapixels
- Rear-Facing Camera: 50 megapixels
- Ultrawide Camera: 12 megapixels
- Video Recording Resolution(s) and Frame Rate(s): Up to 8K at 30fps (Refers to the number of pixels, both horizontally and vertically, and the frame rate used to capture the video. The higher the resolution the finer the video detail that can be seen. The faster the frame rate the smoother the playback for higher motion activities like sports.)
- Optical Zoom: 3x (The optical zoom uses a combination of lenses that magnify the image prior to it being registered at high resolution by the imaging sensor.)
- Digital Zoom: 30x (A digital zoom is accomplished electronically, with no adjustment of the camera's optics, and no optical resolution gained in the process. The existing data is not enhanced or added to, merely displayed at a lower resolution, thereby giving an illusion of an enlarged image.)
- High Dynamic Range (HDR): true (An HDR-compatible 4K TV or other HDR-compatible product displays HDR video content when it's available from sources like 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Discs and 4K streaming services.)
- Network
- Carrier: Unlocked
- Carrier Compatibility: AT&T, Boost Mobile, Cricket, Google Fi, H2O Wireless, Mint Mobile, Sprint, T-Mobile, Ultra Mobile, US Cellular, Verizon, Visible
- Network Connectivity: 5G (The manner in which a device sends data to another device over a long distance using a cellular network.)
- Unlocked: true (Can be used with any carrier, typically by exchanging the phone's SIM card with another one compatible for the intended area of service. Can be used with a new or existing cellular service plan.)
- Mobile Hotspot Capability: true (A hotspot-enabled device is able to connect wirelessly to a cellular network and share the connection via Wi-Fi with nearby compatible devices.)
- 5G Band: True
- 4G LTE Band: True
- Connectivity
- Headphone Jack: false (The device features an interface that allows for the connection of headphones.)
- Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC (The manner in which a device sends data to another device over a short distance without the use of wires or cables.)
- Wireless Networking Standard: Wi-Fi 7 (The wireless networking standard used by the device. Each iteration of the standard developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance corresponds to an existing IEEE 802.11 protocol; for example, standard 802.11ac (or AC) is termed Wi-Fi 5. Refers specifically to the standard the device is designed to use, but ultimately determines product interoperability and backward compatibility including previous versions.)
- Wireless Standard: BE (The wireless networking protocol used by the device. Each iteration of the protocol is based on the 802.11 standard developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standards Association. Denoted by letters following 802.11 (802.11a, 802.11ac, etc.), each version, published in alphabetical order, encompasses all previous versions.)
- Power
- Battery Capacity: 4300 milliampere hours (The amount of energy stored in the battery.)
- Wireless Charging: true
- Wireless Charging Standard: Qi
- Fast Charging Capability: Wired, Wireless
- Fast Charging Technology: Adaptive Fast Charging (Quick charge technologies typically use higher voltages and/or charging interfaces to fill a device's battery capacity faster than standard charging speeds.)
- Wired Charging Wattage: 25 watts
- Wireless Charging Wattage: 15 watts
- Device Power Sharing: Wireless
- Battery Chemistry: Lithium-ion
- Compatibility
- Charging Interface(s): USB-C (The connection for transmitting power to charge the device.)
- Voice Assistant Built-in: Bixby, Google Assistant (A digital assistant built into the device that uses voice commands to answer questions and control smart devices.)
- Works With: Amazon Alexa, Arlo, SmartThings, Nest, Ring, Wink, Google Home (Compatible with or able to be connected to other smart devices or applications.)
- SIM Card Size: Nano SIM
- SIM Card Slots: Single SIM
- Stylus Dock: None
- Stylus Included: false
- Features
- Model Family: Samsung Galaxy S26
- Usage Time(s): Full day (All battery claims depend on network configuration and many other factors; actual results will vary. Battery has limited recharge cycles and may eventually need to be replaced. Battery life and charge cycles vary by use and settings.)
- Sensors: Accelerometer, Ambient light sensor, Barometer, Geomagnetic sensor, Gyro sensor, Hall effect sensor, Proximity sensor (Detects stimuli such as heat, light, sound, motion, or pressure and responds accordingly by operating a control or initiating a function of the device.)
- GPS Enabled: true
- Global Positioning: GLONASS, GPS, BeiDou (BDS), Galileo (A system of satellites which enables a mobile receiver to determine its precise location based on signals received from satellites such as the US Global Positioning System (GPS), the Russian Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), the European Global Navigation Satellite System (Galileo), or the Japanese Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS).)
- Mobile Payment Service Supported: Google Pay, Samsung Pay
- Protective Qualities: Water resistant
- Maximum Depth Of Water Resistance: 5 feet (Measurement of the maximum depth of water in which the product is able to resist some degree of water penetration.)
- Ingress Protection (IP) Rating: IP68 (A 4 to 6 character code classifying a product's degree of protection against intrusion of solid particles and liquids as well as impact. Each number in the IP Code denotes a level of protection, determined through testing and published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The first digit represents the degree of protection against solid foreign objects or particles and the second digit represents the degree of protection against water ingress.)
- Security Features: Facial recognition, Fingerprint reader
- Built-in Storage: 256 gigabytes
- AI
- AI Processing: Cloud-based (Artificial Intelligence (AI) processing can be performed in the cloud or on the device itself. Cloud-based processing can allow for higher processing performance but may entail higher data usage and involve information sharing. On-device processing allows for more privacy and security but may limit processing performance.)
- AI Photo/Video Capture Features: Brightness adjustment, Depth adjustment, Facial expression, Facial recognition (Artificial Intelligence (AI) can automatically adjust various elements to optimize your shot before and while it’s being taken.)
- AI Photo/Video Editing Features: Adjust background, Adjust image, Adjust objects, Remove objects, Reposition objects, Resize objects (Artificial Intelligence (AI) can allow you to edit photos and videos to give you an optimal or customized shot.)
- AI Document and Search Features: Audio file summary, Document summary, Personalized voice search, Transcription, Mail reply suggestion (Artificial Intelligence (AI) can allow you to more efficiently search and retrieve documents as well as assist with personalized content.)
- AI Translation: Language translation, Speech recognition, Speech-to-text, Text-to-speech (Artificial Intelligence (AI) can automatically translate some speech and text functions to allow for conversations with others even if you don’t speak the same language.)
- Performance
- Operating System: Android 16 (The operating system manages all software and hardware, including files, memory and connected devices. Most importantly, it lets you interact with your device and your programs in a visual way; otherwise, you'd be typing computer code to get anything done.)
- Processor Brand: Snapdragon
- Processor Model: Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy (Your computer's processor is like its brain. Working in combination with system memory, the power of the processor determines the complexity of software you can run, how many programs you can have open at the same time, and how fast those programs will run. Most computers feature an AMD, Intel or Snapdragon processor.)
- Processor Speed: 4.74 gigahertz (Actual central processing unit (CPU) speed may vary by device configuration and design. Also referred to as clock speed, this is how quickly the central processing unit (CPU) can receive and interpret instructions. The higher the number, the more operations per second that can be completed. Working in combination with system memory, the power of the processor determines the complexity of software you can run.)
- Phone Memory (RAM): 12 gigabytes (Random-access memory (RAM) temporarily stores data so that it can be accessed quickly. The size of the RAM determines how efficiently the phone can handle large amounts of information at once, such as switching between several open apps.)
- Dimensions
- Product Height: 5.8 inches (The out of box height of the item. Height is measured as the vertical distance from the bottom of the item to the top as it would be primarily used or placed.)
- Product Width: 2.82 inches (The out of box width of the item. Width is measured as the horizontal distance from one side of the item to the other as it would be primarily used or placed.)
- Product Depth: 0.2 inches (The out of box depth of the item. Depth is measured as the distance from the front of the item to the back as it would be primarily used or placed.)
- Product Weight: 5.8 ounces (The out of box weight of the item.)
- Warranty
- Warranty - Parts: 1 year
- Warranty - Labor: 1 year
- Other
- UPC: 198957241048
Samsung Galaxy S26 keeps things moving effortlessly. From quick replies to creative moments, everything feels smooth and responsive as you move between texting, scrolling, creating and sharing with Galaxy AI. Even better, this seamless experience comes alive on a larger, vibrant display that automatically enriches color to make photos feel more expressive and videos more engaging. When inspiration strikes, it’s easy to act on it. Photo Assist with Galaxy AI helps you clean up a photo by removing distractions while restoring details or exploring artistic styles like painting, black and white or playful illustrations to give your photos an entirely new look. And when you want to do more, Creative Studio makes it simple to create custom stickers, personalize profile pictures or generate new images from a quick prompt. No extra apps. No technical skills. Just effortless tools that help turn ideas into something uniquely yours. Samsung Galaxy S26 brings performance, immersion and creativity together — designed to keep everything you do feeling fast, vivid and inspired.
- Fast. Powerful. AI-ready.: Reimagine what’s possible with Galaxy S26 Series, featuring our most powerful processor yet. Effortlessly stay connected with context-aware reply suggestions,¹ open and switch between apps and fine-tune photos and videos without skipping a beat.
- Strong performance. Smooth play: Push the boundaries of what’s possible in mobile gaming, thanks to our most powerful processor yet. Play graphic-intensive games with lightning-fast responsiveness and top the leaderboard with Galaxy S26 Series.
- Remove the mess. Restore the magic: Quickly transform your photos by simply typing or tapping using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Did someone take a bite of your dessert before you took the photo? Just type, “Make this piece of cake look perfect,” and your pic is fixed like magic.
- Make it. Edit it. Share it.: Meet your new creative outlet. From playful illustrations to 3D cartoons, add fun to your everyday moments —whether it’s a custom wallpaper, stickers for your group chat, a special contact photo or an invitation.⁴ ³
- Smart suggestions. Brilliant timing.: Now Nudge with Galaxy AI³ is your behind-the-scenes assistant that just gets you. When you need to reply¹ to a text, search for info or fill out an online form, Now Nudge uses your screen cues to pull up information⁵ saved on your phone, right when you need it. That means quicker replies, fewer frantic app switches and more moments that feel like you’re running your day —and not the other way around.
- Richer color. Sharper wins.: Discover the immensely immersive display on Galaxy S26. With a screen that automatically enriches colors, you can catch all the little things you’ve been missing. And with a screen this vibrant, you can go beyond just watching your favorite videos and socials to feeling like you’re a part of them.
- Group selfies made easy: Group selfies shouldn’t take so much effort. With a wider⁷ front camera, it’s easier to capture more people and more of the scene in one simple shot.
- Hi-Res Audio. Hands-free AI.: Say hello to the unbeatable duo. Galaxy S26 and Buds4 Pro⁸ work together as one seamless experience, bringing AI assistance³ right to your ears so you can stay hands-free. Hear messages or get quick answers while getting errands done —all without unlocking your phone. It’s a smarter way to stay in control, whether you’re navigating your day, multitasking on the move or simply trying to stay in the moment.
- A digital wallet is already in your Galaxy: Say goodbye to bulky wallets and hello to Samsung Wallet on your Galaxy S26 Series. Securely store and access your debit and credit cards,⁹ loyalty cards, boarding passes¹⁰ and more right from your phone. Check out the Samsung Wallet app in your phone to learn about all the features available and start using it today.
Whats Included
- Quick Start Guide
- Phone
- Charging Cable
- Sim Pin
Disclaimers
- ¹Auto suggestion should be enabled.
- ²Requires Samsung account login and internet connection. Editing with Photo Assist results in a resized photo up to 12MP.
- ³Galaxy AI basic features provided by Samsung are free. Any Samsung enhanced AI features and all third-party AI features are subject to different terms and may be subject to fees. (Galaxy AI basic features are listed under "Advanced intelligence" in Samsung Services Terms and Conditions.)
- ⁴Requires an internet connection / Samsung account login. Edited images may be resized and will have visible AI watermark. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed.
- ⁵For location information, location permission should be allowed.
- ⁷As compared to S25 Series
- ⁸Products sold separately.
- ⁹Requires a compatible NFC card from a participating bank.
- ¹⁰Specific requirements and limitations apply to each Samsung Wallet feature.
Q: How much RAM does the Samsung Galaxy S26 have?
A: The Samsung Galaxy S26 has 12 gigabytes of RAM.
Q: Does this phone have a front-facing camera?
A: Yes, this phone has a front-facing camera.
Q: What is the screen refresh rate of this phone?
A: The screen refresh rate of this phone is 120Hz.
Q: Does this phone have a front-facing camera?
A: Yes, this phone has a front-facing camera.
Q: Does this phone have wireless charging capability?
A: Yes, this phone has wireless charging capability.
Q: Can I use mobile hotspot on this phone?
A: Yes, mobile hotspot capability is available on this phone.
Q: Can I use mobile payment services with this phone?
A: Yes, you can use Google Pay with this phone.
Q: What kind of processor does this phone use?
A: This phone uses Snapdragon processor.
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Samsung Galaxy S26 keeps things moving effortlessly. From quick replies to creative moments, everything feels smooth and responsive as you move between texting, scrolling, creating and sharing with Galaxy AI. Even better, this seamless experience comes alive on a larger, vibrant display that automatically enriches color to make photos feel more expressive and videos more engaging. When inspiration strikes, it’s easy to act on it. Photo Assist with Galaxy AI helps you clean up a photo by removing distractions while restoring details or exploring artistic styles like painting, black and white or playful illustrations to give your photos an entirely new look. And when you want to do more, Creative Studio makes it simple to create custom stickers, personalize profile pictures or generate new images from a quick prompt. No extra apps. No technical skills. Just effortless tools that help turn ideas into something uniquely yours. Samsung Galaxy S26 brings performance, immersion and creativity together — designed to keep everything you do feeling fast, vivid and inspired.
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When everything just works, you stay in the moment. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra anticipates what you need next, empowers your creativity, delivers powerful performance with stunning, ultra-vivid viewing and even gives you the freedom to keep your screen private—whenever you choose. Out with friends and capturing the night? Nightography brings every scene to life, revealing rich detail even in low light. Snap photos or record video confidently as the night goes on, and then use Photo Assist with Galaxy AI to refine your shots in seconds —cleaning up distractions, enhancing details and helping every memory look the way it felt. No extra apps. No slowing down. Creativity doesn’t stop once the moment is captured. Creative Studio with Galaxy AI on Galaxy S26 Ultra turns inspiration into creation, just like that. Transform photos into custom stickers, design invitations or generate entirely new images using a simple prompt —all without switching apps or learning new tools. Whether you’re refining a memory or imagining something brand new, Galaxy AI helps bring ideas to life effortlessly, so creativity feels intuitive, not technical. When it’s time to turn ideas into plans, Galaxy S26 Ultra makes it simple. Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you stay on top of conversations by suggesting quick actions like adding an event, sharing a photo or finding a location —all without slowing things down. All of this happens with privacy in mind. With the world’s first privacy display built into a phone, you can keep personal moments for your eyes only. Whether you’re creating, checking emails or just catching up, everything feels effortless and on your terms. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is more than a smartphone —it’s your companion.
| Pros for Samsung - Galaxy S26 256GB (Unlocked) - Cobalt Violet | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Performance, Battery Life, Camera Quality, Charging Speed, Design | Overall Performance, Camera Quality, Battery Life, Size, Portability | There were no pros for this product— | Camera Quality, Overall Performance, Battery Life, Design, Charging Speed |
| Cons for Samsung - Galaxy S26 256GB (Unlocked) - Cobalt Violet | |||
| There were no cons for this product— | Storage Capacity | There were no cons for this product— | There were no cons for this product— |
Specs
Reviews
Customers are saying
Customers frequently mention the Galaxy S26 256GB (Unlocked) for its overall performance, with users noting the crystal-clear display. The battery life is also a highlight, with many reporting it lasts all day. Additionally, the camera quality and sleek design receive positive feedback.
- Overall Performance (19)
- Battery Life (12)
- Camera Quality (11)
Customer Images
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
- Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Samsung Galaxy S26
I recently purchased the Samsung Galaxy S26 and I am absolutely thrilled with it. I’ve been using an S24 Ultra, so I have a solid point of comparison. Initially, I bought the S26 as a second phone for work, but it’s so good that it has now become my main device, while the S24 Ultra is reserved for work tasks. Why I love it: Display: The screen quality is magnificent. The picture is vibrant and sharp; the display is a joy to look at. Battery: Surprisingly, this phone holds a charge even better than my previous S24 Ultra. Camera: The photo quality is top-tier; the camera is very impressive. Convenience: It is incredibly lightweight, compact, and fits perfectly in the hand. On top of that, the phone is very fast and responsive. I am so happy with this purchase that I plan to replace my work S24 Ultra with an S26 Plus or S26 Ultra in the future. I definitely recommend it!
This review is from Samsung - Galaxy S26 256GB (Unlocked) - Black
Andrii Posted
- Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Phone itself
Really great phone with efficient and accurate touch response and cute typing feedback sound. Games are new to me and super at learning to use this phone
This review is from Samsung - Galaxy S26 256GB (Unlocked) - Black
MargaretB Posted
- Rated 5 out of 5 stars
It's a great product.
I’m not one to write reviews for the products I buy; I generally believe that things serve a single purpose, and you shouldn't expect anything more from them. However, something incredible happened to me yesterday: I dropped my phone and then ran over it with my truck. To my surprise—after removing the screen protector—it was completely intact! I don't know what material you guys use to make these, but keep up the great work.
This review is from Samsung - Galaxy S26 256GB (Unlocked) - Black
Xavier Posted
