Feed aggregator

It's time for another round of Google vs. Samsung.

Google launched the Pixel 10 phone last summer, while Samsung's newest flagship, the Galaxy S26, is making its grand debut in the new year. These two Android heavyweights have plenty in common, but also enough points of divergence to make it a real decision for anyone looking to upgrade their non-iOS handset.

Here is how the Galaxy S26 and Pixel 10 compare, with the caveat that we've only had a little hands-on time with the S26 so far.

Samsung Galaxy S26 vs. Google Pixel 10: Price Last year's Pixel 10 phones. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Our first category is the easiest to figure out. The Galaxy S26 is launching at $899.99, while the Pixel 10's MSRP is $799. However, while that might make it seem like the Pixel 10 has the edge, it's not so simple. For the S26, Samsung eliminated the 128GB option, and the starting version now has 256GB of storage. The equivalent Pixel model is priced at $899, only a $0.99 difference.

We typically recommend people get at least 256GB of storage anyway. However, if you're OK with 128GB and want the cheapest possible price, then the Pixel 10 does technically offer the lower price.

SEE ALSO: Does the S26 have a price increase over the S25? Yes and no. Samsung Galaxy S26 vs. Google Pixel 10: Specs

Here are the basic specs for the Pixel 10:

• 6.3-inch display with 1080x2424 resolution and 60-120Hz adaptive refresh rate

• 12GB RAM

• 128GB/256GB storage

• Google Tensor G5 chip

• 4,970mAh battery

And here are the equivalent specs in the Galaxy S26:

• 6.3-inch display with 1080x2340 resolution and 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate

• 12GM RAM

• 256/512GB storage

• Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy

• 4,300mAh battery

There are some notable differences here, but let's start with the similarities. Both devices have the same display size and resolutions that are close enough to be more or less indistinguishable to the average person's eyes. Samsung has a slight edge in terms of refresh rate, but only on the lower end; the ability to go all the way down to 1Hz might help with battery life, but in terms of how things actually look, that's not going to be a huge difference for most folks. Both devices also have the same amount of RAM. We'll have to wait and see how the Tensor G5 compares to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip inside Samsung's devices, but generally speaking, Google's in-house Tensor chips aren't powerhouses on benchmark tests, even if daily performance is usually not a problem for them.

As previously noted, there are some differences worth exploring. Samsung's slightly higher price tag might be explained by the larger storage options on the S26. Its max capacity is twice that of the Pixel 10's, which is huge for prolific mobile photographers and videographers. However, Pixel 10's battery size is substantially larger than the S26's. It remains to be seen what kind of practical difference this makes, but it's something to look out for as real testing begins.

Samsung Galaxy S26 vs. Google Pixel 10: Design Samsung's color array this year. Credit: Chris Taylor/Mashable

Neither of these phones marks much of a departure from their immediate predecessors. The Pixel 10 retains the same basic look as the Pixel 9, sticking with Google's signature Cyclops-like horizontal camera bar on the back. Google's latest Pixel comes in four colors: Indigo, Frost, Lemongrass, and Obsidian. The Indigo color is especially nice to look at, in my opinion.

Galaxy S26 also looks pretty similar to the Galaxy S25, with three vertically oriented camera lenses on the upper left corner of the phone's backside. They do jut out a little more this year than they did before, so the S26 might be a tad more awkward on a flat surface than the S25 was. Lastly, the S26 comes in six colors: Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue, Black, White, Silver Shadow, and Pink Gold. Those last two are online exclusives.

Samsung Galaxy S26 vs. Google Pixel 10: AI features Magic Cue in action. Credit: Screenshot: Alex Perry/Mashable

The AI arms race has led both the Galaxy S26 and Pixel 10 to fairly similar places, at least in terms of which features fit onto a bullet point list for each device. How the features actually work will, at least in the case of the S26, have to wait until a real review.

Pixel 10 introduced live language translation during phone calls, which is also supported in Samsung's AI ecosystem. It also brought in Magic Cue, a context-dependent system that will surface certain information from your emails or text messages if they happen to come up during regular use. If someone texts you about an event in your calendar, that information will helpfully pop up right in front of you, for example. Galaxy S26 introduces something that sounds pretty similar in Now Nudge, but we don't yet know how (or if) it differs in function from Magic Cue.

Both devices also feature AI mainstays like Google's Circle to Search, as well as support for Gemini. Samsung's phone also comes with a newly enhanced version of the Bixby voice assistant, as well as access to Perplexity, if that's what you prefer.

While the S26 and Pixel 10 both feature plenty of AI image and video editing tools, Samsung has gone a step further this year by putting them all in one app, called Creative Studio. It's a one-stop shop for AI editing, rather than having to switch between two or three apps. Again, we don't yet know how this differs in practice from the Pixel 10 AI experience, but it's a good idea nonetheless. Aside from editing existing images, Creative Studio will also let users generate new images from text prompts.

Samsung Galaxy S26 vs. Google Pixel 10: Cameras The signature Pixel camera bump. It's like that X-Men guy. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

Of course, everyone wants a good camera setup on their smartphone. Here are the basic camera specs for the Galaxy S26:

• 50MP main lens

• 12MP ultra-wide lens

• 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom

• 12MP selfie lens

And here are the equivalent specs for Pixel 10:

• 48MP main lens

• 13MP ultra-wide lens

• 10.8MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom

• 10.5MP selfie lens

Purely as far as numbers are concerned, there aren't many big differences here. It's great that both of these base model phones have telephoto lenses, as that was, until recently, something you could only expect to get on Pro-level phones. The biggest advantage either phone has over the other in regard to camera specs is that the Pixel 10's telephoto lens is capable of greater optical zoom than the S26's. Google has been a winner in terms of mobile zoom capabilities for a few years now, and that seemingly hasn't changed here, though we'll have to wait until we do further testing to definitively declare a winner.

Head to Mashable's Samsung Galaxy Unpacked live blog for the latest updates as the newest Samsung products and features are unveiled.

There's a new base model in town.

At Galaxy Unpacked 2026, Samsung officially unveiled the standard Galaxy S26 — and on paper, it looks a lot like last year's Galaxy S25. But as always, the devil's in the details.

Let's not waste time: Here's how the base Galaxy S26 compares to the base Galaxy S25 in terms of price, design, specs, camera, and battery life.

Credit: Mashable / Joseph Maldonado Samsung Galaxy S26 vs. Galaxy S25: Price

Samsung will be giving the Galaxy S26 a notable bump from the S25's launch price, which started closer to the traditional $799 base tier.

S25:

• 128GB/12GB RAM: $799.99

• 256GB/12GB RAM: $859.99

S26:

• 128GB/12GB RAM: $899.99

• 256GB/12GB RAM: $959.99

Samsung Galaxy S26 vs. Galaxy S25: Design and display

At first glance, the S26 doesn't reinvent the wheel. It sticks with a compact footprint and flat edges, measuring 71.7 x 149 x 7.2mm and weighing 167 grams. That’s slightly thicker and heavier than the S25, which came in at 5.84mm thick and 162 grams.

Display-wise, the S26 gets a 6.3-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. The S25 featured a slightly smaller 6.2-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz support. In other words: marginally bigger screen, same smooth scrolling.

S25:

• 6.2-inch display

• 120Hz refresh rate

• Thickness: 5.84mm

• Weight: 162g

• Colors: Blueblack, Coralred, Pinkgold, Navy, Mint, Icy Blue, Silver Shadow

S26:

• 6.3-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display

• 120Hz adaptive refresh rate

• Thickness: 7.2mm

• Weight: 167g

• Colors: Black, White, Sky Blue, and Cobalt Violet

You're getting a slightly bigger screen and a touch more heft, but the overall footprint still firmly sits in "compact flagship" territory. If you liked the S25’s one-handed feel, the S26 won’t shock you.

Samsung Galaxy S26 vs. Galaxy S25: Performance and software

Here's where the S26 makes a more meaningful leap.

The base Galaxy S26 is powered by Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, with some regions expected to get Samsung's in-house Exynos 2600 processor instead. Either way, this is a generational bump over the S25's Snapdragon 8 Elite silicon, promising better efficiency, stronger sustained performance, and more AI headroom.

S25:

• Snapdragon 8 Elite

• 12GB RAM

• 128GB or 256GB storage

• Android 15 at launch (One UI 7)

S26:

• Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

• Exynos 2600

• 12GB RAM

• 256GB or 512GB storage

• Android 16 with One UI 8.5

Samsung Galaxy S26 vs. Galaxy S25: Camera

Here’s where things feel almost identical.

The S26 features:

• 50MP wide

• 12MP ultra-wide (F2.2)

• 10MP telephoto

• 12MP front camera

That's the same core setup as the base S25, which also packs a 50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto, and 12MP selfie camera. So no megapixel jump this year. If there are improvements, they'll likely come down to image processing and Galaxy AI enhancements rather than new hardware.

Samsung Galaxy S26 vs. Galaxy S25: Battery and charging

Battery capacity gets a modest bump.

The S26 ships with a 4,300mAh battery. The S25 had a 4,000mAh cell. That's not massive, but it's meaningful — especially if paired with software optimizations in Android 16 and One UI 8.5.

Samsung also claims the S26 can reach up to a 55 percent battery charge in 30 minutes. The S25 offered strong battery life for its size, but charging speeds weren’t a headline feature. This could be one of the more practical upgrades for everyday users.

Head to Mashable's Samsung Galaxy Unpacked live blog for the latest updates as the newest Samsung products and features are unveiled.

Samsung unveiled its new Galaxy S26 Ultra smartphone at Samsung Unpacked on Wednesday — or as the tech giant put it, their new "AI phone." Coming in at 0.3 millimetres thinner and four grams lighter than last year's S25 Ultra, Samsung's 2026 flagship phone continues to lean heavily into AI, aiming to transition machine learning from a feature to an integral part of its infrastructure.

Yet despite this, one of the S26 Ultra's most exciting features has nothing to do with generative AI. Say hello to Samsung's Privacy display, a feature that makes it easier than ever to read smutty fanfiction on public transport.

Credit: Amanda Yeo / Mashable

Advertised as a world first, the S26 Ultra's Privacy display reduces its screen's viewing angle so that curious bystanders will have a harder time seeing which part of Heated Rivalry you're rewatching. The display does this by using a combination of wide and narrow pixels, which are separated by partition walls. Activating Privacy display turns these wide pixels off, making the display only visible from a more acute angle than usual. You can also narrow this angle even further by turning on Maximum privacy protection mode. 

SEE ALSO: See Samsung Galaxy S26's Privacy Display feature in action

I had the opportunity to try the new Privacy display at a recent Samsung briefing, and found it remarkably effective — particularly its Maximum mode. Activating the Privacy display made the S26 Ultra's screen appear noticeably darker when viewed from wide angles, rendering it more difficult to read if not facing it head-on. However, the display really impressed when the stronger Maximum privacy protection mode was turned on, which immediately made the S26 Ultra's screen appear almost as if the phone had been shut down.

Both the Privacy and Maximum privacy protection modes slightly affect the display, washing out the colours. This is more pronounced in the latter, but still isn't particularly noticeable or bothersome in either when using the S26 Ultra for standard activities. Many users will likely become accustomed to it quickly, and I had to switch the modes on and off to properly appreciate the difference. 

Credit: Amanda Yeo / Mashable

If the washed-out display bothers you, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra also allows you to set Privacy display to automatically activate only when using specific apps, entering passwords and PIN numbers, and when receiving notifications. This applies the Privacy display solely to the notification itself, leaving the rest of the screen visible to any snoopers in your vicinity. It's a cool feature that lets users fully enjoy the Samsung Galaxy's brightest-ever display while still maintaining their privacy. 

For others, simply having Maximum privacy protection turned on all the time may offer more peace of mind. Why hide your notifications while leaving your spicy BookTok preferences open for scrutiny? Fortunately, keeping this mode activated shouldn't drain your phone's battery either. A Samsung spokesperson couldn’t definitively say whether Privacy display has any impact on the S26 Ultra's battery life. However, considering that it involves turning pixels off, it seems reasonable to speculate that it may even have a small beneficial effect.

Credit: Amanda Yeo / Mashable

To activate the Galaxy S26 Ultra's Privacy display, simply swipe down from the top right corner of the screen to open the Quick Settings panel. Tap the "Privacy display" button, and you'll be taken to a menu where you can toggle Privacy display on or choose the conditions for it to activate. Either "Turn on Privacy display," "Conditions for turning on," or both must be activated for Maximum privacy protection to work.

Samsung's new Privacy display is only available on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, so you'll have to spring for the flagship if you want it. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is available for pre-order now, starting at $1,299. It's scheduled to ship on March 11.

Samsung has just announced its latest flagship smartphone line for the year, the Samsung Galaxy S26.

Many eyes are going to be on the most powerful device in the lineup, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. In fact, some of those smartphone users looking at the S26 Ultra may even be iPhone owners who are considering defecting to Android.

So, how does the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra stack up to Apple's most powerful current-generation iPhone, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which was released last fall? Let's take a look at how these two phones compare.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: Price Meet the new flagship Galaxy S26 AI smartphone. Credit: Chris Taylor / Mashable

Let's start with what will likely be one of the most important considerations when choosing between the two devices: Pricing.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max has the lowest intro price at $1,199 for the 256GB storage model. For the same amount of storage space, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in at $100 more, with a price of $1,299.99.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: Maxed out specs The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max in cosmic orange. Credit: CNET

If price isn't a concern and you're just looking to get the most powerful smartphone possible, this is where you'll have to make a more decisive choice.

If you want the most storage space possible, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is for you. 

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is only available in three different storage configurations: 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. The iPhone 17 Pro Max, however, has four options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and a whopping 2TB.

If you're looking for the most memory though, which should speed up your device's performance, then you might want to take a look at the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. The iPhone 17 Pro Max comes with 12GB RAM, whereas the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra provides two options of 12GB or 16GB of RAM.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: Cameras The camera array on the new Galaxy S26 Ultra. Credit: Chris Taylor / Mashable

This is another major factor in your decision-making process.

When it comes to the number of cameras, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the iPhone 17 Pro Max beat. 

The Galaxy S26 Ultra has four rear cameras: 200MP wide, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom, and a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. It also has a forward-facing 12MP selfie camera.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max, on the other hand, has three 48MP lenses on the rear of the device – wide, ultrawide, and telephoto – along with an 18MP selfie camera on the front of the smartphone. 

When it comes to picture quality, a lot more factors in, such as how each device processes the images and videos, so a hands-on comparison will be necessary before determining which is a better fit for your needs.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: Performance and battery life

This one is going to require a hands-on experience in order to tell exactly which device provides the best performance. However, we can still look at the specs.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max uses Apple's A19 Pro processor. Samsung has the custom Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy powering the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Judging by the Galaxy's predecessor, which was powered by the previous Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, both phones are likely top of the line in terms of performance. We'll share more performance results in a full review soon.

Battery life is another important issue that will require further testing. Apple says the iPhone 17 Pro Max runs on 39 hours of battery life for video playback. In Mashable's review of the device, we were ecstatic over the longevity of the iPhone 17 Pro Max battery.

A leaked EU label for the new Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra found that it lasted for 55 hours, which is incredible. But, again, we still need to test it out.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: Display and Design Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra on display. Credit: Chris Taylor / Mashable

Both Samsung and Apple's devices have a big 6.9-inch display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. However, right off the bat, the Galaxy S26 Ulra has one big advantage. Samsung has introduced the industry's first built-in Privacy Display, which hides the content of the phone from anyone nearby. It's a unique and innovative feature that can be turned on and off.

However, Apple has some advantages. Apple's display can be brighter than Samsung's, especially for outdoor usage. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has 3,000 nits peak brightness, whereas the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has 2,600 nits peak brightness. 

In terms of design, the biggest difference will be found on the rear of the device. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a camera bump housing the rear lenses that extends across the entire device. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a stacked camera lens design without any noticeable bump.

Samsung also provides more color choices for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. Consumers can pick between cobalt violet, sky blue, black, and white. In addition to those, there are two online-exclusive colors: Pink gold and silver shadow.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max only has three color options: Cosmic orange, silver, and deep blue. And don't forget about the new iPhone's Scratchgate problems.

New Samsung earbuds are here, following announcements at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026.

Samsung announced two models — the Galaxy Buds4 and Galaxy Buds4 Pro, which will retail for $179 and $249, respectively. The earbuds were released alongside the new Galaxy S26 phones and will be available to buy starting March 11, with preorders starting today in select markets.

It's been a couple of years since Samsung last released its standard earbuds and Pro models, so we rounded up everything you need to know, from what's new to pricing and specs.

Opens in a new window Credit: Chris Taylor / Mashable Samsung Galaxy Buds4 and Pro Starting at $179 Learn More Samsung Galaxy Buds4 and Pro: Price and specsGalaxy Buds4

• Retail for $179.99

• Five hours of battery life per charge, six with ANC off (24 hours in case with ANC, 30 hours without)

• 11mm dynamic speaker

• 360 audio

• Adaptive equalizer and noise control

• Adaptive ANC

• Bluetooth 6.1

• Three digital microphones

• IP54 water- and sweat-resistant

• Colors: black, white

Galaxy Buds4 Pro

• Retail for $249.99

• Six hours of battery life per charge, seven with ANC off (26 hours in case with ANC, 30 hours without)

• Enhanced two-way speaker (11mm SuperWide woofer and 5.5mm planar tweeter)

• 360 audio

• Adaptive equalizer and noise control

• Adaptive ANC 2.0

• Bluetooth 6.1

• One HSNR digital microphone, two digital microphones

• IP57 water- and sweat-resistant

• Colors: black, white, pink gold

What's new about the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 and Pro?

The main improvements for the Buds4 and Buds4 Pro come in the form of improved audio quality and some design upgrades.

The Buds3 line introduced the Apple AirPods-like look, and now Samsung is streamlining it. Both the Buds4 and Buds4 Pro will feature smaller earbud heads, with the intention of providing more comfortable all-day wear. The stem of the earbuds leans into Samsung's blade design, featuring a metal finish, with an engraved area for easier access to the on-ear pinch controls. The final change is the transparent carrying case.

SEE ALSO: YouTuber claims he bought a Galaxy S26 early: Everything revealed

The Buds4 Pro come with an audio improvement in the form of a wider woofer. Up from a 10.5mm DD woofer on the Buds3 Pro, the newer gen will feature an 11mm SuperWide woofer. It is worth noting, however, that the Buds3 Pro featured a 6.1mm planar tweeter, while the Buds4 Pro feature a 5.5mm planar tweeter.

Both the Pro and standard models can now be used in tandem with Galaxy devices for hands-free access to AI features from Bixby and Gemini.

What's the same with the Galaxy Buds4 and Pro?

The Galaxy Buds3 and Buds3 Pro were released in the summer of 2024, at $179.99 and $249.99, respectively — the exact same price points found on the new Buds4 line.

Also the same between the lines is the battery life per charge and in the case, as well as the design differences between the standard and Pro earbuds. The standard earbuds come without a silicone tip and sit just outside the ear canal, while the Pro earbuds do feature a silicone tip for an in-canal fit.

Both generations of buds also feature adaptive noise control, noise cancellation, Auracast, and 360 audio. Between the standard Buds3 and Buds4, both feature an 11mm speaker. However, between those same earbuds, the older generation features an IP57 water- and dust-resistance rating, while the newer earbuds drop to IP54.

Where to buy the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 and Pro

The Samsung Galaxy Buds4 and Pro will be available from Samsung on March 11. Preorders start Feb. 25 in select markets.

Head to Mashable's Samsung Galaxy Unpacked live blog for the latest updates as the newest Samsung products and features are unveiled.

You might have to pay a bit more for a new Samsung Galaxy — but it depends on the model you're planning to purchase.

The tech giant dropped its new line of Galaxy phones at its marquee Unpacked event on Wednesday. Samsung will start shipping the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra on March 11, and all three are available for pre-order now.

Unfortunately, the S26 and S26 plus do arrive with small price increases. Between a global memory shortage, tariffs, and inflation, the news is disappointing but not surprising.

Are there Samsung Galaxy S26 price increases?

Short answer: Yes and no.

The S25 lineup was priced at $799.99, $999.99, and $1,299.99, respectively. And here is the officially pricing for the S26 phones, via Samsung:

• Galaxy S26: $899.99

• Galaxy S26 Plus: $1,099.99

• Galaxy S26 Ultra: $1,299.99

However, there's only one true price increase in the S26 lineup. The S26 Plus is $100 more than the S25 Plus, which was priced at $999.99. For the base model S26, Samsung has simply eliminated the low-memory version of the phone.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. Credit: Chris Taylor / Mashable

With the Galaxy S25, the 128GB model started at $799.99, which is, obviously, $100 less than the cheapest S26. However, the Galaxy S26 now starts with 256GB of storage for $899.99, the same price as the equivalent version of the S25. So, the company simply cut the lowest-tier option in lieu of a true price increase.

The S26 Ultra, meanwhile, saw no price increases.

Why did Samsung Galaxy S26 prices increase?

Well, first of all, most things don't get cheaper over time, in general. (TVs are a bizarre exception.) But it's a particularly difficult time for tech products. AI's proliferation has sparked a global memory shortage that shows no signs of abating, which, in turn, has driven up prices. There's also President Donald Trump's tariffs, which has caused a spike in tech prices, too.

So it's no surprise Galaxy prices went up, but at least the increases were relatively small.

In addition, Samsung has eliminated its standard launch deal, which let customers who pre-ordered the new phones get double the storage at no extra cost.

Head to Mashable's Samsung Galaxy Unpacked live blog for the latest updates as the newest Samsung products and features are unveiled.

Finally, after weeks of waiting, the full Samsung Galaxy S26 lineup is here: The Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra are all available for pre-order now and scheduled to launch on March 11.

The Korean phone maker announced its latest series of Android flagships during a Galaxy Unpacked event in San Francisco on Wednesday.

The S26 Ultra is Samsung's slimmest Ultra series phone yet, and it introduces the world's first-ever built-in Privacy Display. All three phones arrive with various improvements and new AI features, but the S26 and S26 Plus also bring a $100 price increase over the S25 models. In a hands-on demo, we found that the phones are slightly less boxy and lighter than the S25, and we'll be sharing a full review in the weeks ahead.

Mashable is providing live updates from Galaxy Unpacked, so let's dive into everything we learned about the new S26 lineup.

The new Galaxy S26 lineup: Pricing and specs The new Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus phones on display. Credit: Chris Taylor / Mashable SEE ALSO: Leak: Samsung Galaxy S26 batteries include a surprising downgrade

The new Galaxy S26 line delivers some key upgrades over Samsung's previous-gen phones. The phones feature a custom chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy.

The Galaxy S26 goes for $899, the S26+ for $1,099, and the S26 Ultra for $1,299. The S26 no longer offers a 128GB option, which is why the starting price is now $100 higher. However, the S26 memory and RAM options remain unchanged, yet the price is still $100 higher than last year. A global memory shortage, not to mention tariffs, has been putting upward pressure on phone prices.

The new Samsung phones are available in six colors: Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue, Black, White, Silver Shadow, and Pink Gold. Those last two colors are online exclusives, as is normal for Samsung. Here are some of the other basic specs:

• Galaxy S26 display: 6.3-inch AMOLED with 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate

• Galaxy S26+ display: 6.7-inch AMOLED with 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate

• Galaxy S26 Ultra display: 6.9-inch AMOLED with 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate and S-Pen support

• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy

• Galaxy S26 and S26+: 12GB RAM and 256/512GB storage

• Galaxy S26 Ultra: 12/16GB RAM and 256/512GB/1TB storage

• Galaxy S26: 4,300mAh battery

• Galaxy S26+: 4,900mAh battery

• Galaxy S26 Ultra: 5,000mAh battery

The new Galaxy S26 lineup: Cameras The camera array on the S26 Ultra. Credit: Chris Taylor / Mashable

As for cameras, the S26 Ultra is clearly the choice for pro-level photographers. Here are the cameras included with each handset this year:

• Galaxy S26: A 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, a 10MP telephoto lens, and a 12MP front camera

• Galaxy S26 Plus: A 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, a 10MP telephoto lens, and 12MP front camera

• Galaxy S26 Ultra: A 200MP main shooter, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, 50 and 10MP telephoto lenses with up to 5x optical zoom, 12MP front camera

What's new this year? Credit: Amanda Yeo / Mashable

There isn't a lot in terms of super exciting new flagship features, but the two most worth talking about are Creative Studio and Privacy Display. The former is a new, unified home for all your AI image and video editing needs. Rather than putting all of those things into separate apps, Samsung has grouped them all together in one place. Privacy Display, on the other hand, is an industry-first. The display technology will make the screen dark for people who aren't looking at it head-on, hopefully giving users more peace of mind when using their phones in public.

Other highlights include:

• Corning Gorilla Armor 2 on Ultra

• A redesigned vapor chamber to dissipate heat on the Ultra

• All S26 cases will include magnets

• Redesigned Document Scanner built into the camera app

• 60w charging for the first time ever in the S26 Ultra

Credit: Chris Taylor / Mashable Credit: Chris Taylor / Mashable

For those interested in using AI assistants, S26 users will be able to choose between Google Gemini, Samsung Bixby, and Perplexity.

In all, this looks to be a fairly incremental upgrade cycle for Samsung. Stay tuned for our reviews of these devices.

If you're ready to pre-order, head to Samsung to see the latest launch offers.

Head to Mashable's Samsung Galaxy Unpacked live blog for the latest updates as the newest Samsung products and features are unveiled.

SAVE $70: Hurry! Right now, you can get the Nancy Lem Clitoral Massager for just $66.75 (with code LEM25), down from $159. That's a $92.25 price cut.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nancy Lem Clitoral Massager $66.75 at Nancy
$159 Save $92.25 Use promo code LEM25 for an additional 25% off. Get Deal

Remember when Tracy’s Dog launched its OG suction vibrator and the internet basically broke? (That was back in 2019.) The only other vibe I’ve seen come close to that kind of notoriety is the Rose, but now the market is flooded with knock-offs. Enter the Lem Clitoral Massager. It's taken over TikTok feeds and landed in the hands of countless influencers, sex educators, and journalists (including me!).

It's earned unanimous acclaim for its ergonomic design and consistent performance across varying sensitivity levels, with 12K+ reviews on the site and a 4.8-star rating.

This vibe is so good, I recently ranked it as the best clitoral suction vibrator in our “Best Sex Toys” roundup. It's normally $159, but right now, you can get it for just $66.75 using the promo code LEM25. That's over $90 in total savings! (If for any reason you don’t like it, you can return it within 30 days.)

SEE ALSO: Are vibrating sex toys on the way out?

Not only is it super cute, but it’s also incredibly powerful and way quieter than you’d expect. Thanks to a whisper-quiet motor (under 50dB), you can definitely use this without a nosy roommate ever hearing a peep. Its lemon design also makes it easy to just blend in with your decor — no one needs to know! It features 12 intensity settings and patterns, but honestly, the first few are gentle yet powerful enough to get me there. It’s ideal for beginners, people who experience pelvic pain (hi, it’s me), or couples play. It takes about 90 minutes to charge, which gives you a full 120 minutes of use.

The Lem is completely waterproof and, of course, made with body-safe, medical-grade silicone. Your order comes in a cute little box that includes a charger and a silky storage bag. Bonus: It’s TSA-friendly for discreet travel.

SAVE $299.01: As of Feb. 25, get the Shark AI Ultra Voice Control Robot Vacuum for $299.99, down from its usual price of $599. That's a discount of 50%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Shark AI Ultra Voice Control Robot Vacuum $299.99 at Amazon
$599 Save $299.01   Get Deal

Tired of spending all your extra time cleaning up your home? The kids leave crumbs everywhere, the dog makes a mess, and dust settles on everything. It can get old. Good news: it's 2026, and you don't have to spend your entire day vacuuming behind anyone or tidying up. Not when a perfectly good robot vacuum can handle it. We've found one that's more than easy enough to set up to clean your floor -- and it can respond to your voice.

As of Feb. 25, get the Shark AI Ultra Voice Control Robot Vacuum for $299.99, down from its usual price of $599. That's $299.01 off and a discount of 50%.

SEE ALSO: The powerful Roborock Qrevo Curv S5X Robot Vacuum and Mop is on sale at Amazon for a major $500 off

This is one of Shark's most advanced models, with powerful suction and navigation that can help you get started cleaning in a flash. It has 360-degree LiDAR mapping and Matrix Clean Navigation to help get through your home without bumping into things. It makes a grid to help move forward and clean every nook and cranny of your home and offers a deeper clean than other cheaper models.

But one of its most exciting features is its precise voice control, which lets you start on-demand cleans, schedule runtimes, or work with Alexa and Google Assistant to get things done. You can have it working for you without having to lift a finger, which means your cleaning time is cut in half and your robot vacuum can go the distance, especially with its self-cleaning brushroll, self-emptying base, and other desirable traits.

It's time to stop doing all that work when a robot can tackle it. Don't miss this lucrative deal and grab one before it's out of stock.

It's a good day to be an Industry fan.

Not only has HBO announced that the show has been renewed for a fifth and final season, it has also revealed that the Season 4 finale will be airing early, meaning viewers will get all their pressing Harper (Myha'la) and Yasmin (Marisa Abela) questions answered sooner than they think.

SEE ALSO: 'Industry's Myha'la and Marisa Abela break down Harper and Yasmin's heart to heart (and that kiss)

One hour sooner, to be exact. Industry Season 4, episode 8 will be airing at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 1, as opposed to its usual 9 p.m. ET time slot.

Look, an hour isn't a ton of time less to wait, but on the flip side, it'll also give viewers an extra hour to cool down after the adrenaline rush that is the typical Industry episode. And after a finale in particular? I'll take all the cooldown time I can get.

The air time change is due to HBO premiering a new show in Industry's usual time slot. The show is DTF St. Louis, a limited series starring Jason Bateman, David Harbour, and Linda Cardellini. The three play middle-aged friends in a love triangle, but things go off the rails when one of them winds up dead. (Spoiler alert, it's Harbour, but you find that out in the trailer.)

Industry's Season 4 finale premieres March 1 at 8 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

Whether you've been there since the very beginning for Pokémon's reign or you recently caught the pocket monster-collecting bug, you know it's only gotten more popular over the years. Feb. 27 is Pokémon Day, an annual celebration of the launch of the original Pokémon Red and Green games in Japan. This year, the brand is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a special livestream and a variety of events that multiple companies are getting in on as well: eBay, for example.

The massively popular ecommerce brand announced its own way of celebrating Pokémon today: The 30/30 Collection, a curated selection of Pokémon items representing 30 years of the brand's history. The 30-item selection includes a holographic 1996 Pokémon Trading Card Game Base Set Japanese Charizard, for instance, graded as a PSA 9.2. There's also a special 2021 Seiko Pokémon Special Model Blastoise watch, limited to 700 pieces. Those pieces and more will be available on eBay for auctions that start at their original retail prices.

SEE ALSO: Get the Pokemon TCG: Mega Evolution Phantasmal Flames Booster Bundle for the best price at Walmart — save vs. Amazon and TCGplayer

But you can't just go run to eBay right now and score low prices on all of these curated Pokémon goodies. You'll have to wait to compete with other fans for The 30/30 Collection and join eBay on Feb. 27, Pokémon Day, to do that. The 30/30 Collection will be auctioned live from New York at 6 p.m. ET. at The Standard Biergarten in the Meatpacking District, so you can join the block party and auctions there, or participate online.

Either way, it's a chance for you to potentially score coveted Pokémon goodies at thousands of dollars less than their market value. If you've had your eye on a specific collector's card or other piece of Pokémon history, you may want to mark your calendars and clear your schedule for Pokémon Day.

Security researchers have warned of a sophisticated cloaking platform that lets bad actors maneuver around automated security protocols and spoof brands on Google ad platforms.

The service, referred to as 1Campaign, provides hackers with a one-stop-shop for running malicious ads and enabling fraud "at scale," a recent report by cybersecurity company Varonis uncovered. Using just a single dashboard, hackers can cloak malicious content from security researchers, ad platform reviewers, and automated scanners — who instead see a benign white page — and target general users with phishing or scam attempts.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Unpacked live blog: See the latest updates

It's a boon for what is commonly referred to as "malvertising."

On top of standard cloaking tools, 1Campaign also offers bad actors real-time analytics, visitor profiling, fraud scoring, and traffic blocking options that can configure content for known security vendors, data centers, and VPNs in order to get around detection, Tech Radar reported. The tool logs IP addresses, geographic locations, company information or ISP, device type, security flags, and assigns each visitor a "fraud score." This data is then used to serve up targeted content.

1Campaign was developed by a hacker known as "DuppyMeister," and it's been on the cybercriminal market for the last three years. The developer runs support for the service through secret Telegram channels, and Varonis' Threat Lab found that the tool has an extremely high success rate at interrupting traditional detection methods.

Hackers have been manipulating search engines, including agentic browsers and chatbots themselves, into surfacing malicious ads and hiding malware in plain sight. Just this week, Bitdefender warned of a hacker network that had taken over 35 Google Advertiser accounts and launched hundreds of such ads that single out Mac users searching for specific software downloads.

SAVE $23.98: Through March 2, new Amazon Music Unlimited subscribers can enjoy two free months of listening. Usually $11.99 per month (with Prime) or $12.99 per month (without Prime), that's a savings of $23.98 or $25.98 total.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Music Unlimited free for 2 months (save $23.98) Get Deal

If you aren't committed to a music streaming service, now's a good time to check out Amazon Music Unlimited without spending a penny. Through March 2 at 11 a.m. ET, new subscribers can secure two free months of Amazon Music Unlimited. Typically $11.99 per month for Prime members and $12.99 per month for non-Prime members, that's an automatic savings of $23.98 or $25.98.

With Amazon Music Unlimited, you'll unlock a massive music catalog that you can listen to on-demand and ad-free. With HD and spatial audio, you can enjoy your music in the highest quality possible on devices from most top brands (Sonos, Bose, Sony, Klipsch, etc.).

Beyond the music, Amazon Music Unlimited subscriptions also include "the most ad-free podcasts" of any of the major music apps, as well as one free audiobook per month via Audible. Audible Premium Plus, which gives you a credit per month to "buy" an audiobook from its catalog, usually costs $14.95 per month. Amazon's Music Unlimited subscription basically gives you that same benefit for free. Each month, you can choose a new audiobook — even during the two-month free trial period. Just keep in mind that if you cancel your subscription, you'll lose access to your audiobook selection.

If you're already paying for another music streaming service, take a two-month break from payments and pause it for this freebie from Amazon. Once your two-month trial ends, you'll automatically be charged the full monthly price — either $11.99 or $12.99 per month — unless you cancel. Set your calendar alert now if you want to avoid that charge.

SAVE 27%: As of Feb. 25, you can get the 49-inch Samsung Odyssey G93SC Series curved gaming monitor for $899.99, down from $1,228.80, at Amazon. That's a 27% discount or $328.81 in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung 49-inch Samsung Odyssey G93SC Series curved gaming monitor $899.99 at Amazon
$1,228.80 Save $328.81   Get Deal

If you're on the hunt for a top-tier gaming monitor, Samsung’s 49-inch Odyssey OLED just got a hefty price cut — but the real steals are hiding in those little green boxes just below the price tag.

SEE ALSO: The ultra-wide Westinghouse 49-inch curved gaming monitor just hit a new record-low at Amazon

As of Feb. 25, the Samsung Odyssey G93SC curved gaming monitor is down to $899.99 at Amazon. That’s a 27% discount on its own (and just $1 more than its all-time lowest price), but you'll want to pay close attention to those "Savings" badges.

Right off the bat, you can snag a free game code for Resident Evil Requiem. If you're doing a full setup overhaul, you can use the promo code BUYMORE to save $100 on two select items. You can also instantly save $300 when you buy three participating Samsung products, or $400 if you buy four. (Just a heads up: You have to be signed into your Amazon account to click and redeem these offers.)

As for the monitor itself, it's a 49-inch QD-OLED panel, which means your colors will pop and your dark scenes won't look washed out. It features an 1800R curve to wrap the game around your peripheral vision, plus a 240Hz refresh rate and a 0.03ms response time to eliminate lag.

Sure, $900 is an investment, but when you factor in the screen real estate, the free game, and the chance to bundle your way to $400 in extra savings, this is a pretty good excuse to upgrade.

Hisense TV deals this week at a glance: Best 100-inch TV deal 100-inch Hisense Class U8 QLED 4K TV $2,997.96 (save $1,000.03) Get Deal Best 75-inch deal 75-inch Hisense QD7 4K TV $547.96 (save $102.03) Get Deal Best 32-inch deal 32-inch Hisense Class A4 TV $97.99 (save $22) Get Deal

We don't usually consider the end of February as one of the best times of the year to buy a new TV, but Amazon is surprising us in the best way possible. Since spring weather is apparently still weeks away, we're staying tucked in on the couch and tuned in to our favorite shows while we wait for warmer temps.

If you've started to notice your current TV isn't looking very sharp, it could be time for an upgrade, and lucky for us, Amazon is highlighting Hisense this week. The brand is well known for offering high-quality displays without costing a small fortune. Here are some of the best Hisense TV deals to shop this week.

Best 100-inch TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense 100-inch Hisense Class U8 QLED 4K TV $2,997.96 at Amazon
$3,997.99 Save $1,000.03   Get Deal Why we like it

Ready for a major upgrade for watching TV, movies, sports, and playing games? Go with a 100-inch TV. Sure, smaller options are less expensive but they don't offer this experience. The 100-inch Hisense Class U8 QLED 4K TV comes backed with features that make it a standout model. Snag it from Amazon while it's on sale for $2,997.96, marked down from the list price of $3,997.99. You'll be saving just over $1,000 by shopping this sale today.

The 100-inch Hisense Class U8 QLED 4K TV gets up to 5,000 Nits of brightness. Pair this with its QLED display technology and you'll be in great shape for daytime viewing. The 165Hz native refresh rate puts this model in line for an excellent gaming experience, and Hisense added an anti-reflection element to the display.

Amazon also has professional TV wall-mounting service on sale when purchasing this model. Instead of the standard price of $239.99, Amazon is offering the service for $115.99. During your scheduled time, a professional will remove your current TV from the wall, mount the new one on the wall, and make sure everything is working properly, including connections to soundbars and gaming consoles.

Best 75-inch TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense 75-inch Hisense QD7 QLED 4K TV $547.96 at Amazon
$649.98 Save $102.02   Get Deal Why we like it

If your living room or bedroom is well suited for a 75-inch TV, the Hisense QD7 4K TV got a nice discount at Amazon this week. Instead of paying the normal price of $649.99, the TV is on sale for $547.96, which matches the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon.

Getting up to 600 Nits of brightness, the 75-inch Hisense QD7 focuses on offering excellent color contrast with bright highlights and deep blacks. The 144Hz refresh rate makes this TV a decent option for gaming and it's equipped with AMD FreeSync Premium. Since the TV is a Fire TV model, Alexa's help is always nearby. Plus, you can get a picture-in-picture display with other Alexa-enabled devices like the video doorbell.

Best 32-inch TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense 32-inch Hisense Class A4 Series TV $97.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $22   Get Deal Why we like it

For smaller rooms, the kid's room, the guest room, or the garage, the 32-inch Hisense Class A4 Series is on sale for just $97.99 at Amazon. Coming with a 720p HD LCD screen, the 32-inch Hisense offer an ultra-affordable TV option. This model comes with built-in Roku TV which gives you access to hundreds of shows for free. You can also connect the TV to Apple AirPlay so you can stream movies, shows, or display photos directly from your phone.

Between 2021's unsettling We're All Going to the World's Fair and 2024's critically acclaimed I Saw the TV Glow, director Jane Schoenbrun has cemented themselves as a key voice in queer horror. Now, they continue to play with horror conventions with their third feature film, the upcoming Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma.

The film stars Hannah Einbinder and Gillian Anderson as two women caught in the web of the long-running slasher franchise Camp Miasma.

Once a horror staple, Camp Miasma has fallen prey to underwhelming sequels, losing fans along the way. When an enthusiastic queer director (Einbinder) gets a chance to breathe new life into the films, she decides to visit the original film's reclusive star (Anderson). According to Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma's official logline, the two soon find themselves in "a blood-soaked world of desire, fear, and delirium."

That world comes to vivid life in Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma's first teaser. Schoenbrun pays tribute to summer camp slashers past with fountains of blood, knives bursting from lakes, and Einbinder running through the woods, Final Girl-style.

The teaser also sees Anderson deliver the chilling revelation, "There is a hole at the bottom of the lake where the movies come from. He always comes back."

Like Einbinder's character, who utters a confused "What?," we're bewildered, but intrigued. More than that, we're ready for our stay at Camp Miasma.

Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma also stars Eva Victor, Zach Cherry, Sarah Sherman, Jasmin Savoy Brown, and Jack Haven.

Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma hits theaters Aug. 7.

GET $200: Anyone who pre-orders the 52-inch LG UltraGear evo Curved Gaming Monitor (52G930B-B) now through March 22 will get a $200 reward (either a Prepaid Mastercard or console gaming e-gift card).

Opens in a new window Credit: LG Get a $200 gaming or Mastercard® credit when you preorder the 52-inch UltraGear evo $1,999.99 at LG
Preorders are expected to start shipping the week of 3/22/26 or as product becomes available. Pre-order Here

The world's largest 5K2K screen is officially available for pre-order, and LG is offering a $200 bonus for customers who lock in early.

As of Feb. 25, you can pre-order the 52-inch LG UltraGear evo Curved Gaming Monitor for $1,999.99 at LG.com. If you make your purchase anytime before March 22, LG will give you a $200 Prepaid Mastercard or console gaming e-gift card. (You get to choose!)

SEE ALSO: Get a 57-inch 4K Samsung gaming monitor for its best-ever price at Amazon — includes a free copy of 'Resident Evil Requiem'

Here's how to get the deal: Make your purchase on LG.com and then, this is the important part, submit a claim on LG's promo page within 30 days of your purchase. Once it's approved, your reward will be sent to you within 45 days.

If you need a little more info before committing, I've got those deets, too. This monitor is built to replace a multi-screen setup. It features a 52-inch screen with 5K2K resolution. To keep you from straining your neck, it has a 1000R curve that naturally wraps around your field of view. And, if you're into fast-paced games, it has a 240Hz refresh rate to keep things moving smoothly. It even has built-in height, tilt, and swivel adjustments, so you won't need a separate mounting arm.

Dropping two grand on a monitor is definitely a splurge, but getting a screen this big and fast (plus $200 in credit) makes the pre-order a lot easier to justify.

SAVE $200: As of Feb. 25, you can get an Apple iPhone 13 with 128GB (locked to AT&T) for only $99 at Walmart when you activate in stores and sign up for select prepaid plans. If you choose to purchase online, it's still a great deal at $249 (reg. $299).

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 13 (128GB, AT&T) $99 at Walmart
$299 Save $200 In Walmart stores only Learn More

Not everyone requires the latest and greatest device. For those that just want something that works well and doesn't cost a fortune, check out this excellent deal on an iPhone 13. Sure, it's now 4.5 years old, but in the age of iterative upgrades, it's not all that outdated. And as of Feb. 25, you can pick one up at Walmart for only $99 when you activate it in store and sign up for a select prepaid AT&T plan.

Walmart and AT&T have teamed up to deliver more affordable mobile plans and devices to customers. Through May 15, you can sign up for either the Unlimited Enhanced Plus or Unlimited Ultra plans, starting at $45 per month, and pick up a new iPhone 13 (128GB, AT&T) for just 99 bucks at participating stores. Just head to a Walmart near you that stocks the iPhone 13 and offers in-store activation, go to the electronics counter, and ask a Walmart associate to help you choose a plan and activate your new phone. If no physical Walmart stores near you offer in-store phone activation, you can still score the iPhone 13 for $50 off online — just $249.

Not an Apple person? Walmart and AT&T are also offering two options for the Android community — Motorola Moto G (128GB) or Samsung Galaxy A16 (64GB). You can grab these phones for either $49.88 online or in stores for free with activation of a new phone line on any monthly plan.

Credit: Walmart / AT&T

SAVE $170.01: As of Feb. 25, get the XREAL One Pro AR Glasses for $598.99 at Amazon, down from their usual price of $769. That's a discount of 22% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon XREAL One Pro AR Glasses $598.99 at Amazon
$769 Save $170.01   Get Deal

Virtual reality is fun and all, but augmented reality can be even cooler, especially when they can do what XREAL's glasses can do. If you've been curious about what you can accomplish with an AR screen in your life, especially at a great price, now's the time to get a pair of these glasses for yourself, as they're the most affordable price yet.

As of Feb. 25, get the XREAL One Pro AR Glasses for $598.99 at Amazon, down from their usual price of $769. That's $170.01 off and a discount of 22%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: CES 2026 hands-on: Xreal's world-first 240 Hz AR smart glasses made my jaw drop

The XREAL glasses use a special lens and projection system to make a huge virtual screen in front of you. They boast a 57-degree FOV and Optic Engine 4.0 makes it feel like you're watching movies or shows on a 171-inch screen from just four meters away. All this with just a pair of lightweight glasses with anti-glare design so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy.

You can move your screen around the room and anchor it anywhere thanks to XREAL Eye, and it'll stay in place even when you yourself move thanks to the glasses' 6DoF setup. That makes things even more immersive for you and helps you feel like you're in a massive space for a huge screen, which can make doing just about anything in your living room a little more fun.

If you're ready to experience AR, be sure to get a pair for yourself while the XREAL glasses are down at this price.

I love Resident Evil. That wasn’t always the case. I've mentioned in past reviews that growing up, I hated scary video games. One of my core memories is my cousin trying to get me to play Resident Evil 2 and failing spectacularly — he couldn’t even get me past the opening because the zombies terrified me and I didn’t understand how tank controls worked (I still don't, if we're being honest). Years later, I had weeks of nightmares after watching a 10-minute preview of Dead Space late at night on my great-grandmother's on-demand cable. I was not built for this genre.

All that to say: for years, I tried to work up the courage to play horror games and always bailed. Then, during my freshman year of college in 2017, I stumbled onto Resident Evil 7: Biohazard the day it launched, which permanently altered my brain chemistry. I've been chasing the high of wandering through the Baker house ever since. Only a handful of games have even come close to scratching that itch, but RE7 was the spark.

SEE ALSO: 'Resident Evil: Requiem' might actually get to have its cake and eat it too

Plus, RE7 didn’t just convert me, it saved the series. The Resident Evil franchise had been languishing after the mixed reception to Resident Evil 6, which leaned hard into bombastic action and drifted away from its survival horror roots. But RE7 marked the beginning of what I think of as the "RE Engine Era": a creative resurgence powered by a new engine and a renewed commitment to dread. That era gave us Resident Evil Village and the stellar remakes of Resident Evil 2, 3, and 4.

Which brings us to the ninth mainline entry — and what I see as the culmination of everything the RE Engine Era has been building toward: Resident Evil Requiem.

With protagonists Leon S. Kennedy and newcomer Grace Ashcroft, the daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from Resident Evil Outbreak, Requiem wears its intentions on its sleeve. As the title suggests, it’s a "token of remembrance" — a playable elegy for everything that came before. Specifically, it frames itself around the Raccoon City Incident from 1998's Resident Evil 2, the singular catastrophe that detonated the series' lore, set the next 28 years into motion, and forged Leon into the wisecracking, trauma-scarred super agent we know today.

Across the roughly 13 hours I spent with the main campaign, Requiem swings hard at reinvention. It tries to thread the needle between pure survival horror during Grace's sections and the slick, action-horror bombast that defines Leon's. Sometimes it finds that balance, however, it doesn’t always stick the landing. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have a good time. That said, man, does it lean on nostalgia.

Resident Evil Requiem is an elegy for the dead, nightmare for the living Meet new series protagonist, Grace Ashcroft. Credit: Capcom

Thanks to Capcom, I received early access to Requiem, though embargo restrictions prevent me from discussing the game's back half. The setup is straightforward: Grace Ashcroft, an FBI intelligence analyst, is investigating a string of deaths at the Wrenwood Hotel — the same place her mother, Alyssa, died years ago — when she’s kidnapped and imprisoned inside the Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Center. Meanwhile, Leon S. Kennedy is tracking the suspicious deaths of Raccoon City survivors, following leads tied to a former Umbrella scientist named Victor Gideon, which also brings him to the Care Center.

For most of the campaign, the two remain separated, and their gameplay styles reflect that split. Grace plays in first-person, similar to Resident Evil 7 and Village, while Leon sticks to the modern third-person style popularized by the remakes. Leon’s early Care Center sections are brief before the back half shifts focus back to Raccoon City.

Featured Video For You Resident Evil Requiem Switch 2 footage

Grace’s gameplay leans heavily into survival horror. Ammo is scarce, weapons are limited, and avoidance is often smarter than confrontation. She’s inexperienced and visibly shaken, still carrying grief and trauma, which contrasts with Leon’s hardened confidence and mirrors the rookie cop he once was in Resident Evil 2. As a new protagonist, Grace is serviceable — motivated by guilt and driven to protect Emily, a blind girl she meets in the Care Center — even if some of her decisions feel more plot-driven than organic.

Leon plays almost exactly like he does in the Resident Evil 4 remake, with the biggest addition being a hand axe that emphasizes melee combat. Unlike Grace’s breakable knives, Leon’s axe is permanent but dulls with use and must be sharpened. It’s satisfying, weighty, and absolutely going to inspire “axe-only” challenge runs. Character-wise, Leon is still the gruff, traumatized, slightly corny veteran we know — far removed from the naïve rookie of RE2, but still carrying decades of survivor’s guilt along with his one-liners.

Resident Evil Requiem brings a new story, same vibes Doesn't this look vaugely familiar. Credit: Capcom

As I alluded to in the headline of this review, Requiem is peak nostalgia slop in a way that feels both intentional and a little exhausting. From the overall layout of the Care Center to the structure of its objectives, the return of familiar enemy types, and even another trip back to Raccoon City, the game is overflowing with callbacks to earlier entries, but it is especially obsessed with Resident Evil 2.

While exploring the Care Center as Grace, I constantly felt a sense of déjà vu from the Resident Evil 2 remake, because the building is laid out in a way that is almost beat-for-beat reminiscent of the Raccoon City Police Department. You have two main wings, East and West, each stretching across three floors, all connected by a large central lobby that acts as a temporary sanctuary from the monsters roaming the halls. There were multiple points where I genuinely stopped and thought, “This has to be lifted from RPD,” because the similarities go beyond homage and start veering into repetition.

It made me miss the simplicity and relative uniqueness of the Baker house in Resident Evil 7, which, at its core, was just a house. Yes, it had a freaky-ass basement and its fair share of locked doors and puzzles, but it was intimate and contained in a way that made it feel distinct. Compared to the sprawling Spencer Mansion from Resident Evil or the museum-turned-police-station grandeur of RE2, RE7 felt tighter and more focused, and in hindsight, that restraint worked in its favor. Requiem, by comparison, feels bigger but not necessarily fresher.

'Requiem' is peak nostalgia slop in a way that feels both intentional and a little exhausting.

Of the two primary antagonists, one serves mostly as a recurring boss encounter rather than a fully realized character, and the other comes off as a bargain-bin imitation of franchise antagonist Albert Wesker, lacking the charisma and presence that made him iconic. They’re serviceable threats, but they lack the kind of personality that lingers once the credits roll.

There is even what I’m fairly certain is a nod to Silent Hill 2 embedded in the level design — something I can’t spoil — that reinforces the broader impression that the developers are deliberately channeling late-’90s survival-horror iconography rather than pushing the series in a new direction. Leon’s sections in the back half of the game are where this becomes most noticeable, as the nostalgia factor gets dialed up to an almost distracting degree, and moments that are clearly meant to spark recognition instead risk feeling like the game is relying too heavily on past successes rather than confidently standing on its own.

Living through Blister Heads and bad decisions in Resident Evil Requiem Credit: Capcom

If you’ve played Resident Evil Village or the recent remakes, you know the drill already. The twist here comes in Grace’s sections, where killing enemies is often the worst move you can make.

Like the original Resident Evil, zombies don’t always stay dead. In Requiem, some resurrect as Blister Heads, stronger variants that repopulate areas you’ve already cleared. Every corpse becomes a potential problem later, which is brutal for Grace and mostly manageable for Leon. Ammo is scarce, so combat as Grace is usually about stunning foes and running rather than finishing the job. Combat quickly becomes a calculation of risk versus reward, and more often than not, the smarter move is avoidance.

To deal with Blister Heads, you have a few strategic options. One approach is to simply let the problem become Leon’s later; since the two characters share the Care Center at different points in the campaign, you can theoretically clear zombies as Grace and deal with their evolved forms when you’re controlling the better-equipped Leon.

SEE ALSO: The 11 best video games of 2025

To permanently stop them, Grace can use her Blood Collector to gather infected blood and craft hemolytic injectors, which cause zombies to explode in a massive, permanent bloodbath. Resources are limited, though, so you have to carefully choose which enemies are worth eliminating for good, echoing the corpse-burning strategy from the 1996 game. It’s a smart system that reinforces her vulnerability and raises the tension.

Less successful is Grace’s stalker enemy, The Girl, who forces you into hiding-focused sequences that often feel more like padding than purposeful horror. That sense of bloat becomes my biggest issue with Requiem. My first run clocked in at nine hours, but it felt more like 13 because some objectives felt stretched.

The most frustrating examples comes near the end of Grace’s time in the Care Center, when the primary objective is to find three quartz stones to unlock a courtyard door. Each stone is hidden in the office of one of the facility’s former directors, locked behind identical puzzle boxes. The puzzle itself is straightforward; solving it is mostly about finding the clues hidden in each room to know the correct order of buttons to press. The issue arises with the final puzzle box, where the button icons have been removed and replaced with Braille. Now, Grace is repeatedly framed in promos as a "booksmart" FBI intelligence analyst, and given that the mechanism visibly shows which symbol corresponds to each button press, it’s not hard to imagine she could logically deduce the solution. Unfortunately for you, Grace (and the writers) think using Emily — the blind child who has been locked in a cage for most of the story — is the best solution for this puzzle. This requires you to carry her through the monster-infested East Wing so she can read the Braille and input the code while defending herself from the zombies.

While carrying Emily, you cannot defend yourself, and if you want to clear out enemies beforehand, you have to awkwardly shuttle her back to the security office, set her down, eliminate threats, and then return to continue the escort. It’s contrived and really insults my intelligence more than anything.

Resident Evil Requiem is disgustingly beautiful Again, oddly familiar. Credit: Capcom

Visually, Requiem is stunning and just as viscerally grotesque as anything the series has delivered before. The gore borders on vomit-inducing in the best possible way, with zombies tearing apart in horrifying detail as you unload into them. The hemolytic injector is the standout here; when used, enemies don’t just die, they erupt into a massive explosion of blood that coats nearly every surface in the room. What’s more impressive is that it lingers. Rooms where you’ve cleared enemies with injectors remain drenched in thick, dark red for the rest of your time there, turning previously neutral spaces into grisly reminders of what happened. It’s disgusting, excessive, and technically impressive all at once.

The gore borders on vomit-inducing in the best possible way.

From an audio standpoint, the game is equally strong. The gunplay sounds punchy and weighty, with each shot delivering a satisfying impact. Outside of the occasional safe room theme, the game is largely music-free, which leaves the ambient sound design to do most of the heavy lifting. Hallways creak, pipes groan, and distant echoes bounce through the Care Center’s walls. The most unsettling touch, though, is that these zombies retain fragments of their former selves. Instead of the usual collection of guttural snarls and raspy moans, they speak. Often it’s just broken phrases — lingering thoughts caught in a loop from the moment they turned. One zombie repeatedly mutters about keeping the lights dim because it’s “his job” to make sure the building isn’t too bright, as if he were mid-task when the infection took hold.

That's supposed to be the sling to Leon's shotgun. Credit: Capcom

Performance-wise, I played on PS5 and had very few issues. Aside from a couple of minor graphical glitches that were fixed by reloading the game, it ran smoothly throughout my playthrough. It continues to be impressive how consistently polished Capcom’s RE Engine titles are at launch, especially at a time when performance problems have become almost expected for major releases on PS5.

Is Resident Evil Requiem worth it? Credit: Capcom

Resident Evil Requiem is a very good game that occasionally gets in its own way. It delivers tense survival-horror with Grace, satisfying action-horror with Leon, some of the most disgusting gore the series has ever produced, and rock-solid performance on PS5. Mechanically, it builds confidently on the foundation laid by Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, Resident Evil Village, and the modern remakes, and in many ways, it feels like the cleanest refinement of that formula yet. I’d go as far as to say it’s stronger overall than Village, even if it never quite hits the same highs as 7 did for the franchise.

Because while RE7 wasn’t revolutionary in the grand scheme of horror games, it was transformative for Resident Evil. It felt bold. It felt risky. It dragged the series back into the dark and forced it to recalibrate. Requiem, by contrast, feels safer. Bigger, slicker, and more polished, but rarely daring.

Ultimately, Requiem is mechanically satisfying, visually incredible, genuinely tense in stretches, and packed with enough fan service to make longtime players grin, even if they occasionally roll their eyes. It may not reinvent the wheel like RE7 did for the franchise, but it proves that the RE Engine era still has plenty of gas left in the tank.

'Resident Evil Requiem' is a very good game that occasionally gets in its own way.

The nostalgia is the biggest culprit. The Care Center’s near one-to-one echoes of RPD, the constant visual and structural callbacks to Resident Evil 2, the return to Raccoon City, and the late-game fan service in Leon’s sections all make it clear that this entry is deeply in love with 1998. Sometimes that works. Sometimes it feels like the game relies on muscle memory rather than new ideas.

Even the title, Requiem, feels deliberately engineered to tug at that same thread. A requiem is a mass for the dead — a memorial —and this game treats the Raccoon City Incident like sacred text. It isn’t just revisiting RE2 thematically; it’s staging a funeral for it, constantly reminding you of what was lost there and how it shaped everyone involved, especially Leon.

Without spoiling anything, the ending strongly suggests that the series may finally be ready to move beyond Raccoon City and Umbrella as its narrative crutch and establish a new overarching threat.

The name frames the entire experience as an act of remembrance, which sounds meaningful on paper but, in practice, often translates into repetition. Instead of laying the past to rest, Requiem spends most of its runtime digging it back up.