Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Wins ‘Best in Show’ at MWC 2026 | Samsung News UK

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has been awarded ‘Best in Present’ at the Global Mobile Awards (GLOMO Awards) during Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. This recognition, announced today, marks a significant achievement for Samsung, highlighting the device’s innovative blend of hardware and software. The GLOMO Awards are held annually by the Global Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) to recognize outstanding advancements within the mobile industry, with the ‘Best in Show’ category reserved for consumer products that set a new technological benchmark.

The judging panel, comprised of over 200 independent analysts, journalists, and industry veterans, selected the Galaxy S26 Ultra for its seamless integration of advanced components and the intuitive One UI 8.5 software. This isn’t simply a hardware upgrade; it’s a convergence of capabilities designed to anticipate user needs while prioritizing security and privacy. The award underscores Samsung’s ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of mobile technology, particularly in the rapidly evolving landscape of intelligent devices.

A New Standard in Mobile AI and Privacy

Central to the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s success is its implementation of Galaxy AI. This adaptive, context-aware intelligence aims to simplify everyday tasks, learning from user behavior to provide proactive assistance. ^[1] However, the integration of AI isn’t solely about convenience. Samsung emphasizes the importance of safeguarding user data, building security and privacy directly into the AI’s functionality. This focus addresses growing concerns about data handling in increasingly intelligent devices.

Beyond software enhancements, the S26 Ultra introduces what Samsung claims is the world’s first built-in Privacy Display for mobile phones. ^[2] This breakthrough in display engineering offers a more private viewing experience without sacrificing visual quality. While the specifics of the technology weren’t detailed in the initial announcement, it suggests a potential shift in how mobile devices address visual privacy in public spaces. The Privacy Display requires manual activation within the device settings and is not AI-powered.

Powering these features is a customized chipset designed to accelerate Galaxy AI processing. This dedicated hardware aims to deliver a smoother, more responsive experience, setting a new standard for effortless mobile performance. The combination of optimized hardware and software is a key differentiator for the S26 Ultra, allowing it to handle complex AI tasks efficiently.

Industry Recognition and Judging Criteria

Shaun Collins, Chair of the Judges for MWC Best in Show 2026, emphasized the device’s impact, stating, “We seem for technology that is not only innovative and compelling, but that genuinely moves the industry forward. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra stood out for pushing the boundaries of mobile technology while delivering meaningful, real-world impact. In particular, its privacy innovation addresses one of the most important needs of today’s digital lifestyle — security, personal space and trust.” This statement highlights the judges’ focus on practical innovation and addressing real-world user concerns.

The judging panel specifically noted that the Galaxy S26 Ultra represents forward-looking innovation that is available to consumers *now*. This is a crucial distinction, as many technologies showcased at events like MWC are still in the conceptual or prototype stage. The S26 Ultra, however, is a commercially available product that delivers on its promises.

Samsung’s Response and Future Outlook

Stephanie Choi, EVP and Head of Mobile Marketing Center at Samsung Electronics, expressed her gratitude for the award, stating, “We are honored that the Galaxy S26 Ultra has been recognised as ‘Best in Show’ at this year’s GLOMO Awards. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is an agentic AI phone that signifies Samsung’s ongoing commitment to push our industry forward, and this distinction is especially meaningful given the extraordinary innovation showcased at MWC.” This statement reinforces Samsung’s position as a leader in mobile technology and its dedication to continuous improvement.

The award comes at a time of increasing competition in the smartphone market, with companies vying to integrate AI and advanced features into their devices. Samsung’s success with the Galaxy S26 Ultra demonstrates the potential of combining powerful hardware with intelligent software to create a truly compelling user experience. News-USA Today provides further coverage of the award and its implications.

The GLOMO Awards: A Benchmark for Mobile Excellence

The GLOMO Awards, presented by the GSMA, have been recognizing innovation in the mobile industry for over three decades. The awards cover a wide range of categories, from technology breakthroughs to initiatives that deliver societal impact. MWC Barcelona details the full list of 2026 GLOMO Award winners, highlighting other notable achievements in the mobile ecosystem. The awards serve as a valuable indicator of emerging trends and the companies driving innovation in the industry.

This year’s awards also introduced new categories reflecting the industry’s growing focus on areas like AI, financial innovation, and digital inclusion. The addition of these categories underscores the evolving priorities of the mobile industry and its commitment to addressing global challenges. Samsung Newsroom provides additional details on the GLOMO Awards and the significance of the ‘Best in Show’ honor.

Looking ahead, the success of the Galaxy S26 Ultra will likely influence the development of future mobile devices. The emphasis on AI-powered features, privacy enhancements, and seamless hardware-software integration is expected to become increasingly prevalent in the smartphone market. Further details about the Galaxy S26 Ultra, including specifications and availability, can be found on Samsungmobilepress.com and Samsung.com.

[1] Samsung account login and network connection required. Galaxy AI features are provided for free. Future releases may include additional advanced features that are offered as part of a paid subscription plan. Different terms may apply for AI features provided by third parties.

[2] Requires manual activation in settings to function. Privacy Display feature is not AI-powered