Beyond the Gimmick: 97% of Galaxy S26 Users Are Now Embracing AI as a Daily Essential

The narrative surrounding Artificial Intelligence in smartphones has shifted dramatically. What was once dismissed as a collection of flashy gimmicks has now become the backbone of the mobile experience. Samsung recently revealed a startling shift in user behavior: nearly every Galaxy S26 Series owner is now actively utilizing AI features to streamline their lives and enhance their creativity.

During the Galaxy S26 Series #You&AI Workshop held in Hanoi, Vietnam, Ilham Indrawan, MX Product Marketing Senior Manager at Samsung Electronics Indonesia, shared deep insights into how the flagship is being used approximately two months after its global launch. The data is clear: AI isn't just an option anymore; it's a routine.

The Rapid Adoption of Galaxy AI

According to Samsung's internal data, a staggering 97% of Galaxy S26 users are actively engaging with Galaxy AI features. This represents a significant leap in adoption compared to previous generations. For context, when the Galaxy S24 was launched, the adoption rate stood at around 88% within the first three months. The jump to 97% suggests that the utility of these tools has finally met the real-world needs of the average consumer.

Samsung attributes this growth to the fact that the features have become more practical and integrated. Currently, five specific Galaxy AI tools dominate user activity: Gemini, Circle to Search, Photo Assist, Audio Eraser, and Now Brief. These aren't just niche tools; they are the new standard for how users interact with information and media.

A New Era for Professional Content Creation

Beyond just productivity, the Galaxy S26 Series has triggered a boom in mobile content creation. Samsung reports that camera usage is higher than ever, with 93% of users actively utilizing the device's imaging capabilities. While standard photos and selfies remain popular, there is a noticeable shift toward professional-grade tools.

Incredibly, the use of Pro Camera and Pro Video modes has nearly doubled compared to the previous generation. This surge is driven by new, high-end features like Log Video recording and Horizontal Lock, alongside major improvements in Nightography. Users are no longer just snapping quick photos; they are treating their smartphones like professional cinema cameras.

Video Editing as a Daily Habit

The most surprising trend, however, is the frequency of video editing on-device. Samsung revealed that the average Galaxy S26 Ultra user opens video editing applications approximately 15 times per week. That averages out to about twice every single day. This data proves that the S26 Ultra’s performance is robust enough to handle advanced, heavy-duty editing tasks that were previously reserved for PCs.

This trend is particularly evident among travelers and night-life enthusiasts. With the main camera's aperture now widened to f/1.4, the device captures sharper, more dramatic shots in low light—perfect for fireworks or cityscapes. Coupled with the AI-driven Photo Assist, which allows users to edit images via simple prompting, the barrier to creating high-quality content has been virtually eliminated.

Expanding the AI Ecosystem

Samsung is not slowing down. The Galaxy S26 now boasts a total of 47 AI-powered features, a massive expansion from the 29 features found in the previous lineup. This aggressive expansion highlights Samsung's commitment to making the mobile experience more helpful and intuitive. As Ilham Indrawan noted, the goal remains to provide a Galaxy AI experience that genuinely solves problems for the consumer, moving away from technology for technology's sake and toward meaningful innovation.