Samsung is cloning Pixel features for the Galaxy AI suite on S26

Damien Wilde | Feb 25 2026 - 10:07 am PT

The Samsung Galaxy S26 series might not add a ton of new functions and features, but there are a few software functions and features being lifted right from Pixel phones.

Yes, it feels like a first for the Pixel to influence the best Galaxy phones, but the Galaxy AI suite is flat out lifting functions first seen on Google’s hardware and integrating right into One UI.

The Samsung Gallery app is gaining its own built-in version of Pixel Screenshots feature that will auto-categorize based on screen context. Instead of requiring another app, you can go to the screenshots folder, and tags will appear for all the common categories, such as receipts, coupons, tickets, directions, and much more. This does feel like an improvement on the siloed experience on Pixel phones, as it doesn’t fracture the experience.

Google Photos’ “Locked Folder” is also coming to the Samsung Gallery app as “Private Album.” This lets you hide certain content without creating separate folders or an active Samsung Account.

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Creative Studio is a Gemini-powered take on the popular Pixel Studio application. Like that app, it allows you to describe what you’d like the AI to generate, or draw using the S Pen and then have Creative Studio turn into an image based on various criteria, themes, and styles.

Magic Cue is “Now Nudge” on the new handsets. It’ll work in much the same way, by surfacing relevant information like GPS locations, a telephone number, or even photos from a recent trip if someone asks using a messaging application. While Magic Cue is limited to Google’s first-party apps, this will work with services like WhatsApp on the Samsung Galaxy S26, which might make it even more useful for many people.

Call Screening has been a staple feature on Pixel phones for a number of years, but it is also making its bow on the Samsung Galaxy S26 series for the first time. Again, this works in much the same way it does on Pixel phones, allowing you to screen unknown callers with a live text feed of the ongoing conversation.

It’s often Samsung that debuts Google features ahead of integration into other Android devices, but it’s interesting to see the Pixel leading the way and having Galaxy phones follow when it comes to AI functionality.

The Galaxy S26 starts at $899, the Galaxy S26 Plus starts at $1,099, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra is priced at $1,299. All three devices are available for pre-order, and getting them straight from Samsung has its benefits. Those who pre-order the Galaxy S26 series devices can get a discounted pair of Galaxy Buds 4. Samsung generally ends that offer when pre-orders are up.