Samsung is addressing a common frustration with smartphone use in public: prying eyes. The company has unveiled a new feature for its upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra, dubbed Privacy Display, designed to prevent onlookers from viewing the screen’s content. The feature, demonstrated in a promotional video titled “We don’t scroll and tell,” effectively turns the display black when viewed from angles other than directly in front, while remaining clear for the user.
Unlike existing privacy screen protectors, Samsung’s approach is built directly into the display hardware. The technology leverages solutions developed by Samsung Display, controlling viewing angles at the pixel level rather than relying on an external film. This represents a significant departure from traditional privacy filters, which often compromise screen brightness and color accuracy.
The key difference lies in the dynamic nature of the Privacy Display. While conventional anti-spy films reduce overall screen brightness and distort colors, Samsung’s feature maintains a natural appearance when viewed head-on. As the viewing angle shifts, the content gradually fades, making it difficult to discern details. Users will have manual control over the feature via a quick access button, with options to completely darken the screen or selectively hide sensitive notifications.
At the core of this innovation is Samsung’s Color Filter on Encapsulation (CoE) technology, integrated into new OLED panels. CoE embeds the color filter within the screen’s structure itself, minimizing light loss and preserving brightness and color fidelity. What we have is a refinement of existing OLED technology, optimized for privacy without sacrificing visual quality.
Reports indicate that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will utilize a new generation of CoE OLED panels, offering several improvements. These include a peak brightness increase, improved color gamut, and enhanced power efficiency. Further leaks suggest the potential integration of a Depolarizer technology to reduce internal reflections and boost contrast, improving usability in direct sunlight.
Beyond the display, the S26 Ultra is expected to include other notable upgrades. Rumors point to faster charging speeds exceeding 45W, a larger capacity or longer-lasting battery utilizing SUS CAN technology, and an upgraded camera sensor for improved low-light performance and dynamic range.
Samsung is expected to officially unveil the Galaxy S26 Ultra on . This proves anticipated that the Privacy Display feature will initially be exclusive to the Ultra model, and will not be included in the standard S26 and S26 Plus versions.
The Privacy Display isn’t simply a cosmetic addition; it addresses a genuine concern for smartphone users in public spaces. Commuters, travelers, and anyone handling sensitive information in crowded environments can benefit from the added layer of security. The hardware-based approach is particularly noteworthy, as it circumvents the limitations of software-based solutions that can be bypassed or disabled.
The implementation of viewing angle control at the pixel level is a technically sophisticated solution. Traditional privacy filters work by restricting the light emitted from the screen, often resulting in a dim and washed-out image. Samsung’s CoE technology, combined with the potential addition of a depolarizer, aims to overcome these drawbacks by manipulating the light itself, preserving image quality while limiting visibility from the sides.
The availability of manual controls is also a crucial aspect of the feature. While an “Auto Privacy” mode is expected to automatically activate the display in crowded spaces or when accessing sensitive applications, the ability to manually adjust the privacy level provides users with greater flexibility and control over their viewing experience. This is a departure from simpler privacy solutions that offer limited customization options.
If these specifications are confirmed, the Galaxy S26 Ultra could represent one of the most significant technological upgrades Samsung has offered in its flagship phone category in recent years. The Privacy Display, in particular, addresses a growing need for enhanced privacy in an increasingly connected world, and sets a new standard for protecting sensitive information in public spaces.
