CES 2026 has wrapped up in Las Vegas, and Samsung’s showcase was packed with innovation, surprises, and a few eyebrow-raising choices. After reviewing the lineup, here’s a breakdown of the highlights and missteps.
Biggest Win: Galaxy Book 6 Ultra
Samsung’s Galaxy Book 6 Ultra stole the spotlight. The laptop feels more refined and premium than its predecessors, thanks to:
- A cleaner layout with the numpad removed.
- A centered, haptic-enabled touchpad.
- Six speakers (up from four) for richer audio.
- Improved build quality and finish.
Yes, some of these tweaks echo Apple’s MacBook Pro design—but that’s hardly a drawback. For Samsung fans, it’s a leap forward in usability and polish.
Honorable Mentions: AI-Powered TV Features
With the FIFA World Cup 2026 on the horizon, Samsung’s new AI-driven TV modes impressed:
- AI Soccer Mode Pro: Adds pre-game stats and enhances the viewing experience.
- AI Sound Controller Pro: Lets viewers fine-tune crowd noise and commentary levels separately.
These features prove that sports viewing can still be elevated beyond sharper visuals and better sound.
Biggest Miss: Music Studio 5 Speaker Design
Samsung’s Music Studio 5 speaker raised more questions than excitement. Its design—especially in white—has been compared to a tipped-over lavatory. While the specs may be fine, the look is divisive and feels like a step back from the stylish Music Frame.
Dishonorable Mention: The Freestyle+ Projector
The Freestyle+ isn’t a bad product, but it lacks the charm of earlier models. Missing accessories like:
- A battery pack for portability.
- A top-down socket adapter for tabletop projections.
Without these add-ons, the projector feels less versatile and more ordinary, despite technical improvements.
Final Takeaway
Samsung’s CES 2026 presence was strong overall, with the Galaxy Book 6 Ultra and AI TV features shining bright. But questionable design choices and stripped-down accessories kept some products from reaching their full potential.
