Smart Postpaid subscribers were among the first in the Philippines to experience the new Samsung Galaxy S26 Series (S26 and S26+ | S26 Ultra) at an exclusive early release event held last March 6 at the Smart Store in SM Megamall, which brought together Smart subscribers, Samsung fans, and early adopters who wanted a first look at the new flagship device ahead of its official market launch.
Trade-in program
Starting March 27, Smart introduced a Samsung trade-in program exclusive to Smart Postpaid and Infinity subscribers that gives customers a more seamless and rewarding way to own the latest Samsung flagship device at select Smart Stores.
With the program, subscribers can trade in their current device to upgrade to the new Samsung Galaxy S26 Series. Customers can unlock savings of up to 45% on a new device.
Interactive experiences
The event also featured acoustic music, interactive booths, and creative activities. Guests customized phone charms and printed Instax photos to add a personal touch to the celebration.
Galaxy AI features were highlighted by interactive games. Participants tested their ability to tell real images from AI-generated ones, guessed objects via zoomed photos that showcased the phone’s camera prowess, and tried AI-powered photo editing using Generative Edit and Photo Assist tools.
Smart and Samsung
Samsung Philippines Head of Operator Business Rhomel Marcojos said the partnership reflects a shared goal of uplifting the Filipino spirit by keeping people connected to what matters most.
“Our partnership has always been about uplifting the Filipino spirit by keeping people connected to what matters most. With the Samsung Galaxy S26 Series on Smart Postpaid, we’re introducing more than just a smartphone, it’s an AI phone designed for a generation that creates, shares, and lives in real time.”
– Rhomel Marcojos, Head of Operator Business at Samsung Philippines
Smart Postpaid Head Niki Flojo said the company remains committed to bringing the latest technology closer to subscribers.
“Moments like this reflect what we aim to do at Smart—bringing the latest innovations closer to our subscribers. Through Smart Postpaid, customers can enjoy the newest devices through flexible plans, exclusive offers, and bundled benefits. With Smart 5G, subscribers get the fast and reliable connectivity needed to fully enjoy AI-powered features—from streaming and sharing to cloud-based tools and real-time experiences.”
– Niki Flojo, Smart Postpaid Head
Early adopters
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra was revealed before the device was unveiled to the crowd. This showcase drew strong attention from guests eager to see Samsung’s newest flagship model up close.
To close the celebration, 26 guests who pre-ordered the Galaxy S26 with Smart Postpaid also won Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 in a special raffle draw.
- Maymar Felicia, an accountant and five-year Smart Postpaid subscriber, said she was glad to be part of the event and looked forward to using Galaxy AI features for work and productivity.
- Katya Casco, a 13-year subscriber, said she relies heavily on her phone for sales presentations and is eager to make the most of the upgraded hardware, camera, and Galaxy AI features.
Smart Infinity held a separate private preview for members who were able to secure the Samsung Galaxy S26 Series ahead of public release.
Smart said initiatives like the early release event continue to give Filipinos early access to the latest devices and innovations powered by its mobile network.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where was the early release event held?
A: It was held at the Smart Store in SM Megamall on March 6.
Q: What is the Smart-Samsung trade-in program?
A: It is an exclusive offer for Smart Postpaid and Infinity subscribers that lets them trade in an existing device when upgrading to the Samsung Galaxy S26 Series.
Q: How much savings can customers get?
A: Customers can unlock savings of up to 45% on a new smartphone.
Q: What Galaxy AI features were highlighted?
A: The event highlighted Generative Edit, Photo Assist, ultra-zoom photo tests, and AI image recognition activities.
Q: Who received prizes during the event?
A: Twenty-six guests who pre-ordered the Galaxy S26 with Smart Postpaid won Samsung Galaxy Buds 3.
Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.
