One of the biggest companies to watch over CES 2026, an annual tech event which this year starts on January 6, is Samsung. Actually, you should probably make an earlier mark on your calendar: the Korean brand’s tie-in press conference actually starts before CES, on January 4.
No, it’s not where we’ll see the Samsung Galaxy S26 family. Or the Galaxy Tab S12, or Buds 4 or Watch 9 or whatever other piece of mobile tech you’re yearning for from the brand. They’ll likely come later in January, or in February, but what Samsung does show off could be just as cool.
CES is a massive show for audio-visual tech; think Samsung’s TVs, monitors, soundbars, perhaps some appliances too as the general breadth of what CES encompasses is pretty wide. We’ll see a lot from loads of major tech companies, especially Samsung, which will probably have a huge array of new hardware and software announcements.
Here’s a little taste of what to expect from Samsung at CES 2026, drawing on past years of the show and what we like from the brand.
New Samsung TVs
The highlight of Samsung’s CES 2026 slate is set to be TVs, and we’re expecting the company to unveil all its hottest new screens for the year.
Expect new Neo QLED 8K and Neo QLED 4K models to be the eye-catching flagships of the procession. These updates on last year’s sets should tote the same Quantum-dot LED tech that’s made the past versions so popular, but with select upgrades. Last year the big selling point was anti-glare tech, combined with Vision AI enhancements (more on that later).
The new sets for the rest of us will be a refresh to Samsung’s OLED line-up, which will be just as important to watch, as last year’s S95F landed in our list of the most exciting TVs from CES. These will likely offer the same overall upgrades over past-gen models as the QLEDs will, and perhaps a few extra features which future QLEDs will get. It’ll also get us modest-budget buyers a chance to see smaller TVs, with 43-inch sets much more commonplace for Samsung’s OLEDs than its QLEDs.
Another TV to look for? Another entry into Samsung’s The Frame line, of smart TVs disguised as wall art. Last year brought us a Pro model with a Neo QLED display and improved processor, as well the expansion of Samsung’s Art Store which offers new looks for the Frame’s software. At CES 2026 we could see another version of The Frame, an upgrade to one of its sub-brands like The Serif, The Sero or The Terrace, or a new model to sit alongside these. Or perhaps multiple!
More AV kit
Your AV wish-list can’t take a break yet, because in past years we’ve seen other pieces of home entertainment kit and there’s no reason why CES 2026 would be any different.
Samsung generally takes to CES to unveil new entries into its soundbar line, including standalone ones and models which include a separate subwoofer. We’ll very likely see new ones this year, and any models that do debut will likely take advantage of Vision AI in some way.
Last year saw the release of the One Connect Box, to which you connect your HDMI media products to see picture beamed from it to your screen (avoiding having too many cables plugged into your set). It’s unlikely we’ll see a 2.0 model of this, since it’s quite new, but it does suggest that Samsung could have other AV or home theater items up its sleeve to show off.
The company does sell projectors, and it’s been over a year since we saw a new entry in its The Premiere line of short-throw ones, so there’s a chance that CES will be where the company offers a look at an upgraded line. It hasn’t released a member of its more affordable (though still pretty premium) The Freestyle line of compact projectors in even longer: almost two years. So perhaps a third-gen model will arrive, though it’s far from guaranteed.
Upgrades to Vision AI
More so than most TV makers, Samsung is expected to spend a significant chunk of CES selling us on its new AI vision… called Vision AI. It was a key part of the brand’s 2025 press conference, and it’s not like the AI buzz has faded yet.
Vision AI offers audio and visual upscaling in myriad ways, as well as scene recognition so you can identify actors or foods in a shot, translation features for live broadcasts and a few other tools.
People using Samsung TVs over the last year may have been using these features. But it’s not like AI features are a one and done; we’re expecting the company to unveil loads more this year, to add some sheen to its newer sets. Some of these tools could even make their way to the Galaxy S26.
Odyssey Monitors
At last year’s CES, gaming monitors ended up being perhaps our favorite part of Samsung’s line-up. It unveiled two major monitors, including one with a 500Hz refresh rate and a curved 4K display, and these members of its Odyssey line have been sought after for gamers ever since.
With TVs and other screen tech being a big draw of CES 2026, it’s very likely that the company will show off a few new Odyssey faces.
Perhaps we’ll see faster refresh rates come to the high-resolution curved monitors, or a 500Hz display that’s 4K instead of 1440p. The range of new GPUs expected to launch at CES 2026 is expected to facilitate higher refresh rates for gamers, making these options likely.
The company has also been tipped to unleash a gaming monitor with WOLED, or White OLED, which offers high levels of brightness and consistent dark tones at the expense of color saturation.
And a closer look at the Galaxy Z Trifold?
While Samsung has already officially announced its dual-hinged foldable phone, it’s yet to venture onto US shores. CES could be the first time we get to see the Galaxy Z Trifold up-close in North America – and it will be the first phone of its type to be available in the US.
Read more about the Galaxy Z Trifold
