I haven’t acquired a Galaxy S26 yet, but I managed to experience its exclusive features through the “Try Galaxy” website.
So, you’ve noted the Samsung Galaxy S26 series, but you’re uncertain if the new devices are suitable for you. The most affordable model this year is priced at $900, while the priciest one is $1,300, making it quite a financial commitment. To spend that amount on a smartphone, you must be confident you’ll enjoy it. Samsung has devised an intelligent method that allows users to test switching to a Galaxy phone directly from their current device, whether it’s a Pixel, OnePlus, or iPhone — the “Try Galaxy” website can emulate the Galaxy experience on it.
The web application has been officially refreshed for the Galaxy S26 this week, enabling you to explore the exclusive features unavailable on other Galaxy devices. I’m especially fascinated by the Privacy Display on the Galaxy S26 Ultra and the extensive Galaxy AI integrations. Indeed, these are available for preview on the Try Galaxy site. Here’s how you can experience the Galaxy S26 software environment without making a purchase.
Try Galaxy allows you to explore the latest Samsung smartphones without the need to buy them.
Try Galaxy is a complimentary website that simulates the One UI experience found on Samsung devices, but it operates on any iOS or Android smartphone. The site can be transformed into a progressive web app (PWA) that adds to your home screen and works independently from your primary browser application. Although the Try Galaxy web app isn’t a recent development, it was just upgraded to showcase the exclusive features unveiled at Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked this week for the Galaxy S26 and One UI 8.5.
There are certain limitations; notably, the Try Galaxy site is constrained by your phone’s hardware. Naturally, it’s impossible to entirely replicate hardware-based features like the Privacy Display of the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Nonetheless, the web app does a commendable job of offering curious Android enthusiasts a preview of these impending Galaxy S26 features. Software-based tools, such as Galaxy AI or the new Bixby experience, adapt very well to the Try Galaxy web app.
If you’ve used a third-party Android launcher, you’ll know what to anticipate here. Try Galaxy resembles a standalone One UI 8.5 launcher within a progressive web app. It is a simulated environment, so you won’t encounter your apps or data. Instead, you’ll discover a range of new Galaxy S26 features in a user-friendly web app.
How to convert Try Galaxy into a functional web app.
You can access the Try Galaxy app via your browser, but it performs better as a progressive web app on your home screen. Here’s how to set it up:
1. Visit the Try Galaxy website in your preferred Android browser.
2. Tap the three-dot menu.
3. Select Add to Home Screen.
4. Tap Install.
5. You can now access the Try Galaxy web app directly from your Android home screen.
Additionally, keep in mind that you can convert many websites into progressive web apps using these instructions. If there’s a site you frequently visit due to the absence of an official Android app, or if you prefer to use the web client, consider turning it into a PWA. For the moment, it’s time to utilize the Try Galaxy web app to explore Samsung’s latest features.
How to explore exclusive Galaxy S26 features on your current device.
When you launch the Try Galaxy web app, you’ll encounter a One UI 8.5 launcher functioning within a separate environment. Depending on the device you are utilizing, you may experience an unusual aspect ratio or black bars at the top of your display. Don’t be concerned, as these peculiarities will not exist if you choose to purchase a Galaxy S26 model.
The web app’s One UI 8.5 launcher will automatically default to button navigation, rather than gesture navigation. If you attempt to use swipe gestures to switch apps or return, you’ll simply exit the Try Galaxy app, so be sure to use the buttons. A great starting point is to open the Settings app within the Try Galaxy app. Here, Samsung showcases some of the newest Galaxy S26 or One UI 8.5 options, making them easily identifiable.
I opted to test the Privacy Display feature first, and the settings page for this feature provides insight into what to expect. There’s an illustration that simulates how Privacy Display restricts visibility at certain viewing angles, and you can view the settings that control when and how Privacy Display activates.
You can also experiment with Galaxy AI tools like Photo Assist, Call Assist, and Health Assist. Samsung’s new conversational photo-editing feature is available, and the Try Galaxy web app is an ideal platform to sample this functionality. Since it is fundamentally software- and cloud-based, the experience should closely mirror that of using it on an official device.
Feel free to navigate through the virtualized One UI 8.5 launcher, exploring