On-device artificial intelligence, or on-device AI, is redefining smartphones and computers in 2026. Gone are the dependencies on the cloud: Samsung's Galaxy S26 already integrates Perplexity and Gemini, with plans for OpenAI and more. At MWC 2026, TCL unveils AI-boosted NXTPAPER AMOLED screens, while a memory shortage threatens sales. This trend promises autonomy and privacy but poses significant economic challenges.
Samsung Takes the Lead with a Plethora of AI on Galaxy S26
Samsung is ramping up on-device AI with the Galaxy S26, launched in early 2026. The strategy? To integrate multiple AI models to offer an unprecedented choice to users. Perplexity and Gemini are already on board, and TM Roh, co-CEO of the mobile division, announces "strategic partnerships" with OpenAI.
"Consumers use multiple AI platforms; we are open to all solutions," he explains. Deepseek, Claude, or Copilot could follow, transforming the Galaxies into AI experimentation hubs. Bixby, the in-house assistant, may lose ground in this open environment.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra excels in benchmarks: AI photo processing in 0.5 seconds, voice transcription at 98% accuracy in offline mode. Launch price: €1,349 for the S26 Ultra (128 GB), with offers at €29/month over 36 months from French operators.
Advantages of Samsung's Multi-AI Approach
- User Choice: Switch between Perplexity for precise searches and Gemini for creativity.
- On-Device Performance: Zero latency, ideal for video editing or real-time translation.
- Privacy: Data processed locally, without sending to the cloud.
This offensive targets Apple, which is preparing its AI tools with Google for late 2026. Samsung holds 22% of the global premium market in Q1 2026.
TCL Revolutionizes Screens with NXTPAPER 70 Pro at MWC 2026
At the Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, TCL presents the NXTPAPER 70 Pro, the first AMOLED smartphone with NXTPAPER technology. Brightness up to 3,200 nits, blue light reduction, and a reading mode activated by a side button.
This flagship features a stabilized 50 MP camera and IP68 certification. On-device AI manages meeting transcriptions, real-time translation, and cloud synchronization (Google Drive, OneNote). The TCL Note One NXTPAPER, based on a lightweight Android, completes the ecosystem.
Announced price: €599 for the NXTPAPER 70 Pro (release Q2 2026), and €249 for the Note One. Benchmarks: 48-hour battery life in reading mode, 99% OCR accuracy on handwritten notes.
Key Features of the NXTPAPER 70 Pro
- Digital Detox: Black and white screen, notifications turned off.
- Embedded AI: Meeting synthesis in 30 seconds.
- Open Ecosystem: Access emails and browser without distractions.
TCL is banking on over 100 NXTPAPER patents to differentiate itself, with a market share increase of 5% in Europe.
Comparison of On-Device AI Leaders in 2026
Table comparing the main on-device AI smartphones launched or announced in 2026:
| Model | Price (€) | Integrated AI | Benchmarks (AnTuTu) | Release Date | Brightness (nits) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S26 Ultra | 1,349 | Perplexity, Gemini, + | 2,500,000 | Jan 2026 | 2,600 |
| TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro | 599 | AI Transcription, OCR | 1,200,000 | Q2 2026 | 3,200 |
| iPhone 17 Pro (upcoming) | 1,199 | Apple Intelligence + Google | 2,300,000 (estimated) | Sep 2026 | 2,000 |
| Google Pixel 10 | 999 | Gemini Nano on-device | 2,100,000 | Oct 2025 | 2,700 |
Samsung leads in AI versatility, while TCL excels in visual comfort.
AI Also Invades Computers: Boosted PCs and Laptops
On-device AI is making its way into PCs in 2026. Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite laptops integrate Copilot+ PC, with an NPU at 45 TOPS for cloud-free AI photo editing. Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x: €1,499, 20-hour battery life in AI multitasking.
Apple M4 chips in the MacBook Pro 14" (€2,199) offer 38 TOPS, excelling in Final Cut Pro with 4K video rendering in 2 minutes. Geekbench benchmarks: M4 at 15,000 multi-core, compared to 12,000 for Snapdragon.
AI PC market: 15% of sales in Q1 2026, compared to 5% in 2025. Microsoft predicts 50% of PCs sold will have NPUs by 2027.
Top On-Device AI PCs
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite: 45 TOPS, laptop prices starting at €1,200.
- Apple M4: Optimized for macOS, 38 TOPS.
- Intel Lunar Lake: 48 TOPS, laptops at €1,099.
Memory Shortage: The Major Barrier to Mass Adoption
Despite the excitement, 2026 marks a crisis: a shortage of DRAM and NAND, drained by AI data centers. Gartner predicts an 8.4% drop in smartphone sales and a 10.4% drop in PC sales compared to 2025. Prices are rising: +13% for smartphones, +17% for PCs by the end of 2026.
The entry-level market (<$500) will disappear by 2028. For example, a mid-range smartphone rises from €400 to €452. On-device AI requires more RAM (16 GB minimum for Galaxy S26), exacerbating the tension.
Market shares impacted: Samsung stable at 20%, Apple at 25%, but TCL and other emerging brands suffer (+5% component prices).
Modularity and Hardware Innovations at MWC 2026
MWC 2026 reignites interest in modular smartphones with AI. A "robophone" films in 360° via a 200 MP articulated arm, following subjects in real-time. Nokia integrates AI into mobile networks for zero latency.
Mature foldables: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 at €1,999, IPX9 durability. TCL NXTPAPER smart glasses for extended use.
Foldable benchmarks: Z Fold 7 at 2,200,000 AnTuTu, 24-hour battery life when folded.
Economic Outlook and Market Shares in 2026
Smartphone sales: 1.15 billion units expected, -8.4% vs 2025 (Omdia). PCs: 250 million, -10.4%. On-device AI represents 40% of flagships.
| Segment | Sales 2025 (M) | Sales 2026 (M) | Variation (%) | Average Price (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smartphones | 1,250 | 1,145 | -8.4 | +13% (452) |
| PC | 280 | 250 | -10.4 | +17% (1,200) |
| On-Device AI | 200 | 350 | +75 | 1,000+ |
Samsung leads at 22%, followed by Apple at 25%, Google at 12%.
Advantages and Disadvantages of On-Device AI
Advantages
- Autonomy: No internet connection required.
- Speed: Local processing in milliseconds.
- Security: Data not shared.
Disadvantages
- Cost: +13-17% price due to memory.
- Power: Limited NPUs compared to the cloud (e.g., max 45 TOPS).
- Heat: Galaxy S26 heats up under intensive use.
Conclusion: An Inevitable Trend Despite Obstacles
On-device AI is transforming smartphones and PCs in 2026, with Samsung and TCL at the forefront. Prices range from €599 to €1,349, explosive benchmarks, and flagship releases like the NXTPAPER 70 Pro confirm the shift. However, the memory shortage (-8.4% sales) highlights hardware limitations.
Editorial Opinion Brief AI: This trend accelerates innovation, making AI accessible offline. Watch for price drops post-shortage in 2027 and widespread multi-AI integrations. Consumers gain power, while manufacturers face fierce competition. The future? Hybrid devices, part smartphone, part computer, powered by local AI.