78
ITProT3Sep 11, 2026
“It's worth remembering that the S26 FE is a budget model, but it could have been so much more.”
Reviewed from a business-user perspective.
By Bobby Hellard · Rated 3.5/5Full review
Phone
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
Samsung · From $699
Release date Sep 4, 2026
70
Worth a Look
Based on 11 Critic Reviews
8 with a published score, 3 scored from text · How it works
Latest review Oct 16, 2026
4 Positive4 Favorable2 Mixed1 Negative
Critics' Take
Critics call the Galaxy S26 FE a competent big-screen Samsung phone with a good display, solid main camera and seven years of updates. The faster Exynos 2500 is the one real upgrade over the S25 FE, and most reviewers say the higher price, 128GB base storage and weak ultra-wide and telephoto cameras make it hard to recommend over discounted older Galaxy models or cheaper rivals.
What critics loved
- Bright 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display
- Seven years of OS and security updates
- Reliable main camera in good light
- Slim, light IP68 build
Common gripes
- Almost identical to the S25 FE but pricier
- Only 128GB base storage and 8GB RAM
- Weak ultra-wide and telephoto cameras
- Cheaper rivals and discounted S25/S26 offer more value
- USB 2.0 port and no charger in the box
Critic Scorecard
11 reviewsSort:
Weighted by outlet tier:T1100%T275%T340%T420%
77
TechRadarT2Sep 24, 2026
“If you want a big display and long battery life from Samsung for less, then this is the model for you.”
By Richard Priday · Rated 3.5/5Full review
77
T3T3Sep 18, 2026
“From the way it looks, to the way it performs, in isolation it's a great Android option – and, from that point of view, recommendable.”
By Mike Lowe · Rated 4/5Full review
76
BeebomT4Oct 13, 2026
“So, if you can find a better deal for the S26, I would recommend picking that instead.”
Review written around Indian pricing (Rs 79,999).
By Anshuman Jain · Rated 7.5/10Full review
74
GSMArenaT3Sep 8, 2026
“The Galaxy S26 FE is a difficult phone to sum up, mostly because there is very little actually wrong with it.”
Staff review · Unrated, scored from textFull review
74
India TV NewsT3Oct 5, 2026
“Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is an attractive choice for those who are looking for a uniform design and premium build.”
Review written around Indian pricing (about Rs 80,000).
By Saumya Nigam · Unrated, scored from textFull review
Show 5 more reviews ▾Show fewer ▴
72
Trusted ReviewsT2Sep 17, 2026
“The Galaxy S26 FE is a solid phone with a great screen, reliable performance and seven years of updates, but ageing cameras, limited storage and strong competition make it hard to recommend.”
By Henry Burrell · Rated 3.5/5Full review
72
Tech AdvisorT3Sep 15, 2026
“The pricing, though, is a real problem. With just 128GB of storage at £699/$699, this phone is not a good value proposition.”
By Luke Baker · Rated 3.5/5Full review
59
ITdailyT4Oct 16, 2026
“It is a good phone, but the limitations of previous devices have not been resolved.”
By Jens Jonkers · Unrated, scored from textFull review
56
Android CentralT2Oct 6, 2026
“I want to emphasize that the Galaxy S26 FE is a great phone that I could absolutely use as my daily driver, despite its compromises.”
By Brady Snyder · Rated 3/5Full review
53
Expert ReviewsT3Sep 18, 2026
“Add strong competition from other brands in this price range, and the Galaxy S26 FE sinks like a stone.”
By Ben Johnston · Rated 3/5Full review
59
ITdailyT4Oct 16, 2026
“It is a good phone, but the limitations of previous devices have not been resolved.”
By Jens Jonkers · Unrated, scored from textFull review
76
BeebomT4Oct 13, 2026
“So, if you can find a better deal for the S26, I would recommend picking that instead.”
Review written around Indian pricing (Rs 79,999).
By Anshuman Jain · Rated 7.5/10Full review
56
Android CentralT2Oct 6, 2026
“I want to emphasize that the Galaxy S26 FE is a great phone that I could absolutely use as my daily driver, despite its compromises.”
By Brady Snyder · Rated 3/5Full review
74
India TV NewsT3Oct 5, 2026
“Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is an attractive choice for those who are looking for a uniform design and premium build.”
Review written around Indian pricing (about Rs 80,000).
By Saumya Nigam · Unrated, scored from textFull review
77
TechRadarT2Sep 24, 2026
“If you want a big display and long battery life from Samsung for less, then this is the model for you.”
By Richard Priday · Rated 3.5/5Full review
77
T3T3Sep 18, 2026
“From the way it looks, to the way it performs, in isolation it's a great Android option – and, from that point of view, recommendable.”
By Mike Lowe · Rated 4/5Full review
Show 5 more reviews ▾Show fewer ▴
53
Expert ReviewsT3Sep 18, 2026
“Add strong competition from other brands in this price range, and the Galaxy S26 FE sinks like a stone.”
By Ben Johnston · Rated 3/5Full review
72
Trusted ReviewsT2Sep 17, 2026
“The Galaxy S26 FE is a solid phone with a great screen, reliable performance and seven years of updates, but ageing cameras, limited storage and strong competition make it hard to recommend.”
By Henry Burrell · Rated 3.5/5Full review
72
Tech AdvisorT3Sep 15, 2026
“The pricing, though, is a real problem. With just 128GB of storage at £699/$699, this phone is not a good value proposition.”
By Luke Baker · Rated 3.5/5Full review
78
ITProT3Sep 11, 2026
“It's worth remembering that the S26 FE is a budget model, but it could have been so much more.”
Reviewed from a business-user perspective.
By Bobby Hellard · Rated 3.5/5Full review
74
GSMArenaT3Sep 8, 2026
“The Galaxy S26 FE is a difficult phone to sum up, mostly because there is very little actually wrong with it.”
Staff review · Unrated, scored from textFull review
Quick Facts
- Display
- 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
- Chip
- Exynos 2500 (3nm)
- Memory
- 8GB RAM
- Storage
- 128GB base ($699), 256GB option
- Cameras
- 50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 8MP 3x telephoto, 12MP selfie
- Battery
- 4,900mAh, 45W wired, 15W wireless
- Software
- One UI 9 (Android 17), 7 years of updates
- Weight
- 193g, IP68