The Galaxy S26 FE resembles the Galaxy S26+ more than the standard S26, featuring a 6.7-inch display and three rear cameras. The design changes from the S25 FE are subtle, including a new glossy back finish, contrasting with the matte finish used in the S25 FE and the flagship S26 models, which may serve to create a distinguishable look. The S26 FE is slightly taller, wider, and heavier by just 3 grams compared to its predecessor, while the thickness remains unchanged at 7.4mm. Additionally, there’s a slightly more pronounced chin at the bottom of the phone.
Despite these minor updates, the S26 FE exudes the premium feel of a flagship device that typically costs much more. I particularly enjoyed the pistachio color of the review unit, as it’s refreshing to see a variety of colors offered beyond the usual monochrome options.
Another design change is the new connected camera island, which replaces the protruding camera lenses of the S25 FE. Though a small adjustment, it helps align the look of the device with both Galaxy S and Z series.
The 6.7-inch OLED display is sharp and vibrant, though those upgrading from high-end models may find the maximum brightness somewhat lacking on sunny days, reaching only 1,900 nits compared to the S26 series’ peak of 2,600 nits. Nevertheless, the display offers a smooth experience with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, providing more screen real estate at a price that is currently $200 lower than the base S26.
Looking at the specifications, some cost-saving compromises are evident. Priced at $50 higher than the S25 FE, it still comes with 8GB of RAM and a base storage option of 128GB, which can fill quickly, especially with storage-heavy games like Wuthering Waves. A 256GB variant is available for those needing more storage.
The new Exynos 2500 chip enhances gaming performance, though it doesn’t deliver a flagship-level experience. The S26 FE struggles with demanding games like Wuthering Waves, particularly in detailed environments or intense combat scenarios. While some might view this as indicative of it not being a full Galaxy S phone, it’s worth noting that the same chip was used in last year’s Z Flip 7. Under regular usage, it performs quickly and responsively, unless pushed to its limits.
One issue noted was the occasional sluggishness of the camera app, which can feel reminiscent of a budget A-series model. While this was not a constant problem, it can be frustrating. Quick captures are essential, and in a time when most brands boast about the speed of their camera functions, the S26 FE’s slowdowns stand out.
On a positive note, the battery is robust, featuring a 4,900mAh capacity similar to the S26+, delivering over 21 hours of playback during our testing. However, this is a decrease in longevity compared to the S26’s battery. Daily charging becomes necessary, with charging capabilities reaching up to 45-watt wired and 15W wireless. While it lacks magnetic mounting rings, it does support wireless charging.
