The Galaxy S26 family has a new member. Samsung has officially unveiled the Galaxy S26 FE, the Fan Edition model that completes the range at the entry level and arrives with a clear premise: to offer the best of the S series at a more affordable price. The device, announced on August 27, becomes the first in the family to debut One UI 9 based on Android 17, and it does so with a strong focus on artificial intelligence and photography.
The new phone maintains the essence of the Fan Editions: a refined design, balanced specifications, and a price that positions it as the most accessible option in Samsung's high-end range. But this year, the South Korean company has gone a step further by incorporating features previously only available on the more expensive models, such as the My FanCam function and AI-powered editing tools. However, it also comes with some compromises that should be considered before making a decision.
Design and screen: continuity with good foundations
In terms of design, the Galaxy S26 FE isn't particularly surprising. Samsung has opted for a look very similar to the Galaxy S25 FE , with flat sides, rounded corners, and a camera module that protrudes slightly from the back. The phone measures 161,6 x 76,9 x 7,4 millimeters and weighs 193 grams, making it comfortable to handle despite its generous screen size.
The screen is one of its strongest points. It's a 6,7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with Full HD+ resolution and a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. The maximum brightness reaches 1.900 nits, a figure that guarantees excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. As for protection, the device has IP68 certification for water and dust resistance, as well as Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front.
The Galaxy S26 FE will be available in three colors: Blueberry, Graphite, and Pistachio. The latter, pistachio green, is shaping up to be the most eye-catching shade and the one most likely to appeal to younger users.
Camera: My FanCam and field of view improvements
The camera system is one of the Galaxy S26 FE's biggest selling points. Samsung has kept the triple rear camera setup we saw in the S25 FE, with a 50-megapixel main sensor featuring optical image stabilization (OIS) and an f/1.8 aperture, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens with a 123-degree field of view, and an 8-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and up to 30x digital zoom. The front-facing camera is also 12 megapixels and expands its field of view from 80 to 85 degrees, making group photos easier.
But the most interesting aspect lies in the software. The Galaxy S26 FE incorporates My FanCam, a feature that debuted on the foldable Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Flip8 and now arrives for the first time on the S series. This tool allows you to select a person in the frame, and the camera automatically tracks them, intelligently adjusting the video framing. It's a feature designed for content creators and for recording moving events, such as concerts or celebrations.
Another new feature is Super Steady with Horizontal Lock, which keeps videos level even in fast-moving scenes. Also included is Nightography, Samsung's technology for capturing bright and sharp images in low light, and Photo Assist, an AI-powered editor that allows users to modify images using natural language commands. For example, you can transform a daytime scene into a nighttime scene, add elements, or restore missing parts. Furthermore, with Gemini Omni, users can create and edit video clips from photos and videos stored in the gallery.
Performance and software: Exynos 2500 and One UI 9
Under the hood, the Galaxy S26 FE features the Exynos 2500 processor, a 3-nanometer chip that promises a good balance between performance and energy efficiency. This processor is the same one found in the Galaxy Z Flip7 and represents an upgrade over the Exynos 2400 in the S25 FE, although it falls a step short of Samsung's Exynos 2600 found in the Galaxy S26 and S26+.
Regarding memory, the device comes with 8 GB of RAM in all configurations and three storage options: 128, 256, and 512 GB. This is one of the most obvious compromises compared to higher-end models, which start with 12 GB of RAM, but it will be sufficient for most users.
The software is undoubtedly one of the main attractions. The Galaxy S26 FE is the first device in the Galaxy S26 series to arrive with Samsung's One UI 9 , Samsung's new customization layer based on Android 17. This version of the system incorporates all the features of Galaxy AI, including Now Brief, which offers personalized cards with information such as weather or wellness data, and Now Nudge, which expands its compatibility to third-party apps to display contextual suggestions. Google's Circle to Search is also included, now allowing users to search for multiple elements within the same image simultaneously.
As for support, Samsung maintains its commitment to longevity: the Galaxy S26 FE will receive seven generations of operating system updates and seven years of security patches , ensuring that the device will be up-to-date for many years.
Battery and charging: 4.900 mAh with 45W fast charging
Battery life is another area where Samsung has paid special attention. The Galaxy S26 FE features a 4.900 mAh battery, a capacity that allows you to easily get through the day in most cases. Fast wired charging reaches 45W, allowing you to recover up to 69% of the battery in approximately 30 minutes with a compatible adapter (sold separately). It also features 15W wireless charging and Wireless PowerShare reverse wireless charging, so you can charge other compatible devices.
In terms of connectivity, the device offers compatibility with 5G networks, Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi Direct, and Bluetooth 5.4. Furthermore, the Smart Switch tool has been improved to facilitate migration from other devices: it is now possible to scan a QR code to wirelessly transfer data, including passwords, passkeys, call history, accessibility settings, and even eSIM data.
Price and availability in Spain
The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE will be available from September 4th in Spain and other select markets. The starting price will be €799 for the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage version, a €40 increase over the Galaxy S25 FE, which launched at €759. The 256GB and 512GB versions will be more expensive, though Samsung has not yet confirmed the exact prices.
In addition, early adopters will receive a free six-month trial of Google AI Pro, a service that includes advanced AI capabilities and 5 TB of cloud storage, valued at $19,99 per month. This offer is available to eligible users and can be canceled at any time.
With this launch, Samsung makes it clear that its strategy for the FE series remains the same: to offer the Galaxy experience at a more affordable price, even if it means some compromises in hardware. The Galaxy S26 FE isn't a revolutionary device, but it is a very well-rounded option for those looking for a high-end smartphone without spending more than 800 euros. The combination of a good processor, a versatile camera, and software with full AI capabilities makes it a very attractive alternative in the Spanish market.
