The new Samsung Galaxy S26 FE combines a 50MP camera, enhanced AI features, a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and a 4,900mAh battery in a slim Galaxy S design
Samsung Electronics has unveiled the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE, the latest addition to the Galaxy S26 family and the first device in the line-up to launch with One UI 9.
Designed to bring premium Galaxy experiences to more users, the Galaxy S26 FE combines an enhanced camera system with more context-aware Galaxy AI features. The smartphone is built around the everyday essentials users value most, including a bright 120Hz display, long-lasting battery and slim design.
With Android 17 and One UI 9, the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE brings the latest Galaxy software experience from day one.
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE at a Glance
- Processor: Exynos 2500 (3nm)
- Display: 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, up to 1,900 nits
- Rear cameras: 50MP Wide, 12MP Ultra-Wide and 8MP Telephoto
- Optical zoom: 3x
- Front camera: 12MP
- Battery: 4,900mAh
- Charging: 45W wired and 15W wireless
- Operating system: Android 17 with One UI 9
- Connectivity: 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4
- Water resistance: IP68
- Colours: Blueberry, Graphite and Pistachio
“Galaxy S26 FE is purposefully designed to deliver the signature strengths of Galaxy S, ensuring every feature makes a meaningful difference in users’ daily lives,” said Executive Vice President and Head of Customer Experience Office, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics.
“Packed with the beloved Galaxy camera and AI experiences, backed by the latest One UI 9, Galaxy S26 FE comes to life as an ideal choice for those who know exactly what matters most to them.”
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE Camera Brings More AI to Photography
The Galaxy S26 FE camera is designed to make capturing and editing content easier. Its triple rear camera combines enhanced image processing with a 50MP wide camera, 12MP ultra-wide camera and 8MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom.
My FanCam Keeps Subjects in Frame
First introduced on Samsung’s latest Galaxy foldables, My FanCam is now available on the Galaxy S26 FE.
The feature automatically tracks a selected subject and keeps it centred, intelligently reframing video as the scene moves. This makes it easier to turn fast-moving moments into social-ready content without extensive manual editing.
Super Steady for Smoother Video
Super Steady with Horizontal Lock helps users capture smoother and more level footage. It is designed for everything from travel and outdoor adventures to fast-moving activities and everyday videos.
The Galaxy S26 FE also features 3x optical zoom, providing greater flexibility when shooting subjects from a distance.
For selfies and group photographs, the enhanced 12MP front camera captures more of the scene in each frame.
Nightography for Low-Light Photography
Samsung’s Nightography experience helps users capture brighter, clearer images in low-light conditions while preserving detail in challenging scenes.
Once a photograph has been captured, Photo Assist allows users to refine images using natural-language prompts. Lighting can be adjusted, elements can be added and missing parts can be restored. Edits can also be reviewed step by step, with the option to revise or undo changes.
With Gemini Omni, users can turn photographs and video clips from their Gallery into polished videos, complete with music, transitions and effects designed for sharing.
Galaxy AI Arrives from Day One with One UI 9
The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is the first model in the Galaxy S26 family to launch with One UI 9.
The latest software brings expanded Galaxy AI capabilities designed to understand context and help users stay organised, informed and productive throughout the day.
More Personalised Now Brief
Samsung’s updated Now Brief builds on the feature introduced with the Galaxy S25 series.
Users can customise their briefing cards, including information such as weather and wellness insights. They can also create their own cards using a simple prompt, making Now Brief more relevant to their individual routines.
Now Nudge Offers Timely Suggestions
Now Nudge has been expanded to selected third-party apps and notifications. It surfaces relevant suggestions at useful moments, helping users turn information into action and manage everyday tasks with less friction.
Gemini Automates Everyday Tasks
With Gemini, the Galaxy S26 FE can automate multi-step tasks from a single request. By understanding context, it can help users search, create, organise and communicate more efficiently.
Circle to Search with Google can now identify multiple items in an image at once, making it easier to search for products, places, objects and ideas.
Meanwhile, Gemini Live enables real-time conversational AI interactions, allowing users to ask follow-up questions, receive spoken guidance and complete tasks hands-free.
A Bright 6.7-Inch Display and Long-Lasting Battery
The Galaxy S26 FE is designed to keep up with work, entertainment and creativity throughout the day.
Its 4,900mAh battery is housed in a slim 7.4mm design, with the smartphone weighing 193g. 45W fast charging allows users to recharge quickly and stay connected for longer.
The 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display features a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1,900 nits of brightness. With a 2340 x 1080 FHD+ resolution, the display is designed for smooth and immersive viewing, whether streaming content, gaming, browsing or working outdoors.
Seven Years of Software and Security Updates
Samsung is also positioning the Galaxy S26 FE as a long-term device.
The smartphone comes with seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, giving users access to new features and security improvements over an extended period.
Upgraded Smart Switch makes moving to Galaxy easier. Users switching from Android or iOS can scan a QR code to wirelessly transfer data, including passwords and passkeys, call history, accessibility settings and eSIM data, without needing additional apps.
For additional protection, Samsung Care+ offers coverage designed around users’ needs and the value of their device.
Buyers will also receive a six-month free trial of Google AI Pro, including expanded AI capabilities and 5TB of cloud storage, valued at R429.99 per month.
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE Price and Availability in South Africa
The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE will be available in South Africa in September through operators, retailers, Samsung.com/za and Samsung Experience Stores in Blueberry, Graphite and Pistachio.
South African recommended retail pricing is:
- Galaxy S26 FE 128GB: From R599 per month (R15,499)
- Galaxy S26 FE 256GB: From R649 per month (R17,999)