Samsung has added a “Fan Edition” model to its new Galaxy S26 line. The Galaxy S26 FE is the first in the line to come with One UI 9 out of the box, alongside enhanced camera capabilities and more context-aware Galaxy AI.
Thin and light design with a 7-inch AMOLED, 120Hz screen, the Galaxy S26 FE has a triple rear camera system with advanced image processing. It boasts features launched on the latest models in the Galaxy Z 8 foldables line like My FanCam that can auto-track a selected person and keep them centered in the frame after you have already captured video. There’s also advanced features you wouldn’t expect in a more affordable model like Super Steady with Horizontal Lock, which I really enjoyed using in my review of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.
The Galaxy S26 FE supports 3x optical zoom for better shooting from a distance. For selfies, there’s an enhanced 12MP front camera that captures more in every frame, making group shots easier to take. Nightography, a signature of the Galaxy S series, helps you capture bright and clear shots in low light, with detail preserved even in challenging scenes.
With Photo Assist, you can easily refine images using natural language prompts, another feature I loved after using the Galaxy S26 Ultra. You can do everything from turn day into night, add new elements, even restore missing parts in an image. Edits can be reviewed step by step and revised or undone along the way. And while I haven’t tried it with this phone, I was blown away but what Photo Assist could do with the S26 Ultra.
Powered by One UI 9, Galaxy S26 FE brings a range of context-aware Galaxy AI experiences, like the updated, more personalized and customizable Now Brief, expanded Now Nudge that works with more third-party apps, and improved Circle to Search with Google that lets you search for multiple items at once versus only one at a time. It has a 4,900 mAh battery, you can recharge to 69% charge in around 30 minutes with the 45 W adapter.
Like other new Samsung phones, the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE comes with seven years of OS and security updates. It also comes with a six-month free trail to Google AI Pro. It comes in Blueberry, Graphite, and Pistachio finishes.
How Does the Galaxy S26 FE Compare to the S26?
The big question is whether you should get the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE, which starts at $1,049 in Canada, or the base level Galaxy S26, which starts at $1,250. So, let’s look at how they compare.
The Galaxy S26 FE has a larger screen, making the Galaxy S26 a more compact phone for those who prefer it. The S26 has a faster processor and has 12GB RAM (the S26 FE sticks with the Exynos chip versus Snapdragon and only has 8GB RAM). The Galaxy S26 FE has a larger battery, however, and supports much faster wired charging at 45W versus 25W. But the base model Galaxy S26 FE is 128GB whereas the Galaxy S26 starts at 256GB, so you’re getting a lot more starting storage for only a small bump in price.
You get a slightly better telephoto camera with the S26 at 10MP compared to just 8MP with the Galaxy S26 FE, though both have the same 50MP main camera. There’s no support for Samsung DeX in the Galaxy S26 FE, which is worth considering for business users.
So, you’ll have to weigh the trade-offs. Save $200 with this model and get a bigger screen, slower processor with less RAM, bigger battery and faster charging, but less storage. Upgrade to the Galaxy S26 for the faster processor with more RAM and storage, more compact design, better telephoto lens, but slower charging and shorter battery life.
The Galaxy S26 FE might be suitable for some people who prioritize certain features of a phone over others. The good news is that it comes with all the Galaxy AI and One UI 9 goodies you get with the premium phones, making it a worthwhile proposition if you can get it on a good deal. But weigh the pros and cons between this model and the Galaxy S26 before making a decision.