I tried Samsung’s new Galaxy S26 FE and here’s why I think it’s a semi-premium smartphone

I recently had the opportunity to test Samsung's new Galaxy S26 FE, a lower-cost flagship that aims to deliver some of the features found in the company's high-end Galaxy S26. As someone who has observed the increasing prices of smartphones in recent months, I understand the desire for more value from mobile devices. The S26 FE, which will be available in India starting September 18, appears to offer just that.

Upon first impressions, the S26 FE feels quite pleasant in hand. With a weight of just 193 grams, it strikes a good balance between screen size and portability. The device's brushed aluminium sides not only provide a better grip but also give it a more premium look. Priced in the Pistachio colour option, the S26 FE has a calm and understated design that sets it apart from other smartphones.

The S26 FE's 6.7-inch AMOLED display is a standout feature. With a resolution of 1080 × 2340 pixels and a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz, the screen is sharp, bright, and colourful when viewed indoors. While the display brightness is capped at just 1,900 nits, it still delivers a great visual experience.

Under the hood, the S26 FE is powered by Samsung's Exynos 2500 processor and 8GB of RAM. While not as powerful as the Galaxy S26 Ultra or the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the S26 FE is still capable of handling everyday tasks such as playing music and podcasts, watching YouTube, checking social media, and browsing emails. Its slim bezels and generous screen size further enhance the overall user experience.

One concern I have is the storage capacity. The S26 FE comes with 128GB of storage, which may not be sufficient for those who prefer to store photos and videos directly on their device rather than in the cloud. The phone features a 4,900-mAh battery with 45-watt wired charging and 15-watt wireless charging speeds, which should provide a full day of battery life or even more.

In terms of software, the S26 FE runs Android 17 with Samsung's One UI 9. This means that users can expect a software experience comparable to the high-end Galaxy S26 series, with access to features like Brief, Now Nudge, Circle to Search, Gemini Live, and the AI-powered document-scanning app. One particular feature that caught my attention is Audio Eraser, which removes distracting background sounds from videos. This feature, available on the S26 FE, is a welcome addition that enhances the overall multimedia experience.

While the S26 FE may not have the latest processor or the brightest display, it offers a compelling package for those seeking a semi-premium smartphone at a more affordable price point. Its lightweight design, satisfying software features, and solid camera performance make it an attractive option for professionals and young consumers alike.

If Samsung can manage to keep the retail price below my expectations, the Galaxy S26 FE could indeed be a great choice for those looking to upgrade their device during the Diwali period.