{
  "id": 5092509,
  "title": "Samsung Galaxy S26 FE hands-on: Stop me if you've heard this one before",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/samsung-galaxy-s26-fe-hands-on-stop-me-if-youve-heard-this-one-before",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-02T12:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Digital Camera World",
    "slug": "digital-camera-world",
    "url": "https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/tech/android-phones/samsung-galaxy-s26-fe-review"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Samsung's budget-friendly Galaxy S26 FE has been released, and if you were expecting significant updates, you may be disappointed. The hardware is largely the same as previous models, with only minor aesthetic changes and new colors. The most notable hardware upgrade is the Exynos 2500 processor, which is still one generation behind the base model S26. Storage options remain at 128GB, with 256GB and 512GB versions available, all with 8GB of RAM. The design features a slightly raised camera island, matching other S26-series handsets, but the overall size and weight are unchanged. The phone is available in three new colors - Graphite, Blueberry, and Pistachio - all with glossy finishes that may attract fingerprints. Other hardware features remain identical, including an IP68 rating, a 4900 mAh battery with 45W wired and 15W wireless charging, and a 6.7-inch 120Hz OLED screen with a peak brightness of 1900 nits. The camera setup remains unchanged, with a 50MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide, and 8MP 3x telephoto lens on the back, along with a 12MP punch-hole selfie camera. On the software side, the FE series introduces several new features, including full 360-degree horizontal lock stabilization, improved zoom quality, and enhanced nighttime video capabilities. The Fancam feature, which debuted on the Z Fold 8-series, has been brought over, allowing users to take wide video clips, select a subject, and have it automatically cropped and followed around the frame. Additional features include Audio Eraser to remove distracting background sounds, Document Scan mode for easy scanning of documents, and various Galaxy AI features. Notably, the Now Brief feature has been upgraded to include custom cards for personalized information, while Now Nudge will automatically suggest adding events to your calendar based on text messages. Samsung continues its close collaboration with Google, with Gemini now featuring more capabilities and the ability to perform complex tasks across multiple apps. Circle to Search and Gemini Live have also received enhancements. However, the FE models always face the challenge of launching later than the main S-series models, making them a cheaper alternative, but also more expensive than usual due to AI-induced component shortages. The 128GB base model is priced at $699/£699, and the 256GB version at $799/£799, which is $50 and $100 more expensive, respectively, compared to last year. In comparison, the base model S26 (256GB) sells for £779 brand-new on Samsung's official website, making the S26 FE a less attractive option for those willing to pay a premium for the latest flagship.",
  "summary": "With few hardware changes and a higher price, the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE might be a tough sell.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}