Smartphones · Ranked #82 of 82 · Best cheaper Galaxy flagship feel

Samsung Galaxy S26 FE

67
Weak
Average of 8 professional reviews
1 of 8 recommend it · broad agreement
Where the 8 reviews landedRange 60–80

Exact average 67.1 · all scores printed by the outlets

Samsung Galaxy S26 FEImage: Samsung

8 professional reviewers tested the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE, and 1 recommend it. Most praised: picture quality and design. Most common complaint: price.

Reviewed by Tom's Guide, TechRadar, Trusted Reviews and 5 more

The catch: It costs more yet barely changes, with an older chip and weak cameras.

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What 8 critics said

Highest score first · all converted to 0–100
  1. 80
    Tom's GuideHands-on review · 2026

    Despite weaker performance and few updates, it gives a flagship-like experience for far less than the S26 now costs.

    Read Tom's Guide review
  2. 70
    TechRadarHands-on review · 2026

    A capable phone that is hard to place in the range, since spending a bit more gets far better hardware.

    Read TechRadar review
  3. 70
    Trusted ReviewsHands-on review · 2026

    A solid phone in a vacuum, but ageing cameras, 128GB storage and stronger rivals mean it is best bought on sale.

    Read Trusted Reviews review
  4. 70
    Tech AdvisorHands-on review · 2026

    A decent phone with barely any upgrades over last year and a higher price, so poor value now.

    Read Tech Advisor review
  5. 67
    EngadgetHands-on review · 2026

    An incremental update at a higher price that struggles to justify itself.

    Read Engadget review
  6. 60
    WIREDHands-on review

    A perfectly good phone in isolation, but a price rise with almost no changes makes it a tough sell.

    Read WIRED review
  7. 60
    Android CentralHands-on review · 2026

    A solid phone with a big screen and long support, but not the best value, and weak cameras outside the main one.

    Read Android Central review
  8. 60
    Expert ReviewsHands-on review · 2026

    Competent but overpriced and unnecessary, outshone by Samsung's own S26 and by rivals like the Xiaomi 17T Pro.

    Read Expert Reviews review

"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates

What critics praise most

Picture quality5 of 8
Design3 of 8
Performance2 of 8

What critics dislike most

Price4 of 8
Software and app2 of 8

Other smartphones critics rate highly

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Apple iPhone 18 Pro MaxImage: Apple
Best for cameras and speedApple iPhone 18 Pro Max6 reviews · critics agree91
Apple iPhone 17Image: Apple
Apple iPhone 1710 reviews · critics agree90
Apple iPhone 17 ProImage: Apple
Runner-upApple iPhone 17 Pro10 reviews · broad agreement90

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Common questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE worth it?

Critics are divided: 1 of 8 recommend it. It costs more yet barely changes, with an older chip and weak cameras.

Do critics agree about the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?

Broad agreement: scores range from 60 (WIRED) to 80 (Tom's Guide), a spread of 20 points across 8 reviews. Most reviewers land fairly close together.

What do critics dislike about the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?

Price (4 of 8 reviews), Software and app (2 of 8 reviews).

What is the best alternative to the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?

The Oppo Find X9 Ultra (critic score 94), best overall.