Samsung has just sent out its new phone for testers to look at, and we have our hands on it. The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is the latest budget-friendly device in the popular Galaxy family, and it is ready for a full review. It offers high-end features without the massive price tag of the main flagship phones.

While this new model looks almost exactly like the older S25 FE, it brings some important updates under the hood. It has a faster processor and is packed with brand-new artificial intelligence (AI) tools to make your daily tasks easier.

What Has Changed

The biggest upgrade is the new processor chip, called the Exynos 2500. This chip is built using a tiny 3nm process, which is smaller and more efficient than the 4nm chip in the older model. In plain terms, a smaller nanometer size means the phone can pack more power into a tighter space. This new chip makes apps open faster, improves mobile gaming graphics by up to 33%, and boosts the brainpower of the phone's artificial intelligence by 40%. The phone also has a new camera design on the back that stands out slightly, instead of sitting completely flat.

New Smart Features

This is the first phone in this series to run Samsung's new software, called One UI 9. This software brings several clever AI tools. For example, a tool called Now Brief gives you personalized daily updates, while Now Nudge suggests helpful actions based on your notifications. The search tool can now look for multiple items in a single photo at the same time. There is also a feature called My FanCam that uses smart tracking to keep a moving person centered in your video clips automatically.

Price and What Is in the Box

The phone comes in 3 colors: Blueberry, Pistachio, and Graphite. You can choose between 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage. Prices start at $700 in the US, £699 in the UK, and €699 in Europe. Just keep in mind that Samsung does not include a wall charger or a protective case in the box. You only get a USB-C cable, so you will need to use your old charger or buy a new one separately.

Quick Questions Answered

How much does the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE cost?

A: The phone starts at $700, £699, or €699 depending on your region.

Does the phone come with a charger?

A: No, the box only contains the phone and a USB-C cable, so you must buy a charger separately.

What colors can you get?

A: The phone is available in Blueberry, Pistachio, and Graphite.