Samsung Galaxy A26 Full Review: A Budget-Friendly Upgrade Worth Considering?
Image credit: GSMArena
The Samsung Galaxy A26 represents the latest iteration in Samsung's budget-friendly A-series, bringing several features from higher-tier models down to a more accessible price point. But in a competitive mid-range market, does it offer enough to stand out? This comprehensive review dives deep into all aspects of the Galaxy A26 to help you decide if it's the right smartphone for your needs.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Each year, Samsung's more affordable phones improve as features from higher-end models trickle down to budget-friendly options. The Galaxy A26 continues this trend, bringing the chipset from last year's A35 along with several refinements that elevate its position in Samsung's lineup. At a competitive price point of around $300, the A26 aims to deliver a well-rounded experience without breaking the bank.
With competition in the mid-range market heating up, Samsung has equipped the A26 with improved build materials, enhanced durability, and a feature set that, on paper at least, seems quite impressive given its price bracket. But as we've seen time and again, specifications don't always translate to a great user experience. Let's dive deeper to see how the Galaxy A26 performs in real-world usage.
Design & Build Quality
Image credit: Samsung
The Galaxy A26 represents a significant upgrade in build quality compared to its predecessor. While the A25 featured plastic on the back, the A26 now comes with Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and rear panels, providing enhanced durability and a more premium feel. The frame, however, remains plastic, which is expected at this price point.
Despite being slightly larger than the A25, the A26 is actually thinner at 7.7mm (versus the A25's 8.3mm) and feels comfortable in the hand with its dimensions of 164.0 x 77.5 x 7.7mm and weight of 200g. The overall design aligns with the rest of the 2025 Galaxy A series, featuring a sleek, minimalist aesthetic with a linear camera arrangement.
Notable Design Improvement:
One of the most significant upgrades is the addition of IP67 water and dust resistance, allowing the phone to withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for 30 minutes. This is a welcome improvement over the A25, which lacked any official ingress protection rating.
Available in classic Awesome Black, the Galaxy A26 manages to look more expensive than its price suggests. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is integrated into the power button and provides quick, reliable access, though it lacks the under-display fingerprint readers found in higher-tier Samsung models.
Display
The Galaxy A26 features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display, which is slightly larger than the 6.5-inch screen on the A25. It maintains the same 1080 x 2340 resolution with a 19.5:9 aspect ratio, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 385 ppi. The display supports a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations, though unlike more premium models, this isn't adaptive—you'll need to manually choose between 60Hz or 120Hz.
Display Brightness Issue:
One area where the A26 surprisingly falls short is in maximum brightness. Tests show it reaches only about 370 nits with manual control, boosting to around 780 nits in auto mode under bright conditions. This is actually lower than the A25's capabilities and can make outdoor visibility challenging on sunny days.
Color reproduction is excellent, as we've come to expect from Samsung's AMOLED panels, with vibrant yet natural-looking colors. The display offers good contrast and deep blacks characteristic of OLED technology. While there's no official HDR video playback support, which is expected at this price point, the screen still delivers an enjoyable media consumption experience for everyday use.
The A26 sports slim bezels that maximize screen real estate, though it uses a teardrop-style notch for the selfie camera rather than the punch-hole design seen on higher-end models. For protection, the front glass is Gorilla Glass Victus+, which should provide good resistance against scratches and minor drops.
Audio
In a somewhat puzzling move, Samsung has actually downgraded the audio experience on the Galaxy A26 compared to its predecessor. The A25 offered stereo speakers, but the A26 comes with only a single bottom-firing speaker. During testing, this speaker earned a "good" rating for loudness, but the sound quality leaves much to be desired—music sounds dull with minimal bass response.
Additionally, Samsung has removed the 3.5mm headphone jack that was present on the A25. This means you'll need to use either Bluetooth headphones or a USB-C adapter for wired options. While the trend of removing headphone jacks has been common in the industry, it's unusual to see this feature eliminated in a budget-friendly model where it might be more appreciated by users.
On the positive side, Samsung has retained the microSD card slot, allowing you to expand the phone's storage beyond the built-in 128GB or 256GB options—a feature increasingly rare in smartphones across all price ranges.
Software & Features
The Galaxy A26 ships with One UI 7 based on Android 15, making it one of the first mid-range phones to come with the latest version of Android out of the box. Despite not being a flagship, the A26 includes many of the same software features found in more expensive Samsung devices.
While you won't get Samsung's DeX mode or the full suite of AI features available on flagship models, the A26 does include several AI-powered functionalities:
- AI Select - Can analyze your screen's content in detail, giving you options to grab text or photos and create GIFs from videos
- Object Eraser - Available in the native gallery app, allowing you to remove unwanted elements from photos (though not as effectively as on flagships)
- Google's Gemini Assistant - Providing additional AI functionality
Extended Software Support:
One of the most notable improvements is Samsung's commitment to extended software support. The Galaxy A26 will receive six major OS updates and six years of security patches, a significant upgrade from previous generations and setting a new standard for long-term support in mid-range devices.
The user interface is clean and intuitive, with Samsung's typical range of customization options allowing you to tailor the experience to your preferences. Features like Edge panels, Always-on Display, and Digital Wellbeing tools enhance usability without overwhelming the system resources.
Performance
The Galaxy A26 is powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset in most global markets, though some regions (particularly Latin America) receive a version with the Exynos 1280. This represents a generational trickle-down, as the Exynos 1380 was first used in the Galaxy A54, then in the A35, and now finds its way to the A26.
Benchmark results show that while this is no powerhouse by flagship standards, it provides adequate performance for a mid-range device. The Exynos 1380 offers approximately 20% higher combined performance compared to the Exynos 1280 found in the A25, with a 30% increase in CPU-heavy workloads and about 20% better GPU performance.
In real-world usage, the Galaxy A26 handles day-to-day tasks efficiently. Apps open quickly, multitasking is smooth with 6GB or 8GB RAM configurations, and the UI remains responsive even with multiple applications running in the background. Light gaming is certainly possible, though more demanding titles may require lowered graphics settings to maintain playable frame rates.
Thermal management shows some room for improvement, as testing revealed more throttling than expected given the modest chipset. However, this throttling isn't severe enough to significantly impact everyday performance for most users.
Battery & Charging
The Galaxy A26 comes equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery, which is now standard across many mid-range and even flagship smartphones. Despite the generous capacity, battery life testing showed somewhat disappointing results, with an active use score of 10 hours and 44 minutes—falling behind many competitors in this price range.
When it comes to charging, the A26 supports 25W wired fast charging, which is identical to last year's model. Samsung continues its practice of not including a charger in the box, so you'll need to purchase one separately or use an existing compatible charger.
With a proper 25W adapter, the Galaxy A26 charges from 0 to 51% in half an hour, with a full charge taking approximately 86 minutes. These charging speeds are adequate but not particularly impressive compared to some competitors that offer 33W, 45W, or even faster charging in similar price brackets.
The phone doesn't support wireless charging, which is expected at this price point, as that feature remains reserved for Samsung's premium offerings.
Camera System
Image credit: GSMArena
The Samsung Galaxy A26 features a familiar triple camera setup on the rear and a single selfie camera on the front. The hardware specifications remain unchanged from the A25, consisting of:
- Main Camera: 50MP Samsung ISOCELL (S5K)JN1, f/1.8, 27mm, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF, OIS
- Ultra-wide Camera: 8MP Samsung ISOCELL (S5K)4HA, f/2.2, 120°, 1/4", 1.12µm, fixed focus
- Macro Camera: 2MP GalaxyCore GC02M1, f/2.4, fixed focus
- Front Camera: 13MP Hynix Hi-1339, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm, fixed focus
Main Camera
The 50MP main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) can produce decent shots in ideal lighting conditions. Colors are vibrant and pleasingly Samsung-like, with good contrast and dynamic range. However, sharpness and detail deteriorate noticeably as lighting conditions worsen, with indoor photos often showing graininess in shadow areas.
Despite the identical hardware to the A25, image processing seems to have improved, with the A26 consistently producing sharper and more detailed images compared to its predecessor.
The camera also offers 2x digital zoom functionality, though the results are predictably softer and noisier than photos taken with the main lens at 1x. This is expected given the sensor size and price point of the device.
Ultrawide Camera
The 8MP ultrawide camera delivers somewhat soft photos, though colors and contrast remain decent. The results aren't particularly impressive but are serviceable for casual wide-angle shots in good lighting. In low-light conditions, even with the automatic night mode processing, ultrawide shots come out grainy with limited fine detail.
Macro Camera
The 2MP macro camera can capture usable close-up shots, but as expected from the low resolution, the detail is unimpressive. As with many budget phones, this macro lens feels more like a spec-sheet addition rather than a truly useful camera component.
Selfie Camera
One bright spot in the camera system is the 13MP front-facing camera, which takes impressively good selfies. These images are colorful, detailed, and sharp, even in more challenging lighting conditions. Portrait mode works well, providing good subject separation and pleasing bokeh effects.
Video Recording
The Galaxy A26 can record 4K video at 30fps with the main camera, while the ultrawide and selfie cameras are limited to 1080p resolution. The main camera's 4K footage appears somewhat soft for the resolution, though colors, contrast, and dynamic range are good.
Electronic stabilization does a decent job of smoothing out hand movement, but it's only supported at 1080p resolution—not when recording in 4K mode. Nighttime footage from the main camera is surprisingly good, with manageable noise levels and decent sharpness.
Comparison with Galaxy A25
When comparing the Galaxy A26 to its predecessor, the A25, several key differences become apparent:
| Feature | Galaxy A26 | Galaxy A25 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7" Super AMOLED, 120Hz, max ~780 nits | 6.5" Super AMOLED, 120Hz, max ~1,000 nits |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus+ front and back, IP67 rating | Glass front, plastic back, no IP rating |
| Processor | Exynos 1380 (Global), Exynos 1280 (LATAM) | Exynos 1280 |
| Audio | Single speaker, no headphone jack | Stereo speakers, 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Camera Quality | Improved processing, sharper images | Same hardware, less consistent results |
| Software Support | 6 major OS updates, 6 years security patches | 4 major OS updates, 5 years security patches |
| Dimensions | 164.0 x 77.5 x 7.7mm, 200g | 161.0 x 76.5 x 8.3mm, 197g |
| Price | Starting at $299.99 | Around $250-300 (current pricing) |
While the A26 brings substantial improvements in build quality, performance, and software support, it also takes a step back in display brightness and audio capabilities. The choice between these models may come down to individual priorities—whether you value durability and performance over multimedia features.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Premium build with Gorilla Glass Victus+ front and back
- IP67 water and dust resistance
- Improved performance with Exynos 1380 chipset
- Extended software support (6 OS updates, 6 years security)
- Excellent selfie camera quality
- Sleek, thin design despite larger display
- MicroSD card slot for expandable storage
Cons
- Lower display brightness than predecessor
- Downgraded to single speaker (from stereo)
- Removal of 3.5mm headphone jack
- Below-average battery life despite 5,000 mAh capacity
- No charger included in the box
- Limited low-light camera performance
- Electronic stabilization only available in 1080p video
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A26 represents a mixed bag of improvements and compromises. On one hand, it offers significant upgrades in build quality, performance, and software support compared to its predecessor. The addition of IP67 water resistance and Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection makes it one of the more durable options in its price range.
On the other hand, Samsung has made some puzzling downgrades, particularly in the audio department with the elimination of stereo speakers and the headphone jack. The display, while larger, actually offers lower peak brightness than the A25, which could impact usability in bright outdoor conditions.
At a starting price of $299.99, the Galaxy A26 faces stiff competition from both Chinese manufacturers and Samsung's own lineup. For those who prioritize durability, camera performance (especially selfies), and long-term software support, the A26 presents a compelling option. However, users who value display brightness, audio quality, and battery performance might want to explore alternatives, including the previous generation A25 at a potentially lower price.
Final Rating: 7.5/10
The Samsung Galaxy A26 is a solid mid-range offering that delivers good value in certain areas while making compromises in others. It's best suited for users who want a durable, future-proof device with decent camera capabilities and aren't overly concerned with multimedia performance or battery longevity.
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