OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartphones Methodology v3.0
Smartphones Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartphones Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Smartphones Methodology v3.0

Samsung Galaxy S26 review: 196 specs compared

Avg. price:~£840RAM capacity:12 GBInternal storage:256 GBScreen size:6.3 inchesMain camera megapixels:?

Samsung Galaxy S26 Review: Compare 196 technical specifications, 69 expert and video reviews and 34 best-of lists to see how this product ranks in the Smartphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Samsung Galaxy S26
8.3/10

Overall score

Score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 93% of models
Score components

35%

8.0

Technical score

30%

8.6

List score

25%

7.8

Reviews score

10%

9.3

Sentiment score

★Better than 93% of smartphones
7.6

Value for money

Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 61% of models
Score components

70%

8.3

Overall score

30%

6.1

Price

▼Worse than 61%
8.0

Technical score

Technical score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 85% of models
Score components

25%

7.9

Performance

18%

8.6

Camera

15%

7.8

Display

15%

7.7

Battery

10%

8.8

Software

10%

8.1

Connectivity

4%

5.9

Audio

3%

8.1

Design

▲Better than 85%
7.8

Reviews score

Reviews score
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 52% of models

80%

7.4

Average grade

20%

9.1

Popularity

Grades by review (69)
26 reviews: 20 with a printed score, 6 estimated from the review. 43 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▼Worse than 52%
8.6

List score

List score
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (34)
List score: in 34 of 228 lists (15%)
★Better than 99%
  • samsung-galaxy-s26
samsung-galaxy-s26
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Samsung Galaxy S26

Based on 26 · 46

Reviewers love the compact, light design and polished software, but slow charging and minimal changes from last year draw broad criticism.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of smartphone Samsung Galaxy S26

Technical score
Technical score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 85% of models
Score components:

25%

7.9

Performance

18%

8.6

Camera

15%

7.8

Display

15%

7.7

Battery

10%

8.8

Software

10%

8.1

Connectivity

4%

5.9

Audio

3%

8.1

Design

8.0
Reviews score
7.8
List score
8.6
Value for money
Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 61% of models
Score components:

70%

8.3

Overall score

30%

6.1

Price

7.6
Processor model
?
Storage type
?
RAM capacity
12 GB
Market range: <4 GB – >16 GB
This smartphone has a RAM capacity of 12 GB which is larger than the RAM capacity of 59.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 24.3% of smartphones.
Internal storage
256 GB
Market range: <64 GB – >512 GB
This smartphone has an internal storage capacity of 256 GB which is larger than the storage of 38.9% of smartphones and equal to that of 38.4% of smartphones.
CPU boost clock speed
4.47 GHz
Market range: <2 GHz – >3.3 GHz
The CPU boost clock speed of this smartphone is 4.47 GHz which is higher than the boost speed of 97.9% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.4% of smartphones.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Android
This smartphone runs Android, which is more mainstream than the system in 4.8% of smartphones and the same as in 95.2% of smartphones.
Android version
?
Direct OS updates
no
This smartphone does not support direct OS updates. 20.1% of smartphones offer this.
Promised software updates
?
Open-source OS
yes
This smartphone runs an open-source operating system. 5.2% of smartphones offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Multi-lens main camera
yes
This smartphone includes a multi-lens main camera system. 93.7% of smartphones include multi-lens setups.
Main camera megapixels
?
Main camera aperture
?
Main camera sensor area
?
Main camera pixel size
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Number of SIM slots
2
Market range: <1 – >6
This smartphone has 2 SIM slots, which is more than in 3.7% of smartphones and equal to the number in 96.2% of smartphones.
Cellular module
yes
This smartphone includes a cellular module. 100% of smartphones include cellular modules.
eSIM support
yes
Samsung Galaxy S26 has eSIM support. 80.2% of smartphones offer this.
5G connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports 5G connectivity. 66.6% of smartphones support 5G.
LTE support
yes
This smartphone supports LTE. 99.7% of smartphones include LTE connectivity.
Show more
Screen size
6.3 inches
Market range: <6.3 inches – >6.82 inches
This smartphone has a screen size of 6.3 inches which is smaller than the screens of 88.9% of smartphones and equal to those of 1.8% of smartphones.
Screen resolution
?
Pixel density
409 ppi
Market range: <264 ppi – >460 ppi
This smartphone has a pixel density of 409 ppi which is higher than that of 66.6% of smartphones and equal to that of 2.4% of smartphones.
Display type
?
Refresh rate
120 Hz
Market range: <60 Hz – >144 Hz
This smartphone supports a refresh rate of 120 Hz which is higher than in 34.4% of smartphones and equal to that in 55.6% of smartphones.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery capacity
?
Charging speed
?
Fast charging
yes
This smartphone supports fast charging. 93.2% of smartphones support fast charging.
GSMArena full wired charge time
?
Wireless charging
yes
This smartphone supports wireless charging. 25.1% of smartphones support wireless charging.
Show more
What reviewers say
Stereo speakers
yes
This smartphone includes stereo speakers. 64.3% of smartphones provide stereo audio.
3.5 mm headphone jack
no
This smartphone does not have a headphone jack. 45.1% of smartphones offer this.
Number of microphones
3
Market range: <1 – >3
This smartphone includes 3 microphones, which is more than in 77.2% of smartphones and equal to the number in 19.7% of smartphones.
FM radio
no
This smartphone does not have an FM radio. 34.3% of smartphones offer this.
aptX Lossless
no
This smartphone does not support aptX Lossless Bluetooth audio. 12.5% of smartphones offer this.
Show more
Height
149.6 mm
Market range: <156.2 mm – >171.56 mm
This smartphone has a height of 149.6 mm which is shorter than 95.9% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.1% of smartphones.
Width
71.6 mm
Market range: <73.1 mm – >81 mm
This smartphone has a width of 71.6 mm which is narrower than 94.6% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.1% of smartphones.
Thickness
7.2 mm
Market range: <7.53 mm – >10.5 mm
This smartphone has a thickness of 7.2 mm which is thinner than 95.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.7% of smartphones.
Weight
?
Device volume
?
Show more
What reviewers say

Samsung Galaxy S26 vs the average smartphone

246810TotalPerformanceSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • 3 x higher optical zoom
    This smartphone offers stronger optical zoom than the average smartphone (3 x vs 0 x). The average smartphone's optical zoom is 0 x.
    3 x vs 0 x
  • 86.3% higher CPU boost clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (4.5 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    4.47 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • Supports wireless charging
    This smartphone supports wireless charging, the average smartphone does not. 25.1% of smartphones are wireless charging compatible.
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.4% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • 4 GB more RAM
    This smartphone has more RAM capacity than the average smartphone (12 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    12 GB vs 8 GB
  • 6x more shader units
    This smartphone features more shader units than the average smartphone (1,536 vs 256). The average smartphone has 256 shader units.
    1,536 vs 256
  • Supports reverse wireless charging
    This smartphone supports reverse wireless charging, the average smartphone does not. 23.4% of smartphones offer reverse wireless charging.
  • Newer USB version
    This smartphone supports a newer USB version than the average smartphone (3.2 vs 2). The average version is USB 2.
    3.2 vs 2
  • 11.7% higher list score
    List score
    8.6/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (34)
    List score: in 34 of 228 lists (15%)
    8.6 vs 7.7
  • 19.2% higher sentiment score
    9.3 vs 7.8
  • 6.8% higher review score
    Reviews score
    7.8/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▼ Worse than 52% of models

    80%

    7.4

    Average grade

    20%

    9.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (69)
    26 reviews: 20 with a printed score, 6 estimated from the review. 43 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    7.8 vs 7.3
  • 86.3% higher CPU boost clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (4.5 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    4.47 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • 4 GB more RAM
    This smartphone has more RAM capacity than the average smartphone (12 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    12 GB vs 8 GB
  • 6x more shader units
    This smartphone features more shader units than the average smartphone (1,536 vs 256). The average smartphone has 256 shader units.
    1,536 vs 256
  • Newer DDR memory version
    This smartphone supports a newer DDR version than the average smartphone (5 vs 4). The average DDR version is 4.
    5 vs 4
  • Supports desktop mode
    This smartphone includes desktop mode, the average smartphone does not. 9.4% of smartphones support desktop functionality.
  • 3 x higher optical zoom
    This smartphone offers stronger optical zoom than the average smartphone (3 x vs 0 x). The average smartphone's optical zoom is 0 x.
    3 x vs 0 x
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.4% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • Supports RAW photo capture
    This smartphone supports RAW photo capture, the average smartphone does not. 37.3% of smartphones allow RAW files.
  • Uses a BSI sensor
    This smartphone uses a BSI sensor, the average smartphone does not. 40% of smartphones include BSI sensors.
  • Supports HDR10 video recording
    This smartphone supports HDR10 video recording, the average smartphone does not. 35.7% of smartphones support HDR10.
  • Newer USB version
    This smartphone supports a newer USB version than the average smartphone (3.2 vs 2). The average version is USB 2.
    3.2 vs 2
  • Supports eSIM
    Samsung Galaxy S26 supports eSIM, while the average smartphone does not. 19.9% of smartphones support eSIM.
  • Has a barometer
    This smartphone features a barometer, the average smartphone does not. 19.7% of smartphones include a barometer.
  • Supports HDR10+ support
    This smartphone supports HDR10+, the average smartphone does not. 22.4% of smartphones include HDR10+ support.
  • Supports HDR10 support
    This smartphone supports HDR10, the average smartphone does not. 42.6% of smartphones are HDR10 compatible.
  • Has an always-on display
    This smartphone features an always-on display, the average smartphone does not. 49.1% of smartphones offer always-on functionality.
  • 3.5% higher pixel density
    This smartphone has a higher pixel density than the average smartphone (409 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    409 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • Supports wireless charging
    This smartphone supports wireless charging, the average smartphone does not. 25.1% of smartphones are wireless charging compatible.
  • Supports reverse wireless charging
    This smartphone supports reverse wireless charging, the average smartphone does not. 23.4% of smartphones offer reverse wireless charging.
  • 1 more microphone/s
    This smartphone has more microphones than the average smartphone (3 vs 2). The average smartphone has 2 microphones.
    3 vs 2
  • 1.5 m deeper water resistance
    This smartphone has a deeper water resistance rating than the average smartphone (1.5 m vs 0 m). The average depth rating is 0 m.
    1.5 m vs 0 m
  • 4.4 mm narrower
    This smartphone is narrower than the average smartphone (71.6 mm vs 76 mm). The average smartphone width is 76 mm.
    71.6 mm vs 76 mm
  • 1.1 mm thinner
    This smartphone is thinner than the average smartphone (7.2 mm vs 8.3 mm). The average smartphone thickness is 8.3 mm.
    7.2 mm vs 8.3 mm
  • 14 mm shorter
    This smartphone is shorter than the average smartphone (149.6 mm vs 163.6 mm). The average smartphone height is 163.6 mm.
    149.6 mm vs 163.6 mm
  • 0.37 inches inch smaller screen size
    This smartphone has a smaller screen size than the average smartphone (6.3 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone has a screen size of 6.67 inches.
    6.3 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.7% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • No aptX HD
    This smartphone does not support aptX HD, the average smartphone does. 50.2% of smartphones support aptX HD.
  • No reverse wired charging
    This smartphone does not support reverse wired charging, the average smartphone does. 61.5% of smartphones support reverse wired charging.
  • 3.23x more expensive
    Samsung Galaxy S26 is more expensive than the average smartphone (£840 vs £260).
    £840 vs £260
  • 25% slower wireless charging speed
    This smartphone has a slower wireless charging speed than the average smartphone (15 W vs 20 W). The average smartphone wireless charging speed is 20 W.
    15 W vs 20 W
  • 10% slower reverse wireless charging speed
    This smartphone has a slower reverse wireless charging speed than the average smartphone (4.5 W vs 5 W). The average smartphone speed is 5 W.
    4.5 W vs 5 W
  • 0.8% worse value for money
    Samsung Galaxy S26 has worse value for money than the average smartphone (7.6 vs 7.7).
    7.6 vs 7.66
  • 3.23x more expensive
    Samsung Galaxy S26 is more expensive than the average smartphone (£840 vs £260).
    £840 vs £260
  • 0.8% worse value for money
    Samsung Galaxy S26 has worse value for money than the average smartphone (7.6 vs 7.7).
    7.6 vs 7.66
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.7% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • 0.37 inches inch smaller screen size
    This smartphone has a smaller screen size than the average smartphone (6.3 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone has a screen size of 6.67 inches.
    6.3 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • No reverse wired charging
    This smartphone does not support reverse wired charging, the average smartphone does. 61.5% of smartphones support reverse wired charging.
  • 25% slower wireless charging speed
    This smartphone has a slower wireless charging speed than the average smartphone (15 W vs 20 W). The average smartphone wireless charging speed is 20 W.
    15 W vs 20 W
  • 10% slower reverse wireless charging speed
    This smartphone has a slower reverse wireless charging speed than the average smartphone (4.5 W vs 5 W). The average smartphone speed is 5 W.
    4.5 W vs 5 W
  • No aptX HD
    This smartphone does not support aptX HD, the average smartphone does. 50.2% of smartphones support aptX HD.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

7.0
Mohit Balani
≈ estimated
05/08/2026
Daily use review · battery, camera and gaming notes
Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S26 has a premium build, display and performance that impress, but weak battery and cameras make an older model better value.
9.0
Android Authority
≈ estimated
28/04/2026
Hands-on review · daily use, camera, AI and price
Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S26 suits most buyers well as the base model; price is the main hurdle, so upgrading depends on your phone.
7.0
Upwards.
≈ estimated
27/04/2026
Day-in-the-life test · battery, display, cameras and software
Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S26 is a solid compact flagship with a good display and long software support, but the cameras feel dated.
8.0
JSL Review
≈ estimated
24/04/2026
Long-term test · one month of daily use
Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S26 is a solid phone that deserves more attention, though the price increase and few changes make it feel lazy.
5.0
Melih Gungor - MTG
≈ estimated
17/04/2026
Long-term test · one month of daily use
Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S26 is a safe but minor update, not worth it over the cheaper Galaxy S25 unless upgrading from much older phones.
4.0
Pratima Adhikari
≈ estimated
15/04/2026
Long-term test · over two weeks of daily use · camera and battery tests
Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S26 is not recommended: too little change from earlier models, with weak battery life, cameras and chip performance.
9.0
Technolobe
≈ estimated
12/04/2026
Day-in-the-life · daily use and camera tests
Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S26 is a comfortable, lightweight flagship that lasts a full day, and offers a solid experience with a few drawbacks.
7.0
GSMArena Official
≈ estimated
31/03/2026
Hands-on review · battery, camera and speaker tests
Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S26 is a good compact phone, but rivals offer better hardware at similar prices, and the updates feel incremental.
7.0
Izzi Boye
≈ estimated
19/03/2026
Hands-on review · a week of daily use
Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S26 is a solid incremental update, but hard to justify upgrading from the S25.
6.0
Samuel Nam
≈ estimated
18/03/2026
Daily use review · two weeks with the phone
Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S26 is a strong phone for mainstream users rather than enthusiasts, with good software but weaker cameras and hardware.
8.0
SamMobile
≈ estimated
12/03/2026
Hands-on review · several days of use and battery test
Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S26 is a great choice for compact-phone fans and casual users, though battery life and charging lag behind.
5.0
Tech Spurt
≈ estimated
09/03/2026
Hands-on review · one week of daily use and camera tests
Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S26 is compact and fast, but battery life and camera let it down, so the rival Xiaomi is the better buy.
More graded video reviews (8)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
18/03/2026
Hands-on review · Compact flagship
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 suits buyers who want Ultra-level performance in a smaller phone, but slow charging and missing Ultra Wideband hold it back.
8.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
04/08/2026
Two-week review · Everyday phone
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a capable compact flagship with a sharp display and long battery life, but its price increase makes it best bought on sale.
8.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
12/03/2026
Hands-on review · Camera and value
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a slim, light flagship with an excellent display and a strong main camera, but its ultrawide and zoom lenses feel dated.
7.0
sammobile.com
≈ estimated
01/04/2026
Full review · Compact flagship
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a compact, light flagship that suits upgraders from older phones, but its four-year-old cameras and slow charging will put off detail-focused buyers.
8.0
techadvisor.com
✓ explicit
31/03/2026
Hands-on review · Software and AI
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is the most refined compact Samsung yet, but it's only a small step up and its AI features feel unpolished.
7.0
androidcentral.com
✓ explicit
06/04/2026
Hands-on review · Design and value
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a fast phone with a bigger 6.3-inch display, but no camera upgrades and no built-in magnets make it hard to recommend at full price.
7.0
theverge.com
✓ explicit
11/03/2026
Hands-on review · Minor refresh
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a compact phone with a bigger battery, but its cameras and design barely change from last year.
9.0
androidheadlines.com
✓ explicit
12/03/2026
Full review · Compact flagship
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a comfortable compact phone with strong performance, suiting people who don't need the S Pen or privacy screen of the Ultra.
8.0
telegraph.co.uk
✓ explicit
27/04/2026
Hands-on review · Phone comparison
Verdict
The Galaxy S26 is a light, well-built phone for people who want a compact flagship, but its battery life and cameras trail the best rivals.
8.0
techtrendske.co.ke
≈ estimated
16/10/2026
Long-term review · Daily use
Verdict
The Galaxy S26 is a comfortable compact flagship with a good display and all-day battery, but its slow 25W charging holds it back.
9.2
chip.de
✓ explicit
16/03/2026
Lab test · Compact flagship
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a light, compact phone with a sharp display and strong performance, though it skips the Ultra's privacy screen and trails rivals on charging speed.
8.0
pcgameshardware.de
≈ estimated
11/04/2026
Full review · Upgrade check
Verdict
The Galaxy S26 is a sensible, compact alternative to the Ultra, with new AI editing tools but the same camera hardware as last year.
8.0
pcwelt.de
✓ explicit
09/04/2026
Full review · Compact flagship
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a solid compact flagship that plays it too safe, with little change from the S25 and AI features that still feel unfinished.
8.7
connect.de
✓ explicit
27/03/2026
Lab-tested review · Minor upgrade
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a compact phone with a strong new chip and leading AI features, but its cameras and hardware barely changed from last year.
8.0
handyhase.de
≈ estimated
10/07/2026
Hands-on test · Upgrade check
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a solid step up from older phones but not for S25 owners, with fast performance and good daytime photos.
8.4
netzwelt.de
✓ explicit
11/03/2026
Hands-on test · Compact flagship
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is an excellent compact phone with a fast Exynos chip and many AI features, but slow charging keeps it from being perfect.
8.0
inside-digital.de
✓ explicit
18/04/2026
Two-week test · Compact phone
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a compact, powerful phone with a bright screen and long update support, but the camera is merely average and the battery is below average.
8.4
smartzone.de
✓ explicit
01/06/2026
Two-week test · Compact flagship
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 suits everyday users, while heavy gamers should look elsewhere, as performance drops under sustained load.
8.0
global.techradar.com
✓ explicit
09/03/2026
Full review · Compact flagship
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a small, fast phone, but it reuses the same cameras as its predecessors, charges slowly and is not great value.
6.9
androidworld.nl
✓ explicit
13/03/2026
Review · Who should buy it
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a comfortable compact phone, but for most people, especially owners of an S24 or S25, it is not worth upgrading.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Samsung Galaxy S26

  • Optical zoom at 3x gets you closer to distant subjects.
  • A 4.47 GHz CPU boost clock keeps apps and games quick.
  • At 7.2 mm thick, it slips easily into a jacket pocket.
  • Three microphones keep voices clear in noisy places.
  • Wireless charging at 15 W means no cable for topping up.
  • eSIM support lets you add a mobile plan without a SIM card.

What customers don't like about Samsung Galaxy S26

  • The 6.3-inch screen is small for films and long reading.
  • Reverse wireless charging is slow at 4.5 W.
  • There is no 3D facial recognition.
  • It does not get direct OS updates.

Verdict

Three times optical zoom is the first thing to try on the Samsung Galaxy S26, and it brings distant things much closer in photos. The 7.2 mm body is thin, and at 71.6 mm wide it sits well in one hand. Inside, a 4.47 GHz CPU boost clock and 12 GB of RAM keep apps and games moving fast. The three microphones help voice notes and video sound stay clear in noisy places. It charges wirelessly at 15 W and can pass power back to another device at 4.5 W. The trade-off is the 6.3-inch screen, which is small for films and long browsing sessions. It suits a buyer who wants a slim, fast phone for zoomed photos and everyday use and does not mind a smaller display.

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