Samsung Galaxy S26 FE Lands with Exynos 2500, One UI 9 and Smarter Camera AI

Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy S26 FE, the latest addition to its Galaxy S26 family, bringing upgraded artificial intelligence, camera capabilities and performance to the company’s more accessible Fan Edition range.

The Galaxy S26 FE is the first device in the S26 line-up to launch with Android 17 and One UI 9, Samsung’s latest interface, and incorporates a range of context-aware Galaxy AI features designed to simplify everyday tasks.

At the heart of the smartphone is Samsung’s Exynos 2500 3nm processor, paired with 8GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 128GB to 512GB.

AI Takes Centre Stage

Samsung has expanded its AI offering with features including Now Brief, which provides personalised information cards covering areas such as weather and wellness, and Now Nudge, which delivers contextual suggestions based on apps, notifications and user activity.

Google’s Gemini is also deeply integrated into the device. Users can automate multi-step tasks with a single request, while Gemini Live supports real-time conversational interactions and hands-free assistance.

Circle to Search with Google has also been enhanced to recognise and search for multiple objects within a single image.

Smarter Cameras and AI Editing

The Galaxy S26 FE features a triple rear-camera system comprising a 50MP main camera, 12MP ultra-wide lens and 8MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. A 12MP front-facing camera handles selfies and video calls.

Samsung has introduced My FanCam, which automatically tracks and centres a selected subject while recording video. Super Steady with Horizontal Lock is designed to improve stabilisation when filming movement, while Nightography enhances images captured in low-light conditions.

AI also plays a significant role after an image is taken. Photo Assist allows users to edit pictures using natural-language prompts, including adjusting lighting, adding elements and restoring sections of an image.

Gemini Omni can transform photos and video clips stored in the Gallery into edited videos complete with music, transitions and effects.

Bigger Battery and Bright AMOLED Display

The Galaxy S26 FE has a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, FHD+ resolution and peak brightness of 1,900 nits.

Power comes from a 4,900mAh battery supporting 45W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. Samsung says the phone can reach up to 65% charge in around 30 minutes when using a compatible 45W adapter.

The device weighs 193g and measures 7.4mm thick, while IP68 certification provides resistance against dust and water.

Samsung is also promising seven generations of operating system upgrades and seven years of security updates.

The Galaxy S26 FE will be available in South Africa from 4 September 2026 in Blueberry, Graphite and Pistachio. Recommended pricing starts at R15,499 for the 128GB model, while the 256GB version starts at R17,999.

//Staff writer