Samsung Galaxy A26 (SM-266E) Review, Price And Specifications.
Samsung Galaxy A26 (SM-266E) Quick Specs:
Display: 6.70" Full-HD+ (2340×1080) 120hz Flat Super-AMOLED Display.
Software: Android 15 OS, One UI 7.0 custom UI.
CPU: Exynos 1380 (5nm).
RAM: 6GB/8GB (And up to 8GB of Virtual RAM).
Storage: 128GB/256GB (expandable up to 2TB).
Rear Camera: Triple-lens (50MP+8MP+2MP).
Front Camera: Single-lens (13MP).
Security: Side-mounted fingerprint reader, Face Unlock.
Port: USB Type-C.
Network: 5G.
Speaker: Single.
Battery: 5,000mAh.
Charging Speed: 25W.
Starting Price:
₦360,000, KSh 30,499. EGP 12,699, R 5,100.
In comparison to the Samsung Galaxy A25, the Samsung Galaxy A26 (SM-266E) boasts a slimmer frame, improved build quality, a slightly bigger display, and a redesigned camera module. The latest phone also packs a beefier CPU and boots the latest Android OS out-of-the-box.
However, aside from its different camera module and slimmer frame, the Galaxy A26 retains virtually all the other visible attributes of its predecessor. For instance, the phone still has a side-mounted fingerprint reader, a mono speaker, and a notched display. The number and arrangement of ports and buttons are also similar to those on the Galaxy A25. However, the latest model lacks the 3.5mm audio jack found on the earlier phone.
Besides having a similar design, the Galaxy A26 also has the same camera set-up, battery capacity and fast charging as its predecessor. Also despite its beefier CPU, the phone maintain the RAM and inbuilt storage configurations of the earlier version.
And when compared to other similarly priced phones, the main selling point of the Galaxy A26 is its longevity. Like other recently unveiled Samsung devices, it offers significantly more years of OS updates than all other competing brands. And to ensure the phone remain competent and capable over time, it is equipped with a beefier CPU. The Galaxy A26 also stands out in the camera department, as photos taken with it looks more lifelike. Additionally, it supports 4K video recording. Yet, the phone is more affordable than most of other 5G devices in this segment.
However, the affordability comes at the expensive of slightly lower RAM and smaller inbuilt storage space. Also, as i mentioned, the Galaxy A26 lacks an under-display fingerprint reader, stereo speakers, and a few other essential features—such as an IR blaster—that are commonly found on other phones, even on more affordable 4G models. The phone also has one of the slowest charging speeds in this segment. And as expected, the unboxing experience of the Galaxy A26 is underwhelming, as it comes with only a USB Type-C to Type-C cable.
Price & Design Colours:
Currently, the price of the Samsung Galaxy A26 starts from 360,000 Naira. And it is available in colour options of Black, White, Mint, and Peach Pink.
However, aside from its different camera module and slimmer frame, the Galaxy A26 retains virtually all the other visible attributes of its predecessor. For instance, the phone still has a side-mounted fingerprint reader, a mono speaker, and a notched display. The number and arrangement of ports and buttons are also similar to those on the Galaxy A25. However, the latest model lacks the 3.5mm audio jack found on the earlier phone.
Besides having a similar design, the Galaxy A26 also has the same camera set-up, battery capacity and fast charging as its predecessor. Also despite its beefier CPU, the phone maintain the RAM and inbuilt storage configurations of the earlier version.
And when compared to other similarly priced phones, the main selling point of the Galaxy A26 is its longevity. Like other recently unveiled Samsung devices, it offers significantly more years of OS updates than all other competing brands. And to ensure the phone remain competent and capable over time, it is equipped with a beefier CPU. The Galaxy A26 also stands out in the camera department, as photos taken with it looks more lifelike. Additionally, it supports 4K video recording. Yet, the phone is more affordable than most of other 5G devices in this segment.
However, the affordability comes at the expensive of slightly lower RAM and smaller inbuilt storage space. Also, as i mentioned, the Galaxy A26 lacks an under-display fingerprint reader, stereo speakers, and a few other essential features—such as an IR blaster—that are commonly found on other phones, even on more affordable 4G models. The phone also has one of the slowest charging speeds in this segment. And as expected, the unboxing experience of the Galaxy A26 is underwhelming, as it comes with only a USB Type-C to Type-C cable.
Price & Design Colours:
Currently, the price of the Samsung Galaxy A26 starts from 360,000 Naira. And it is available in colour options of Black, White, Mint, and Peach Pink.
Premium Build Quality & Bigger Display:
Although the Samsung Galaxy A26 retains the shape, screen notch, flat sides, and flat back cover of the Galaxy A25, the latest phone is distinguished by its camera module. The three vertically stacked camera rings on the earlier phone have been replaced with a small elongated camera module. In addition to that, the flat back cover of the latest phone is made of glass. As a result of these cosmetic changes, the entire back of the Galaxy A26 looks more premium and appealing than that of the Galaxy A25.
Though the Galaxy A26 also received a few other cosmetic updates, but they are less less glaring. Still, they enhance the looks of the latest phone. For instance, the Galaxy A26 has a slimmer frame of 7.7mm, compared to the 8.3mm frame of the Galaxy A25. Also turning to the front, the bezels around the latest phone's display are slightly thinner. Which makes the front look sleeker and allows the phone to achieve a higher screen-to-body ratio than its predecessor. And lest i forget, the Galaxy A26 has a 6.7-inch display, which is noticeably bigger than the 6.5-inch of the earlier phone.
The build quality of the latest phone is also notably improved. Firstly, unlike the Galaxy A25 that has no IP (Ingress Protection) rating, the latest phone is IP67 (water and dust resistance) certified. This means it can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for about 30 minutes. Also, while the earlier phone has no official screen protection, the Galaxy A26's screen is protected by Corning Glass Invictus+. The glass back of the phone is also Corning Glass Invictus+. So, not only does the latest phone appear all glassy and premium, it also feels sturdier in hand. Still, the frame of the latest phone is still made of plastic.
Though the Galaxy A26 also received a few other cosmetic updates, but they are less less glaring. Still, they enhance the looks of the latest phone. For instance, the Galaxy A26 has a slimmer frame of 7.7mm, compared to the 8.3mm frame of the Galaxy A25. Also turning to the front, the bezels around the latest phone's display are slightly thinner. Which makes the front look sleeker and allows the phone to achieve a higher screen-to-body ratio than its predecessor. And lest i forget, the Galaxy A26 has a 6.7-inch display, which is noticeably bigger than the 6.5-inch of the earlier phone.
The build quality of the latest phone is also notably improved. Firstly, unlike the Galaxy A25 that has no IP (Ingress Protection) rating, the latest phone is IP67 (water and dust resistance) certified. This means it can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for about 30 minutes. Also, while the earlier phone has no official screen protection, the Galaxy A26's screen is protected by Corning Glass Invictus+. The glass back of the phone is also Corning Glass Invictus+. So, not only does the latest phone appear all glassy and premium, it also feels sturdier in hand. Still, the frame of the latest phone is still made of plastic.
Meanwhile, while the 3.5mm audio jack is missing on the Galaxy A26, the phone comes with an increased number of microphones. Instead of one, there are now two microphones on the bottom side of the Galaxy A26. However, as i mentioned, the phone retains its predecessor's mono speaker, which is also located on the bottom side, alongside the two microphones and a USB Type-C port. The volume and power buttons maintain their position on the key island, located on the right side of the phone. On the left side is also a hybrid SIM tray, which can either hold 1 nanoSIM card and 1 microSD card or 2 nano-SIM cards. And like the Galaxy A25, the top side of the A26 only has a noise-cancelling microphone.
Display: Slightly Bigger But Same Attributes:
The 6.7-inch display of the Galaxy A26 has the same attributes as the 6.5-inch of the Galaxy A25. It also retain the earlier model's aspect ratio. In details, the Galaxy A26 features a Super-AMOLED panel with a 1080p resolution of 2340-by-1080 pixels.
The display also offers two refresh rate options: 60Hz (standard) and 120Hz (high). In other words, while most other phones include a dynamic or auto refresh rate as a third option, the Galaxy A26 does not. That said, the 120Hz refresh rate delivers smoother scrolling, swiping, and gaming experiences.
Furthermore, the Galaxy A26 display is not among the brightest in its segment, especially when it comes to outdoor usage. In Auto mode, the peak brightness reaches just over 800 nits, while using the manual slider tops out at around 400 nits. Still, the display performs well under most lighting conditions and remains clear enough to view under direct sunlight, thanks to its impressive contrast.
And speaking of contrast and colour reproduction, the display of the Galaxy A26 stands out in these two areas. Because when compared to most others in this segments, the display appears slightly crisper and more vivid, with a more balanced white point. Although the colours seem a bit less pop or vibrant—due to the display’s modest brightness—they are more true-to-life
The display also offers two refresh rate options: 60Hz (standard) and 120Hz (high). In other words, while most other phones include a dynamic or auto refresh rate as a third option, the Galaxy A26 does not. That said, the 120Hz refresh rate delivers smoother scrolling, swiping, and gaming experiences.
Furthermore, the Galaxy A26 display is not among the brightest in its segment, especially when it comes to outdoor usage. In Auto mode, the peak brightness reaches just over 800 nits, while using the manual slider tops out at around 400 nits. Still, the display performs well under most lighting conditions and remains clear enough to view under direct sunlight, thanks to its impressive contrast.
And speaking of contrast and colour reproduction, the display of the Galaxy A26 stands out in these two areas. Because when compared to most others in this segments, the display appears slightly crisper and more vivid, with a more balanced white point. Although the colours seem a bit less pop or vibrant—due to the display’s modest brightness—they are more true-to-life
Meanwhile, like the one on its predecessor, the Super-AMOLED display of the Galaxy A26 lacks support for and is unable to
display HDR contents. Notwithstanding, the display fully supports Wide-vine L1 DRM certification. Meaning, you can watch videos in "1080p
or High Definitions" (and in improved colour reproduction) on streaming
services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Still, if you are looking for a phone in this segment that supports HDR
contents, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G is a right choice. The display of
the Redmi phone supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. The display is also a 12bit
panel, while the one on this Samsung phone is
a 10bit panel.
Same Impressive Photography:
As i said, the Galaxy A26 has a triple rear camera like its predecessor, And it is also made of a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP Ultra-wide sensor, and a 2MP Macro sensor. The phone also has a 13MP camera on its front.
And speaking of photos captured by the Galaxy A26's main camera, they are remarkably clear and detailed. While many phones in this segment are able to produce similarly detailed photos, most of them lack lifelike colours and impressive HDR of the ones from the Samsung phone. That is, colours appear more accurate and balanced on the Galaxy A26 photos. Dynamic range is also wider, and portrait shots look good. Although photos taken at night or in low-light conditions aren't the sharpest in this segment, they are noticeably clearer and have better color rendition.
Photos taken with the phone's 8MP ultra-wide camera maintain the impressive color rendition of those from the main camera but lack the same level of detail and clarity. Macro shots from the dedicated 2MP sensor also preserve the lifelike colours of the ones from the main and ultra-wide sensors, and they are noticeably detailed.
The camera that really impressed me on the A26 is its 13MP selfie lens. Selfies taken with this camera are surprisingly clear and capture more accurate skin tones compared to those from many other phones with higher-megapixel front cameras.
Meanwhile, like its predecessor, the Galaxy A26 is able to shoot videos up to 4K at 30fps (frame per second). However, it's only the main rear camera that's capable of shooting 4K videos, the video recordings for the front camera is capped at 1080p. There's also video stabilization, but it's for 1080p video recording.
And speaking of photos captured by the Galaxy A26's main camera, they are remarkably clear and detailed. While many phones in this segment are able to produce similarly detailed photos, most of them lack lifelike colours and impressive HDR of the ones from the Samsung phone. That is, colours appear more accurate and balanced on the Galaxy A26 photos. Dynamic range is also wider, and portrait shots look good. Although photos taken at night or in low-light conditions aren't the sharpest in this segment, they are noticeably clearer and have better color rendition.
Photos taken with the phone's 8MP ultra-wide camera maintain the impressive color rendition of those from the main camera but lack the same level of detail and clarity. Macro shots from the dedicated 2MP sensor also preserve the lifelike colours of the ones from the main and ultra-wide sensors, and they are noticeably detailed.
The camera that really impressed me on the A26 is its 13MP selfie lens. Selfies taken with this camera are surprisingly clear and capture more accurate skin tones compared to those from many other phones with higher-megapixel front cameras.
Meanwhile, like its predecessor, the Galaxy A26 is able to shoot videos up to 4K at 30fps (frame per second). However, it's only the main rear camera that's capable of shooting 4K videos, the video recordings for the front camera is capped at 1080p. There's also video stabilization, but it's for 1080p video recording.
Latest Software, Upgraded CPU, But Same RAM & Storage Options:
Out
of the box, the Samsung Galaxy A26 boots the latest Android 15 OS with the latest One UI 7.0 skin on top. And Samsung Mobile assures buyers
up to 6 years of OS updates and 6 years of security patches for this phone. And Samsung is the only one in this segment
that offers such a longer software supports.
Like most recent devices, the Galaxy A26 is pre-installed with some AI features. These include Google Gemini and Circle to Search. There's also Object Eraser. The latter allows you to erase
unwanted object (or subject) in your photo as if it was never there.
That said, the Galaxy A26 preserves its predecessor's RAM and internal storage configuration. Specifically, the phone is available in 6GB of RAM and 8GB of RAM options. And while the 6GB of RAM variant is paired with 128GB of internal storage, the 8GB of RAM variant is paired with 256GB of internal storage. As i also said, the phone's internal storage can
be expanded, via microSD card, up to 2TB (two terabyte).
Meanwhile, as a result of a similar processing power, the performance of the Galaxy A26 is similar to that of its predecessor. And it's impressive.
The phone handles day to day tasks effortlessly. It opens multiple apps quickly and jump in-between between them without lagging or hesitation. It also maintains
consistent smoothness during high-definition video playback.The Galaxy A26 also handles many moderately demanding games without any issues. However, graphically intensive titles need to be played at either lower frame rates or reduced graphics settings to maintain consistent smoothness.
In a nutshell, i don't have any issues with this phone's performance. However, it can get a bit warm at times, especially during gaming
Same Battery Capacity, Same Fast Charging:
As i said, the Samsung Galaxy
A26 preserves the earlier model's 5,000mAh battery and 25W Fast charging. It also doesn't comes with a charger. Also
with a proprietary (Samsung's) 25W charger, it took
almost the same time (of the earlier model) of about 1hr 26mins minutes to fully charge the latest phone's battery from zero
percent.
Samsung Galaxy A26 (SM-A266E) Full Specs:
GENERAL
Maker: Samsung Mobile.
Name: Galaxy A26 (SM-A266E).
Year Released: December, 2024.
Dimensions: 164x77.5x7.7mm.
Build Resistance: IP68 (Water & Dust tight resistance) Certified.
Weight: 202g (7.05oz).
Colour: Black, White, Mint, & Peach Pink.
DISPLAY
Screen Type: Super-MOLED Touch-screen.
Screen Type: Super-MOLED Touch-screen.
Size and Resolution: 6.70-inch, Full-HD+, 2340-by-1080 pixels, 120Hz (high) Refresh Rate.
Aspect ratio & Pixel Densities: 19.5:9, 385PPI.
Protection: Tampered Glass.
PORTS:
3.5mm Audio Jack: No.
USB Type-C Port: Yes.
MicroUSB port: No.
Lightning Connector: No.
Google Assistant Button: No.
PERFORMANCE
Chipset: Exynos 1380, 5nm Octa-Core Processor, 2.4GHz.
GPU: Mali-G68 MP5.
RAM: 6GB/8GB (With up to 8GB of Virtual RAM).
Operating System: Android 15, One UI 7.0.
STORAGE
Internal Storage: 128GB/256GB.
Micro-SD card slot: Yes, up to 2TB (One Terabyte).
SIM AND NETWORK
SIM: Nano, Dual SIM slots.
Network: GSM, HSPA+, LTE, & 5G.
CAMERA
Rear camera: Triple-lens; 50MP (Wide)+ 8MP (Ultra-Wide)+ 2MP (Macro), Dual-Flash.
Front camera: Single-lens, 13MP.
VIDEO RECORDING:
Rear Cameras: 720p, 1080p, 4K @ 30 fps (EIS).
Front Camera: 720p, 1080p @ 30 fps.
CONNECTIVITY:
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, HotSpots, USB-OTG, NFC.
BIOMETRIC, SENSORS & LOCATION:
Security: Face Unlock, Side-mounted Fingerprint Reader.
Sensors: Ambient light sensor, Proximity sensor, G-sensor, Accelerometer And
Barometer sensor
Others: GPS, Location (Geo, Glonass).
BATTERY
Battery Capacity: 5,000mAh.
Reverse (Wired) Charging: N/a
Qi Wireless-Charging: N/a.
Fast Charging: 25W (Wired).
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