Samsung Galaxy A26 Review: A Budget Mid-Ranger with Some Surprising Twists
Samsung Galaxy A26 Review: A Budget Mid-Ranger with Some Surprising Twists
Hey there, tech fans! Today, we’re taking a close look at the Samsung Galaxy A26, the latest entry in Samsung’s A-series lineup. Launched in March 2025, this budget-friendly mid-ranger aims to bring a mix of upgrades and trade-offs to the sub-€300 smartphone market. So, does it hit the mark or fall flat? Let’s dive in and see if the Galaxy A26 is worth your consideration!
First Impressions: Design and Build
The Galaxy A26 feels like a fresh take on Samsung’s budget design formula. It boasts a glass front and back—both shielded by Gorilla Glass Victus+—and a slim 7.7mm profile that’s easy to hold. At 200g, it’s not feather-light, but it’s comfortable enough for daily use. I’m loving the Mint color option—it’s a vibrant, springtime shade that stands out, though you can also opt for White or Black if you prefer something more understated.
One standout feature is the IP67 dust and water resistance, meaning it can survive a quick dunk (up to 1m for 30 minutes). That’s a rarity at this price point and a big plus for anyone prone to accidents. The rear camera layout has shifted to a sleek, linear arrangement, moving away from the teardrop style of older models. The box is pretty bare-bones, though—just a USB-C cable and some paperwork. Want that 25W fast charging? You’ll need to buy a charger separately.
Display: Bigger, But Not Brighter
The A26 comes with a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display, a slight bump up from the 6.5 inches on the A25. With a 1080×2340 resolution and a silky 120Hz refresh rate, it’s a treat for scrolling and streaming. Colors are vivid, and the always-on display is a nice touch. But here’s the rub: brightness tops out at 365 nits manually and 777 nits in auto mode. That’s not great for outdoor use—on a sunny day, you might struggle to see the screen clearly. Compared to brighter rivals like the Poco X7 Pro, it’s a noticeable weak spot.
There’s no HDR support either, which isn’t surprising for the price, but still worth noting. The refresh rate settings are also a bit quirky—“automatic” locks you at 120Hz without adapting, while “standard” drops you to 60Hz. A more dynamic option would’ve been appreciated.
Performance: Decent, But Not a Powerhouse
Powering the Galaxy A26 is the Exynos 1380 chipset (or the older Exynos 1280 in Latin America, which is a bummer for that region). It’s the same chip as last year’s Galaxy A35, delivering reliable mid-range performance with an octa-core CPU and Mali-G68 GPU. For everyday stuff like browsing, messaging, and video playback, it’s smooth enough. But push it with heavy multitasking or demanding apps, and you’ll feel some lag.
Gamers, take note: casual titles run fine, but anything intense like Genshin Impact might stutter. The GPU holds up well under stress (99% stability), though the CPU drops to 71% of its peak during extended use. Storage options go up to 256GB with 8GB of RAM, and here’s a win—it’s the only 2025 A-series phone with a microSD slot. Expandability is always a plus in my book!
Camera: Steady Shots, So-So Quality
The camera setup features a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultrawide, a 2MP macro, and a 13MP selfie cam. The OIS is a game-changer for a budget phone, keeping shots steady even in low light or shaky hands. Daytime photos are solid—sharp with decent detail—but colors can look a little flat, and dynamic range isn’t the best. The ultrawide is okay for wide shots, though it struggles with edge distortion, and the macro lens is pretty much forgettable, as most 2MP sensors are.
Selfies, though? They’re a highlight. The 13MP front camera churns out crisp, social-media-ready shots. Video is capped at 1080p, unlike the 4K-capable A36 or A56, but it’s fine for casual clips. Overall, the camera’s good for everyday snaps, but serious shutterbugs might want to look elsewhere—like the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion.
Battery and Charging: Middle of the Pack
With a 5,000mAh battery, you’d hope for all-day stamina, but the A26 falls a bit short. It clocks in at 10 hours and 44 minutes of active use, with web browsing and video playback draining it faster than expected. Moderate users will make it through a day, but heavy users might need a top-up by nightfall. Compared to something like the Poco X7 Pro, the endurance feels lackluster.
Charging isn’t a strong suit either. The 25W speed takes 1 hour and 26 minutes for a full charge, which is sluggish next to rivals with 45W or 67W options. You’ll get about 30% in 15 minutes—not awful, but not impressive. On the bright side, Samsung tosses in battery health features to keep it going strong over time.
Software: One UI 7 Shines
Running Android 15 with One UI 7 out of the box, the A26 offers a polished software experience. Samsung’s promising six OS upgrades and six years of security patches, which is fantastic for a budget device—better than some flagships, even! The interface is slick, with handy features like AI Select for photo editing and Quick Share for file transfers. Navigation can feel a touch slow at times, but it’s a minor gripe for most users.
Verdict: A Solid Pick with Some Caveats
So, where does the Galaxy A26 land? It’s a durable, stylish mid-ranger with a big display, a decent camera with OIS, and killer software support. The IP67 rating and microSD slot are cherries on top. But it’s held back by a dim screen, middling battery life, slow charging, and a single speaker (a downgrade from the A25’s stereo setup). At $299, it’s up against tough competition like the Poco X7 Pro, which outclasses it in performance, display, and battery.
If you’re a Samsung loyalist or need that long-term software commitment, the A26 is a safe bet—especially once the price dips closer to $200. Otherwise, you might find better value elsewhere. What do you think—does this budget contender win you over? Let me know in the comments!
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