Samsung Galaxy A26 Review: A Budget Phone with Flagship Looks
Samsung continues to expand its presence in the budget smartphone market with the Galaxy A26. Positioned between the A36 and A56 models, this phone aims to offer a premium feel at an affordable price point.
Design & Build
The Galaxy A26 sports a sleek design with a lightweight plastic build. Despite being plastic, the device feels well-constructed and comfortable to hold. The rear panel features a soft matte finish, while the inclusion of a headphone jack and Micro-SD slot adds convenience for users.
The phone’s modern aesthetic, complete with three rear cameras and a subtle Samsung logo, gives it a premium look. The mint color variant stands out, although black and white options are also available.
Screen & Speakers
Equipped with a 6.5-inch TFT LCD display, the Galaxy A26 offers a 720×1600 resolution and a standard 60Hz refresh rate. While adequate for basic use, the display falls short compared to competitors in the same price range. Colors appear muted, viewing angles are limited, and pixelation is noticeable when viewing content up close.
The phone’s speakers deliver decent sound quality, suitable for watching videos and scrolling through content. However, the lack of a high-resolution display and HDR support may disappoint users accustomed to more premium features.
Specs & Performance
Powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 chipset paired with 4GB of RAM, the Galaxy A26 struggles with multitasking and gaming. While it handles basic tasks adequately, performance issues arise when running multiple apps or demanding games. Benchmark scores reflect this, with lower-than-expected results compared to mid-range devices.
Gaming on the Galaxy A26 is limited to casual titles, as more demanding games experience frame drops and slow loading times. The phone’s performance limitations make it suitable for light users seeking essential functionality.
Cameras
The Galaxy A26 features a 50MP main camera along with 2MP depth and macro sensors. While the main camera performs adequately in well-lit conditions, low-light and indoor shots suffer from noise and lack of detail. The additional lenses add little value, with the macro lens being more of a novelty than a practical tool.
Portrait mode offers decent results, with satisfactory subject separation and edge detection. However, the overall camera performance underwhelms, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
Battery Life & Charging
One of the Galaxy A26’s strengths lies in its impressive battery life, thanks to a 5000mAh battery and power-efficient chipset. The phone easily lasts a full day or longer on a single charge, making it a reliable option for users seeking extended battery longevity.
Charging the device, however, is a slow process with only 15W wired charging support. The absence of wireless or reverse charging capabilities further limits charging convenience. Despite the slow charging speeds, the long battery life compensates for this drawback.
Software & Features
Running on Android 14 with One UI Core 6, the Galaxy A26 offers a clean and simplified user interface. While lacking certain features found in higher-end Samsung models, the device provides a smooth user experience with minimal bloatware.
Samsung’s commitment to six years of OS and security updates sets the Galaxy A26 apart from competitors in terms of software support. However, certain features like Samsung DeX and Secure Folder are notably absent, catering to users seeking a streamlined experience.
Price & Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A26 is available at a budget-friendly price of £299/$299.99, making it an attractive option for those looking for essential smartphone functionality without breaking the bank. While the phone excels in battery life and software support, its performance limitations, basic display, and average camera setup may deter users seeking more robust features.
In conclusion, the Galaxy A26 offers a reliable Android experience for light users but falls short in performance compared to similarly priced alternatives. With competitors like the Moto G85 offering superior specs and display quality, the Galaxy A26 may struggle to stand out in a crowded budget smartphone market.