Samsung Galaxy A26 5G Preview: AI for Everyone

Introduction to Samsung Galaxy A26

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a dominant trend in the industry, with every manufacturer striving to integrate it into their devices. Samsung has joined the race by introducing a simplified version of its Galaxy AI, named Awesome Intelligence.

This technology is now available in the A-series lineup, including the Galaxy A26—the most affordable smartphone featuring Samsung's AI capabilities. But beyond AI, the phone offers other attractive features.

Equipped with a bright 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a slim design, and a large 5,000mAh battery, the Galaxy A26 is an appealing mid-range option. With a starting price of €299/$299 for the base 6/128GB model, it presents great value. Already available in Europe, the phone will launch in the US on March 28.

Design and Display

The Galaxy A26 features a revamped design: instead of separate camera modules, the rear cameras are now housed in a unified pill-shaped bump. Compared to its predecessor, the bottom bezel has shrunk, and overall screen bezels are thinner. However, unlike its bigger siblings, the A36 and A56, the A26 retains a teardrop notch for the front camera.

The display size has increased to 6.7 inches (compared to 6.5 inches on the A25), but the resolution remains 1080 x 2340 pixels, slightly reducing pixel density to 385 PPI. The Super AMOLED panel supports a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and Samsung advertises a peak brightness of 1000 nits.

Build quality has also improved, featuring Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, along with IP67 dust and water resistance, making the A26 more durable than its predecessor.

Camera

The camera setup on the Galaxy A26 is nearly identical to the previous model. The main sensor is a 50MP Samsung JN1 with an f/1.8 aperture, OIS, and phase detection autofocus, ensuring solid performance, especially in good lighting conditions.

Supporting this is an 8MP ultrawide camera with a 120° field of view and fixed focus, along with a 2MP macro camera. While dedicated macro lenses are becoming less common, Samsung has retained one in this model.

Performance and Benchmarks

At a $299 price point, expectations for hardware should be realistic. The Galaxy A26 is powered by the Exynos 1380, a slight upgrade over its predecessor. It should handle everyday tasks smoothly and even support casual gaming.

The phone is available in multiple configurations: 6/128GB, 8/128GB, and 8/256GB. A notable advantage is the presence of a microSD card slot, allowing users to expand storage without paying for a higher-tier model.

Software and AI Features

One of the Galaxy A26’s standout features is Awesome Intelligence, a streamlined version of Galaxy AI. Included features:

• Circle to Search – AI-powered visual search by circling objects;
• Object Eraser – Removes unwanted elements from photos;
• Filters – Extracts color styles from one image and applies them to another.

The device runs Android 15 with One UI 7, and Samsung promises up to six years of updates, making it a long-term investment in the budget segment.

Battery Life

The Galaxy A26 houses a 5,000mAh battery, the same capacity as the A25, which delivered around 5 hours and 44 minutes of mixed-use battery life. Charging remains limited to 25W wired charging, with no wireless charging support-standard for budget-friendly models.

Conclusion

For $299, the Galaxy A26 offers excellent value with:

• A large 6.7-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz;
• A solid 5,000mAh battery;
• Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection and IP67 rating;
• Core Samsung AI features with Awesome Intelligence.