Samsung Galaxy S26 FE now official, priced in the Philippines

Samsung Electronics has announced the Galaxy S26 FE, the latest addition to its Galaxy S26 family and the first device in the lineup to launch with One UI 9. The new Fan Edition model focuses on camera improvements, expanded Galaxy AI features, a slim design, and longer-term software support.

Why it matters: The Galaxy S26 FE brings several features previously introduced on Samsung’s flagship Galaxy devices to the Fan Edition range, including more context-aware Galaxy AI tools and camera features designed to make capturing and editing content easier.

The details: The Galaxy S26 FE comes with an enhanced triple rear camera system and updated image processing. Samsung is positioning the camera as one of the phone’s key upgrades, with features aimed at both photography and video.

My FanCam, which was first introduced on Samsung’s latest foldable phones, is now available on the Galaxy S26 FE. The feature can automatically track a selected person and keep them centered in the frame by intelligently reframing video as the scene changes.

For video recording, Super Steady with Horizontal Lock is designed to provide smoother and more level footage when recording fast-moving activities, travel scenes, and everyday moments.

The phone also supports 3x optical zoom, while its upgraded 12MP front camera has an 80-degree field of view for capturing more people in a single frame. Samsung has also brought its Nightography capabilities to the device for improved low-light photography.

Editing is also a major part of the camera experience. Photo Assist allows users to make changes using natural-language prompts, including modifying scenes, adding elements, or restoring missing parts of an image. Users can review edits step by step and make further changes or undo them.

The Galaxy S26 FE also supports Gemini Omni for creating and editing video clips using photos and videos stored in the Gallery. The feature requires an eligible Google AI Pro subscription, with Samsung including a six-month Google AI Pro trial for eligible users.

The bigger picture: Samsung is also putting more emphasis on contextual AI with One UI 9. The updated Now Brief can display more personalized information through customizable briefing cards, including weather and wellness insights. Users can also create their own briefing cards using a simple prompt.

Now Nudge has been expanded to work with select third-party apps and notifications. The feature is designed to surface relevant suggestions at appropriate moments and help users act on information without having to manually search through different apps.

Circle to Search with Google has also gained the ability to search for multiple items within an image at the same time, allowing users to identify products, places, objects, and other visual elements in a single search.

Between the lines: The Galaxy S26 FE also gets upgrades aimed at everyday use rather than AI alone. It packs a 4,900mAh battery and supports up to 45W wired charging. Samsung says the phone can reach up to 69% charge in around 30 minutes when using a 45W adapter.

The device features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with up to a 120Hz refresh rate. The panel is designed for streaming, gaming, browsing, and creative work.

Samsung is also making the transition to the Galaxy ecosystem easier through an upgraded Smart Switch. Users can scan a QR code to wirelessly transfer data from Android or iOS devices, including passwords, passkeys, call history, accessibility settings, and eSIM data.

The company is promising up to seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates for the Galaxy S26 FE. Samsung Care+ is also available for additional device protection.

For Filipinos: The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is now available at Samsung Experience Stores nationwide, with availability on Samsung.com starting September 11. It comes in Blueberry, Graphite, and Pistachio.

Samsung Galaxy S26 FE specs:

• Display: 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz (60/120Hz), 1,900 nits
• Processor: Exynos 2500 (3nm AP)
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
• Rear Cameras: 50MP Wide (OIS, F1.8, FOV 84°), 12MP Ultra-Wide (F2.2, FOV 123°), 8MP Telephoto (3x Optical Zoom, up to 30x Digital Zoom, OIS, F2.4, FOV 32°)
• Front Camera: 12MP (F2.2, FOV 85°)
• Battery: 4,900mAh
• Charging: 45W Wired Charging, 15W Fast Wireless Charging, Wireless PowerShare
• Operating System: Android 17, One UI 9
• Connectivity: 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 5.4
• Features: Galaxy AI, My FanCam, Super Steady with Horizontal Lock, Nightography, Photo Assist, Gemini Omni, Now Brief, Now Nudge, Circle to Search with Google, Smart Switch
• Dimensions: 161.6 x 76.9 x 7.4mm
• Weight: 193g
• Durability: IP68 Water and Dust Resistance

Philippine pricing is set at:

• Galaxy S26 FE 128GB: PHP 46,990
• Galaxy S26 FE 256GB: PHP 53,990
• Galaxy S26 FE 512GB: PHP 67,990

Samsung is also offering introductory discounts until November 30, including PHP 7,000 off the 512GB model, PHP 5,000 off the 256GB model, and PHP 4,000 off the 128GB model.

Customers can also get up to 15% off for up to 36 months through select bank partners, along with up to PHP 6,000 in guaranteed trade-in savings. You can get yours at Samsung Experience stores and authorized dealers nationwide, as well as online at the Samsung Online Store, and their official shops on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

What’s next: With the Galaxy S26 FE, Samsung is extending several of its newer camera and AI features to its Fan Edition lineup while maintaining a focus on long-term software support.

The combination of One UI 9, Galaxy AI, a 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, 4,900mAh battery, 45W charging, and seven generations of OS upgrades makes the Galaxy S26 FE one of the more feature-focused additions to the S26 family.

The Bottom Line: The Galaxy S26 FE brings a mix of camera, AI, display, battery, and software upgrades to Samsung’s Fan Edition range. With Philippine pricing starting at PHP 46,990 and introductory discounts available until November 30, the new FE model is positioned as a more accessible entry into the latest Galaxy S26 experience.