Samsung Galaxy S26 FE: A Risky Move if Leaks Hold True

The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE has been a game-changer. After years of lackluster ‘Fan Edition’ models, Samsung finally hit the mark last year, offering a perfect balance of price and premium hardware.

Shortly after my review of the S25 FE was published in October, it was named the best mid-range phone by Tech Advisor, a title it still holds today.

Naturally, I was eager to see what Samsung had in store for the upcoming Galaxy S26 FE. Could they deliver another hit and set a new standard for mid-range phones?

However, if the leaks are to be believed, the S26 FE may not be worth the hype. In fact, if the rumors are true, it may be better for Samsung to skip this release altogether.

The minimal upgrades

The year 2026 seems to be all about incremental smartphone upgrades, and the S26 FE is no exception. Rumors suggest that it will feature the new Exynos 2500 chipset, offering a slight performance boost over its predecessor.

While this is a welcome improvement, the question remains whether it will make a noticeable difference in everyday use. The potential power efficiency gains could lead to better battery life, despite no indication of an upgrade to the 4900mAh battery.

But beyond the chipset upgrade, there doesn’t seem to be much else to look forward to in terms of hardware enhancements, which may not justify a new release.

Moreover, there are talks of potential downgrades in the S26 FE, which could make it a less appealing option.

Are the hardware changes for the worse?

While minor upgrades can be tolerated, downgrades from one generation to the next are concerning. The leaked images of the S26 FE show a design that may not live up to its predecessor.

The placement of the camera module and the potential switch to OLED displays from a different manufacturer could impact the overall look and display quality of the phone.

While these changes may not drastically affect the phone’s performance, the idea of downgrades on a newer model is disappointing, especially if the price remains high.

Stick with the S25 FE

With each new leak about the Galaxy S26 FE, the S25 FE continues to shine as a better option. The flagship build, impressive cameras, and solid battery life of the S25 FE still hold up, making it a great mid-range phone.

Unless gaming on your phone is a top priority, the S25 FE remains the best choice in its class. And with the current price drop, it offers excellent value for money.

Considering the rumored changes in the S26 FE, there’s little reason to wait for its release when the S25 FE is already a top contender with a discounted price.

Samsung needs to step up its game with the S26 FE or consider skipping a year. With the current tech landscape and competition, delivering a subpar product may not be the best move.