My Thoughts on the Samsung Galaxy A26
So, I’ve been checking out the Samsung Galaxy A26, which just dropped this month, and I’ve gotta say—it’s pretty cool for a phone that’s only $299 (or about ₹24,999 in India). It’s Samsung’s latest budget-friendly option, and it feels like they’re trying to give us a lot without breaking the bank. Here’s how it’s been hitting me.
How It Looks and Feels
First off, this phone looks slick. It’s got a glass back—Gorilla Glass Victus+, no less—which is fancy for something this cheap. It’s thin, about 7.7mm, and weighs 200 grams, so it’s not super light but still easy to hold. I’d probably go for the Mint color—it’s got this fresh, modern vibe, though Awesome Black is a safe bet too. The flat edges and this new pill-shaped camera bump on the back make it feel a little high-end, like it’s borrowing some style from Samsung’s pricier stuff.
Oh, and it’s got IP67 water resistance! I could totally see myself not freaking out if I accidentally spilled water on it or took it out in the rain. The front’s got that tough glass too, but there’s a teardrop notch for the selfie camera. Honestly, it’s a little old-school for 2025—most phones have punch-holes now—but it’s not a dealbreaker.
The Screen’s a Winner
The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED screen? Wow. It’s big, bright, and smooth with a 120Hz refresh rate. Scrolling through Instagram or watching Netflix would feel so nice—colors are punchy, blacks are super deep, and it gets bright enough (1000 nits) that I wouldn’t be squinting outside. It’s not quite as crisp as some flagship screens, but for under $300, this is easily one of the best displays I’d come across. Way better than those LCDs you still see on some budget phones.
Only downside? No HDR10+ for extra-fancy video, but I’d live without it for everyday stuff like YouTube or gaming.
How It Runs
It’s got the Exynos 1380 chip inside—same one as the Galaxy A35 had last year—and it comes with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM. I’d pick the 8GB if I could; it just feels snappier for juggling apps. It’s not a speed demon, but it’d handle my usual routine—texting, browsing, streaming—no problem. I’ve heard it can run games like Call of Duty Mobile pretty well on medium settings, which is dope, though it might stutter on something intense like Genshin Impact.
I love that it still has a microSD slot. I’d totally pop in a card for all my pics and playlists—128GB or 256GB built-in is nice, but extra space is clutch.
Snapping Pics
The cameras are a triple setup: 50MP main with OIS, 8MP ultra-wide, and a 2MP macro. The main one’s my go-to—it takes solid pics in daylight, bright and sharp, and the stabilization keeps things steady for night shots or video (even 4K!). Low-light pics aren’t mind-blowing, but they’re decent for the price. The ultra-wide is cool for big group shots or scenery, though it gets grainy when it’s dark. The macro? Eh, it’s there, but 2MP doesn’t impress me much—close-ups are just okay.
The 13MP selfie cam is fine for quick snaps or video calls, but it’s not great in dim light. Samsung’s tossed in some Awesome Intelligence tricks, like tweaking photos or adding filters, which is fun to play with.
Battery Keeps Going
The 5,000 mAh battery is a champ. I’d get through a whole day easy—maybe even stretch it to two if I’m not glued to it. Streaming, scrolling, a little gaming—it holds up. It charges at 25W, which isn’t lightning-fast (about 1.5 hours to fill up), but it’s what I’d expect here. No wireless charging, though—kinda wish it had that, but oh well.
Software’s Sweet
It’s running Android 15 with One UI 7, and it feels fresh and easy to use. The big deal? Samsung’s promising six years of updates—OS upgrades and security patches until 2031! That’s wild for a budget phone. It’s got some AI goodies too, like Circle to Search, which I’d use all the time to look stuff up.
The Good and the Meh
What I’m Into:
- That AMOLED screen—big, smooth, gorgeous.
- Tough build with water resistance—feels like it’d last.
- Battery life’s awesome.
- Six years of updates? I’m sold.
What Bugs Me:
- Teardrop notch looks dated.
- Charging could be faster—25W feels slow next to 45W options.
- Only mono sound—no stereo speakers or headphone jack.
- Macro camera’s kinda pointless.
Wrapping It Up
The Samsung Galaxy A26 feels like a steal for $299. It’s got a killer screen, a battery that won’t quit, and it’ll stay updated forever. Sure, the notch and so-so speakers aren’t perfect, but for what I’d use it for—daily stuff, some pics, a bit of gaming—it’s spot on. If I wanted more oomph, I’d maybe check out the A36, but this? It’s a vibe.
What do you think—would you grab one? Hit me up with your thoughts!
