Samsung Launches $699.99 Galaxy S26 FE With Android 17 Ahead of S26 Flagships

3 articles · Updated · Tom's Guide · Aug 30

$699.99 buys Samsung’s new Galaxy S26 FE, which reaches stores Sept. 4 with One UI 9 on Android 17 before the rest of the S26 lineup.
One UI 9 is the main differentiator: new tools include My FanCam for automatic subject tracking in existing videos and Horizon Lock to keep footage level through 360° phone rotation.
Hardware stays close to the FE formula with a 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, Exynos 2500 chip, 8GB RAM, 4,900mAh battery and a triple rear camera led by a 50MP main sensor.
45W wired charging takes the battery to 69% in about 30 minutes, while Gorilla Glass Victus+, an aluminum frame, IP68 protection and Wi-Fi 7 round out the package.
Seven years of OS and security updates strengthen Samsung’s value pitch as the FE line again undercuts flagships, this time with newer software than higher-end S26 models.