Samsung Galaxy S26 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
₹23,000 apart. Here is what actually separates them.
Which one should you buy?
The Galaxy S26 FE starts ₹23,000 lower: ₹79,999 against ₹1,02,999 for the Galaxy S26.
- The Galaxy S26 has the faster chip: the Exynos 2600 against the Exynos 2500, going by published benchmark scores.
- The Galaxy S26 FE has the bigger battery: 4,900 mAh against 4,300 mAh. It also charges faster, at 45W against 25W.
- The Galaxy S26 has the better screen on paper: brighter (2,600 nits against 1,900).
- The Galaxy S26 is the lighter phone: 167 g against 193 g. It is smaller too, with a 6.3-inch screen against 6.7 inches.
- The Galaxy S26 has the newer cover glass: Gorilla Glass Victus 2 against Gorilla Glass Victus+.
Get the Galaxy S26 for the faster chip, the brighter screen and the lighter build. Get the Galaxy S26 FE for the lower price, the bigger battery and faster charging.
Every spec, lined up
Spec score
Display
Performance
Camera
Battery
Build and connectivity
Availability
Versions and prices
- 12GB + 256GB₹1,02,999
- 12GB + 512GB₹1,22,999
- 8GB + 256GB₹79,999
Prices in India as we last checked them. Sales and bank offers change them often, so check before you buy.
Galaxy S26 vs Galaxy S26 FE, answered
In India, the Samsung Galaxy S26 starts at ₹1,02,999 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE starts at ₹79,999.
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Which is cheaper, the Galaxy S26 or the Galaxy S26 FE?
The Galaxy S26 FE, by ₹23,000. Starting prices: ₹79,999 for the Galaxy S26 FE, ₹1,02,999 for the Galaxy S26. The Galaxy S26 comes in 2 versions, up to ₹1,22,999.
Which has the bigger battery, the Galaxy S26 or the Galaxy S26 FE?
The Galaxy S26 FE, with 4,900 mAh to 4,300 mAh. For charging, the Galaxy S26 FE is quicker: 45W to 25W. Battery life also depends on the chip and the software, so treat these as a starting point.
Which has the better display?
On paper, the Galaxy S26's: it is brighter (2,600 to 1,900 nits). The Galaxy S26 has a 6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X at 120Hz, the Galaxy S26 FE a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X at 120Hz.
Which has the better camera?
The main cameras are 50MP main (f/1.8, OIS) on the Galaxy S26 and 50MP main (f/1.8, OIS) on the Galaxy S26 FE. A spec sheet can't show how the photos look, so read a review before you decide on the camera alone.
Which processors do they use?
The Galaxy S26 runs the Exynos 2600, the Galaxy S26 FE the Exynos 2500. Going by published benchmark scores, the Exynos 2600 is the faster of the two.
Which gets more software updates?
Neither: both are promised 7 OS updates.
Which is better protected against water?
Neither: both are rated IP68. Still, no phone is fully waterproof, so keep them out of the pool.
Which is lighter?
The Galaxy S26, at 167 g to 193 g.
