Samsung Galaxy S26 FE review: Is this really a new phone—or just Galaxy S25 FE revisited?

However, the Galaxy S26 FE appears to be taking a more familiar approach, with much of its hardware remaining remarkably close to the previous-generation model. At first glance, the Galaxy S26 FE shares several major specifications with its predecessor, including a 6.7-inch display, triple-camera setup, battery capacity and charging capabilities.

Its overall design and in-hand feel also remain largely unchanged. There is, however, one noticeable exterior difference. Unlike the previous model, whose camera system sits flush with the rear panel, the Galaxy S26 FE features a distinct camera island, giving the phone a slightly different visual identity.

The more significant changes are found beneath the surface, particularly in the chipset and software. Samsung has equipped the Galaxy S26 FE with the newer Exynos 2500, built using a 3nm manufacturing process compared with the 4nm Exynos 2400 used in the previous generation.

The newer processor architecture is expected to deliver improved performance, potentially making everyday apps feel faster and more responsive. Graphics performance also gets a boost. The Exynos 2500 features an AMD RDNA 3-based GPU with up to 33% more work groups, while its NPU includes 40% more compute units.

Those upgrades could prove particularly useful for gaming, artificial intelligence features and other demanding workloads. The software experience is another major area where Samsung is looking to distinguish the Galaxy S26 FE from its predecessor, with the newer model benefiting from the company's latest software and AI-focused features.

Still, the similarities raise an important question: does the Galaxy S26 FE offer enough new technology to justify its place in Samsung's lineup? The answer will ultimately depend on real-world performance, battery life, camera quality, thermals and the value offered at launch.

While the upgraded chipset and software could make the S26 FE a meaningful improvement under the hood, buyers expecting a dramatic redesign or major hardware overhaul may find the phone surprisingly familiar.

Our full review will put the Galaxy S26 FE through its paces to determine whether Samsung's latest FE model is a genuine upgrade—or simply a polished continuation of an already familiar formula.