Samsung Galaxy S26 and S26+ Review: Competent but Uninspired Smartphones
A review of Samsung's Galaxy S26 and S26+ smartphones finds them capable but lacking innovation compared to higher-end models and competitors. The devices, priced at $900 and $1,100 respectively, offer solid performance with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip and improved battery life, but miss features like the Privacy Display and advanced cameras available on the Ultra variant. Key drawbacks include the absence of native Qi2 magnets requiring cases for magnetic accessories, design that feels dated, and AI features that perform slowly. Camera comparisons show the Google Pixel 10 sometimes outperforms in low-light and zoom capabilities. The review suggests consumers might prefer more affordable alternatives like the Pixel 10 or previous Samsung models.
Key facts
- Samsung released the Galaxy S26 and S26+ smartphones with prices starting at $900 and $1,100
- The phones lack features such as the Privacy Display and advanced camera upgrades found on the Galaxy S26 Ultra
- They require magnetic cases for Qi2 charging and accessory compatibility due to no built-in magnets
- Battery capacities are 4,300 mAh for the S26 and 4,900 mAh for the S26+, with satisfactory performance
- The review compares the cameras unfavorably to the Google Pixel 10 in some scenarios, particularly in low-light and zoom
Entities
Institutions
- Samsung