samsung galaxy a26 5g in 2025: impressive yet disappointing

Samsung Galaxy A26 5G offers strong software support and sleek design, but weak battery life and camera setbacks hold it back in 2025.

Samsung Galaxy A26 5G: Key Specs & First Impressions

The Samsung Galaxy A26 5G is finally here in 2025, aiming to capture the attention of mid-range phone buyers looking for balance between affordability, performance, and future-proofing. At first glance, it seems like Samsung's checking most of the right boxes — IP67 water resistance, a gorgeous Super AMOLED display, One UI 7, and a generous 5000mAh battery. But does this device really live up to the hype, or is it just another minor refresh in an ever-growing crowd of mid-range smartphones?

Let’s take a close look at what the Galaxy A26 5G has to offer in terms of raw specs before we dig into the good, the bad, and everything in between.

🔍 Key Specs at a Glance

⚙️ Performance – Exynos 1380 Holds Its Ground (Mostly)

Let’s be honest — performance is where many mid-range smartphones stumble, and the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G walks a fine line. Powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset paired with up to 8GB RAM, the phone delivers a mostly smooth experience. Apps open quickly, multitasking feels fluid, and navigating through One UI 7 on Android 15 is pleasantly responsive.

The 120Hz refresh rate truly helps with that buttery-smooth scrolling, though the phone tends to stick to 120Hz all the time when set to “High” — which can drain battery faster (more on that later).

🎮 Gaming Experience

Now, if you’re into gaming, things get a little less exciting. You can definitely play popular games like Call of Duty: Mobile or Asphalt Legends Unite, but don’t expect high graphics. The Galaxy A26 5G defaults to medium settings in most games. Crank it up, and the phone can keep up… for a while. But after 20–30 minutes, you’ll start feeling some heat and seeing the occasional frame drop or lag spike.

Still, it’s not all bad — the touch sampling rate is decent, and input lag is minimal. Casual gamers will be fine. Hardcore gamers? Look elsewhere (like the Poco F6 with its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3).

📊 Benchmarks – Numbers That Matter

Compared to its rivals, the Galaxy A26 doesn’t really shine. Here’s how it stacks up:

For the price, performance is just okay — not great, not terrible. It’s enough for everyday tasks, but there are better-performing phones for the same (or even lower) price.

📱 Display – Gorgeous But Flawed

The Samsung Galaxy A26 5G features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and Full HD+ resolution. The colors are punchy, blacks are deep, and the panel is generally a joy to use indoors. Whether you’re binge-watching Netflix or scrolling Instagram, the screen looks great.

☀️ Outdoor Visibility – A Letdown

Where things fall apart is outdoor brightness. At 777 nits, it's usable in sunlight but not ideal. Competing phones now offer 1000+ nits, which means the A26 5G feels a little dim under harsh light.

🕳️ Still Rocking a Notch?

Yup. The dated waterdrop notch is still there, and it’s not aging well. Combine that with thick bezels, especially on the bottom chin, and the phone feels a bit… old school. It’s 2025 — punch-holes should be the norm, especially at this price.

Also, while Always-on Display and Widevine L1 support are present, there's no HDR10+. So, if you’re looking to stream high dynamic range content, you’ll be limited.

📸 Camera – 50MP That Feels Like 12MP

Ah, the 50MP camera story again. On paper, it sounds great. But in real-world usage, it’s a bit of a letdown. Samsung gave the Galaxy A26 5G the same triple rear camera setup as its predecessor:

• 50MP primary sensor (OIS)

• 8MP ultra-wide

• 2MP macro

• 13MP front selfie camera

🌄 Daylight Photos – Meh

Photos in bright light tend to be overexposed and lack detail. You’ll also notice odd soft patches in foliage or fabric textures — almost like the image processing gave up.

🌙 Low Light – Forget It

In low light, the camera really struggles. Noise levels spike, colors get washed out, and the ultra-wide lens becomes practically unusable. The 13MP selfie cam is good enough for Instagram stories, but don't expect crisp detail.

🎥 Video Recording – Wobbly & Weak

Here’s where it really drops the ball:

• 4K at 30fps: Good detail, poor stabilization, constant focus hunting

• 1080p at 60fps: Smooth but shaky

• 1080p at 30fps: Best stabilization, but resolution takes a hit

If video content is your thing, you might want to steer clear.

🔋 Up Next: Battery & Verdict

That wraps up This section of our deep dive into the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G. So far, we’ve seen a phone with decent performance, a beautiful (but outdated) display, and a camera system that struggles to impress. In the next section, we’ll break down its battery life, charging speed, and whether the phone is actually worth your money in 2025.

🔋 Battery – Big Capacity, Disappointing Life

You’d think a 5000mAh battery would give you all-day power and then some. After all, most mid-range smartphones with that size battery can easily go 1.5–2 days with regular use. But the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G doesn’t quite live up to that expectation.

📉 Real-World Battery Life

Let’s talk numbers:

• PCMark Battery Test: 8 hours, 53 minutes

• HD Video Loop Test: 17 hours, 11 minutes

• Daily Use Score: Around 10–11 hours of active use

In other words, if you’re someone who scrolls a lot, watches videos, plays a few games, or uses Galaxy AI tools, you’ll probably need to recharge before dinner. Light users will get a full day — but only just.

The culprit? That 120Hz refresh rate staying locked at max speed drains power fast. Combine that with mid-range efficiency from the Exynos 1380 and less-than-ideal software optimization, and the result is underwhelming endurance.

⚡ Charging – Why So Slow, Samsung?

This is where things get a bit frustrating. The Samsung Galaxy A26 5G supports only 25W wired charging, and Samsung doesn’t even include a charger in the box.

We tested it with a 100W third-party PD charger, and here’s what we got:

• 30% in 30 minutes

• Full charge in ~1 hour 57 minutes

That’s just… slow, especially in 2025. Competitors like the Poco F6 and Vivo T4 are rocking 67W to 120W charging — topping up in under 45 minutes.

➕ Pros and Cons – A Quick Reality Check

Let’s break it down simply. If you’re considering buying the Galaxy A26 5G, here’s what you should keep in mind.

✅ Pros:

• IP67-rated design – rare in this price range

• One UI 7 with Android 15 – intuitive, smooth, and packed with features

• Galaxy AI tools – translation, image editing, Now Bar, etc.

• 6-year software update commitment – massive for long-term value

• MicroSD support – still here, unlike many flagships

❌ Cons:

• Battery life is underwhelming – won’t last a full day under heavy use

• Charging is painfully slow – nearly 2 hours to full

• Cameras disappoint – inconsistent photos and wobbly video

• Outdated design – waterdrop notch and thick bezels feel old

• Glance lockscreen ads – yes, really

• No charger included – eco-friendly, but annoying

🆚 Comparison – How Does It Stack Up?

We compared the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G with other standout mid-range smartphones in 2025. Here's how it fares:

Verdict: If software updates and waterproofing matter to you, the Galaxy A26 wins. But for raw power, cameras, or fast charging, others take the lead.

🗣️ Who Should Buy the Galaxy A26 5G?

Let’s simplify this. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G if:

• You want long-term software support

• You need IP67 water resistance

• You’re okay with average performance and camera quality

• You prefer Samsung’s One UI experience

• You’re not a heavy gamer or power user

But skip it if:

• You want better battery life and fast charging

• You care about camera quality

• You hate notches and bezels

• You plan to use your phone heavily throughout the day

• You want more bang for your buck in performance

🔄 Real User Experience – A Mixed Bag

Over a week of usage, here’s how the Galaxy A26 5G felt day-to-day:

• UI & Apps: Fluid and friendly. Samsung’s polish is hard to beat.

• Gaming: Fun for a bit, but thermal throttling kicks in during longer sessions.

• Media: Display looks rich indoors. Audio is thin — the single bottom speaker isn’t great.

• Camera: Usable in daylight, avoid in low light.

• Battery: Always hovering around 15–20% by dinner.

In short, it’s comfortable and familiar — but not exciting.

🧠 Verdict – The Final Word on the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G

So after using it, testing it, and comparing it with the competition, the question is simple: Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G in 2025?

The short answer? Only if you know exactly what you're getting — and you're okay with compromise.

Let’s break it down clearly.

🏆 What It Does Right:

• 6-year software updates – unmatched in this price bracket

• IP67 rating – you don’t find that often under ₹20,000

• One UI 7 on Android 15 – still one of the best Android experiences out there

• Sturdy, premium build – Gorilla Glass Victus+ adds a nice touch

• Useful Galaxy AI tools – like real-time translation and image editing

😓 Where It Fails to Deliver:

• Battery life is average at best

• Charging speed is painfully slow

• Camera output is inconsistent and lacks detail

• The notch and thick bezels feel outdated

• Performance is mediocre compared to rivals

• Lockscreen ads (via Glance) out of the box? No thanks.

🔎 TekkHie Review Summary – Real Usage Scorecard

Here’s our internal scorecard based on real-world testing:

🆚 Alternatives to Consider

If the Galaxy A26 5G doesn’t feel like “the one,” don’t worry — you’ve got options.

💡 Best Alternatives in 2025:

1. Poco F6

   • Snapdragon 8s Gen 3

   • Faster charging, better camera, better performance

2. Nothing Phone 3a

   • Sleek design, clean UI, great display

   • Decent camera and much better battery life

3. iQOO Neo 10R

   • Gaming-focused, great performance, fast 120W charging

4. Vivo T4

   • 7300mAh battery — unbeatable longevity

   • Good display, decent performance

5. OnePlus Nord 4 (for a little extra)

   • Excellent all-rounder

   • Clean software, strong specs, balanced experience

🔚 Conclusion – Should You Buy the Galaxy A26 5G?

If you're someone who:

• Prefers long software support

• Wants Samsung’s software ecosystem

• Needs water resistance

• Can live with average performance, battery, and camera

...then the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G might still be a good fit.

But if you're chasing performance, better charging, or a camera that pops on Instagram and TikTok — there are better options out there for the same (or less) money.

It’s not a bad phone. It’s just not a very exciting one — and in 2025, that might not be enough.

💬 Final Thoughts

Still on the fence? That’s okay — picking the right phone is a big deal these days. If you need help deciding between the Galaxy A26 5G and its competitors, drop us a comment or message us on socials. We’re happy to help!

🔽 What do YOU think?
Is the Galaxy A26 a solid buy in 2025, or just another Samsung rehash?
Let’s chat below 👇

🛒 Thinking of buying it?
Keep an eye out for launch deals — or wait for the Galaxy A27 if you're not in a rush.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Samsung Galaxy A26 5G

1. Is the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G waterproof?

Yes, the Galaxy A26 5G is IP67-rated, which means it’s dust-tight and can survive immersion in up to 1 meter of freshwater for 30 minutes. However, like all water-resistant phones, this doesn’t mean it's waterproof in all conditions. Water damage is not covered under warranty, so avoid testing it in pools or salty environments.

2. How long does the Galaxy A26 5G battery last on a single charge?

In moderate use, the 5000mAh battery can last about a day. But with heavy use (gaming, streaming, high brightness), it might need a top-up before evening. It's not the longest-lasting battery in the segment, and competing phones like the Vivo T4 outperform it significantly.

3. Does the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G support fast charging?

Yes, it supports 25W fast charging, but it’s relatively slow compared to other mid-range phones. It takes nearly 2 hours to fully charge, even when using a high-wattage charger. Also, Samsung does not include a charger in the box, so you’ll need to buy one separately.

4. How is the camera performance on the Galaxy A26 5G?

The triple rear camera setup (50MP + 8MP + 2MP) is average at best. Photos often lack detail and dynamic range, especially in low light. The selfie camera is decent for social media, but video performance is shaky, and stabilization is poor in 4K footage.

5. Can you expand the storage on the Galaxy A26 5G?

Yes, the Galaxy A26 5G includes a hybrid SIM slot that supports microSDXC cards, letting you expand the internal storage beyond 128GB or 256GB. However, you’ll need to sacrifice one SIM slot if you choose to use a memory card.

6. Is the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G good for gaming?

It's okay for casual gaming but not ideal for graphics-heavy titles. Games like Call of Duty: Mobile run on medium settings smoothly, but extended sessions lead to heating and frame drops. For better performance, the Poco F6 or iQOO Neo 10R are better choices.

7. Does it have 5G support globally?

Yes, the Galaxy A26 5G supports multiple 5G bands and is compatible with most global networks. However, specific band compatibility may vary by region, so check with your carrier before purchasing.

8. Does the Galaxy A26 5G have a headphone jack?

No, Samsung has removed the 3.5mm headphone jack from this model. You’ll need to use Bluetooth earphones or a USB-C adapter for wired audio. This could be a downside for users who prefer traditional wired headphones.

9. How often will the Galaxy A26 5G receive software updates?

Samsung promises up to 6 major Android upgrades, which is excellent for a mid-range phone. That means you'll get regular OS updates until around 2031, keeping the device secure and feature-rich for years to come.

10. What AI features are included in the Galaxy A26 5G?

Samsung includes several Galaxy AI tools such as live language translation, Now Bar for notifications, and enhanced image editing. While not as powerful as flagship models, these features are surprisingly useful for everyday productivity.

11. Is there bloatware on the Galaxy A26 5G?

Yes, the phone comes with a few pre-installed third-party apps, including Microsoft apps, a VPN tool (non-removable), and some games. You can uninstall most of them, but some like the Glance lockscreen feature need to be manually disabled in Settings.

12. How is the display quality of the Galaxy A26 5G?

The 6.7” Super AMOLED display is vibrant with great color accuracy and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. However, its outdoor brightness is just average, and the waterdrop notch with thick bezels feels dated in 2025. There’s no HDR10+ support, which is a letdown for streaming fans.

13. Does the phone come with a screen protector or case?

No, the Galaxy A26 5G does not include a screen protector or case in the box. You’ll need to purchase these separately. With its slippery back and glass construction, we highly recommend using a protective case from day one.

14. Is the Galaxy A26 5G worth upgrading from the Galaxy A25?

Not really. The A26 5G is mostly a minor update with some software tweaks, a slightly better display, and IP67 protection. If you already own the A25, there’s little reason to upgrade unless you specifically want the AI features or waterproofing.

15. How much does the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G cost?

As of now, the starting price is ₹19,899 in India, $224 in the US, £154.91 in the UK, and €199 in Europe. Prices may vary by region and storage variant. It’s competitively priced but still faces stiff competition from brands offering better specs at similar rates.

💌 A Message to Our Readers

Hey, thanks for sticking with us through this deep dive into the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G! At TekkHie.com, we strive to give you honest, real-world insights — no fluff, no sugarcoating. We know choosing a phone isn’t easy these days, and we're here to make that decision a little easier.

Whether you're a casual user, a gamer, or someone just wanting a dependable device, there’s always a phone that suits your needs. And if the A26 5G doesn’t check your boxes, don't worry — we’ve got loads more reviews to help you out.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This article is based on hands-on testing, publicly available specifications, and real-world benchmarks. Prices, features, and availability may vary by region or change over time. Always confirm details with the retailer or Samsung before making a purchase. TekkHie.com is not affiliated with Samsung and does not receive compensation for product placement.

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