Samsung’s Galaxy A series has long been a gateway for budget-conscious buyers who want to experience flagship features at an affordable price. With the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G, Samsung has continued to offer a practical solution for those seeking a reliable smartphone without the premium price tag. The A26 5G offers a design that mirrors the Galaxy S series, powerful software, and decent performance, all in a sleek package.

Price

Samsung Galaxy A26 5G 128+6GB =N358,500

Samsung Galaxy A26 5G 256+8GB = N427,500

Design and Build Quality

In 2025, Samsung has continued to refine its design language in the Galaxy A series. The Samsung Galaxy A26 5G features a rear design that closely resembles the flagship Galaxy S series, with a slight tweak in the camera module. Instead of individual camera cutouts, Samsung has unified the cameras into one long module. This minimalistic yet sophisticated design makes the A26 5G look like a premium device, though its plastic build keeps costs down. Despite being made of plastic, the phone feels solid in hand, and the glossy back adds a touch of elegance. The IP67 rating for dust and water resistance ensures that the phone can handle light rain without issue, adding to its durability. Overall, while it’s not the most premium device on the market, the Galaxy A26 5G looks and feels like a phone that can stand up to everyday use.

Display and Audio Quality

The Galaxy A26 5G features a display that offers an impressive viewing experience, but it does have some design choices that may feel dated. The teardrop notch at the top of the screen and the thick chin at the bottom may remind users of older phones, especially compared to the more modern punch-hole designs seen in other recent Samsung models. However, the display quality more than makes up for these design quirks. The screen is bright, vibrant, and sharp, with colors that pop, making it an excellent choice for streaming video or browsing content. With a peak brightness of 1141 nits, even in bright outdoor settings, the screen remains legible. While using it for YouTube and other media, I found that 40% brightness was more than enough for comfortable viewing. However, when pushed beyond this, the display can become uncomfortable. The audio quality, on the other hand, is fairly basic. The mono speaker does not provide an immersive sound experience, making it less ideal for media lovers who rely on crisp audio.

Performance and Software

The Samsung Galaxy A26 5G offers solid performance for its price, but it’s not designed for power users. If you’re looking for a phone that can handle graphic-heavy games or intense multitasking, you might want to look elsewhere. However, the phone does a fine job for day-to-day tasks like browsing the web, checking emails, and social media browsing. The phone can be a bit slow if you try to run multiple apps simultaneously, with noticeable stutter when multitasking. For the average user, though, the A26 5G will perform just fine. One of Samsung’s strengths has always been its software experience, and the Galaxy A26 5G continues that tradition. One UI 7 brings a smooth user interface, and navigating the menus feels effortless. The app-opening animations are fluid, and the phone’s general responsiveness is good. If you’re not a heavy multitasker or gamer, the A26 5G will serve your needs well.

Camera

The camera setup on the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G includes a triple-camera array, with the primary camera being the standout. It captures natural, vibrant colors in daylight, and the HDR performance ensures that highlights and shadows are well-balanced. The ultra-wide camera offers a similarly good experience in good lighting, but edge distortion and reduced sharpness towards the corners are noticeable. This camera struggles with dynamic range in direct sunlight, often causing details in the shadowed areas to be less visible. Low-light performance is average at best, with the primary sensor still doing its best to capture usable images, but it’s clear that this is not a low-light champion. The cameras on the Galaxy A26 5G are competent but not exceptional. For the price, it offers decent quality photos for casual users, but it won’t compete with more expensive smartphones in terms of camera performance.

Battery

The battery life of the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G is a bit underwhelming. While it can handle a full day of light use, moderate usage will likely require a recharge before the day is done. This is not unusual for mid-range devices, but it’s something to consider if you rely on your phone throughout the day. Additionally, the phone doesn’t come with a charger in the box, so you’ll need to purchase one separately. The battery’s faster-than-average drain can be a bit frustrating, especially when compared to other phones in its price range that offer better battery life. If you don’t mind carrying around a charger, it won’t be a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy A26 5G is a solid choice for anyone looking for an affordable smartphone that offers good value for its price. It’s particularly well-suited for users like teenagers, parents, or grandparents who don’t need a high-powered device but still want something reliable. The phone offers an easy-to-use interface, a decent camera for everyday photography, and an excellent display for media consumption. Its stylish design and IP67 rating are great additions to the overall package.

However, the A26 5G does come with its compromises. Its performance can struggle when multitasking, and the battery life doesn’t match the competition, requiring more frequent recharges. The mono speaker doesn’t provide the best audio experience, and the cameras are decent but fall short in low-light conditions. If you’re looking for a phone that can handle intense workloads or take stunning photos in all conditions, the A26 5G might not be the right choice. But if you want a reliable, budget-friendly smartphone for everyday use, it’s a great option.

Buy The Samsung A26