Samsung Galaxy S26 Review: The New King of Compact Flagships?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 (base model) arrived in early 2026 with a clear mission: refine the "small phone" experience while pushing the boundaries of mobile AI. Following its February 2025 announcement and March 11 release, the S26 positions itself as a powerhouse that fits comfortably in one hand, though it comes with a noticeable price hike and a slight change in dimensions compared to its predecessor.

Key Specifications at a Glance

Design and Display: Slightly Bigger, Still Light

Samsung has marginally increased the screen size to 6.3 inches, up from 6.2 inches on the S25. Despite the growth, it remains incredibly light at 167g, making it significantly easier to handle than the Pixel 10 (204g). The display is a masterclass in mobile tech—the LTPO panel can drop to 1Hz to save battery, a feature still missing from the base Pixel 10. While the peak brightness of 2600 nits is excellent, it is technically eclipsed by the 3000-nit peaks of the iPhone 17 and Pixel 10.

Performance and AI

The move to 12GB of RAM as the standard across all models is a welcome change, primarily driven by the demands of Galaxy AI. Whether you’re using the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 or the Exynos 2600, the S26 feels incredibly snappy. One UI 8.5 introduces deeper AI integration, such as "Horizon Lock" in video, which keeps your footage level even during a 360-degree rotation.

Camera: Versatility Over Raw Specs

The camera hardware remains largely unchanged from the previous generation. You get a reliable 50MP main sensor and a dedicated 10MP telephoto lens. While the iPhone 17 and Pixel 10 have improved their secondary sensors, Samsung’s 3x optical zoom remains a distinct advantage for those who prefer dedicated hardware over digital cropping.

Comparison: Samsung S26 vs. The Competition

Samsung S26 vs. iPhone 17

The iPhone 17 has finally adopted a 120Hz ProMotion display for its base model, closing a major gap. However, as far as camera hardware is concerned, the S26 still wins on versatility with its dedicated telephoto lens. The iPhone 17 is generally faster at charging (40W vs 25W) and includes built-in magnets for accessories, which Samsung still requires a specialized case for. The choice between these two will largely be determined by ecosystem affiliations as they are largely comparable in the world of Android and iOS respectively. 

Samsung S26 vs. Pixel 10

The Pixel 10 is the S26's closest Android rival. The Pixel 10 now includes a 5x telephoto lens, giving it an edge in long-distance zoom. It also boasts a brighter screen (3000 nits). However, the S26 is much more ergonomic; at 167g, it feels like a feather compared to the dense 204g Pixel. Samsung’s display is also more efficient, capable of scaling down to 1Hz. Performance wise, Pixel has consistently fallen behind its contemporaries due to a laser-focus on AI capabilities rather than raw performance but Samsung this year has closed the AI smart gap while extending the performance, efficiency and optimisation gaps.

The Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a premium, highly refined device for those who value portability and display quality. While the $100 price hike, similar hardware to last year and lack of built-in magnets are disappointing, the jump to 256GB base storage and 12GB RAM ensures it is built to last the full 7 years of promised software updates.

Pros:

• Extremely lightweight and ergonomic.

• Best-in-class LTPO display efficiency.

• 7 years of guaranteed updates.

Cons:

• 25W charging feels dated in 2026.

• No built-in magnets for Qi2 accessories.

• Price increase over the S25.