Samsung Galaxy A26
- Marcella Frattari
- Jul 10
- 15 min read
Updated: Aug 5
SMARTPHONE TIER: MID TIER
Battery Capacity mAh: 5000
Samsung Galaxy A26: Ideal for Basics, Less for Demanding Users
SMARTPHONE BATTERY PERFORMANCE
Based on Price: Mid Tier (€200-€499)
Mid Tier Ranking #9
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Video Review - Soon Available
The Samsung Galaxy A26 is a dependable and efficient mid-range smartphone that aims to strike the right balance between affordability, battery endurance, and a solid everyday experience. It stands out in its price category thanks to its combination of practical features, clean design, and Samsung’s strong software support, making it a suitable option for users who value stability and longevity over peak performance.
Visually, the Galaxy A26 makes a strong impression with its 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display. The screen delivers a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 by 2340 pixels, with a sharp pixel density of approximately 385 ppi. The panel supports a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling and a pleasant visual fluidity in day-to-day interactions. Although brightness peaks at around 777 nits, which is acceptable but not outstanding, the AMOLED technology ensures deep contrast levels and vivid colour reproduction. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+, which offers added resistance to scratches and accidental knocks, placing it a step above the typical mid-tier standard.
The A26 also features a surprisingly robust build for its class. It uses a glass front and back, both reinforced with Gorilla Glass Victus+, and a plastic frame. The phone is IP67 certified, meaning it is resistant to dust and can survive submersion in up to one metre of water for 30 minutes. Measuring 164 millimetres in height, 77.5 millimetres in width, and just 7.7 millimetres thick, the device feels slim and comfortable in the hand, despite its 200-gram weight. It is available in four colour options: Black, White, Mint, and Peach Pink, all of which follow Samsung’s recent trend of soft pastel tones.
Under the hood, the Galaxy A26 is powered by two possible chipsets, depending on the market. The global variant includes the Exynos 1380, while the Latin American version features the Exynos 1280. Both are built on a 5-nanometre process, offering a balance of energy efficiency and decent processing power for general use. The CPU architecture includes Cortex-A78 and Cortex-A55 cores, suitable for running apps, browsing, streaming, and light multitasking. Graphics are handled by the Mali-G68 GPU, which performs well for casual gaming and video playback, though heavier 3D games will show the chipset's limitations.
Memory configurations vary, starting at 4GB of RAM and ranging up to 8GB, paired with either 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. A microSDXC slot is available, though it uses the second SIM tray, so users will need to choose between dual-SIM functionality or expandable storage. In our testing, the 8GB RAM variant provided smooth navigation and held up well with multiple apps running in the background.
Photography on the Galaxy A26 is driven by a triple camera setup. The main sensor is a 50-megapixel wide-angle lens with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilisation, which helps produce stable images and reduces motion blur, particularly in low-light conditions. This is complemented by an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens with a 120-degree field of view, and a 2-megapixel macro sensor. While the macro lens is more of a supporting element, the main and ultra-wide lenses perform adequately for casual photography. The phone also supports video recording at up to 4K resolution at 30 frames per second, with additional software stabilisation. On the front, a 13-megapixel camera captures well-lit selfies and is capable of recording 1080p video.
Battery life is one of the Galaxy A26’s strongest assets. It houses a 5000mAh battery which, when combined with the efficiency of the Exynos chipset, delivers excellent real-world performance. Charging is supported at up to 25 watts via USB-C, which is reasonable for its price point, although no charger is included in the box.
In terms of connectivity, the Galaxy A26 covers all essential bases. It supports 5G networks, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with dual-band capabilities, Bluetooth 5.3, and USB Type-C 2.0 with OTG support. GPS is reinforced with compatibility for Galileo, GLONASS, BDS, and QZSS systems. NFC is included in selected markets. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable, and the phone retains a physical SIM tray that supports nano-SIMs.
On the software side, the A26 runs Android 15 with Samsung’s One UI 7. It benefits from Samsung’s long-term software policy, which guarantees up to six major Android upgrades, keeping the device relevant for several years. The interface is clean and customisable, with useful features like Circle to Search and virtual proximity sensing enhancing the user experience.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A26 brings together a thoughtful mix of modern hardware, excellent battery efficiency, and long-term software support. While it does not compete with flagship-level performance or imaging, it offers a polished and dependable experience that is ideal for users looking for a fuss-free daily driver with trusted build quality and Samsung’s ecosystem behind it.
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 ViserMark Labels for the Samsung Galaxy A26
Please take a look at the following information about the battery performance of the Samsung Galaxy A26:
Battery Life: The Samsung Galaxy A26 delivers up to 35 hours of active use under balanced conditions, which translates to just over a day and a half for typical users. While not class-leading, it’s a respectable showing for a mid-tier device, especially given its 6.7-inch AMOLED screen and 5G connectivity. However, our real-world tests reveal that battery life can drop more rapidly when using mobile data, GPS navigation or the camera for extended periods. Streaming video and social media apps are also moderately power-hungry, so users who lean heavily on multimedia may need to recharge before the day ends.
Battery Charging: The Galaxy A26 supports 25W wired charging, although no charger is included in the box. In our testing with a compatible USB PD 3.0 charger, a full charge took approximately 1 hour and 59 minutes, notably slower than Samsung's quoted figures and significantly behind many rivals in the same segment. There is no support for wireless charging, and the USB-C 2.0 port limits both data transfer speeds and charging flexibility. While the charging speed is tolerable for light users or overnight top-ups, it feels dated in 2025, especially when brands like Xiaomi and Motorola consistently offer 40W to 67W charging in devices at similar or lower price points.
Battery Performance & Efficiency: Efficiency is where the Galaxy A26 reveals its mixed identity. In synthetic tests, its energy consumption ranks close to the Xperia 10 V, drawing more power per task than the Honor 200 Lite across nearly all usage scenarios, from social media to camera use. Web browsing and gaming, in particular, saw sharper battery drain compared to segment averages. Annual energy usage was calculated at 4.6 kWh, higher than ideal for a 5000mAh battery. While idle efficiency remains acceptable, its performance under load shows that Samsung’s software optimisations, while stable, fall short of competitors who have tuned their power draw more aggressively.
Specification Overview - Released Date: March 2025
Body & Build:
Dimensions: 164 x 77.5 x 7.7 mm
Weight: 200g
Materials: Glass front and back (Gorilla Glass Victus+), plastic frame
Durability: IP67-certified – water and dust resistant (up to 1m for 30 minutes)
Design: Sturdy and symmetrical build with a minimalist aesthetic; slightly heavier than some mid-range competitors, but reassuring in hand
Display:
Size: 6.7-inch Super AMOLED
Resolution: 2340 x 1080 (FHD+), ~385 ppi
Refresh Rate: 120Hz (non-adaptive)
Brightness: ~777 nits peak (measured)
HDR Support: No HDR certification
Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+
Operating System:
OS: Android 15 with One UI 7
Support: Up to 6 years of Android upgrades (Samsung policy as of 2025)
Chipset & Performance:
Global Variant:
Processor: Exynos 1380 (5nm)
CPU: Octa-core (4x Cortex-A78 @ 2.4GHz + 4x Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz)
GPU: Mali-G68 MP5
LATAM Variant:
Processor: Exynos 1280 (5nm)
CPU: Octa-core (2x Cortex-A78 @ 2.4GHz + 6x Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz)
GPU: Mali-G68
Memory & Storage:
Configurations:
128GB + 4GB / 6GB / 8GB RAM
256GB + 6GB / 8GB RAM
Expandable Storage: microSDXC (shared SIM slot)
Storage Tech: UFS 2.2 (not UFS 4.0)
Connectivity & Features:
5G: Supported (Sub-6 GHz)
SIM: Dual Nano-SIM (no eSIM support)
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), dual-band
Bluetooth: 5.3
NFC: Available (market-dependent)
USB-C: USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
Biometrics: Side-mounted fingerprint reader
Other Features: Circle to Search, virtual proximity sensor, compass, gyro, accelerometer
Audio:
Speakers: Single loudspeaker
3.5mm Jack: Not included
Audio Quality: -27.1 LUFS
Camera System:
Rear Cameras:
50MP main (f/1.8, OIS, PDAF)
8MP ultrawide (f/2.2, 120Ëš FoV)
2MP macro (f/2.4)
Video: Up to 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@480fps (gyro-EIS)
Front Camera:
13MP (f/2.2), 1080p@30fps video recording
Colours Available: Black, White, & Mint.
Performance - HOW WE TEST
ViserMark offers a comprehensive range of battery performance test results based on different criteria and benchmarks for evaluating a smartphone's performance. Our tests are performed using the strictest protocol in a controlled environment to ensure repetition and consistency powered by SmartViser's test automation solution viSer.
VWS Analytics Studio is a complementary product to the viSer Test Automation solution. It enhances the viSer user experience and is the fastest way to analyse and view smartphone test results.
We have used the interactive dashboard to show you the recent test results and translated them into ViserMark Labels.
Join our readers to receive the latest update to our smartphone battery performance scores and performance reviews as soon as we finish testing!
Smartphone Battery Performance - FULL TEST RESULTS AND REVIEW
ViserMark has put the Samsung Galaxy A26 through our testing protocol, based on real smartphone usage from 100% battery level down to power off. This includes daily activities, such as calls, web, video and music streaming, gaming, social networks, picture and video capture, and standby. All activities are executed in a defined order and timeline.
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These test results, show how the Samsung Galaxy A26 performed and the scores achieved.
1. Battery Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A26 achieved a battery performance score of 36/100, positioning it below the mid-tier average of 43.95/100, and trailing both the Honor 200 Lite (46) and the Sony Xperia 10 V 5G (28). While it clearly outperforms the Xperia in overall stamina, it still falls short of matching the efficiency and endurance of the Honor device, which currently leads this trio.
Charging is managed via 25W wired power delivery, but without a charger in the box. In real-world conditions, a full charge took 1 hour and 59 minutes using a certified USB PD charger, which is significantly slower than many direct competitors in the same price range. There is no support for wireless or reverse wireless charging.
Overall, while the Galaxy A26 can handle most day-to-day operations, its energy-to-performance ratio is uncompetitive. High consumption rates across all categories raise questions about the efficiency of Samsung’s tuning on this model. Power users or even moderate multitaskers may find the experience underwhelming compared to better-optimised alternatives in the same segment.
2. Battery Life
In ViserMark’s battery life testing, the Samsung Galaxy A26 reached 35 hours of active usage, which translates to around 1.5 days of typical real-world use. This result places it in line with many mid-tier smartphones, though it falls slightly behind top performers in this price range.
Despite packing a relatively large 5,000mAh battery, the A26’s endurance does not fully reflect its capacity, likely due to less efficient power management from the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chip and software optimisation that lags behind rivals.
In comparison, the Honor 200 Lite delivered an impressive 51 hours, and even the Sony Xperia 10 V 5G, with a smaller battery, managed 33 hours, indicating better tuning and efficiency in those models.
Still, the A26 provides sufficient day-to-day stamina for light to moderate users, particularly those who avoid intensive tasks like mobile gaming or frequent GPS use. Its strength lies in offering solid 5G performance and a clean UI, but power users or heavy streamers may find themselves needing to charge more often than expected for a phone with this battery size.
3. Battery Consumption
The Samsung Galaxy A26Â and the Honor 200 Lite were analysed for battery consumption across various daily tasks using SmartViser's viSer and VWS Analytics Studio. The comparison highlighted differences in power usage for activities such as social media, calls, gaming, camera, and web browsing.
In general, the Honor 200 Lite manages to deliver smoother and more balanced performance when it comes to energy consumption. During typical social media use and voice calls, the Galaxy A26 draws noticeably more power, suggesting that it isn’t as well-optimised for tasks requiring sustained connectivity or screen interaction. This is especially relevant for users who spend long periods browsing or using communication apps, as the A26 may run warmer and deplete the battery more quickly.
When gaming, downloading content, or uploading files, the A26 again proves to be more power-hungry than its Honor counterpart. While it remains capable of handling these tasks, the higher energy draw could impact overall endurance in longer sessions or during multitasking.
The only area where the Galaxy A26 holds a slight advantage is during camera use, where its power consumption is marginally better than that of the Honor 200 Lite. However, this alone isn’t enough to offset the broader efficiency gap between the two devices.
In video playback, media consumption and web browsing, the A26 continues to consume more energy. For users who rely on their device throughout the day without frequent charging opportunities, this could become a noticeable drawback over time.
In summary, while both phones offer a solid mid-range experience, the Honor 200 Lite is better tuned for day-to-day efficiency. It manages to stretch battery life more effectively across a wider range of tasks, giving it an edge for users focused on lasting performance.
When comparing the Samsung Galaxy A26 with the Sony Xperia 10 V 5G in terms of battery consumption, the differences are notable across a range of everyday tasks. Both belong to the mid-tier segment, but their efficiency profiles reflect two distinct philosophies.
The Galaxy A26 draws considerably more power during social media use, outgoing calls, and gaming. These are areas where screen-on time, connectivity, and system responsiveness come into play, suggesting that the A26 prioritises fluidity and visual performance at the expense of endurance. This is particularly evident during longer call sessions and continuous scrolling or engagement-heavy apps.
In contrast, the Xperia 10 V 5G proves significantly more efficient in those same scenarios. Whether you're browsing social platforms, placing voice calls, or playing casual games, the Sony device maintains a lower battery drain, which can translate to longer uptime and fewer interruptions for charging.
The A26 does manage to be slightly more efficient when using the camera, offering smoother capture sessions with less impact on battery life. However, in areas like YouTube streaming, media playback, and web browsing, the Xperia once again conserves energy more effectively, likely due to its lighter software and simpler visual output.
Ultimately, the Galaxy A26 offers more visual punch and a snappier experience but at the cost of greater energy draw across most usage categories. Meanwhile, the Xperia 10 V 5G caters to users who prioritise longer sessions and efficient use, even if it comes with more modest hardware performance.
When comparing battery efficiency across the Samsung Galaxy A26, Honor 200 Lite, Sony Xperia 10 V 5G, and the Mid Tier average, one thing becomes clear: even if the overall performance scores are similar, the way each phone handles everyday tasks is quite different. That’s because these scores are not just about how much power is used during active use, but also how well the phone manages what’s happening in the background when not in use.
Unlike its rivals, the Galaxy A26 performs surprisingly well when idle or in standby. It’s able to reduce power drain significantly when apps are open but inactive, or when the screen is off and the phone is on hold. This effective idle management helps compensate for the much higher battery usage during active tasks, pulling the overall battery score closer to its more efficient competitors.
In contrast, both the Honor 200 Lite and Xperia 10 V 5G consume less power during individual tasks — they’re simply better tuned for low drain while interacting with apps. The Honor, in particular, is consistently efficient across all workloads, and the Xperia excels in communication and browsing, although it's a bit more demanding when using the camera.
In short, the Galaxy A26 drains faster during actual use, but preserves energy well in between. That’s why, even though it burns through more power while you’re using it, it still ends up with a similar total battery score — especially for users with more passive or standby-heavy usage patterns. Still, those seeking better overall efficiency in day-to-day tasks might lean toward the Honor or Xperia instead.
4. Battery Efficiency
In ViserMark’s battery efficiency evaluation, the Samsung Galaxy A26 received a modest 0.5-leaf rating — the same as the Xperia 10 V 5G, and well below both the mid-tier average and the Honor 200 Lite, which leads this group with a 1.5-leaf score.
This low efficiency score doesn’t stem from lack of battery capacity, as both the A26 and Xperia 10 V 5G carry 5,000mAh cells. Instead, it reflects how each phone manages its energy during day-to-day tasks. While the Galaxy A26 performs reasonably when idle, it consumes considerably more power during nearly every active use case, from social media to calls and gaming. This aggressive drain drags down its efficiency despite decent overall battery life.
By contrast, the Honor 200 Lite strikes a much better balance. It uses less energy per task and demonstrates stronger background management, which translates into longer usage time and lower annual consumption. The Sony Xperia 10 V 5G, while also rated 0.5 leaves, shows slightly better control in communication and media tasks, though it still falls short of average expectations.
In summary, the Galaxy A26 may offer solid endurance thanks to its standby performance, but when it comes to power efficiency in real use, it lags well behind the competition in its tier.
5. Annual Energy Consumption
According to ViserMark’s annual energy testing, the Samsung Galaxy A26 registers a consumption of 4.6 kWh per year, placing it well above both the mid-tier average (3.66 kWh) and the far more efficient Honor 200 Lite (2.9 kWh). Only the Sony Xperia 10 V 5G fares worse, with a slightly higher figure of 4.9 kWh, the highest in this comparison.
The Honor 200 Lite demonstrates a far more balanced approach, managing to keep power consumption low without sacrificing responsiveness. It uses nearly 40% less energy annually, which not only benefits battery longevity but also makes it the more sustainable and wallet-friendly option over time.
While the Galaxy A26 may hold up in daily endurance thanks to its large 5,000mAh battery, its inefficient power management during real use limits its value for users seeking long-term energy savings.
Who Should Buy the Samsung Galaxy A26?
The Samsung Galaxy A26 is well-suited for users seeking a reliable, no-fuss smartphone that balances endurance, clean design and long-term support. It’s an ideal fit for those who prioritise battery longevity, simplicity and durability over bleeding-edge performance.
With its large AMOLED screen, IP67 water resistance and Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection, it appeals to users who want solid hardware without overpaying. Its software longevity also makes it a smart choice for those who plan to hold onto their device for several years without worrying about outdated apps or features.
Everyday users, especially those who focus on browsing, messaging, video streaming and light photography, will find the A26 dependable and familiar. Its efficiency during idle and standby makes it particularly appealing for people with passive use habits or those who don't constantly push their device.
However, it’s less suitable for power users, gamers, or anyone who relies on demanding apps, frequent multitasking or extended sessions on mobile data and GPS. The A26’s energy consumption spikes under pressure, and its 25W charging—without a bundled adapter—can feel sluggish by 2025 standards.
The Galaxy A26 is ultimately for users who value stability, battery life and Samsung’s trusted ecosystem in a mid-range package that gets the job done, quietly, reliably, and without unnecessary frills.
ViserMark VERDICT
The Samsung Galaxy A26 - what's it like to use?
Using the Galaxy A26 is a reminder that a mid-range phone can still feel smooth, sturdy, and thoughtfully built, so long as your expectations are realistic. Daily tasks like browsing, messaging, video streaming and social media run without hiccups, especially on the 8GB RAM variant. One UI 7 is clean and familiar, offering just enough customisation and smart features without overwhelming the user.
The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display adds a premium touch with vibrant colours and a 120Hz refresh rate, though its brightness can feel lacking under strong sunlight. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is quick and reliable, and the phone’s IP67 rating adds peace of mind for everyday use.
That said, the A26 starts to show its limits when pushed. Heavy multitasking, 3D gaming or frequent GPS use can cause occasional stutters and faster battery drain. Charging is also on the slower side at 25W, with no charger in the box, which may test the patience of more demanding users.
Still, for light to moderate use, the Galaxy A26 feels dependable and efficient. It’s a practical daily companion wrapped in a sleek design, with long-term software support and solid hardware fundamentals that make it easy to live with.
VCX (Valued Camera eXperience)
The VCX Forum has been working with its members on the system and infrastructure as a non-profit organisation. We strive to improve our technology to develop and exchange accurate and objective quality and performance indicators, which is our ultimate goal. We will also serve as a compass for the smartphone camera industry. We appreciate your interest in the VCX Forum.
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Background
The Samsung Group is a South Korean multinational conglomerate headquartered in Samsung Town, Seoul. It comprises numerous affiliated businesses, most united under the Samsung brand. Samsung Electronics has assembly plants and sales networks in 74 countries and employs around 290,000 people. Samsung is a major manufacturer of electronic components such as lithium-ion batteries, semiconductors, image sensors, camera modules and displays for clients such as Apple, Sony, HTC and Nokia.
Written by
Marcella Frattari is the Communication Marketing and Lead Generation Manager at SmartViser, playing a key role in shaping the company's communication and marketing strategies. With a background in journalism and a passion for digital communication, Marcella focuses on improving SmartViser's overall online presence and engagement. Her dedication to clear, effective communication and creative content makes her a valuable asset to the team.
Press Contact
Marcella Frattari: Contact@visermark.com
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