Samsung has officially unveiled the Galaxy S26 FE, and pre-orders are now open ahead of its launch on Friday, September 4. But here’s the twist: the new Fan Edition carries a higher price tag than its predecessor, even though the list of upgrades is surprisingly short. If you’re in the market for a new phone, you might want to think twice before hitting that pre-order button.
Galaxy S26 FE: Pre-order details and pricing
The Galaxy S26 FE is available for pre-order starting today, with general availability set for September 4. The base model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage is priced at €700 on Amazon Germany. If you need more space, the 256GB variant will set you back €800.
For a phone that’s supposed to be the “fan favorite” value pick, that’s a steep ask. The previous FE model launched at a lower price, and the incremental upgrades don’t justify the jump for most buyers. You’re getting a slightly better chipset, a refreshed camera setup, and a few AI features—but nothing that screams “must-buy” at this price point.
What’s new on the Galaxy S26 FE?
The S26 FE does bring some improvements over its predecessor. It features a newer processor that should handle gaming and multitasking with ease, and the display is a bit brighter with a faster refresh rate. The camera system has also seen a modest upgrade, particularly in low-light performance. However, if you already own an S25 FE or even an S24 FE, the differences are hardly noticeable in day-to-day use.
Battery life is about the same, and charging speeds haven’t improved either. In fact, the design is almost identical to last year’s model, so you won’t be impressing anyone at the coffee shop. The real question is: should you pay €800 for this when you could get a better phone for less?
The Galaxy S26+ is cheaper—and better
Here’s where things get interesting. If you compare the 256GB versions, the Galaxy S26+ is actually cheaper than the S26 FE. That’s right—the higher-tier model costs less, which makes the FE’s pricing even harder to justify.
The Galaxy S26+ comes with a larger, higher-resolution display, a more powerful processor, and a significantly better camera system. It also has a bigger battery and supports faster charging. In almost every way, the S26+ is the superior phone, and it’s available for a lower price when you factor in current deals.
So why would anyone choose the FE? Perhaps you prefer a slightly smaller form factor, or you’re loyal to the FE line. But from a pure value standpoint, the S26+ is the obvious choice. If you’re already spending €800 on a phone, you might as well get the one that offers more for your money.
Current deals on the Galaxy S26+
Right now, several retailers are offering the Galaxy S26+ at a discount, bringing the 256GB model below the S26 FE’s price. Amazon Germany, for instance, has it listed at €780, which is €20 less than the FE. Other retailers might have even better offers, especially if you’re willing to trade in an old device.
Carrier deals are also worth checking out. Some carriers are bundling the S26+ with free accessories or extended warranties, which adds even more value. If you’re not in a rush, you might want to wait a few weeks—prices often drop further after the initial pre-order period ends.
Poco phones: Several models are now cheaper
If you’re not tied to Samsung, there’s good news from Xiaomi’s sub-brand Poco. Several Poco models have seen price drops this week, making them excellent budget-friendly alternatives. Whether you’re looking for a gaming phone or a daily driver, there’s a Poco for you.
Poco F7 Pro: Flagship performance on a budget
The Poco F7 Pro is one of the best value flagships you can buy right now. It’s powered by a Snapdragon 8-series chip, has a 120Hz AMOLED display, and a battery that easily lasts a full day. The camera is decent, though not in the same league as the S26+. But at its current price of around €450, it’s a steal.
For gamers, the F7 Pro is particularly appealing. The cooling system keeps thermals in check during long sessions, and the touch response is excellent. If you’re on a tight budget but want near-flagship performance, this is the phone to get.
Poco X7 Pro: Mid-range champ
The Poco X7 Pro has also received a price cut, now sitting at around €350. It offers a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Dimensity chip that handles most games smoothly, and a 5000mAh battery with 67W fast charging. The camera setup is versatile, including a 50MP main sensor and an ultrawide lens.
This phone is perfect for those who want a great all-rounder without breaking the bank. The build quality is solid, and the software experience is close to stock Android, which many users prefer. At this price, it’s hard to find a better deal.
Poco M6 Pro: Ultra-budget option
If your budget is even tighter, the Poco M6 Pro is now available for under €200. It comes with a 90Hz display, a decent MediaTek chip, and a 5000mAh battery. The camera is basic but serviceable for daylight shots. It’s not going to win any awards, but for the price, it’s a reliable option for everyday tasks.
This phone is ideal for students, seniors, or anyone who just needs a basic smartphone for calls, messaging, and light web browsing. The M6 Pro also supports expandable storage, so you can add a microSD card for extra space.
Should you wait or buy now?
With the Galaxy S26 FE launching next week, you might be tempted to grab it immediately. But given the pricing situation, it’s wise to compare it with the S26+ and even the Poco models. The FE’s main selling points are its compact size and the promise of long-term software updates. However, if you’re looking for the best value, the S26+ is the clear winner.
For those on a strict budget, the Poco phones offer incredible performance per dollar. The F7 Pro, in particular, gives you flagship-level speed for less than half the price of the S26 FE. The trade-offs are in camera quality and brand prestige, but for many users, that’s a worthwhile sacrifice.
Pre-order bonuses and trade-in offers
If you do decide to pre-order the Galaxy S26 FE, keep an eye out for promotional bonuses. Some retailers are offering free Galaxy Buds or a discount on a Galaxy Watch with the pre-order. Trade-in deals can also knock a significant amount off the price—sometimes up to €150 if you have an older Samsung phone.
However, these bonuses are often available for the S26+ as well, which makes the FE even less attractive. Always read the fine print and compare the total cost after trade-ins and bonuses before making a decision.
Final thoughts on this week’s deals
This week’s deals are a mixed bag. The Galaxy S26 FE is new and shiny, but its pricing is off-putting, especially when the S26+ costs less. If you’re a Samsung fan, go for the S26+ without hesitation. If you’re open to other brands, the Poco lineup offers exceptional value across various price points.
Remember that pre-orders don’t ship until September 4, so you have time to shop around. Check multiple retailers, look for coupon codes, and consider buying a previous-generation model if you want to save even more. The S25 FE, for instance, is still a great phone and likely to drop in price once the S26 FE hits shelves.
In the end, the best deal depends on your needs and budget. But one thing is clear: the Galaxy S26 FE is not the value king it used to be. Do your homework, and you’ll find a better phone for the same money or less.
