Samsung Galaxy S26 Review: A strong and compact flagship choice

To complete the full review of the Samsung S26 series, I have with me the base variant — the Samsung Galaxy S26. Reviews of the S26+ and S26 Ultra have given us insights into the overall focus of the series. So, the obvious question that comes up is how different the base model is and what it brings compared to its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S25. More importantly, does the Galaxy S26 still carry the same flagship identity despite being the smallest device in the lineup? Let’s find out.

Samsung Galaxy S26 comes across as a perfect compact flagship. The company has made sure that you like it the moment you hold it. It is light, looks good in the hand, and is so slim that it almost feels like gripping a card holder. With a thickness of just 7.2mm and a weight of 167 grams, the device is among the most comfortable flagship phones to carry in 2026. Compared to the Galaxy S25, the refinement is subtle but noticeable in everyday handling.