Samsung has expanded the availability of its latest budget-friendly smartphone, the Galaxy A26, to the Philippines market. This new addition to Samsung’s A-series lineup brings several notable improvements over its predecessor while maintaining an affordable price point.
Key Features and Specifications
The Galaxy A26 boasts a sleek 7.7mm thin profile, making it more compact than previous models. It features a large 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, providing an immersive viewing experience for multimedia and gaming.
Under the hood, the device is powered by Samsung’s Exynos 1380 chipset, paired with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM. Storage options include 128GB and 256GB variants, with support for microSD card expansion up to 1TB.
One of the standout upgrades is the IP67 water and dust resistance rating - a first for Samsung’s A2x series. This added durability helps protect the device from accidental spills and exposure to dust.
The camera system consists of a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro camera. For selfies, there’s a 13MP front-facing camera housed in a small waterdrop notch.
Pricing and Availability
Samsung has launched the Galaxy A26 in the Philippines with the following pricing:
- 6GB RAM + 128GB storage: ₱15,990 (approximately $277 USD)
- 8GB RAM + 256GB storage: ₱17,990 (approximately $311 USD)
The device is available in three color options: Mint, Black, and Peach Pink. However, at the time of launch, the Peach Pink variant was not yet available for immediate purchase.
Limited-Time Promotions
To entice early adopters, Samsung is offering some special promotions:
Free 25W Charger: Customers who purchase the Galaxy A26 before the end of March (or potentially April 30th, as there are conflicting dates) will receive a complimentary 25W fast charger.
Trade-in Discounts: Users can trade in their old devices for discounts of up to ₱1,000 (around $17 USD) when purchasing the Galaxy A26. This offer is valid until April 30th.
Software and Long-Term Support
The Galaxy A26 comes pre-installed with Android 15 and Samsung’s latest One UI 7 interface. Samsung has committed to providing six major OS upgrades for this device, ensuring longevity and access to new features for years to come.
Notable Improvements
Compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy A26 offers several enhancements:
- Larger 6.7-inch display (up from 6.5 inches)
- Thinner 7.7mm profile for improved ergonomics
- IP67 water and dust resistance
- Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection on the rear panel
- Increased RAM options for better multitasking
- Long-term software support with six OS upgrades
Potential Drawback
It’s worth noting that the Galaxy A26 does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack, following the trend of many modern smartphones. Users will need to rely on USB-C or Bluetooth audio solutions. For those seeking an affordable wireless option, Samsung offers the Galaxy Buds FE in the Philippines for ₱5,490 (approximately $95 USD).
The Galaxy A26 represents a significant step forward in Samsung’s budget smartphone lineup. With its combination of a large, high-quality display, improved durability, and long-term software support, it offers compelling value for users seeking a capable device without breaking the bank. The limited-time promotions make it an even more attractive option for those looking to upgrade their current smartphone.