5 Android phones you should buy instead of the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE continues Samsung’s tradition of offering a device with flagship-level performance while downgrading a few aspects, such as build materials, to hit a lower price point. The …
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The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE continues Samsung’s tradition of offering a device with flagship-level performance while downgrading a few aspects, such as build materials, to hit a lower price point. The big difference this year is that many of its key specs remain unchanged from its predecessor, even as the price rises by $50 — with the S26 FE now starting at $700.
While the Galaxy S26 FE will still likely prove to be a solid device overall, it’s not without real competition. Before you drop your money on the Galaxy S26 FE, you should really consider some of its best Android alternatives first.
The Google Pixel 11 is one of the best Android flagships of 2026, though it is also far from a massive jump over its predecessor. Priced at $900, it might cost around $200 more than the Galaxy S26 FE, but you’ll also get a more premium experience.
The Pixel 11 is the only phone with built-in magnetic charging, which is a huge perk. It also comes with all the conveniences of Google’s Pixel software experience and will be first in line for any future software updates.
The Galaxy S26 FE has a triple-lens configuration: a 50MP main camera, an 8MP telephoto camera, and a 12MP ultrawide shooter. On paper, that’s not too different from Google’s configuration of a 48MP main shooter, 10.8MP telephoto lens, and 13MP ultrawide camera. In reality, Google tends to do a better job with software optimization, so you can expect a more upscale experience.
The Tensor G6 onboard the Pixel 11 is where things start to get a bit more complicated. Despite being a flagship processor, it’s actually a fairly modest chip that prioritizes battery efficiency and AI performance over raw power. Samsung’s Exynos 2500 pushes a bit harder in the gaming and raw performance lanes, though in day-to-day use, you probably won’t notice a major difference.
Ultimately, the Pixel 11 is a more flagship-level device, but a smaller 6.3-inch display and a less powerful SoC might be dealbreakers for some.
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