Samsung is widely expected to launch the Galaxy S26 FE in the coming weeks, and while renders and spec sheets have already painted a fairly complete picture, two new hands-on videos have now surfaced online offering what appears to be an extended real-world look at the upcoming phone. The clips, which were posted across social media in recent days, showcase the device in all its glory and appear to confirm several key features, including a rather interesting video capture mode that has been generating buzz among Samsung fans.
The first video comes from a TikTok account called @_samz02, which posted an almost 90-second-long clip showing what appears to be a Galaxy S26 FE on display in a store. The footage is believed to have been filmed in Malaysia, inside what looks like a Samsung product area. The video gives viewers a close look at the phone’s design, featuring a Purple or Violet color option and a rear camera housing that is very much in line with the design language of the Galaxy S26 series. Beyond the aesthetics, the video also confirms a 4,900mAh battery, a 120Hz display, and the much-discussed Horizontal Lock video capture feature. The creator even followed up by posting photo samples on TikTok, giving potential buyers a glimpse of the camera performance.
A second hands-on video was later posted by TikTok account @samsungcentralsquare, and was shared on X by a user named Bradley, who goes by @VerdeSelvans. This clip is just over 30 seconds long but still manages to run down a few purported specs. It too shows a Purple/Violet phone with the familiar camera housing, and specifically mentions One UI 9 running on top of Android 17, along with Horizontal Lock video capture and a 120Hz refresh rate. Interestingly, one or both of the clips are also said to mention an Exynos 2500 chipset, 45W charging speeds, and a 50MP / 12MP / 8MP rear camera setup. However, it remains unclear whether this information was gleaned directly from the demo units themselves or simply repeated from previous leaks.
The Galaxy S26 FE at a glance
The Galaxy S26 FE, short for Fan Edition, is expected to carry on Samsung’s tradition of offering many of the flagship features found in the main Galaxy S26 lineup at a more approachable price point. The Fan Edition series has historically been positioned as a bridge between the standard Galaxy A series and the company’s premium flagships, aiming to deliver a high-quality display, capable cameras, and long battery life without reaching the premium price tags of the Galaxy S26, S26+, or S26 Ultra.
According to the latest hands-on videos, the Galaxy S26 FE appears to feature a flat 120Hz AMOLED display, which would be a welcome upgrade for users who prefer a more traditional screen without the curved edges seen on some prior models. The 120Hz refresh rate is now standard across most of Samsung’s mid-range and upper-mid-range devices, and its inclusion here is no surprise. Combined with the rumored 4,900mAh battery capacity, the S26 FE should offer strong all-day endurance, especially when paired with a power-efficient chipset like the Exynos 2500.
The Exynos 2500 is expected to be the engine powering the Galaxy S26 FE, at least in certain markets. Samsung has historically used its in-house Exynos processors in various Galaxy devices, often depending on the region and the model tier. The Exynos 2500 is expected to bring improvements in CPU performance, GPU capabilities, and on-device AI processing, which could be particularly important for features like Horizontal Lock video capture and other camera-related enhancements. While some users have expressed concerns about Exynos chips in the past, recent generations have closed the gap considerably, and the 2500 series is expected to be a strong performer in everyday tasks as well as more demanding workloads like mobile gaming and video editing.
On the camera front, the purported setup consists of a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8MP telephoto or macro sensor. This mirrors the configuration found on the previous Galaxy S25 FE, which has been praised for its versatile camera system. The 50MP main sensor should allow for sharp, detailed photos in a variety of lighting conditions, while the 12MP ultra-wide lens is well-suited for landscapes and group shots. The 8MP sensor’s exact role remains unclear, but it could provide a modest optical zoom or macro capabilities, depending on Samsung’s tuning and lens hardware.
Horizontal Lock: a new way to shoot video
One of the most intriguing features confirmed by the hands-on videos is Horizontal Lock video capture. This mode appears to be a new addition to Samsung’s camera software, and while details are thin, the name suggests it is designed to keep video footage level and stable even when the phone is tilted or moved in unusual ways. This could be particularly useful for action shots, vlogging, or any scenario where the user is moving around while recording. The feature may rely on the phone’s gyroscope and electronic image stabilization (EIS) to lock the horizon in place, ensuring that the output remains steady and visually pleasing even if the physical device rotates slightly during recording.
Horizontal Lock is the kind of feature that appeals both to casual users and content creators who may not want to carry a gimbal or other stabilization equipment. By automatically aligning the video with the true horizon, Samsung could help eliminate one of the most common issues in handheld video recording: tilted, off-kilter shots that require significant editing to fix. If implemented well, this could become one of the signature camera features of the Galaxy S26 FE, much like the Space Zoom on the Ultra models or the Single Take mode introduced on previous generations.
The confirmation of Horizontal Lock through these hands-on videos is significant because it suggests that the feature is not just a software gimmick shown off in promotional materials, but a real, working function included in the retail units. Demo units appearing in physical stores also indicate that Samsung has already begun distributing the Galaxy S26 FE to retail partners, a strong signal that the official launch is just around the corner.
One UI 9 and Android 17
Another detail revealed in the videos is that the Galaxy S26 FE will run One UI 9, which is based on Android 17. Samsung has been steadily refining its One UI skin over the years, focusing on improved customization, better multitasking, and deeper integration with the company’s ecosystem of devices and services. One UI 9 is expected to bring further refinements to the user interface, including new widgets, enhanced always-on display options, and possibly new AI-powered features that take advantage of the Exynos 2500’s neural processing unit (NPU).
Android 17 itself is the next major version of Google’s operating system, and while its full feature set has not been officially unveiled, developers and early previews have pointed to enhancements in areas like privacy, device connectivity, and adaptive battery management. For the Galaxy S26 FE, arriving with a newer version of Android out of the box is a plus, as Samsung has committed to providing multiple years of software updates for its devices. Buyers can expect the S26 FE to receive at least four major OS updates and five years of security patches, following Samsung’s existing policy for high-end devices.
The combination of One UI 9 and Android 17 should also bring improved performance, thanks to optimizations at both the operating system and application layers. Samsung has worked to reduce bloatware and improve system responsiveness in recent versions of One UI, and the Galaxy S26 FE is likely to benefit from these efforts. For users who have been holding onto an older Galaxy phone, the S26 FE with One UI 9 could feel snappier and more intuitive, especially when navigating between apps, using split-screen multitasking, or interacting with the always-on display.
Charging and battery: a meaningful upgrade?
One of the specs mentioned in the hands-on videos is 45W charging speeds, which would represent a notable upgrade over the 25W charging found on the Galaxy S25 FE. Faster charging has been a long-requested feature for many Samsung users, especially in the mid-range and Fan Edition segments. While 45W is still behind the speeds offered by some Chinese rivals, which now push well beyond 100W, it is a solid improvement for Samsung and should allow the 4,900mAh battery to be refilled from empty to around 50% in roughly 30 minutes, depending on the charger and power management settings.
It is worth noting that Samsung often ships devices without a charger in the box, so users may need to purchase a compatible 45W USB Power Delivery charger separately to take full advantage of the faster charging speeds. Alternatively, users with an existing Samsung 45W charger from a previous phone or laptop can use it with the Galaxy S26 FE. The phone is also expected to support wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, which would allow it to top up accessories like the Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Buds wirelessly.
The combination of a larger 4,900mAh battery and more efficient Exynos 2500 chipset could deliver exceptional battery life, potentially lasting a full day and a half with moderate use and easily reaching a full day for heavy users. That battery capacity is higher than the 4,560mAh cell found in the Galaxy S25 FE, which already offered solid endurance. Combined with the 120Hz display, the S26 FE should be a dependable device for those who are frequently away from a power outlet.
Design and colors
From a design perspective, the Galaxy S26 FE looks set to follow the design cues introduced with the Galaxy S26 series. The rear camera housing, as seen in the hands-on videos, is integrated into the back panel, giving the phone a more streamlined appearance compared to earlier models where the camera sensors sat in a separate raised module. The Purple or Violet color option is particularly eye-catching, and it may not be the only new color available. Samsung typically offers a handful of colors at launch, with more arriving later as seasonal options.
The materials used for the S26 FE are expected to include an aluminum frame and some form of glass or frosted glass on the back, though Samsung may use a less expensive approach than the premium glass found on the full flagship devices. The display is expected to feature a punch-hole cutout for the front camera, which is now a standard design element across Samsung’s lineup. The frame is likely to be relatively thin, and the phone should support an in-display fingerprint sensor, which Samsung has used on its FE models for several generations.
One area where the Fan Edition has historically differed from the mainline flagships is in the quality of the vibration motor and the speakers, with the FE series sometimes using slightly less premium components. It is not yet clear whether the Galaxy S26 FE will improve upon these aspects, but the hands-on videos do not suggest any obvious downgrades. The 120Hz display and large battery are positive signs, and fans will likely be pleased with the overall build quality if the retail units match the demo units shown in the videos.
Pricing concerns and market positioning
While the hands-on videos are certainly exciting for Galaxy fans, there is one nagging concern: pricing. An earlier leak suggested that the Galaxy S26 FE could see a price increase compared to the Galaxy S25 FE. If that proves to be accurate, it could test the patience of consumers who have come to see the Fan Edition as the sweet spot for value in Samsung’s lineup. The S25 FE launched at a retail price that was already slightly higher than some rivals, and a further increase could push it into competition with more fully-featured devices from other manufacturers.
However, rising component costs, inflation, and the inclusion of features like 45W charging and a larger battery may justify a small price bump. If the Galaxy S26 FE arrives with the Exynos 2500, 120Hz display, versatile triple camera, and the new Horizontal Lock video mode, it could still be considered a good deal, especially for buyers who prefer Samsung’s software experience and ecosystem integration over raw specs.
Samsung has not officially announced a launch date for the Galaxy S26 FE, but the appearance of demo units in retail stores is a classic sign that an announcement is imminent. In previous years, the Fan Edition has launched in the fall, around September or October. With August already winding down and hands-on videos circulating, a launch within the next month seems highly likely. The fact that stores are now displaying the device suggests that Samsung is in the final stages of its rollout plan, and pre-orders could begin shortly after the official reveal.
What to expect in the days ahead
As the Galaxy S26 FE launch window approaches, more leaks and official teasers are almost certain to surface. The hands-on videos from TikTok have already given us a solid look at the design and confirmed the headline features, but there are still questions about the camera quality, software polish, and real-world performance of the Exynos 2500. Early photo samples posted by the original TikTok creator may offer a taste of the camera capabilities, but full reviews and detailed comparisons will have to wait until the phone is officially announced and review units are handed out.
The Galaxy S26 FE also plays an important role in Samsung’s broader smartphone strategy, as the Fan Edition series helps the company maintain momentum in the upper mid-range market, where competition is fierce from both established rivals like Google and Apple as well as aggressive challengers like OnePlus and Xiaomi. By offering a well-rounded package with a focus on display, battery, and camera, Samsung aims to appeal to a wide range of consumers, from students to professionals who want a dependable device without breaking the bank.
For now, the two hands-on videos serve as the most detailed look yet at the Galaxy S26 FE, and they paint a picture of a phone that is very much in line with expectations. The confirmation of Horizontal Lock video capture is a notable development that suggests Samsung is still finding ways to differentiate its phones through software and camera innovations. Combined with the 120Hz display, 4,900mAh battery, and One UI 9, the Galaxy S26 FE appears poised to be a strong contender in the competitive mid-range flagship segment.
As always, interested buyers should keep an eye on official Samsung channels in the coming weeks for the full announcement, including regional availability, storage options, and, of course, the final price. If the Galaxy S26 FE launches at the expected time, we could see it reach store shelves by late September or early October, giving fans a solid reason to be excited for the holiday shopping season.
Source:Android Authority News