Two alleged hands-on videos of the Galaxy S26 FE have appeared online, giving us one of the best real-world looks yet at Samsung's next Fan Edition smartphone. The clips, posted separately on TikTok, show the device in a Purple/Violet finish and confirm several key specifications, including a 4,900mAh battery, a 120Hz display, and the much-talked-about Horizontal Lock video capture mode.
What the hands-on videos show
The longer of the two clips comes from the TikTok account @_samz02 and runs for almost 90 seconds. The video was reportedly shot in Malaysia at what appears to be a Samsung product area inside a store. It shows the phone from multiple angles, offering a clear look at the rear camera housing, which is in line with the design language of the Galaxy S26 family. The device seen in the video is finished in a Purple/Violet color, and the creator also shared a few photo samples captured with the phone.
A second clip, posted by the TikTok account @samsungcentralsquare, was later shared on X by user @VerdeSelvans. That video is just over 30 seconds long and also focuses on the same Purple/Violet handset. It runs through a few purported specifications and confirms the presence of One UI 9 running on top of Android 17. The short clip highlights the 120Hz refresh rate and the Horizontal Lock video capture feature as well.
Together, the two videos appear to corroborate much of the recent speculation around the Galaxy S26 FE. The design appears to be consistent with earlier renders, and the presence of actual demo units in retail environments suggests that a formal announcement is not far off.
Key specifications confirmed by the videos
The hands-on clips mention a handful of specifications that fans have been waiting to see confirmed. The battery is listed as a 4,900mAh unit, which would represent a modest upgrade over previous FE models and should provide all-day endurance for most users. The display is said to support a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and a more responsive feel during daily use. The phone is also shown running One UI 9, which is expected to ship with Android 17 out of the box.
In addition to those headline features, the videos reference an Exynos 2500 chipset. That would be a notable choice for the FE series, which has historically mixed Exynos and Snapdragon processors depending on the region. The clips also mention 45W wired charging, which would put the S26 FE in line with many current flagship phones. For photography, the alleged triple camera setup consists of a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8MP telephoto shooter. It is unclear from the videos whether the phone also includes a dedicated macro sensor or if the third camera is purely a zoom lens, but the listed configuration is in keeping with previous FE models.
It is worth noting that the videos do not necessarily mean Samsung itself confirmed these specifications. The information could have been pulled from earlier leaks and repeated in the clips, or it could come from on-screen demo data and retail signage. Even so, the fact that multiple videos show the same general specifications is a promising sign that this is an accurate picture of the final retail device.
Horizontal Lock video capture explained
One of the more interesting features confirmed by the hands-on videos is Horizontal Lock. This is not a standard camera feature on most phones, and it appears to be a Samsung invention for the Galaxy S26 generation. Horizontal Lock is designed to make it easier to shoot landscape-oriented video without having to rotate the phone manually. Once the feature is enabled, the camera records in a horizontal orientation even if the phone is being held upright. This can be especially useful for creators who want to capture widescreen content while using a tripod or gimbal, or for those who simply prefer not to rotate their device every time they switch between portrait and landscape.
Based on what is shown in the videos, Horizontal Lock appears to be a dedicated mode within the camera app. When active, it likely locks the video output to a horizontal aspect ratio regardless of the physical orientation of the device. The feature may generate a warning or on-screen indicator to let the user know that the footage will be saved in landscape format. While the implementation is not fully detailed in the clips, the fact that Samsung is adding this functionality to the S26 FE suggests that the company is paying close attention to the needs of mobile content creators.
What this means for the Galaxy FE lineup
The Fan Edition series has been a key part of Samsung's smartphone portfolio since the Galaxy S20 FE debuted in 2020. The goal of these devices is to offer a premium experience at a more accessible price point, typically by keeping the core camera, display, and performance features of the flagship models while using slightly older or slightly less powerful components in a few areas. The Galaxy S26 FE appears to be following that exact formula, with a large battery, high refresh rate display, and a capable camera system wrapped in a design that closely resembles the standard Galaxy S26.
Samsung has refined the FE formula over the years. The Galaxy S21 FE streamlined the design and added wireless charging support, while later generations improved the camera hardware and battery life. The S25 FE, which preceded the S26 FE, is believed to have sold well in many markets thanks to its strong display and long battery life. For the S26 FE, Samsung seems to be focusing on video features like Horizontal Lock, as well as battery longevity and fast charging. If the rumored 45W charging speed is accurate, it would be a significant upgrade over the 25W speeds found on many previous FE models.
Price concerns
One piece of potentially disappointing news for prospective buyers is that the Galaxy S26 FE might cost more than its predecessor. Earlier leaks have suggested that Samsung is planning a higher starting price for this generation, likely due to rising component costs and the inclusion of newer technology such as the Exynos 2500 chipset. If the price increase is modest, it could be offset by the added features and improved battery life. However, a more significant jump could push the S26 FE into direct competition with other mid-range and even some flagship devices, which would make the value proposition a bit less clear.
Historically, Samsung has launched the FE series at a price that sits comfortably below the mainline Galaxy S models. The Galaxy S25 FE, for example, was initially priced in the mid-range segment and offered a strong balance of features for the money. With the S26 FE, Samsung appears to be pushing the envelope in terms of hardware, but if the price crosses a certain threshold, some consumers may choose to wait for a discount or consider other options in the market.
When can we expect the official launch?
The appearance of retail demo units is a strong indicator that the official launch is close. In the past, Samsung has typically held Unpacked events in the late summer or early autumn to introduce new Fan Edition models. Given that hands-on videos have started to surface in mid-August 2026, it would not be surprising to see an official announcement within the next few weeks. Samsung has not confirmed a date for the Galaxy S26 FE launch, but the steady stream of leaks and the presence of units in stores suggests that the company is in the final stages of preparation.
Once the phone is officially announced, we should get full details on pricing, availability, and regional configurations. It is also possible that Samsung will introduce the S26 FE alongside other products, such as a new tablet or wearable, but no firm evidence of that has emerged so far. For now, the hands-on videos give us a solid preview of the design and the key specifications, and they also validate some of the more surprising features that had been rumored.
All eyes will now be on Samsung's official announcement to see how much this new Fan Edition phone will cost and when it will arrive in different markets.
Source:Android Authority News