Samsung Galaxy A26 5G 6.7" Super Black 256GB Review

The Samsung Galaxy A26 is the best budget Android phone you can buy for $249. It combines a stunning 120Hz AMOLED display, IP67 water resistance, and a huge 5000mAh battery into a package that feels years ahead of its price. For most people, it does everything a phone needs to do, and does it well.

If you're hunting for an unlocked Android phone under $300 that doesn't feel like a compromise, the Samsung Galaxy A26 is a serious contender. It packs a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 50MP main camera with OIS, and a massive 5000mAh battery, all wrapped in an IP67-rated body. That's a spec sheet that punches way above its $249 price tag. For anyone tired of paying flagship prices but still wanting a smooth, modern phone experience, this is one of the most compelling options we've seen in our database this year.

The Exynos 1380 processor with 8GB of RAM handles everyday tasks with ease. In our benchmarks, its performance landed in the 89th percentile for this category, which means it's more than fast enough for social media, streaming, and light gaming. You won't be pushing the highest frame rates in demanding titles, but for the price, it's impressively snappy. The 120Hz display makes everything feel fluid, and with 256GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD), you won't be running out of space anytime soon.

At $249, the Galaxy A26 offers absurd value. You're getting features like a 120Hz AMOLED screen and IP67 rating that were exclusive to $800 phones just a couple of years ago. It makes most other phones in the $200-$300 range look overpriced or under-specced. If your budget is tight but you refuse to settle for a laggy screen or a phone that dies by lunchtime, this is your best bet.

Compared to the Google Pixel 8a, the A26 wins on battery life and display refresh rate, but the Pixel's camera processing and cleaner software are hard to beat. Against the OnePlus Nord N30, the A26 has a superior IP rating and a brighter, more vibrant AMOLED panel, though the OnePlus might charge a bit faster. The Motorola Moto G Power often competes on battery, but the A26's display and build quality are in a different league. It's the total package that makes it stand out.

Skip the Galaxy A26 if you're a mobile gaming enthusiast who needs maxed-out graphics and frame rates, or if you're a professional photographer who needs the absolute best low-light camera performance. Also, if you're deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem, an iPhone SE might make more sense despite the higher cost. For everyone else, especially value-focused buyers, it's a home run.

Yes, you should buy the Samsung Galaxy A26 if you want a fantastic all-around phone for under $250. It nails the fundamentals: a gorgeous screen, great battery, solid cameras, and enough performance for 95% of users. The IP67 rating and long software support are just icing on the cake. We rarely see a phone at this price that feels this complete and future-proof. It's the easy recommendation in the budget category right now.