[DigitalToday reporter Jin-ho Lee] Samsung Electronics unveiled the Galaxy S26 Fan Edition (FE). It includes key flagship features of the Galaxy S series, including Galaxy AI and an auto-tracking portrait camera, while easing the price burden to lower the barrier to the Galaxy S experience.

Samsung Electronics held a launch event on Aug. 27 and said on the same day it will release the Galaxy S26 FE sequentially from Sept. 4 in South Korea, the United States, the UK and Thailand, among other countries.

The Galaxy S26 FE features camera shooting and editing functions, the latest Galaxy AI, a 4,900 mAh battery and a 120Hz display. It comes in three colors: Blueberry, Graphite and Pistachio. In South Korea, the suggested retail price starts at 1,045,000 won for the 256GB model.

Kim Jung-hyun (김정현), a vice president in Samsung Electronics' MX Business, stressed: "The Galaxy S26 FE is a product designed so more customers can experience the innovative Galaxy S series and use it in everyday life."

◆ Enhanced photo and video editing functions... 4,900 mAh battery, 120Hz AMOLED

The Galaxy S26 FE enhances shooting performance based on a rear triple camera and image processing technology. The newly provided "My FanCam" automatically tracks a person selected by the user and edits video around that person. It also includes a "Super Steady" function that keeps shots level during video recording.

With a 3x optical zoom camera, users can clearly capture distant subjects. A 12-megapixel camera is mounted on the front. Samsung Electronics explained that group selfie performance on the front camera is improved over its predecessor, the Galaxy S25 FE.

In low-light environments, users can use "Nightography". After shooting, users can use "Photo Assist" to change the background with natural-language commands or apply other images from the gallery to a photo. The editing process is saved as a history, making it possible to revert to previous steps.

The Galaxy S26 FE applies the latest Galaxy AI based on One User Interface (UI) 9. One UI 9 supports faster and more efficient tasks by understanding users' daily lives and context.

"Now Brief" provides information users need, such as weather, health and traffic, on a single screen. Users can change the briefing card layout through natural-language input and receive information tailored to their schedules and situations.

"Now Nudge" analyzes a user's situation and context to suggest the next action. It also supports "Circle to Search," which can search for products, places and objects in an image. The function has been expanded so multiple pieces of information in a single image can be searched at the same time.

The Galaxy S26 FE includes a 4,900 mAh battery. It can charge up to 69% in 30 minutes. The display uses a 6.7-inch AMOLED supporting up to a 120Hz refresh rate. It also improves convenience when switching devices. With an upgraded "Smart Switch," users can transfer passwords, passkeys, call logs, accessibility settings and eSIM information using only a QR code.

Samsung Electronics supports up to 7 generations of operating system upgrades and 7 years of security updates for the Galaxy S26 FE.

◆ Residual value guarantee of up to 50%... applies "New Galaxy AI Subscription Club"

Samsung Electronics will accept sign-ups from Sept. 4 for the "New Galaxy AI Subscription Club" for buyers of the unlocked Galaxy S26 FE in South Korea. Subscribers are guaranteed a residual value of up to 50% when returning the device and can receive benefits including Samsung Care Plus and accessory discounts.

The subscription period is up to 3 years. The 1-year plan guarantees a residual value of up to 50% of the Samsung.com standard price, the 2-year plan up to 40%, and the 3-year plan up to 25%. The 1- and 2-year plans include "Samsung Care Plus Smartphone Damage+" while the 3-year plan applies a product that covers both loss and damage.

All subscribers also receive benefits compensating up to 3,000,000 won for damages from cyber financial crimes such as phishing, smishing, hacking and pharming, and up to 500,000 won for fraud 피해 from direct internet transactions and shopping malls. The monthly subscription fee is 6,900 won for the 1- and 2-year plans and 8,900 won for the 3-year plan.

Samsung Electronics will also provide Galaxy S26 FE buyers with a 6-month subscription voucher for "Google AI Pro" worth 29,000 won per month, a 2-month Welaa subscription, and a 30% accessory discount coupon usable in the Samsung.com app.