Two new hands-on videos have surfaced online, giving us an extended real-world look at the Galaxy S26 FE ahead of its expected launch. The clips, posted on TikTok, showcase a Purple/Violet version of the phone and confirm several key specs, including the unusual Horizontal Lock video capture mode.
The first video runs nearly 90 seconds and appears to have been filmed in Malaysia at a Samsung product area inside a store. It highlights the phone’s design, which features a camera housing in line with the Galaxy S26 series. The video also confirms a 4,900mAh battery, a 120Hz display, and Horizontal Lock video capture. Photo samples were also shared alongside the clip.
A second video, just over 30 seconds long, was posted by another TikTok account and later shared on X. It also shows a Purple/Violet Galaxy S26 FE with the same camera design, running One UI 9 on top of Android 17. The video reiterates the Horizontal Lock video capture feature and the 120Hz refresh rate.
One or both clips mention an Exynos 2500 chipset, 45W charging speeds, and a 50MP/12MP/8MP rear camera setup. It is unclear whether this information was taken directly from the demo units or simply repeated from earlier leaks. Regardless, the cumulative evidence suggests the Galaxy S26 FE is very close to its official unveiling.
Horizontal Lock video mode explained
Horizontal Lock is one of the more intriguing features to come out of the Galaxy S26 series this year. It appears to be a specialized video capture mode that locks the camera’s orientation to horizontal, regardless of how the phone is held. This could be particularly useful for creators who want stable landscape video without having to physically rotate the device or rely on third-party apps.
The feature was previously spotted in leaks related to the Galaxy S26 Ultra, and its presence on the Galaxy S26 FE suggests that Samsung is bringing this capability to a wider range of devices. While the exact implementation remains unclear, it likely uses a combination of gyroscope data and software cropping to maintain a horizontal frame even when the phone is tilted.
For mobile videographers, Horizontal Lock could be a game-changer. It eliminates the need to rotate the phone in your hand when switching between portrait and landscape recording, and it ensures that video always appears upright on social media platforms. This is a small but meaningful quality-of-life improvement that could help Samsung differentiate its mid-premium FE lineup from competing devices.
In addition, Horizontal Lock might work in tandem with Samsung’s existing Super Steady video stabilization. The combination of electronic image stabilization and orientation locking could deliver remarkably smooth footage. It remains to be seen whether the feature will be available at all resolutions and frame rates, or restricted to specific recording modes. Samsung will need to explain these details at launch.
A familiar design with a fresh look
The Galaxy S26 FE appears to borrow heavily from the design of the Galaxy S26 series. The camera housing in the videos matches what we have seen in leaked renders, with vertically arranged sensors that sit flush within a raised module. The Purple/Violet finish is also in line with Samsung’s recent trend of offering playful color options across its FE lineup.
The front of the device is not shown in great detail, but earlier leaks suggest a flat AMOLED display with slim bezels and a centrally aligned punch-hole camera. A 120Hz refresh rate is expected, and the hands-on videos confirm this spec. The display size is likely to be around 6.7 inches, though that has not been officially confirmed.
Samsung’s FE series has traditionally offered a near-flagship experience at a more accessible price, and the Galaxy S26 FE looks set to continue that trend. The inclusion of the Exynos 2500 chipset is notable, as previous FE models have sometimes used older or slightly lower-tier processors. The Exynos 2500 is expected to deliver solid performance and improved efficiency, bringing the FE closer to the flagship S26 series.
Design-wise, the Galaxy S26 FE is expected to feature an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass on the front and back. The IP68 water and dust resistance rating has been a staple of the FE line since the Galaxy S20 FE, and it should remain here. Wireless charging is another feature that FE fans have come to expect, and there is no reason to believe Samsung would remove it.
Performance, battery, and charging
One of the most significant upgrades in the hands-on videos is the mention of 45W charging. Samsung’s FE models have traditionally been limited to 25W charging, so a jump to 45W would be a welcome improvement. Combined with a 4,900mAh battery, the Galaxy S26 FE could offer all-day battery life and faster top-ups when needed.
The 4,900mAh capacity itself is a step up from the Galaxy S25 FE, which reportedly featured a 4,600mAh battery. This increase, paired with a more efficient chipset, should result in noticeably better endurance. Fast charging at 45W means a 0-50% charge could take well under 30 minutes, depending on the charger and Samsung’s software optimization.
While the videos do not show charging speeds or battery settings being toggled, the fact that the information appears on demo units suggests it was confirmed by Samsung’s own marketing material. It is also possible that the 45W figure was repeated by the TikTok creator from previous leaks. Still, given the cadence of Samsung’s recent releases, it would be surprising if the Galaxy S26 FE launched without this upgrade.
On the performance side, the Exynos 2500 chipset is expected to
Source:Android Authority News