Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Tech Advisor reports that Samsung’s One UI 9 software has been spotted on an unreleased Galaxy S26 FE model, indicating advanced development progress.
- The Galaxy S26 FE is expected to launch in September 2026 with the Exynos 2500 chip, following the typical Fan Edition release pattern.
- This development suggests Samsung is preparing another affordable flagship alternative, though timing may create competition with discounted premium models.
Samsung’s upcoming One UI 9 overhauled Android software has been spotted running on an as-yet unreleased Galaxy S26 model.
We’re expecting One UI 9 to make its debut on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Flip 8 foldable series, which are set to make their debut on 22 July.
However, reliable tipster Tarun Vats has reported that a One UI 9 test build for the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE has appeared on the company’s server.
The phone, which bears the code number SM-S741N in Korea, is the follow-up to the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE and the news means it appears on track for a usual September release date.
These ‘Fan Edition’ phones tend to launch towards the end of the year, and offer a more affordable almost-flagship package than the regular series.
Galaxy S26 FE: FIRST One UI 9 test build spotted on the server today 👀
Build Version: S741NKSU0AZE5/S741NOKR0AZE5/S741NKSU0AZE5
Model number SM-S741N is confirmed for Korea
Repost pic.twitter.com/xSOsotQ2Zd
— Tarun Vats (@tarunvats33) May 20, 2026
What to expect from the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
While we don’t have any more detailed spec information, we had heard previously that the phone will run on Samsung’s Exynos 2500 chip, after it cropped up in the Geekbench benchmarking tool.
We’ve seen this chip before running in the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, though the Samsung Galaxy S26 runs on the newer and faster Exynos 2600.
As for a potential launch window, the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE launched in September of 2025, so we’d expect a similar time frame for its successor. Given that the phone seems set to run on One UI 9 out of the box, we’re not expecting a surprise early launch prior to Samsung’s big foldable announcement.
Which is a bit of a shame, if I’m being honest. One persistent criticism that I’ve had with the FE range is that it tends to launch at a time when the superior non-FE range (so the Samsung Galaxy S25, for example) is being heavily discounted, and with the follow-up flagship mere months away.
With that said, our very own Mobile Editor Anyron Copeman was a huge fan of the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, calling it an “excellent all-rounder that sets a new standard for mid-range phones”.
Here’s hoping the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE can keep up the good work and also top our best mid-range phone chart.
