Samsung appears to be preparing the launch of its next-generation Fan Edition smartphone after the Galaxy S26 FE was spotted on the website of the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), the organization responsible for developing and certifying the Qi wireless charging standard.

The listing provides the first official glimpse of the device and suggests Samsung is entering the final stages of development ahead of launch. If the company follows a similar schedule to previous generations, the Galaxy S26 FE could debut in late August or early September 2026, around the same timeframe as last year's Galaxy S25 FE.

A familiar design inspired by the Galaxy S26

According to information published by the WPC, the Galaxy S26 FE carries the model number SM-S741.

Images from the certification database show a vertically aligned rear camera system, a layout commonly referred to by technology enthusiasts as the "traffic light" camera design.

The arrangement closely resembles that of the standard Galaxy S26, although the camera module on the FE model appears positioned slightly closer to the upper edge and side frame. Overall, the device maintains the clean, minimalist design language that has become a defining characteristic of Samsung's Galaxy S lineup in recent years.

The Galaxy FE series has long been positioned as a "near-flagship" offering, delivering many premium Galaxy S features at a more accessible price point. The concept first emerged in 2017 with the Galaxy Note FE, which Samsung introduced following the widely publicized Galaxy Note 7 recall.

Samsung is expected to continue positioning the Galaxy S26 FE for users seeking flagship-inspired features and design without paying the premium commanded by top-tier devices such as the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Expected hardware specifications

One of the defining traits of the Galaxy FE lineup has been Samsung's use of flagship-class processors from the previous generation, balancing performance and manufacturing costs.

As a result, industry reports suggest the Galaxy S26 FE is unlikely to feature Samsung's newest 2nm Exynos 2600 chipset. The Exynos 2600 represents a major technological step forward thanks to its Gate-All-Around (GAA) transistor architecture and Heat Pass Block technology, which improves thermal management and sustained performance.

Instead, the Galaxy S26 FE is expected to use a high-end Exynos processor from the previous generation. While not Samsung's most powerful chip, it should still offer ample performance for gaming, AI-powered features and multitasking for years to come.

Recent rumors indicate the smartphone will feature a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a specification commonly found on Samsung's premium devices.

Peak brightness is expected to reach approximately 1,900 nits, ensuring strong outdoor visibility even under direct sunlight.

The device is also rumored to include 8GB of RAM and storage configurations of 128GB, 256GB and 512GB. Like many modern smartphones, expandable microSD storage is not expected to be supported.

Power is expected to come from a battery with a capacity ranging between 4,900mAh and 5,000mAh. Samsung is also believed to be upgrading charging speeds to 45W, significantly reducing charging times compared with previous FE models.

Qi 2.2.1 wireless charging could be the standout upgrade

Perhaps the most notable detail from the WPC certification is support for the latest Qi 2.2.1 wireless charging standard.

Introduced in July last year, Qi 2.2.1 supports wireless charging speeds of up to 25W, considerably faster than those available on many current Android smartphones.

Beyond charging speed improvements, the standard also enhances magnetic alignment between chargers and devices. This allows charging coils to remain optimally positioned, reducing energy loss and limiting heat generation during high-power charging sessions.

The upgrade could become one of the most practical and meaningful improvements on the Galaxy S26 FE, particularly as consumers place greater emphasis on fast and convenient wireless charging experiences.

Although Samsung has yet to officially confirm any specifications, the appearance of the Galaxy S26 FE in certification databases suggests the device is moving rapidly toward launch. With a large 120Hz AMOLED display, a high-capacity battery, 45W wired charging, support for Qi 2.2.1 wireless charging and a price expected to undercut flagship models, the Galaxy S26 FE could once again emerge as a compelling option in the premium mid-range smartphone segment.

Hai Phong