Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Reviewing the Samsung Galaxy S26, a compact flagship phone boasting impressive gaming performance and some slick new features. However, the camera tech is hobbled and the Samsung S26 suffers from short battery life, despite that capacity upgrade. I've been testing this Galaxy smartphone for over a week so here's my verdict.
UK viewers, check out Samsung's pre-order deals here, using code "AFF_TechSpurt" for a discount: click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=dkCL5J0vgHo&mid=53591&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.samsung.com%2Fuk%2Fsmartphones%2Fgalaxy-s26-ultra%2Fbuy%2F
US viewers, you'll find your exclusive S26 Ultra deals here: howl.link/flpt6dwlcox59
I love a mini mobile, so I really hoped that the Samsung Galaxy S26 would be a strong rival to the Pixel 10 Pro and Xiaomi 17. However, the camera setup hasn't changed, and while night photography has improved, this phone often struggles with living subjects.
Gamers will get hours of play time out of this thing, as long as the battery lasts - but that's the other problem with the Samsung S26. I struggled to make it through a full day on a single battery charge, even if I was pretty careful with the camera etc. So overall, the Xiaomi 17 is my favourite compact handset released in 2026.
Let us know what you think of the Samsung Galaxy S26 below!
Samsung Galaxy S26 Review Chapters:
0:00 - Bald man reviews phone
1:12 - Design
3:11 - Features & OneUI 8.5
6:25 - Display & audio
9:02 - Performance & gaming
10:54 - Battery life
12:54 - Cameras
15:48 - Verdict
Reviewing the Samsung Galaxy S26, a compact flagship phone boasting impressive gaming performance and some slick new features. However, the camera tech is hobbled and the Samsung S26 suffers from short battery life, despite that capacity upgrade. I've been testing this Galaxy smartphone for over a week so here's my verdict.
UK viewers, check out Samsung's pre-order deals here, using code "AFF_TechSpurt" for a discount: click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=dkCL5J0vgHo&mid=53591&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.samsung.com%2Fuk%2Fsmartphones%2Fgalaxy-s26-ultra%2Fbuy%2F
US viewers, you'll find your exclusive S26 Ultra deals here: howl.link/flpt6dwlcox59
I love a mini mobile, so I really hoped that the Samsung Galaxy S26 would be a strong rival to the Pixel 10 Pro and Xiaomi 17. However, the camera setup hasn't changed, and while night photography has improved, this phone often struggles with living subjects.
Gamers will get hours of play time out of this thing, as long as the battery lasts - but that's the other problem with the Samsung S26. I struggled to make it through a full day on a single battery charge, even if I was pretty careful with the camera etc. So overall, the Xiaomi 17 is my favourite compact handset released in 2026.
Let us know what you think of the Samsung Galaxy S26 below!
Samsung Galaxy S26 Review Chapters:
0:00 - Bald man reviews phone
1:12 - Design
3:11 - Features & OneUI 8.5
6:25 - Display & audio
9:02 - Performance & gaming
10:54 - Battery life
12:54 - Cameras
15:48 - Verdict
![Apple iPhone 16e One Year Review [With A Twist...] | TSW268](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/UNQnuiMdZFM/mqdefault.jpg "Apple iPhone 16e One Year Review [With A Twist...] | TSW268
Re-reviewing Apples iPhone 16e budget smartphone in 2026, one year post-launch. The iPhone 17e is just around the corner perhaps, but heres how the 16e holds up - camera tech, battery life, gaming chops and beyond. Of course, as this is a Tech Spurt Weekly, theres a wee twist: I can only say positive things.
My original iPhone 16e review is still up if you want a more ranty take (an exceptionally ranty take actually, I was in a really bad mood after using it for a full week).
Heres hoping that the 17e launch means the iPhone 16e plummets in price, because at around £300 it wouldnt be a bad smartphone. The battery life is still great for a deliciously compact mobile, while performance is good (albeit slightly juddery when gaming on more demanding titles). Youll enjoy four more years of iOS updates, which is reasonable, and heres hoping the next one is a bit less buggy!
Have you been using the iPhone 16e this past year? Let us know your troubles below, and well bestow our greatest sympathies on the next episode!
iPhone 16e Long Term 2026 Review Chapters:
0:00 - iPhone 16e, but happy
7:09 - Viewer comments
14:32 - Next week")
![ALMOST The Perfect Tablet! | Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro [Matte Glass Version] Review](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/UOM2fzZwhSs/mqdefault.jpg "ALMOST The Perfect Tablet! | Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro [Matte Glass Version] Review
Reviewing the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro Matte Glass Version, a 2026 tablet with premium specs to take on the iPad Pro. From the solid gaming performance and excellent battery life to the strong accessory support, the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro Matte Glass is an ideal laptop replacement. However, while the anti-glare screen works wonders, there is one major flaw.
Ive been testing this tablet for the past couple of weeks, so heres my final verdict. Check out my other reviews here on Tech Spurt for more ideas!
The Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro Matte Glass Version is going against the iPad Pro and premium Samsung tablets. Youve got good enough performance to run games at the top graphics settings. Battery life is excellent and the quick charge support means you can be powered up again in no time.
One of the highlights of this compact tab is that Matte Glass screen, which counters reflections beautifully. Its only an IPS panel, but you still get natural contrast, reasonably dark-ish blacks and strong colour reproduction. Plus the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pros speakers arent half bad.
So what do you reckon? With the various keyboard covers and that premium stylus, is the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro Matte Glass Version a slick laptop replacement?
Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro Matte Glass Version Tablet Review Chapters:
0:00 - Ooof, Im getting old
0:32 - Design
2:28 - Accessories
4:28 - HyperOS & features
6:43 - Multi-tasking
7:31 - Cameras
8:17 - Display & audio
10:30 - Performance & gaming
11:31 - Connectivity & battery life
12:32 - Verdict")
