Fairphone 5 vs Samsung Galaxy S26
The Fairphone 5 (2023) runs on the Qualcomm QCM6490, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 (2026) runs on the Samsung Exynos 2600; estimated prices are $770 and $799. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads — 54/100 vs 25/100 (a 29-point difference). Key differences: the Fairphone 5 has the bigger battery (4200 mAh vs 4000); the Samsung Galaxy S26 is noticeably lighter (162g vs 212g).
Fairphone 5
Samsung Galaxy S26
- Bigger battery: 4200 vs 4000 mAh
- Faster charging: 30W vs 25W
- Cheaper: $770 vs $799
- Better camera (48/100 vs 35/100)
- Longer battery life (19/100 vs 15/100)
- Better value for money (57/100 vs 55/100)
- Higher refresh rate: 120Hz vs 90Hz
- Lighter: 162g vs 212g
- Higher performance (64/100 vs 0/100)
- Better display (100/100 vs 50/100)
- Better design/ergonomics (97/100 vs 35/100)
Comparing the Fairphone 5 vs the Samsung Galaxy S26, the Samsung Galaxy S26 scores 29 points higher (54/100 vs 25/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (64/100 vs 0/100). In the "camera" category, the Fairphone 5 leads (48/100 vs 35/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Fairphone 5 (64/100 vs 0/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Fairphone 5 (100/100 vs 50/100). In the "camera" category, the Fairphone 5 is a bit better (48/100 vs 35/100). In the "battery" category, the Fairphone 5 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 are nearly equal (19/100 vs 15/100). In the "design" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Fairphone 5 (97/100 vs 35/100). In the "value for money" category, the Fairphone 5 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 are nearly equal (57/100 vs 55/100).
| Specification | Fairphone 5 | Samsung Galaxy S26 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm QCM6490 | Samsung Exynos 2600 | |
| AnTuTu | — | 2856499 | |
| Geekbench Single | — | 2880 | |
| Geekbench Multi | — | 9100 | |
| Display | 6.5" OLED | 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 1224x2700 | 2340x1080 | |
| Refresh rate | 90 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 4200 mAh | 4000 mAh | |
| Charging | 30W | 25W | |
| Wireless charging | 0W | 15W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | 108 | — | |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 50 MP | 12 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 10 MP | |
| Front camera | 50 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 6GB / 8GB | 12GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | |
| OS | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, up to 5 major Android upgrades | Android 16 / One UI 8.5 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 880 nits | 2600 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP55 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 161.6×75.8×9.6 mm | 158.4×75.8×7.3 mm | |
| Weight | 212 g | 162 g | |
| Price | $770 | $799 |
Fairphone 5
- Main: 50MP f/f/1.9
- Ultrawide: 50MP
- Front: 50MP
Samsung Galaxy S26
- Main: 50MP f/f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 10MP
- Front: 12MP
Fairphone 5
- 6.5" OLED
- Resolution: 1224x2700
- Refresh rate: 90 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 2340x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Fairphone 5
- 4200 mAh
- Wired: 30W
- No wireless charging
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 4000 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 15W
Price difference: $29. Fairphone 5 is cheaper by $29.
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Fairphone 5 (64/100 vs 0/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Fairphone 5 (100/100 vs 50/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Fairphone 5 is a bit better (48/100 vs 35/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Fairphone 5 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 are nearly equal (19/100 vs 15/100).
design
In the "design" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Fairphone 5 (97/100 vs 35/100).
value for money
In the "value for money" category, the Fairphone 5 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 are nearly equal (57/100 vs 55/100).
Which is better: the Fairphone 5 or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Fairphone 5 by 29 points (54/100 vs 25/100).
What is the rating of the Fairphone 5 and the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Fairphone 5 has a MobileRank rating of 25/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 — 54/100.
Which has the better camera: the Fairphone 5 or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Fairphone 5 leads on camera score (48/100 vs 35/100).
Which is more powerful: the Fairphone 5 or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on performance (64/100 vs 0/100).
Should you choose the Fairphone 5 over the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Fairphone 5 is a better fit for everyday use. The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a better fit for active users.