Huawei Nova 16z vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Huawei Nova 16z (2026) runs on the HiSilicon Kirin 8020, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (2026) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5; launch prices were $370 and $1299. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads — 84/100 vs 64/100 (a 20-point difference). Key differences: the Huawei Nova 16z has the bigger battery (6000 mAh vs 5000); the main camera is 50 MP vs 200 MP; the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is faster in AnTuTu (3,463,142 vs 1,146,138).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Huawei Nova 16z
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
What makes Huawei Nova 16z better?
- Bigger battery: 6000 vs 5000 mAh
- Faster charging: 100W vs 60W
- Cheaper at launch: $370 vs $1299
- Longer battery life (80/100 vs 61/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 3463142 vs 1146138
- Better Geekbench Single: 3601 vs 1389
- Better Geekbench Multi: 10686 vs 4125
- Better main camera: 200MP vs 50MP
- Higher performance (96/100 vs 65/100)
- Better camera (86/100 vs 45/100)
- Better display (88/100 vs 80/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Huawei Nova 16z vs the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra scores 20 points higher (84/100 vs 64/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (96/100 vs 65/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (86/100 vs 45/100). In the "battery" category, the Huawei Nova 16z leads (80/100 vs 61/100). Value score: Huawei Nova 16z — 60/100, Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — 78/100; it shows how far a model sits above or below the usual level for its price, and is not part of the overall rating. In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Huawei Nova 16z (96/100 vs 65/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit better (88/100 vs 80/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Huawei Nova 16z (86/100 vs 45/100). In the "battery" category, the Huawei Nova 16z notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (80/100 vs 61/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Huawei Nova 16z | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | HiSilicon Kirin 8020 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | |
| AnTuTu | 1146138 | 3463142 | |
| Geekbench Single | 1389 | 3601 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 4125 | 10686 | |
| Display | 6.7" OLED | 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 2412x1084 | 3120x1440 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh | |
| Charging | 100W | 60W | |
| Wireless charging | — | 25W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | — | 157 | |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 200 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 50 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 50 MP | |
| Front camera | 50 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB / 16GB | |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | HarmonyOS 6.1 | Android 16 / One UI 8.5 | |
| Brightness (peak) | — | 2600 nits | |
| NFC | — | yes | |
| Protection | — | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | — | 163.6×78.1×7.9 mm | |
| Weight | — | 214 g | |
| Launch price | $370 | $1299 |
Camera comparison
Huawei Nova 16z
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Front: 50MP
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Main: 200MP f/1.7
- Ultrawide: 50MP
- Telephoto: 50MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Huawei Nova 16z
- 6.7" OLED
- Resolution: 2412x1084
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 3120x1440
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Huawei Nova 16z
- 6000 mAh
- Wired: 100W
- Wireless charging: no data
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- 5000 mAh
- NanoReview test: web browsing 10:12 hrs, total 28:50 hrs
- Wired: 60W
- Wireless: 25W
Overall performance score
We compared Huawei Nova 16z and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads Huawei Nova 16z by 66.9% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $929. Huawei Nova 16z was $929 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Huawei Nova 16z (96/100 vs 65/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit better (88/100 vs 80/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Huawei Nova 16z (86/100 vs 45/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Huawei Nova 16z notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (80/100 vs 61/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Huawei Nova 16z or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Huawei Nova 16z by 20 points (84/100 vs 64/100).
What is the rating of the Huawei Nova 16z and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Huawei Nova 16z has a MobileRank rating of 64/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — 84/100.
Which has the better camera: the Huawei Nova 16z or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on camera score (86/100 vs 45/100).
Which is more powerful: the Huawei Nova 16z or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on performance (96/100 vs 65/100).
Should you choose the Huawei Nova 16z over the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Huawei Nova 16z is a better fit for active users, those who care about battery life. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a better fit for gamers and power users, mobile photography enthusiasts, budget-conscious buyers.