Huawei Nova 16z vs Samsung Galaxy S26
The Huawei Nova 16z (2026) runs on the HiSilicon Kirin 8020, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 (2026) runs on the Samsung Exynos 2600; launch prices were $370 and $799. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads — 74/100 vs 64/100 (a 10-point difference). Key differences: the Huawei Nova 16z has the bigger battery (6000 mAh vs 4000); the Samsung Galaxy S26 is faster in AnTuTu (2,827,538 vs 1,146,138).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Huawei Nova 16z
Samsung Galaxy S26
What makes Huawei Nova 16z better?
- Bigger battery: 6000 vs 4000 mAh
- Faster charging: 100W vs 25W
- Cheaper at launch: $370 vs $799
- Longer battery life (80/100 vs 31/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 2827538 vs 1146138
- Better Geekbench Single: 2880 vs 1389
- Better Geekbench Multi: 9100 vs 4125
- Higher performance (89/100 vs 65/100)
- Better camera (77/100 vs 45/100)
- Better display (81/100 vs 80/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Huawei Nova 16z vs the Samsung Galaxy S26, the Samsung Galaxy S26 scores 10 points higher (74/100 vs 64/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (89/100 vs 65/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (77/100 vs 45/100). In the "battery" category, the Huawei Nova 16z leads (80/100 vs 31/100). Value score: Huawei Nova 16z — 60/100, Samsung Galaxy S26 — 62/100; 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 notably outperforms the Huawei Nova 16z (89/100 vs 65/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 and the Huawei Nova 16z are nearly equal (81/100 vs 80/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Huawei Nova 16z (77/100 vs 45/100). In the "battery" category, the Huawei Nova 16z significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (80/100 vs 31/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Huawei Nova 16z | Samsung Galaxy S26 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | HiSilicon Kirin 8020 | Samsung Exynos 2600 | |
| AnTuTu | 1146138 | 2827538 | |
| Geekbench Single | 1389 | 2880 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 4125 | 9100 | |
| Display | 6.7" OLED | 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 2412x1084 | 2340x1080 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 6000 mAh | 4000 mAh | |
| Charging | 100W | 25W | |
| Wireless charging | — | 15W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | — | 146 | |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 12 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 10 MP | |
| Front camera | 50 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB | |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | |
| OS | HarmonyOS 6.1 | Android 16 / One UI 8.5 | |
| Brightness (peak) | — | 2600 nits | |
| NFC | — | yes | |
| Protection | — | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | — | 158.4×75.8×7.3 mm | |
| Weight | — | 162 g | |
| Launch price | $370 | $799 |
Camera comparison
Huawei Nova 16z
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Front: 50MP
Samsung Galaxy S26
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 10MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Huawei Nova 16z
- 6.7" OLED
- Resolution: 2412x1084
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 2340x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Huawei Nova 16z
- 6000 mAh
- Wired: 100W
- Wireless charging: no data
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 4000 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 15W
Overall performance score
We compared Huawei Nova 16z and Samsung Galaxy S26, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 leads Huawei Nova 16z by 59.5% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $429. Huawei Nova 16z was $429 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the Huawei Nova 16z (89/100 vs 65/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 and the Huawei Nova 16z are nearly equal (81/100 vs 80/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Huawei Nova 16z (77/100 vs 45/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Huawei Nova 16z significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (80/100 vs 31/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Huawei Nova 16z or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is noticeably better than the Huawei Nova 16z — the overall rating gap is 10 points.
What is the rating of the Huawei Nova 16z and the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Huawei Nova 16z has a MobileRank rating of 64/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 — 74/100.
Which has the better camera: the Huawei Nova 16z or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on camera score (77/100 vs 45/100).
Which is more powerful: the Huawei Nova 16z or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on performance (89/100 vs 65/100).
Should you choose the Huawei Nova 16z over the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Huawei Nova 16z is a better fit for active users, those who care about battery life. The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a better fit for gamers and power users.