Lava Play Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Lava Play Ultra (2025) runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 7300, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (2026) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5; launch prices were $175 and $1299. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads — 84/100 vs 53/100 (a 31-point difference). Key differences: the main camera is 64 MP vs 200 MP; the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is faster in AnTuTu (3,463,142 vs 879,714); the Lava Play Ultra is noticeably lighter (182g vs 214g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Lava Play Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
What makes Lava Play Ultra better?
- Lighter: 182g vs 214g
- Cheaper at launch: $175 vs $1299
- Better portability (71/100 vs 51/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 3463142 vs 879714
- Better Geekbench Single: 3601 vs 1011
- Better Geekbench Multi: 10686 vs 2813
- Faster charging: 60W vs 33W
- Better main camera: 200MP vs 64MP
- Higher performance (96/100 vs 55/100)
- Better camera (86/100 vs 39/100)
- Longer battery life (61/100 vs 46/100)
- Better display (88/100 vs 79/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Lava Play Ultra vs the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra scores 31 points higher (84/100 vs 53/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (96/100 vs 55/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (86/100 vs 39/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (61/100 vs 46/100). Value score: Lava Play Ultra — 74/100, 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 Lava Play Ultra (96/100 vs 55/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit better (88/100 vs 79/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Lava Play Ultra (86/100 vs 39/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra notably outperforms the Lava Play Ultra (61/100 vs 46/100). In the "portability" category, the Lava Play Ultra notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (71/100 vs 51/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Lava Play Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7300 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | |
| AnTuTu | 879714 | 3463142 | |
| Geekbench Single | 1011 | 3601 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 2813 | 10686 | |
| Display | 6.7" AMOLED | 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 3120x1440 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | |
| Charging | 33W | 60W | |
| Wireless charging | 0W | 25W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | — | 157 | |
| Main camera | 64 MP | 200 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 0 MP | 50 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 50 MP | |
| Front camera | 13 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 6GB / 8GB | 12GB / 16GB | |
| Storage | 128GB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 16 / One UI 8.5 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 1000 nits | 2600 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP64 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 162.1×75.4×7.8 mm | 163.6×78.1×7.9 mm | |
| Weight | 182 g | 214 g | |
| Launch price | $175 | $1299 |
Camera comparison
Lava Play Ultra
- Main: 64MP
- Front: 13MP
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Main: 200MP f/1.7
- Ultrawide: 50MP
- Telephoto: 50MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Lava Play Ultra
- 6.7" AMOLED
- Resolution: 1080x2400
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 3120x1440
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Lava Play Ultra
- 5000 mAh
- Wired: 33W
- No wireless charging
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 Lava Play Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads Lava Play Ultra by 74.6% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $1124. Lava Play Ultra was $1124 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Lava Play Ultra (96/100 vs 55/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit better (88/100 vs 79/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Lava Play Ultra (86/100 vs 39/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra notably outperforms the Lava Play Ultra (61/100 vs 46/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Lava Play Ultra notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (71/100 vs 51/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Lava Play Ultra or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Lava Play Ultra by 31 points (84/100 vs 53/100).
What is the rating of the Lava Play Ultra and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Lava Play Ultra has a MobileRank rating of 53/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — 84/100.
Which has the better camera: the Lava Play Ultra or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on camera score (86/100 vs 39/100).
Which is more powerful: the Lava Play Ultra or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on performance (96/100 vs 55/100).
Should you choose the Lava Play Ultra over the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a better fit for gamers and power users, mobile photography enthusiasts, budget-conscious buyers.