Lava Play Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S26
The Lava Play Ultra (2025) runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 7300, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 (2026) runs on the Samsung Exynos 2600; launch prices were $175 and $799. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads — 74/100 vs 53/100 (a 21-point difference). Key differences: the Lava Play Ultra has the bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4000); the main camera is 64 MP vs 50 MP; the Samsung Galaxy S26 is faster in AnTuTu (2,827,538 vs 879,714); the Samsung Galaxy S26 is noticeably lighter (162g vs 182g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Lava Play Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S26
What makes Lava Play Ultra better?
- Bigger battery: 5000 vs 4000 mAh
- Faster charging: 33W vs 25W
- Better main camera: 64MP vs 50MP
- Cheaper at launch: $175 vs $799
- Longer battery life (46/100 vs 31/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 2827538 vs 879714
- Better Geekbench Single: 2880 vs 1011
- Better Geekbench Multi: 9100 vs 2813
- Lighter: 162g vs 182g
- Higher performance (89/100 vs 55/100)
- Better camera (77/100 vs 39/100)
- Better display (81/100 vs 79/100)
- Better portability (89/100 vs 71/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Lava Play Ultra vs the Samsung Galaxy S26, the Samsung Galaxy S26 scores 21 points higher (74/100 vs 53/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (89/100 vs 55/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (77/100 vs 39/100). In the "battery" category, the Lava Play Ultra leads (46/100 vs 31/100). Value score: Lava Play Ultra — 74/100, 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 significantly outperforms the Lava Play Ultra (89/100 vs 55/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 and the Lava Play Ultra are nearly equal (81/100 vs 79/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Lava Play Ultra (77/100 vs 39/100). In the "battery" category, the Lava Play Ultra notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (46/100 vs 31/100). In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the Lava Play Ultra (89/100 vs 71/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Lava Play Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S26 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7300 | Samsung Exynos 2600 | |
| AnTuTu | 879714 | 2827538 | |
| Geekbench Single | 1011 | 2880 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 2813 | 9100 | |
| Display | 6.7" AMOLED | 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 2340x1080 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 4000 mAh | |
| Charging | 33W | 25W | |
| Wireless charging | 0W | 15W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | — | 146 | |
| Main camera | 64 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 0 MP | 12 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 10 MP | |
| Front camera | 13 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 6GB / 8GB | 12GB | |
| Storage | 128GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | |
| 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 | 158.4×75.8×7.3 mm | |
| Weight | 182 g | 162 g | |
| Launch price | $175 | $799 |
Camera comparison
Lava Play Ultra
- Main: 64MP
- Front: 13MP
Samsung Galaxy S26
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 10MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Lava Play Ultra
- 6.7" AMOLED
- Resolution: 1080x2400
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 2340x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Lava Play Ultra
- 5000 mAh
- Wired: 33W
- No wireless charging
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 4000 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 15W
Overall performance score
We compared Lava Play Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S26, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 leads Lava Play Ultra by 68.9% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $624. Lava Play Ultra was $624 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Lava Play Ultra (89/100 vs 55/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 and the Lava Play Ultra are nearly equal (81/100 vs 79/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Lava Play Ultra (77/100 vs 39/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Lava Play Ultra notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (46/100 vs 31/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the Lava Play Ultra (89/100 vs 71/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Lava Play Ultra or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Lava Play Ultra by 21 points (74/100 vs 53/100).
What is the rating of the Lava Play Ultra and the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Lava Play Ultra has a MobileRank rating of 53/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 — 74/100.
Which has the better camera: the Lava Play Ultra or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on camera score (77/100 vs 39/100).
Which is more powerful: the Lava Play Ultra or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on performance (89/100 vs 55/100).
Should you choose the Lava Play Ultra over the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a better fit for gamers and power users.