Nubia Air vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Nubia Air (2025) runs on the Unisoc T8300, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (2026) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5; launch prices were $199 and $1299. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads — 84/100 vs 51/100 (a 33-point difference). Key differences: the main camera is 50 MP vs 200 MP; the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is faster in AnTuTu (3,463,142 vs 639,225); the Nubia Air is noticeably lighter (172g vs 214g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Nubia Air
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
What makes Nubia Air better?
- Lighter: 172g vs 214g
- Cheaper at launch: $199 vs $1299
- Better portability (90/100 vs 51/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 3463142 vs 639225
- Better Geekbench Single: 3601 vs 880
- Better Geekbench Multi: 10686 vs 2073
- Faster charging: 60W vs 33W
- Better main camera: 200MP vs 50MP
- Higher performance (96/100 vs 47/100)
- Better camera (86/100 vs 34/100)
- Longer battery life (61/100 vs 46/100)
- Better display (88/100 vs 83/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Nubia Air vs the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra scores 33 points higher (84/100 vs 51/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (96/100 vs 47/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (86/100 vs 34/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (61/100 vs 46/100). Value score: Nubia Air — 64/100, 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 Nubia Air (96/100 vs 47/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit better (88/100 vs 83/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Nubia Air (86/100 vs 34/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra notably outperforms the Nubia Air (61/100 vs 46/100). In the "portability" category, the Nubia Air significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (90/100 vs 51/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Nubia Air | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Unisoc T8300 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | |
| AnTuTu | 639225 | 3463142 | |
| Geekbench Single | 880 | 3601 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 2073 | 10686 | |
| Display | 6.8" AMOLED | 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 1224x2720 | 3120x1440 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | |
| Charging | 33W | 60W | |
| Wireless charging | 0W | 25W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | — | 157 | |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 200 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 0 MP | 50 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 50 MP | |
| Front camera | 20 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB / 16GB | |
| Storage | 256GB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 16 / One UI 8.5 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 4500 nits | 2600 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68/IP69K | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 164.2×76.6×6.7 mm | 163.6×78.1×7.9 mm | |
| Weight | 172 g | 214 g | |
| Launch price | $199 | $1299 |
Camera comparison
Nubia Air
- Main: 50MP f/1.6
- Front: 20MP
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Main: 200MP f/1.7
- Ultrawide: 50MP
- Telephoto: 50MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Nubia Air
- 6.8" AMOLED
- Resolution: 1224x2720
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 3120x1440
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Nubia Air
- 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 Nubia Air and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads Nubia Air by 81.5% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $1100. Nubia Air was $1100 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Nubia Air (96/100 vs 47/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit better (88/100 vs 83/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Nubia Air (86/100 vs 34/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra notably outperforms the Nubia Air (61/100 vs 46/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Nubia Air significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (90/100 vs 51/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Nubia Air or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Nubia Air by 33 points (84/100 vs 51/100).
What is the rating of the Nubia Air and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Nubia Air has a MobileRank rating of 51/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — 84/100.
Which has the better camera: the Nubia Air or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on camera score (86/100 vs 34/100).
Which is more powerful: the Nubia Air or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on performance (96/100 vs 47/100).
Should you choose the Nubia Air 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.