OnePlus Nord CE5 vs Samsung Galaxy S26
The OnePlus Nord CE5 (2025) runs on the Dimensity 8350 Apex, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 (2026) runs on the Samsung Exynos 2600; launch prices were $295 and $799. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads — 74/100 vs 61/100 (a 13-point difference). Key differences: the OnePlus Nord CE5 has the bigger battery (7100 mAh vs 4000); the Samsung Galaxy S26 is faster in AnTuTu (2,827,538 vs 1,696,968); the Samsung Galaxy S26 is noticeably lighter (162g vs 199g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
OnePlus Nord CE5
Samsung Galaxy S26
What makes OnePlus Nord CE5 better?
- Bigger battery: 7100 vs 4000 mAh
- Faster charging: 80W vs 25W
- Cheaper at launch: $295 vs $799
- Longer battery life (68/100 vs 31/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 2827538 vs 1696968
- Better Geekbench Single: 2880 vs 1398
- Better Geekbench Multi: 9100 vs 4313
- Lighter: 162g vs 199g
- Higher performance (89/100 vs 70/100)
- Better camera (77/100 vs 35/100)
- Better display (81/100 vs 79/100)
- Better portability (89/100 vs 57/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the OnePlus Nord CE5 vs the Samsung Galaxy S26, the Samsung Galaxy S26 scores 13 points higher (74/100 vs 61/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (89/100 vs 70/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (77/100 vs 35/100). In the "battery" category, the OnePlus Nord CE5 leads (68/100 vs 31/100). Value score: OnePlus Nord CE5 — 62/100, 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 OnePlus Nord CE5 (89/100 vs 70/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 and the OnePlus Nord CE5 are nearly equal (81/100 vs 79/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the OnePlus Nord CE5 (77/100 vs 35/100). In the "battery" category, the OnePlus Nord CE5 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (68/100 vs 31/100). In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the OnePlus Nord CE5 (89/100 vs 57/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | OnePlus Nord CE5 | Samsung Galaxy S26 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Dimensity 8350 Apex | Samsung Exynos 2600 | |
| AnTuTu | 1696968 | 2827538 | |
| Geekbench Single | 1398 | 2880 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 4313 | 9100 | |
| Display | 6.8" Fluid AMOLED | 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 1080x2392 | 2340x1080 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 7100 mAh | 4000 mAh | |
| Charging | 80W | 25W | |
| Wireless charging | 0W | 15W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | — | 146 | |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 8 MP | 12 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 10 MP | |
| Front camera | 16 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 8GB / 12GB | 12GB | |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 16 / One UI 8.5 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 1430 nits | 2600 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP65 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 163.6×76.0×8.2 mm | 158.4×75.8×7.3 mm | |
| Weight | 199 g | 162 g | |
| Launch price | $295 | $799 |
Camera comparison
OnePlus Nord CE5
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 8MP
- Front: 16MP
Samsung Galaxy S26
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 10MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
OnePlus Nord CE5
- 6.8" Fluid AMOLED
- Resolution: 1080x2392
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 2340x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
OnePlus Nord CE5
- 7100 mAh
- Wired: 80W
- No wireless charging
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 4000 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 15W
Overall performance score
We compared OnePlus Nord CE5 and Samsung Galaxy S26, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 leads OnePlus Nord CE5 by 40.0% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $504. OnePlus Nord CE5 was $504 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the OnePlus Nord CE5 (89/100 vs 70/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 and the OnePlus Nord CE5 are nearly equal (81/100 vs 79/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the OnePlus Nord CE5 (77/100 vs 35/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the OnePlus Nord CE5 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (68/100 vs 31/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the OnePlus Nord CE5 (89/100 vs 57/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the OnePlus Nord CE5 or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is noticeably better than the OnePlus Nord CE5 — the overall rating gap is 13 points.
What is the rating of the OnePlus Nord CE5 and the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The OnePlus Nord CE5 has a MobileRank rating of 61/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 — 74/100.
Which has the better camera: the OnePlus Nord CE5 or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on camera score (77/100 vs 35/100).
Which is more powerful: the OnePlus Nord CE5 or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on performance (89/100 vs 70/100).
Should you choose the OnePlus Nord CE5 over the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The OnePlus Nord CE5 is a better fit for active users. The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a better fit for gamers and power users.