Realme 12 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Realme 12 (2024) runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (2026) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5; launch prices were $200 and $1299. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads — 84/100 vs 47/100 (a 37-point difference). Key differences: the main camera is 108 MP vs 200 MP; the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is faster in AnTuTu (3,463,142 vs 513,809); the Realme 12 is noticeably lighter (188g vs 214g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Realme 12
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
What makes Realme 12 better?
- Lighter: 188g vs 214g
- Cheaper at launch: $200 vs $1299
- Better portability (68/100 vs 51/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 3463142 vs 513809
- Better Geekbench Single: 3601 vs 688
- Better Geekbench Multi: 10686 vs 1900
- Faster charging: 60W vs 45W
- Better main camera: 200MP vs 108MP
- Higher performance (96/100 vs 41/100)
- Better camera (86/100 vs 41/100)
- Longer battery life (61/100 vs 48/100)
- Better display (88/100 vs 66/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Realme 12 vs the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra scores 37 points higher (84/100 vs 47/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (96/100 vs 41/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (86/100 vs 41/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (61/100 vs 48/100). Value score: Realme 12 — 54/100, 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 Realme 12 (96/100 vs 41/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra notably outperforms the Realme 12 (88/100 vs 66/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Realme 12 (86/100 vs 41/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit better (61/100 vs 48/100). In the "portability" category, the Realme 12 notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (68/100 vs 51/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Realme 12 | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | |
| AnTuTu | 513809 | 3463142 | |
| Geekbench Single | 688 | 3601 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 1900 | 10686 | |
| Display | 6.7" IPS LCD | 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 2400x1080 | 3120x1440 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | |
| Charging | 45W | 60W | |
| Wireless charging | 0W | 25W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | — | 157 | |
| Main camera | 108 MP | 200 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 0 MP | 50 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 50 MP | |
| Front camera | 16 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB / 16GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 16 / One UI 8.5 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 2000 nits | 2600 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP54 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 163.0×75.5×7.9 mm | 163.6×78.1×7.9 mm | |
| Weight | 188 g | 214 g | |
| Launch price | $200 | $1299 |
Camera comparison
Realme 12
- Main: 108MP f/1.75
- Front: 16MP
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Main: 200MP f/1.7
- Ultrawide: 50MP
- Telephoto: 50MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Realme 12
- 6.7" IPS LCD
- Resolution: 2400x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 3120x1440
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Realme 12
- 5000 mAh
- Wired: 45W
- 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 Realme 12 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads Realme 12 by 85.2% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $1099. Realme 12 was $1099 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Realme 12 (96/100 vs 41/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra notably outperforms the Realme 12 (88/100 vs 66/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Realme 12 (86/100 vs 41/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit better (61/100 vs 48/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Realme 12 notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (68/100 vs 51/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Realme 12 or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Realme 12 by 37 points (84/100 vs 47/100).
What is the rating of the Realme 12 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Realme 12 has a MobileRank rating of 47/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — 84/100.
Which has the better camera: the Realme 12 or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on camera score (86/100 vs 41/100).
Which is more powerful: the Realme 12 or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on performance (96/100 vs 41/100).
Should you choose the Realme 12 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.