Realme 12 vs Samsung Galaxy S26
The Realme 12 (2024) runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 (2026) runs on the Samsung Exynos 2600; launch prices were $200 and $799. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads — 74/100 vs 47/100 (a 27-point difference). Key differences: the Realme 12 has the bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4000); the main camera is 108 MP vs 50 MP; the Samsung Galaxy S26 is faster in AnTuTu (2,827,538 vs 513,809); the Samsung Galaxy S26 is noticeably lighter (162g vs 188g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Realme 12
Samsung Galaxy S26
What makes Realme 12 better?
- Bigger battery: 5000 vs 4000 mAh
- Faster charging: 45W vs 25W
- Better main camera: 108MP vs 50MP
- Cheaper at launch: $200 vs $799
- Longer battery life (48/100 vs 31/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 2827538 vs 513809
- Better Geekbench Single: 2880 vs 688
- Better Geekbench Multi: 9100 vs 1900
- Lighter: 162g vs 188g
- Higher performance (89/100 vs 41/100)
- Better camera (77/100 vs 41/100)
- Better display (81/100 vs 66/100)
- Better portability (89/100 vs 68/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Realme 12 vs the Samsung Galaxy S26, the Samsung Galaxy S26 scores 27 points higher (74/100 vs 47/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (89/100 vs 41/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (77/100 vs 41/100). In the "battery" category, the Realme 12 leads (48/100 vs 31/100). Value score: Realme 12 — 54/100, 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 Realme 12 (89/100 vs 41/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the Realme 12 (81/100 vs 66/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Realme 12 (77/100 vs 41/100). In the "battery" category, the Realme 12 notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (48/100 vs 31/100). In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the Realme 12 (89/100 vs 68/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Realme 12 | Samsung Galaxy S26 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ | Samsung Exynos 2600 | |
| AnTuTu | 513809 | 2827538 | |
| Geekbench Single | 688 | 2880 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 1900 | 9100 | |
| Display | 6.7" IPS LCD | 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 2400x1080 | 2340x1080 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 4000 mAh | |
| Charging | 45W | 25W | |
| Wireless charging | 0W | 15W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | — | 146 | |
| Main camera | 108 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 0 MP | 12 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 10 MP | |
| Front camera | 16 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | |
| 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 | 158.4×75.8×7.3 mm | |
| Weight | 188 g | 162 g | |
| Launch price | $200 | $799 |
Camera comparison
Realme 12
- Main: 108MP f/1.75
- Front: 16MP
Samsung Galaxy S26
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 10MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Realme 12
- 6.7" IPS LCD
- Resolution: 2400x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 2340x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Realme 12
- 5000 mAh
- Wired: 45W
- No wireless charging
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 4000 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 15W
Overall performance score
We compared Realme 12 and Samsung Galaxy S26, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 leads Realme 12 by 81.8% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $599. Realme 12 was $599 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Realme 12 (89/100 vs 41/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the Realme 12 (81/100 vs 66/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Realme 12 (77/100 vs 41/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Realme 12 notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (48/100 vs 31/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the Realme 12 (89/100 vs 68/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Realme 12 or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Realme 12 by 27 points (74/100 vs 47/100).
What is the rating of the Realme 12 and the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Realme 12 has a MobileRank rating of 47/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 — 74/100.
Which has the better camera: the Realme 12 or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on camera score (77/100 vs 41/100).
Which is more powerful: the Realme 12 or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on performance (89/100 vs 41/100).
Should you choose the Realme 12 over the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a better fit for gamers and power users.