Realme 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Realme 16 (2026) runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 6400 Turbo, 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 53/100 (a 31-point difference). Key differences: the Realme 16 has the bigger battery (7000 mAh vs 5000); the main camera is 50 MP vs 200 MP; the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is faster in AnTuTu (3,463,142 vs 581,041); the Realme 16 is noticeably lighter (183g vs 214g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Realme 16
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
What makes Realme 16 better?
- Bigger battery: 7000 vs 5000 mAh
- Lighter: 183g vs 214g
- Cheaper at launch: $199 vs $1299
- Longer battery life (63/100 vs 61/100)
- Better portability (68/100 vs 51/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 3463142 vs 581041
- Better Geekbench Single: 3601 vs 803
- Better Geekbench Multi: 10686 vs 2047
- Better main camera: 200MP vs 50MP
- Higher performance (96/100 vs 45/100)
- Better camera (86/100 vs 40/100)
- Better display (88/100 vs 80/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Realme 16 vs the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra scores 31 points higher (84/100 vs 53/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (96/100 vs 45/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (86/100 vs 40/100). Value score: Realme 16 — 68/100, 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 16 (96/100 vs 45/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit better (88/100 vs 80/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Realme 16 (86/100 vs 40/100). In the "battery" category, the Realme 16 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra are nearly equal (63/100 vs 61/100). In the "portability" category, the Realme 16 notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (68/100 vs 51/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Realme 16 | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 6400 Turbo | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | |
| AnTuTu | 581041 | 3463142 | |
| Geekbench Single | 803 | 3601 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 2047 | 10686 | |
| Display | 6.6" AMOLED | 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 1080x2372 | 3120x1440 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 7000 mAh | 5000 mAh | |
| Charging | 60W | 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 | 50 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 8GB / 12GB | 12GB / 16GB | |
| Storage | 256GB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | Android 16 | Android 16 / One UI 8.5 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 4500 nits | 2600 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 158.3×75.1×8.1 mm | 163.6×78.1×7.9 mm | |
| Weight | 183 g | 214 g | |
| Launch price | $199 | $1299 |
Camera comparison
Realme 16
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Front: 50MP
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Main: 200MP f/1.7
- Ultrawide: 50MP
- Telephoto: 50MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Realme 16
- 6.6" AMOLED
- Resolution: 1080x2372
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 3120x1440
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Realme 16
- 7000 mAh
- Wired: 60W
- 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 16 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads Realme 16 by 83.2% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $1100. Realme 16 was $1100 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Realme 16 (96/100 vs 45/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit better (88/100 vs 80/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Realme 16 (86/100 vs 40/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Realme 16 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra are nearly equal (63/100 vs 61/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Realme 16 notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (68/100 vs 51/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Realme 16 or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Realme 16 by 31 points (84/100 vs 53/100).
What is the rating of the Realme 16 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Realme 16 has a MobileRank rating of 53/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — 84/100.
Which has the better camera: the Realme 16 or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on camera score (86/100 vs 40/100).
Which is more powerful: the Realme 16 or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on performance (96/100 vs 45/100).
Should you choose the Realme 16 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.