Realme 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S26
The Realme 16 (2026) runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 6400 Turbo, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 (2026) runs on the Samsung Exynos 2600; launch prices were $199 and $799. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads — 74/100 vs 53/100 (a 21-point difference). Key differences: the Realme 16 has the bigger battery (7000 mAh vs 4000); the Samsung Galaxy S26 is faster in AnTuTu (2,827,538 vs 581,041); the Samsung Galaxy S26 is noticeably lighter (162g vs 183g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Realme 16
Samsung Galaxy S26
What makes Realme 16 better?
- Bigger battery: 7000 vs 4000 mAh
- Faster charging: 60W vs 25W
- Cheaper at launch: $199 vs $799
- Longer battery life (63/100 vs 31/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 2827538 vs 581041
- Better Geekbench Single: 2880 vs 803
- Better Geekbench Multi: 9100 vs 2047
- Lighter: 162g vs 183g
- Higher performance (89/100 vs 45/100)
- Better camera (77/100 vs 40/100)
- Better display (81/100 vs 80/100)
- Better portability (89/100 vs 68/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Realme 16 vs the Samsung Galaxy S26, the Samsung Galaxy S26 scores 21 points higher (74/100 vs 53/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (89/100 vs 45/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (77/100 vs 40/100). In the "battery" category, the Realme 16 leads (63/100 vs 31/100). Value score: Realme 16 — 68/100, 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 16 (89/100 vs 45/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 and the Realme 16 are nearly equal (81/100 vs 80/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Realme 16 (77/100 vs 40/100). In the "battery" category, the Realme 16 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (63/100 vs 31/100). In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the Realme 16 (89/100 vs 68/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Realme 16 | Samsung Galaxy S26 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 6400 Turbo | Samsung Exynos 2600 | |
| AnTuTu | 581041 | 2827538 | |
| Geekbench Single | 803 | 2880 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 2047 | 9100 | |
| Display | 6.6" AMOLED | 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 1080x2372 | 2340x1080 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 7000 mAh | 4000 mAh | |
| Charging | 60W | 25W | |
| Wireless charging | 0W | 15W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | — | 146 | |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 0 MP | 12 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 10 MP | |
| Front camera | 50 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 8GB / 12GB | 12GB | |
| Storage | 256GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | |
| 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 | 158.4×75.8×7.3 mm | |
| Weight | 183 g | 162 g | |
| Launch price | $199 | $799 |
Camera comparison
Realme 16
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Front: 50MP
Samsung Galaxy S26
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 10MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Realme 16
- 6.6" AMOLED
- Resolution: 1080x2372
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 2340x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Realme 16
- 7000 mAh
- Wired: 60W
- No wireless charging
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 4000 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 15W
Overall performance score
We compared Realme 16 and Samsung Galaxy S26, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 leads Realme 16 by 79.5% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $600. Realme 16 was $600 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Realme 16 (89/100 vs 45/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 and the Realme 16 are nearly equal (81/100 vs 80/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Realme 16 (77/100 vs 40/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Realme 16 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (63/100 vs 31/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the Realme 16 (89/100 vs 68/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Realme 16 or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Realme 16 by 21 points (74/100 vs 53/100).
What is the rating of the Realme 16 and the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Realme 16 has a MobileRank rating of 53/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 — 74/100.
Which has the better camera: the Realme 16 or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on camera score (77/100 vs 40/100).
Which is more powerful: the Realme 16 or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on performance (89/100 vs 45/100).
Should you choose the Realme 16 over the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a better fit for gamers and power users.