Redmi 12 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Redmi 12 (2023) runs on the MediaTek Helio G88, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (2026) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5; launch prices were $150 and $1299. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads — 84/100 vs 39/100 (a 45-point difference). Key differences: the main camera is 50 MP vs 200 MP; the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is faster in AnTuTu (3,463,142 vs 365,001); the Redmi 12 is noticeably lighter (198g vs 214g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Redmi 12
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
What makes Redmi 12 better?
- Lighter: 198g vs 214g
- Cheaper at launch: $150 vs $1299
- Longer battery life (66/100 vs 61/100)
- Better portability (61/100 vs 51/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 3463142 vs 365001
- Better Geekbench Single: 3601 vs 430
- Better Geekbench Multi: 10686 vs 1375
- Better main camera: 200MP vs 50MP
- Higher refresh rate: 120Hz vs 90Hz
- Higher performance (96/100 vs 29/100)
- Better camera (86/100 vs 30/100)
- Better display (88/100 vs 48/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Redmi 12 vs the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra scores 45 points higher (84/100 vs 39/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (96/100 vs 29/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (86/100 vs 30/100). Value score: Redmi 12 — 52/100, 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 Redmi 12 (96/100 vs 29/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Redmi 12 (88/100 vs 48/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Redmi 12 (86/100 vs 30/100). In the "battery" category, the Redmi 12 is a bit better (66/100 vs 61/100). In the "portability" category, the Redmi 12 is a bit better (61/100 vs 51/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Redmi 12 | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek Helio G88 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | |
| AnTuTu | 365001 | 3463142 | |
| Geekbench Single | 430 | 3601 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 1375 | 10686 | |
| Display | 6.8" IPS LCD | 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | — | 3120x1440 | |
| Refresh rate | 90 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | |
| Charging | — | 60W | |
| Wireless charging | — | 25W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | — | 157 | |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 200 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 0 MP | 50 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 50 MP | |
| Front camera | 8 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 4GB / 8GB | 12GB / 16GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | — | Android 16 / One UI 8.5 | |
| Brightness (peak) | — | 2600 nits | |
| NFC | — | yes | |
| Protection | — | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | — | 163.6×78.1×7.9 mm | |
| Weight | 198 g | 214 g | |
| Launch price | $150 | $1299 |
Camera comparison
Redmi 12
- Main: 50MP
- Front: 8MP
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Main: 200MP f/1.7
- Ultrawide: 50MP
- Telephoto: 50MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Redmi 12
- 6.8" IPS LCD
- Refresh rate: 90 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 3120x1440
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Redmi 12
- 5000 mAh
- Wireless charging: no data
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 Redmi 12 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads Redmi 12 by 89.5% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $1149. Redmi 12 was $1149 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Redmi 12 (96/100 vs 29/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Redmi 12 (88/100 vs 48/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Redmi 12 (86/100 vs 30/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Redmi 12 is a bit better (66/100 vs 61/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Redmi 12 is a bit better (61/100 vs 51/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Redmi 12 or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Redmi 12 by 45 points (84/100 vs 39/100).
What is the rating of the Redmi 12 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Redmi 12 has a MobileRank rating of 39/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — 84/100.
Which has the better camera: the Redmi 12 or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on camera score (86/100 vs 30/100).
Which is more powerful: the Redmi 12 or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on performance (96/100 vs 29/100).
Should you choose the Redmi 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.