Redmi 17C vs Samsung Galaxy S26
The Redmi 17C (2026) runs on the MediaTek Helio G81 Ultra, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 (2026) runs on the Samsung Exynos 2600; launch prices were $100 and $799. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads — 74/100 vs 32/100 (a 42-point difference). Key differences: the Redmi 17C has the bigger battery (5160 mAh vs 4000); the main camera is 13 MP vs 50 MP; the Samsung Galaxy S26 is faster in AnTuTu (2,827,538 vs 358,608); the Samsung Galaxy S26 has NFC for contactless payments, the Redmi 17C doesn't; the Samsung Galaxy S26 is noticeably lighter (162g vs 206g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Redmi 17C
Samsung Galaxy S26
What makes Redmi 17C better?
- Bigger battery: 5160 vs 4000 mAh
- Cheaper at launch: $100 vs $799
- Longer battery life (46/100 vs 31/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 2827538 vs 358608
- Better Geekbench Single: 2880 vs 432
- Better Geekbench Multi: 9100 vs 1416
- Faster charging: 25W vs 18W
- Better main camera: 50MP vs 13MP
- Lighter: 162g vs 206g
- Higher performance (89/100 vs 30/100)
- Better camera (77/100 vs 10/100)
- Better display (81/100 vs 55/100)
- Better portability (89/100 vs 53/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Redmi 17C vs the Samsung Galaxy S26, the Samsung Galaxy S26 scores 42 points higher (74/100 vs 32/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (89/100 vs 30/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (77/100 vs 10/100). In the "battery" category, the Redmi 17C leads (46/100 vs 31/100). Value score: Redmi 17C — 52/100, 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 Redmi 17C (89/100 vs 30/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the Redmi 17C (81/100 vs 55/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Redmi 17C (77/100 vs 10/100). In the "battery" category, the Redmi 17C notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (46/100 vs 31/100). In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Redmi 17C (89/100 vs 53/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Redmi 17C | Samsung Galaxy S26 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek Helio G81 Ultra | Samsung Exynos 2600 | |
| AnTuTu | 358608 | 2827538 | |
| Geekbench Single | 432 | 2880 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 1416 | 9100 | |
| Display | 6.9" IPS LCD | 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 720x1640 | 2340x1080 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 5160 mAh | 4000 mAh | |
| Charging | 18W | 25W | |
| Wireless charging | 0W | 15W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | — | 146 | |
| Main camera | 13 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 0 MP | 12 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 10 MP | |
| Front camera | 5 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 4GB | 12GB | |
| Storage | 64GB / 128GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | |
| OS | Android 16 | Android 16 / One UI 8.5 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 600 nits | 2600 nits | |
| NFC | no | yes | |
| Protection | IP64 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 171.6×79.5×8.2 mm | 158.4×75.8×7.3 mm | |
| Weight | 206 g | 162 g | |
| Launch price | $100 | $799 |
Camera comparison
Redmi 17C
- Main: 13MP f/2.2
- Front: 5MP
Samsung Galaxy S26
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 10MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Redmi 17C
- 6.9" IPS LCD
- Resolution: 720x1640
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 2340x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Redmi 17C
- 5160 mAh
- Wired: 18W
- No wireless charging
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 4000 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 15W
Overall performance score
We compared Redmi 17C and Samsung Galaxy S26, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 leads Redmi 17C by 87.3% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $699. Redmi 17C was $699 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Redmi 17C (89/100 vs 30/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the Redmi 17C (81/100 vs 55/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Redmi 17C (77/100 vs 10/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Redmi 17C notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (46/100 vs 31/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Redmi 17C (89/100 vs 53/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Redmi 17C or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Redmi 17C by 42 points (74/100 vs 32/100).
What is the rating of the Redmi 17C and the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Redmi 17C has a MobileRank rating of 32/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 — 74/100.
Which has the better camera: the Redmi 17C or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on camera score (77/100 vs 10/100).
Which is more powerful: the Redmi 17C or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on performance (89/100 vs 30/100).
Should you choose the Redmi 17C over the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a better fit for gamers and power users.