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; estimated prices are $100 and $799. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads — 54/100 vs 25/100 (a 29-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 (2,856,499 vs 358,383); the Samsung Galaxy S26 has NFC for contactless payments, the Redmi 17C doesn't; the Samsung Galaxy S26 is noticeably lighter (162g vs 206g).

The Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Redmi 17C by 29 points (54/100 vs 25/100).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Redmi 17C
Performance 0
Display 100
Camera 0
Battery 40
Design 42
Value for money 100
Samsung Galaxy S26
Performance 64
Display 100
Camera 35
Battery 15
Design 97
Value for money 55
What makes Redmi 17C better?
  • Bigger battery: 5160 vs 4000 mAh
  • Cheaper: $100 vs $799

  • Longer battery life (40/100 vs 15/100)
  • Better value for money (100/100 vs 55/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 better?
  • Higher AnTuTu: 2856499 vs 358383
  • 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 (64/100 vs 0/100)
  • Better camera (35/100 vs 0/100)
  • Better design/ergonomics (97/100 vs 42/100)
Comparison verdict

Comparing the Redmi 17C vs the Samsung Galaxy S26, the Samsung Galaxy S26 scores 29 points higher (54/100 vs 25/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (64/100 vs 0/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (35/100 vs 0/100). In the "battery" category, the Redmi 17C leads (40/100 vs 15/100). In the "value for money" category, the Redmi 17C leads (100/100 vs 55/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Redmi 17C (64/100 vs 0/100). In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 100/100. In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Redmi 17C (35/100 vs 0/100). In the "battery" category, the Redmi 17C notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (40/100 vs 15/100). In the "design" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Redmi 17C (97/100 vs 42/100). In the "value for money" category, the Redmi 17C significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (100/100 vs 55/100).

Redmi 17C: The Redmi 17C is a better fit for budget-conscious buyers.
Samsung Galaxy S26: The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a better fit for active users.
Specs comparison
Specification Redmi 17C Samsung Galaxy S26
Processor MediaTek Helio G81 Ultra Samsung Exynos 2600
AnTuTu 358383 2856499
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
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 IP68
Dimensions 158.4×75.8×7.3 mm
Weight 206 g 162 g
Price $100 $799
Camera comparison
Redmi 17C
  • Main: 13MP f/2.2
  • Front: 5MP
0
camera
Samsung Galaxy S26
  • Main: 50MP f/f/1.8
  • Ultrawide: 12MP
  • Telephoto: 10MP
  • Front: 12MP
35
camera
Display comparison
Redmi 17C
  • 6.9" IPS LCD
  • Resolution: 720x1640
  • Refresh rate: 120 Hz
100
display
Samsung Galaxy S26
  • 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
  • Resolution: 2340x1080
  • Refresh rate: 120 Hz
100
display
Battery and charging
Redmi 17C
  • 5160 mAh
  • Wired: 18W
  • No wireless charging
40
battery
Samsung Galaxy S26
  • 4000 mAh
  • Wired: 25W
  • Wireless: 15W
15
battery
Overall performance score

We compared Redmi 17C and Samsung Galaxy S26, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.

Redmi 17C MediaTek Helio G81 Ultra
25/100
358383 AnTuTu
Samsung Galaxy S26 Samsung Exynos 2600
54/100 +87.5%
2856499 AnTuTu

Samsung Galaxy S26 leads Redmi 17C by 87.5% in our overall performance rating.

Benchmarks
Price and availability
Redmi 17C
$100
Samsung Galaxy S26
$799

Price difference: $699. Redmi 17C is cheaper by $699.

Detailed category analysis
performance

In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Redmi 17C (64/100 vs 0/100).

display

In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 100/100.

camera

In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Redmi 17C (35/100 vs 0/100).

battery

In the "battery" category, the Redmi 17C notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (40/100 vs 15/100).

design

In the "design" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Redmi 17C (97/100 vs 42/100).

value for money

In the "value for money" category, the Redmi 17C significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (100/100 vs 55/100).

Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Redmi 17C or the Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Redmi 17C by 29 points (54/100 vs 25/100).

What is the rating of the Redmi 17C and the Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Redmi 17C has a MobileRank rating of 25/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 — 54/100.

Which has the better camera: the Redmi 17C or the Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on camera score (35/100 vs 0/100).

Which is more powerful: the Redmi 17C or the Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on performance (64/100 vs 0/100).

Should you choose the Redmi 17C over the Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Redmi 17C is a better fit for budget-conscious buyers. The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a better fit for active users.