Samsung Galaxy S26 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S26 (2026) runs on the Samsung Exynos 2600, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (2026) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5; launch prices were $799 and $1299. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads — 84/100 vs 74/100 (a 10-point difference). Key differences: the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4000); the main camera is 50 MP vs 200 MP; the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is faster in AnTuTu (3,463,142 vs 2,827,538); per DXOMark lab testing, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the stronger camera (157 vs 146); the Samsung Galaxy S26 is noticeably lighter (162g vs 214g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Samsung Galaxy S26
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 better?
- Lighter: 162g vs 214g
- Cheaper at launch: $799 vs $1299
- Better portability (89/100 vs 51/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 3463142 vs 2827538
- Better Geekbench Single: 3601 vs 2880
- Better Geekbench Multi: 10686 vs 9100
- Bigger battery: 5000 vs 4000 mAh
- Faster charging: 60W vs 25W
- Better main camera: 200MP vs 50MP
- Faster wireless charging: 25W vs 15W
- Higher performance (96/100 vs 89/100)
- Better camera (86/100 vs 77/100)
- Longer battery life (61/100 vs 31/100)
- Better display (88/100 vs 81/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Samsung Galaxy S26 vs the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra scores 10 points higher (84/100 vs 74/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (61/100 vs 31/100). Value score: Samsung Galaxy S26 — 62/100, 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 is a bit better (96/100 vs 89/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit better (88/100 vs 81/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit better (86/100 vs 77/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (61/100 vs 31/100). In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (89/100 vs 51/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy S26 | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Samsung Exynos 2600 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | |
| AnTuTu | 2827538 | 3463142 | |
| Geekbench Single | 2880 | 3601 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 9100 | 10686 | |
| Display | 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 2340x1080 | 3120x1440 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh | |
| Charging | 25W | 60W | |
| Wireless charging | 15W | 25W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | 146 | 157 | |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 200 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 50 MP | |
| Telephoto | 10 MP | 50 MP | |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB / 16GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | Android 16 / One UI 8.5 | Android 16 / One UI 8.5 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 2600 nits | 2600 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 158.4×75.8×7.3 mm | 163.6×78.1×7.9 mm | |
| Weight | 162 g | 214 g | |
| Launch price | $799 | $1299 |
Camera comparison
Samsung Galaxy S26
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 10MP
- Front: 12MP
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Main: 200MP f/1.7
- Ultrawide: 50MP
- Telephoto: 50MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 2340x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 3120x1440
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 4000 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 15W
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 Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads Samsung Galaxy S26 by 18.4% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $500. Samsung Galaxy S26 was $500 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit better (96/100 vs 89/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit better (88/100 vs 81/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit better (86/100 vs 77/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (61/100 vs 31/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (89/100 vs 51/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Samsung Galaxy S26 or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is noticeably better than the Samsung Galaxy S26 — the overall rating gap is 10 points.
What is the rating of the Samsung Galaxy S26 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 has a MobileRank rating of 74/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — 84/100.
Which has the better camera: the Samsung Galaxy S26 or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on camera score (86/100 vs 77/100).
Which is more powerful: the Samsung Galaxy S26 or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on performance (96/100 vs 89/100).
Should you choose the Samsung Galaxy S26 over the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a better fit for gamers and power users. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a better fit for gamers and power users, mobile photography enthusiasts, budget-conscious buyers.