Samsung Galaxy S26 vs Xiaomi 15 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S26 (2026) runs on the Samsung Exynos 2600, while the Xiaomi 15 Ultra (2025) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite; launch prices were $799 and $999. By overall MobileRank rating, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra leads — 85/100 vs 74/100 (a 11-point difference). Key differences: the Xiaomi 15 Ultra has the bigger battery (6000 mAh vs 4000); the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is faster in AnTuTu (3,030,376 vs 2,827,538); per DXOMark lab testing, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra has the stronger camera (159 vs 146); the Samsung Galaxy S26 is noticeably lighter (162g vs 225g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Samsung Galaxy S26
Xiaomi 15 Ultra
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 better?
- Lighter: 162g vs 225g
- Cheaper at launch: $799 vs $999
- Better portability (89/100 vs 29/100)
What makes Xiaomi 15 Ultra better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 3030376 vs 2827538
- Better Geekbench Single: 3050 vs 2880
- Better Geekbench Multi: 10200 vs 9100
- Bigger battery: 6000 vs 4000 mAh
- Faster charging: 90W vs 25W
- Faster wireless charging: 50W vs 15W
- Higher performance (92/100 vs 89/100)
- Better camera (87/100 vs 77/100)
- Longer battery life (80/100 vs 31/100)
- Better display (90/100 vs 81/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Samsung Galaxy S26 vs the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra scores 11 points higher (85/100 vs 74/100). In the "camera" category, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra leads (87/100 vs 77/100). In the "battery" category, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra leads (80/100 vs 31/100). Value score: Samsung Galaxy S26 — 62/100, Xiaomi 15 Ultra — 80/100; 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 Xiaomi 15 Ultra and the Samsung Galaxy S26 are nearly equal (92/100 vs 89/100). In the "display" category, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a bit better (90/100 vs 81/100). In the "camera" category, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a bit better (87/100 vs 77/100). In the "battery" category, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (80/100 vs 31/100). In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Xiaomi 15 Ultra (89/100 vs 29/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy S26 | Xiaomi 15 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Samsung Exynos 2600 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | |
| AnTuTu | 2827538 | 3030376 | |
| Geekbench Single | 2880 | 3050 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 9100 | 10200 | |
| Display | 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 6.7" LTPO AMOLED | |
| Resolution | 2340x1080 | 3200x1440 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 4000 mAh | 6000 mAh | |
| Charging | 25W | 90W | |
| Wireless charging | 15W | 50W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | 146 | 159 | |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 50 MP | |
| Telephoto | 10 MP | 50 MP | |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 32 MP | |
| RAM | 12GB | 16GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | Android 16 / One UI 8.5 | Android 15 / HyperOS 2 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 2600 nits | 3200 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 158.4×75.8×7.3 mm | 161.3×75.3×9.4 mm | |
| Weight | 162 g | 225 g | |
| Launch price | $799 | $999 |
Camera comparison
Samsung Galaxy S26
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 10MP
- Front: 12MP
Xiaomi 15 Ultra
- Main: 50MP f/1.63
- Ultrawide: 50MP
- Telephoto: 50MP
- Front: 32MP
Display comparison
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 2340x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Xiaomi 15 Ultra
- 6.7" LTPO AMOLED
- Resolution: 3200x1440
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 4000 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 15W
Xiaomi 15 Ultra
- 6000 mAh
- NanoReview test: web browsing 12:19 hrs, total 30:03 hrs
- Wired: 90W
- Wireless: 50W
Overall performance score
We compared Samsung Galaxy S26 and Xiaomi 15 Ultra, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra leads Samsung Galaxy S26 by 6.7% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $200. Samsung Galaxy S26 was $200 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and the Samsung Galaxy S26 are nearly equal (92/100 vs 89/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a bit better (90/100 vs 81/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a bit better (87/100 vs 77/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (80/100 vs 31/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Xiaomi 15 Ultra (89/100 vs 29/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Samsung Galaxy S26 or the Xiaomi 15 Ultra?
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is noticeably better than the Samsung Galaxy S26 — the overall rating gap is 11 points.
What is the rating of the Samsung Galaxy S26 and the Xiaomi 15 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 has a MobileRank rating of 74/100, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra — 85/100.
Which has the better camera: the Samsung Galaxy S26 or the Xiaomi 15 Ultra?
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra leads on camera score (87/100 vs 77/100).
Should you choose the Samsung Galaxy S26 over the Xiaomi 15 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a better fit for gamers and power users. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a better fit for gamers and power users, mobile photography enthusiasts, those who care about battery life, budget-conscious buyers.