Samsung Galaxy S26 vs ZTE Axon 31 Ultra 5G
The Samsung Galaxy S26 (2026) runs on the Samsung Exynos 2600, while the ZTE Axon 31 Ultra 5G (2021) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads — 74/100 vs 65/100 (a 9-point difference). Key differences: the ZTE Axon 31 Ultra 5G has the bigger battery (4600 mAh vs 4000); the main camera is 50 MP vs 64 MP; the Samsung Galaxy S26 is faster in AnTuTu (2,827,538 vs 1,135,878); the Samsung Galaxy S26 is noticeably lighter (162g vs 188g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Samsung Galaxy S26
ZTE Axon 31 Ultra 5G
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 2827538 vs 1135878
- Better Geekbench Single: 2880 vs 1500
- Better Geekbench Multi: 9100 vs 3537
- Lighter: 162g vs 188g
- Higher performance (89/100 vs 64/100)
- Better camera (77/100 vs 71/100)
- Better portability (89/100 vs 67/100)
What makes ZTE Axon 31 Ultra 5G better?
- Bigger battery: 4600 vs 4000 mAh
- Better main camera: 64MP vs 50MP
- Higher refresh rate: 144Hz vs 120Hz
- Longer battery life (41/100 vs 31/100)
- Better display (89/100 vs 81/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Samsung Galaxy S26 vs the ZTE Axon 31 Ultra 5G, the Samsung Galaxy S26 scores 9 points higher (74/100 vs 65/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (89/100 vs 64/100). In the "battery" category, the ZTE Axon 31 Ultra 5G leads (41/100 vs 31/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the ZTE Axon 31 Ultra 5G (89/100 vs 64/100). In the "display" category, the ZTE Axon 31 Ultra 5G is a bit better (89/100 vs 81/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is a bit better (77/100 vs 71/100). In the "battery" category, the ZTE Axon 31 Ultra 5G is a bit better (41/100 vs 31/100). In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the ZTE Axon 31 Ultra 5G (89/100 vs 67/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy S26 | ZTE Axon 31 Ultra 5G | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Samsung Exynos 2600 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | |
| AnTuTu | 2827538 | 1135878 | |
| Geekbench Single | 2880 | 1500 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 9100 | 3537 | |
| Display | 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 6.7" Super Amoled | |
| Resolution | 2340x1080 | 1080x2400 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 144 Hz | |
| Battery | 4000 mAh | 4600 mAh | |
| Charging | 25W | — | |
| Wireless charging | 15W | 0W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | 146 | — | |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 64 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 64 MP | |
| Telephoto | 10 MP | 8 MP | |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 44 MP | |
| RAM | 12GB | — | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 512GB | |
| OS | Android 16 / One UI 8.5 | Android 11 Red Velvet Cake | |
| Brightness (peak) | 2600 nits | — | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68 | — | |
| Dimensions | 158.4×75.8×7.3 mm | 161.5×73.0×8.0 mm | |
| Weight | 162 g | 188 g | |
| Launch price | $799 | — |
Camera comparison
Samsung Galaxy S26
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 10MP
- Front: 12MP
ZTE Axon 31 Ultra 5G
- Main: 64MP
- Ultrawide: 64MP
- Telephoto: 8MP
- Front: 44MP
Display comparison
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 2340x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
ZTE Axon 31 Ultra 5G
- 6.7" Super Amoled
- Resolution: 1080x2400
- Refresh rate: 144 Hz
Battery and charging
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 4000 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 15W
ZTE Axon 31 Ultra 5G
- 4600 mAh
- No wireless charging
Overall performance score
We compared Samsung Galaxy S26 and ZTE Axon 31 Ultra 5G, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 leads ZTE Axon 31 Ultra 5G by 148.9% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
ZTE Axon 31 Ultra 5G
Price unknownDetailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the ZTE Axon 31 Ultra 5G (89/100 vs 64/100).
display
In the "display" category, the ZTE Axon 31 Ultra 5G is a bit better (89/100 vs 81/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is a bit better (77/100 vs 71/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the ZTE Axon 31 Ultra 5G is a bit better (41/100 vs 31/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the ZTE Axon 31 Ultra 5G (89/100 vs 67/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Samsung Galaxy S26 or the ZTE Axon 31 Ultra 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 edges out the ZTE Axon 31 Ultra 5G by just 9 points — the two devices are very close in overall level.
What is the rating of the Samsung Galaxy S26 and the ZTE Axon 31 Ultra 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 has a MobileRank rating of 74/100, the ZTE Axon 31 Ultra 5G — 65/100.
Which has the better camera: the Samsung Galaxy S26 or the ZTE Axon 31 Ultra 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on camera score (77/100 vs 71/100).
Which is more powerful: the Samsung Galaxy S26 or the ZTE Axon 31 Ultra 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on performance (89/100 vs 64/100).
Should you choose the Samsung Galaxy S26 over the ZTE Axon 31 Ultra 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a better fit for gamers and power users. The ZTE Axon 31 Ultra 5G is a better fit for active users.