Samsung Galaxy S26 vs ZTE Axon 40 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S26 (2026) runs on the Samsung Exynos 2600, while the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra (2022) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads — 74/100 vs 70/100 (a 4-point difference). Key differences: the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has the bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4000); the main camera is 50 MP vs 64 MP; the Samsung Galaxy S26 is faster in AnTuTu (2,827,538 vs 1,294,871); the Samsung Galaxy S26 is noticeably lighter (162g vs 204g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Samsung Galaxy S26
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 2827538 vs 1294871
- Better Geekbench Single: 2880 vs 1662
- Better Geekbench Multi: 9100 vs 4188
- Lighter: 162g vs 204g
- Higher performance (89/100 vs 68/100)
- Better display (81/100 vs 80/100)
- Better portability (89/100 vs 52/100)
What makes ZTE Axon 40 Ultra better?
- Bigger battery: 5000 vs 4000 mAh
- Faster charging: 65W vs 25W
- Better main camera: 64MP vs 50MP
- Better camera (86/100 vs 77/100)
- Longer battery life (52/100 vs 31/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Samsung Galaxy S26 vs the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra, the Samsung Galaxy S26 scores 4 points higher (74/100 vs 70/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (89/100 vs 68/100). In the "battery" category, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra leads (52/100 vs 31/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra (89/100 vs 68/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 and the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra are nearly equal (81/100 vs 80/100). In the "camera" category, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a bit better (86/100 vs 77/100). In the "battery" category, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (52/100 vs 31/100). In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra (89/100 vs 52/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy S26 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Samsung Exynos 2600 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | |
| AnTuTu | 2827538 | 1294871 | |
| Geekbench Single | 2880 | 1662 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 9100 | 4188 | |
| Display | 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 6.8" AMOLED | |
| Resolution | 2340x1080 | 1116x2480 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh | |
| Charging | 25W | 65W | |
| Wireless charging | 15W | 0W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | 146 | — | |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 64 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 64 MP | |
| Telephoto | 10 MP | 64 MP | |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 16 MP | |
| RAM | 12GB | 8GB / 12GB / 16GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | Android 16 / One UI 8.5 | Android 12, MyOS 12 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 2600 nits | 1500 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68 | — | |
| Dimensions | 158.4×75.8×7.3 mm | 163.3×73.6×8.4 mm | |
| Weight | 162 g | 204 g | |
| Launch price | $799 | — |
Camera comparison
Samsung Galaxy S26
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 10MP
- Front: 12MP
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra
- Main: 64MP f/1.6
- Ultrawide: 64MP
- Telephoto: 64MP
- Front: 16MP
Display comparison
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 2340x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra
- 6.8" AMOLED
- Resolution: 1116x2480
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 4000 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 15W
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra
- 5000 mAh
- Wired: 65W
- No wireless charging
Overall performance score
We compared Samsung Galaxy S26 and ZTE Axon 40 Ultra, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 leads ZTE Axon 40 Ultra by 118.4% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra
Price unknownDetailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra (89/100 vs 68/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 and the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra are nearly equal (81/100 vs 80/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a bit better (86/100 vs 77/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (52/100 vs 31/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra (89/100 vs 52/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Samsung Galaxy S26 or the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 edges out the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra by just 4 points — the two devices are very close in overall level.
What is the rating of the Samsung Galaxy S26 and the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 has a MobileRank rating of 74/100, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra — 70/100.
Which has the better camera: the Samsung Galaxy S26 or the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra?
The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra leads on camera score (86/100 vs 77/100).
Which is more powerful: the Samsung Galaxy S26 or the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on performance (89/100 vs 68/100).
Should you choose the Samsung Galaxy S26 over the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a better fit for gamers and power users. The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a better fit for active users, mobile photography enthusiasts.