Samsung Galaxy S26 vs ZTE Axon 40
The Samsung Galaxy S26 (2026) runs on the Samsung Exynos 2600, while the ZTE Axon 40 (2022) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads — 74/100 vs 58/100 (a 16-point difference). Key differences: the ZTE Axon 40 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 1,010,069); the Samsung Galaxy S26 is noticeably lighter (162g vs 200g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Samsung Galaxy S26
ZTE Axon 40
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 2827538 vs 1010069
- Better Geekbench Single: 2880 vs 1298
- Better Geekbench Multi: 9100 vs 3520
- Lighter: 162g vs 200g
- Higher performance (89/100 vs 61/100)
- Better camera (77/100 vs 51/100)
- Better display (81/100 vs 73/100)
- Better portability (89/100 vs 53/100)
What makes ZTE Axon 40 better?
- Bigger battery: 5000 vs 4000 mAh
- Better main camera: 64MP vs 50MP
- Longer battery life (52/100 vs 31/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Samsung Galaxy S26 vs the ZTE Axon 40, the Samsung Galaxy S26 scores 16 points higher (74/100 vs 58/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (89/100 vs 61/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (77/100 vs 51/100). In the "battery" category, the ZTE Axon 40 leads (52/100 vs 31/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the ZTE Axon 40 (89/100 vs 61/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is a bit better (81/100 vs 73/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the ZTE Axon 40 (77/100 vs 51/100). In the "battery" category, the ZTE Axon 40 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 (89/100 vs 53/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy S26 | ZTE Axon 40 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Samsung Exynos 2600 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 | |
| AnTuTu | 2827538 | 1010069 | |
| Geekbench Single | 2880 | 1298 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 9100 | 3520 | |
| Display | 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 6.7" | |
| Resolution | 2340x1080 | 1080x2400 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh | |
| Charging | 25W | — | |
| Wireless charging | 15W | 0W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | 146 | — | |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 64 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 8 MP | |
| Telephoto | 10 MP | 0 MP | |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 44 MP | |
| RAM | 12GB | — | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 128GB | |
| OS | Android 16 / One UI 8.5 | Android 12 Snow Cone | |
| Brightness (peak) | 2600 nits | — | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68 | — | |
| Dimensions | 158.4×75.8×7.3 mm | 163.4×75.9×8.6 mm | |
| Weight | 162 g | 200 g | |
| Launch price | $799 | — |
Camera comparison
Samsung Galaxy S26
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 10MP
- Front: 12MP
ZTE Axon 40
- Main: 64MP
- Ultrawide: 8MP
- Front: 44MP
Display comparison
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 2340x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
ZTE Axon 40
- 6.7"
- Resolution: 1080x2400
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 4000 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 15W
ZTE Axon 40
- 5000 mAh
- No wireless charging
Overall performance score
We compared Samsung Galaxy S26 and ZTE Axon 40, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 leads ZTE Axon 40 by 179.9% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
ZTE Axon 40
Price unknownDetailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the ZTE Axon 40 (89/100 vs 61/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is a bit better (81/100 vs 73/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the ZTE Axon 40 (77/100 vs 51/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the ZTE Axon 40 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 (89/100 vs 53/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Samsung Galaxy S26 or the ZTE Axon 40?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is noticeably better than the ZTE Axon 40 — the overall rating gap is 16 points.
What is the rating of the Samsung Galaxy S26 and the ZTE Axon 40?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 has a MobileRank rating of 74/100, the ZTE Axon 40 — 58/100.
Which has the better camera: the Samsung Galaxy S26 or the ZTE Axon 40?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on camera score (77/100 vs 51/100).
Which is more powerful: the Samsung Galaxy S26 or the ZTE Axon 40?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on performance (89/100 vs 61/100).
Should you choose the Samsung Galaxy S26 over the ZTE Axon 40?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a better fit for gamers and power users. The ZTE Axon 40 is a better fit for active users.