Galaxy S26
Xiaomi 15 Ultra
🏆 Verdict
Xiaomi 15 Ultra is the better pick overall by 12.1 points, leading in Charging, Battery and Display. Galaxy S26 remains a strong contender elsewhere.
Galaxy S26 offers more for the money ($799 vs $1,619 at launch).
By category
Performance
Both run the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 with practically the same performance. Xiaomi 15 Ultra has more RAM (16 GB vs 12 GB), which helps multitasking.
Camera
Xiaomi 15 Ultra zooms further optically (4.3× vs 3×). Xiaomi 15 Ultra has the higher-resolution selfie camera (32 MP vs 12 MP).
Battery
Xiaomi 15 Ultra's battery is 1,110 mAh larger (5,410 vs 4,300 mAh), about 26% more. Real battery life also depends on chip and display efficiency.
Charging
Xiaomi 15 Ultra charges faster over cable (90W vs 45W). Wireless charging is faster on Xiaomi 15 Ultra (80W vs 15W).
Display
Xiaomi 15 Ultra has the larger screen (6.73" vs 6.3"). Xiaomi 15 Ultra's screen gets brighter (3,200 vs 2,600 nits), which shows outdoors. Xiaomi 15 Ultra's screen is sharper (521 vs 409 ppi).
Build & durability
Galaxy S26 is 63 g lighter.
Updates
Galaxy S26 should get OS updates for longer (7 vs 4 years, per the maker's policy at launch).
Specifications
| Galaxy S26 | Xiaomi 15 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| 12 GB | RAM | 16 GB |
| 256 GB / 512 GB | Storage | 512 GB / 1 TB |
| 6.3" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Display | 6.73" LTPO AMOLED |
| 120 Hz | Refresh rate | 120 Hz |
| 2340×1080 (409 ppi) | Resolution | 3200×1440 (521 ppi) |
| 2,600 nits | Peak brightness | 3,200 nits |
| 50 MP | Main camera | 50 MP |
| 12 MP | Ultrawide | 50 MP |
| 10 MP · 3× | Telephoto | 200 MP · 4.3× |
| 12 MP | Front camera | 32 MP |
| 4,300 mAh | Battery | 5,410 mAh |
| 45 W | Wired charging | 90 W |
| 15 W | Wireless charging | 80 W |
| IP68 | Water & dust rating | IP68 |
| aluminium | Frame | aluminium |
| 163 g | Weight | 226 g |
| 7 years | OS updates (estimated) | 4 years |
| $799 | Launch price | EUR 1,499 (≈ $1,619) |
| 2026-02 | Released | 2025-02 |
Official source: Galaxy S26 · Official source: Xiaomi 15 Ultra
⚠ Data pending confirmation: Galaxy S26
Galaxy S26
Pros
- Light at 163 g
- 7 years of updates
- Lower price ($799)
Cons
- Smaller battery
- Slower charging (45W)
- Dimmer screen
Xiaomi 15 Ultra
Pros
- 16 GB RAM
- 4.3× optical zoom
- 5,410 mAh battery
- 90W charging
- 3,200 nits peak
Cons
- Heavier (226 g)
- Shorter update window
- Pricier ($1,619)
How is the score calculated?
Each phone gets 0–100 points in seven categories (performance, camera, battery, charging, display, build, updates), computed only from its published specs, then combined with fixed, published weights. A gap under 2.5 points counts as a tie. The performance index is an estimate based on benchmark results published at launch.
Figures come from the manufacturers’ official pages. Some specs vary by market. We do not sell devices or earn commissions.