Apple iPad mini (2024) vs Galaxy S26: Which One Should You Buy?

Galaxy S26 edges ahead with a BeastScore of 84.0/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Apple

Apple iPad mini (2024)

Apple iPad mini (2024)
84/ 100
Launch pricePrice on request
Samsung · 2026

Galaxy S26

Galaxy S26
84/ 100
Launch price$899
Head-to-head

Apple iPad mini (2024) wins 3 of 5 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Apple iPad mini (2024)
Apple iPad mini (2024)
3 wins
Galaxy S26
Galaxy S26
2 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraBatteryDisplayValue
Apple iPad mini (2024)Galaxy S26
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedGalaxy S26
    79
    90
  • CameraGalaxy S26
    80
    91
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieNot enough data
  • BatteryApple iPad mini (2024)
    86
    70
  • DisplayApple iPad mini (2024)
    94
    90
  • ConnectivityNot enough data
  • SecurityNot enough data
  • ValueApple iPad mini (2024)
    85
    68
Key differences
  • Apple iPad mini (2024) has the bigger battery5,078 mAh vs 4,300 mAh
  • Apple iPad mini (2024) has the bigger screen8.3" vs 6.3"
  • Galaxy S26 has more RAM12 GB vs 8 GB
  • Galaxy S26 has the faster chipExynos 2600 vs Apple A17 Pro
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Apple iPad mini (2024)
  • ✓Bigger 5,078 mAh battery (+778 mAh)
  • ✓8.3" display at 120 Hz
Reasons to buy Galaxy S26
  • ✓832 g lighter (167 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$9100 cheaper at launch ($899 vs $9999)
  • ✓50 MP main camera

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationApple iPad mini (2024)Galaxy S26
1. Display & Screen🏆 Apple iPad mini (2024) Wins Display
Screen typeAMOLEDDynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Screen Size8.3"6.3"
Resolution & DensityFHD+ / LTPO AMOLED 2340x1080 (409 ppi)
Refresh Rate120 Hz ProMotion120 Hz ProMotion
BrightnessN/A2,600 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance🏆 Galaxy S26 Wins Performance
Chipset / ProcessorApple A17 Pro Exynos 2600 (2nm)
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedXclipse 960 'Juno' (RDNA 4)
Operating SystemiOS Android 16
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory8 GB LPDDR12 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage512 GB256GB / 512GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics🏆 Galaxy S26 Wins Camera
Primary Cameraundefined MP, Triple Camera System50 MP, f/1.8, OIS
Telephoto ZoomNone (digital zoom only)10 MP (3x optical zoom), f/2.4, OIS
Ultrawide CameraN/A12 MP, f/2.2
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lensundefined MP12 MP, f/2.2
7. Body & Dimensions
DimensionsN/A149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm
WeightN/A167 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceNot listedIP68
8. Battery & Charging🏆 Apple iPad mini (2024) Wins Battery
Battery Capacity5,078 mAh4,300 mAh
Wired Fast ChargingFast charging25W wired fast charging
Wireless ChargingNot listed15W wireless charging
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardNot listedWi-Fi 7
BluetoothNot listed6.0
USB Port & SpeedNot listedUSB-C 3.2
NFCYesYes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch PricePrice on request$899
Our verdict

Galaxy S26 wins — BeastScore 84.0/100

After comparing all the specs, Galaxy S26 is the stronger all-round phone. Its main edge: Higher overall BeastScore: 84.0 vs top rival 83.5 and Significantly faster wired charging: 25W vs max 0W.

Buy Apple iPad mini (2024) if you want

Larger battery capacity: 5,078 mAh (+778 mAh more) · Significantly larger display: 8.3" vs max 6.3" for media & multitasking

Buy Galaxy S26 if you want

Higher overall BeastScore: 84.0 vs top rival 83.5 · Significantly faster wired charging: 25W vs max 0W

Common questions

Which is better: Apple iPad mini (2024) or Galaxy S26?

Galaxy S26 leads with an overall BeastScore of 84.0/100 compared to Apple iPad mini (2024) (83.5/100), driven by advantages in Higher overall BeastScore: 84.0 vs top rival 83.5 and Significantly faster wired charging: 25W vs max 0W.

What are the main battery and display differences between Apple iPad mini (2024) and Galaxy S26?

Apple iPad mini (2024) has a 8.3-inch display and 5078 mAh battery. Galaxy S26 has a 6.3-inch display and 4300 mAh battery.

How do Apple iPad mini (2024) and Galaxy S26 compare for speed?

Apple iPad mini (2024) scores 79/100 for performance; Galaxy S26 scores 90/100.

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