BeastCompare

Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Xiaomi 15: Which One Should You Buy?

Xiaomi 15 edges ahead with a BeastScore of 87.6/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Samsung · 2026

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Galaxy S26 Ultra
88/ 100
Launch price$1,299
Xiaomi · 2024

Xiaomi 15

Xiaomi 15
88/ 100
Launch price$899
Head-to-head

Xiaomi 15 wins 3 of 8 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Galaxy S26 Ultra
Galaxy S26 Ultra
2 wins
Xiaomi 15
Xiaomi 15
3 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivitySecurityValue
Galaxy S26 UltraXiaomi 15
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedTie
    90
    90
  • CameraGalaxy S26 Ultra
    100
    91
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieXiaomi 15
    60
    88
  • BatteryXiaomi 15
    86
    88
  • DisplayTie
    90
    90
  • ConnectivityGalaxy S26 Ultra
    100
    88
  • SecurityTie
    100
    100
  • ValueXiaomi 15
    55
    68
Key differences
  • Xiaomi 15 has the bigger battery5,240 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • Xiaomi 15 charges faster90W vs 60W
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra has a sharper main camera200 MP vs 50 MP
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen6.9" vs 6.36"
  • Xiaomi 15 is lighter191 g vs 214 g
  • Xiaomi 15 launched cheaper$899 vs $1,299
  • Xiaomi 15 has a sharper selfie camera32 MP vs 12 MP
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra has the faster chipSnapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 vs Snapdragon 8 Elite
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Galaxy S26 Ultra
  • ✓200 MP main camera
  • ✓6.9" display at 120 Hz
Reasons to buy Xiaomi 15
  • ✓23 g lighter (191 g vs 214 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$400 cheaper at launch ($899 vs $1,299)
  • ✓Bigger 5,240 mAh battery (+240 mAh)

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationGalaxy S26 UltraXiaomi 15
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeDynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X (Privacy Display)LTPO AMOLED
Screen Size6.9"6.36"
Resolution & Density3120x1440 (501 ppi)2670x1200 (460 ppi)
Refresh Rate120 Hz adaptive120 Hz adaptive
Brightness2,600 nits peak3,200 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance
Chipset / ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3nm)Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm)
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsAdreno 840Adreno 830
Operating SystemAndroid 16Android 15
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory12 GB LPDDR12 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage256GB / 512GB / 1024GB256GB / 512GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics🏆 Galaxy S26 Ultra Wins Camera
Primary Camera200 MP, f/1.4, OIS, Samsung HP250 MP, f/1.62, OIS, Light Fusion 900
Telephoto Zoom10 MP (3x optical zoom), f/2.4, OIS + 50 MP (5x optical zoom), f/2.9, OIS50 MP (3x optical zoom), f/2, OIS
Ultrawide Camera50 MP, f/250 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 Lens12 MP, f/2.232 MP, f/2
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Xiaomi 15 Lightest Chassis
Dimensions163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm152.3 x 71.2 x 8.08 mm
Weight214 g191 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP68IP68
8. Battery & Charging🏆 Xiaomi 15 Wins Battery
Battery Capacity5,000 mAh5,240 mAh
Wired Fast Charging60W wired fast charging90W wired fast charging
Wireless Charging25W wireless charging50W wireless charging
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 7Wi-Fi 7
Bluetooth6.06.0
USB Port & SpeedUSB-C 3.2USB-C 2.0
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$1,299$899
Our verdict

Xiaomi 15 wins — BeastScore 87.6/100

The Xiaomi 15 is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (5,240 mAh vs 5,000 mAh) and faster charging (90W vs 60W). The Galaxy S26 Ultra is worth a look if you prefer its sharper main camera (200 MP vs 50 MP).

Buy Galaxy S26 Ultra if you want

Higher-resolution main camera: 200 MP vs 50 MP · Optical telephoto zoom (2 telephoto lenses)

Buy Xiaomi 15 if you want

Larger battery: 5,240 mAh vs 5,000 mAh · Faster wired charging: 90W vs 60W

Common questions

Which is better: Galaxy S26 Ultra or Xiaomi 15?

The Xiaomi 15 is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (5,240 mAh vs 5,000 mAh) and faster charging (90W vs 60W). The Galaxy S26 Ultra is worth a look if you prefer its sharper main camera (200 MP vs 50 MP). BeastScore: Galaxy S26 Ultra 88.2/100, Xiaomi 15 87.6/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Galaxy S26 Ultra and Xiaomi 15?

Galaxy S26 Ultra has a 6.9-inch display and 5000 mAh battery. Xiaomi 15 has a 6.36-inch display and 5240 mAh battery.

How do Galaxy S26 Ultra and Xiaomi 15 compare for speed?

Galaxy S26 Ultra scores 90/100 for performance; Xiaomi 15 scores 90/100.

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