Galaxy S26 vs Honor Magic V: 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 ⇄
Samsung · 2026

Galaxy S26

Galaxy S26
84/ 100
Launch price$899
Honor · 2022

Honor Magic V

Honor Magic V
84/ 100
Launch pricePrice on request
Head-to-head

Galaxy S26 wins 3 of 7 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Galaxy S26
Galaxy S26
3 wins
Honor Magic V
Honor Magic V
2 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivityValue
Galaxy S26Honor Magic V
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedTie
    90
    90
  • CameraGalaxy S26
    91
    84
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieHonor Magic V
    60
    88
  • BatteryHonor Magic V
    70
    80
  • DisplayGalaxy S26
    90
    86
  • ConnectivityGalaxy S26
    100
    55
  • SecurityNot enough data
  • ValueTie
    68
    68
Key differences
  • Honor Magic V has the bigger battery4,750 mAh vs 4,300 mAh
  • Honor Magic V charges faster66W vs 25W
  • Honor Magic V has a sharper main camera50.3 MP vs 50 MP
  • Honor Magic V has the bigger screen6.45" vs 6.3"
  • Galaxy S26 is lighter167 g vs 293 g
  • Honor Magic V has a sharper selfie camera42.8 MP vs 12 MP
  • Galaxy S26 has newer Bluetooth6 vs 5.2
  • Galaxy S26 has the faster chipExynos 2600 vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Galaxy S26
  • ✓126 g lighter (167 g vs 293 g), easier to hold
  • ✓50 MP main camera
  • ✓6.3" display at 120 Hz
Reasons to buy Honor Magic V
  • ✓Bigger 4,750 mAh battery (+450 mAh)
  • ✓50.3 MP main camera
  • ✓6.45" display at 120 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationGalaxy S26Honor Magic V
1. Display & Screen🏆 Galaxy S26 Wins Display
Screen typeDynamic LTPO AMOLED 2XAM-OLED
Screen Size6.3"6.45"
Resolution & Density2340x1080 (409 ppi)1080x2560 (431 ppi)
Refresh Rate120 Hz adaptive120 Hz
Brightness2,600 nits peakN/A
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance
Chipset / ProcessorExynos 2600 (2nm)Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm)
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsXclipse 960 'Juno' (RDNA 4)Adreno 730
Operating SystemAndroid 16Android 12
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory12 GB LPDDR12 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage256GB / 512GB256GB / 512GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics🏆 Galaxy S26 Wins Camera
Primary Camera50 MP, f/1.8, OIS50.3 MP
Telephoto Zoom10 MP (3x optical zoom), f/2.4, OISNone (digital zoom only)
Ultrawide Camera12 MP, f/2.2N/A
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens12 MP, f/2.242.8 MP
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Galaxy S26 Lightest Chassis
Dimensions149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm160.4 x 72.7 x 14.3 mm
Weight167 g293 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP68Not listed
8. Battery & Charging🏆 Honor Magic V Wins Battery
Battery Capacity4,300 mAh4,750 mAh
Wired Fast Charging25W wired fast charging66W wired fast charging
Wireless Charging15W wireless chargingNot listed
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 7Not listed
Bluetooth6.0Bluetooth 5.2
USB Port & SpeedUSB-C 3.2USB C reversible
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$899Price on request
Our verdict

Galaxy S26 wins — BeastScore 84.0/100

The Galaxy S26 is the better pick for most people thanks to its lighter body (167 g vs 293 g) and newer Bluetooth (6 vs 5.2). The Honor Magic V is worth a look if you prefer its bigger battery (4,750 mAh vs 4,300 mAh).

Buy Galaxy S26 if you want

Optical telephoto zoom (1 telephoto lens) · Lighter: 167 g vs 293 g (126 g less)

Buy Honor Magic V if you want

Larger battery: 4,750 mAh vs 4,300 mAh · Faster wired charging: 66W vs 25W

Common questions

Which is better: Galaxy S26 or Honor Magic V?

The Galaxy S26 is the better pick for most people thanks to its lighter body (167 g vs 293 g) and newer Bluetooth (6 vs 5.2). The Honor Magic V is worth a look if you prefer its bigger battery (4,750 mAh vs 4,300 mAh). BeastScore: Galaxy S26 84.0/100, Honor Magic V 83.5/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Galaxy S26 and Honor Magic V?

Galaxy S26 has a 6.3-inch display and 4300 mAh battery. Honor Magic V has a 6.45-inch display and 4750 mAh battery.

How do Galaxy S26 and Honor Magic V compare for speed?

Galaxy S26 scores 90/100 for performance; Honor Magic V scores 90/100.

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