BeastCompare

Galaxy S26 vs Xiaomi 12S Ultra: 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
Xiaomi · 2022

Xiaomi 12S Ultra

Xiaomi 12S Ultra
84/ 100
Launch price$1,199
Head-to-head

Galaxy S26 wins 3 of 8 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Galaxy S26
Galaxy S26
3 wins
Xiaomi 12S Ultra
Xiaomi 12S Ultra
2 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivitySecurityValue
Galaxy S26Xiaomi 12S Ultra
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedTie
    90
    90
  • CameraTie
    91
    91
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieXiaomi 12S Ultra
    60
    88
  • BatteryXiaomi 12S Ultra
    70
    80
  • DisplayGalaxy S26
    90
    88
  • ConnectivityGalaxy S26
    100
    75
  • SecurityTie
    100
    100
  • ValueGalaxy S26
    68
    55
Key differences
  • Xiaomi 12S Ultra has the bigger battery4,860 mAh vs 4,300 mAh
  • Xiaomi 12S Ultra charges faster67W vs 25W
  • Xiaomi 12S Ultra has the bigger screen6.73" vs 6.3"
  • Galaxy S26 is lighter167 g vs 225 g
  • Galaxy S26 launched cheaper$899 vs $1,199
  • Xiaomi 12S Ultra has a sharper selfie camera32 MP vs 12 MP
  • Galaxy S26 has newer Bluetooth6 vs 5.3
  • Galaxy S26 has the faster chipExynos 2600 vs Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
  • Galaxy S26 has faster Wi-FiWi-Fi 7 vs Wi-Fi 6E
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Galaxy S26
  • ✓58 g lighter (167 g vs 225 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$300 cheaper at launch ($899 vs $1,199)
  • ✓50 MP main camera
Reasons to buy Xiaomi 12S Ultra
  • ✓Bigger 4,860 mAh battery (+560 mAh)
  • ✓50 MP main camera
  • ✓6.73" display at 120 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationGalaxy S26Xiaomi 12S Ultra
1. Display & Screen🏆 Galaxy S26 Wins Display
Screen typeDynamic LTPO AMOLED 2XLTPO AMOLED
Screen Size6.3"6.73"
Resolution & Density2340x1080 (409 ppi)3200x1440 (521 ppi)
Refresh Rate120 Hz adaptive120 Hz adaptive
Brightness2,600 nits peak1,500 nits peak
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
Primary Camera50 MP, f/1.8, OIS50 MP, f/1.9, OIS, Sony IMX989
Telephoto Zoom10 MP (3x optical zoom), f/2.4, OIS48 MP (5x optical zoom), f/4.1, OIS
Ultrawide Camera12 MP, f/2.248 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/2.45
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Galaxy S26 Lightest Chassis
Dimensions149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm163.18 x 74.97 x 9.06 mm
Weight167 g225 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP68IP68
8. Battery & Charging🏆 Xiaomi 12S Ultra Wins Battery
Battery Capacity4,300 mAh4,860 mAh
Wired Fast Charging25W wired fast charging67W wired fast charging
Wireless Charging15W 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 6E
Bluetooth6.05.3
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$899$1,199
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 225 g) and lower launch price ($899 vs $1,199). The Xiaomi 12S Ultra is worth a look if you prefer its bigger battery (4,860 mAh vs 4,300 mAh).

Buy Galaxy S26 if you want

Brighter screen: 2,600 nits vs 1,500 nits · Lighter: 167 g vs 225 g (58 g less)

Buy Xiaomi 12S Ultra if you want

Larger battery: 4,860 mAh vs 4,300 mAh · Faster wired charging: 67W vs 25W

Common questions

Which is better: Galaxy S26 or Xiaomi 12S Ultra?

The Galaxy S26 is the better pick for most people thanks to its lighter body (167 g vs 225 g) and lower launch price ($899 vs $1,199). The Xiaomi 12S Ultra is worth a look if you prefer its bigger battery (4,860 mAh vs 4,300 mAh). BeastScore: Galaxy S26 84.0/100, Xiaomi 12S Ultra 84.3/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Galaxy S26 and Xiaomi 12S Ultra?

Galaxy S26 has a 6.3-inch display and 4300 mAh battery. Xiaomi 12S Ultra has a 6.73-inch display and 4860 mAh battery.

How do Galaxy S26 and Xiaomi 12S Ultra compare for speed?

Galaxy S26 scores 90/100 for performance; Xiaomi 12S Ultra scores 90/100.

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Google

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OnePlus Nord CE6 Lite 5G
Oneplus

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