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Lab Benchmark Battle

iPhone Air vs Galaxy S26 Ultra

Direct side-by-side battle analyzing display brightness, chipset benchmark percentiles, multi-camera arrays, battery capacity, and charging speeds.

Smartphone Battle
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe across ⇄
iPhone Air
· 2025

iPhone Air

$999
78.1/ 100
Overall
Exceptional
BeastScore
78.1
Benchmark
Performance90/100
Camera82/100
Battery58/100
Galaxy S26 Ultra
· 2026

Galaxy S26 Ultra

$1299
88.2/ 100
Overall
Exceptional
BeastScore
88.2
Benchmark
Performance90/100
Camera100/100
Battery86/100

Which Phone Should You Buy: Key Reasons & Hardware Advantages

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Reasons to buy iPhone Air:
  • ✓49g lighter chassis (165g) optimized for one-handed ergonomics
  • ✓$300 lower launch MSRP ($999 vs $1299)
  • ✓48MP primary camera sensor with 4K/120fps video recording
Reasons to buy Galaxy S26 Ultra:
  • ✓Larger 5,000 mAh battery capacity (+1,851 mAh more capacity)
  • ✓200MP primary camera sensor with 4K/120fps video recording
  • ✓6.9" display with 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate

How Do the Specifications Compare Side-by-Side?

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SpecificationiPhone AirGalaxy S26 Ultra
1. Display & Screen
Screen Type & TechLTPO Super Retina XDR OLEDDynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X (Privacy Display)
Screen Size6.5"6.9"
Resolution & Density2736x1260 (460 ppi)3120x1440 (501 ppi)
Refresh Rate120 Hz ProMotion120 Hz ProMotion
Brightness3,000 nits peak2,600 nits peak
Screen ProtectionScratch-resistant glassScratch-resistant glass
2. Platform & Performance
Chipset / ProcessorHigh performance SoC High performance SoC
CPU CoresMulti-core high performanceMulti-core high performance
GPU GraphicsIntegrated GraphicsIntegrated Graphics
Operating SystemiOS 26Android 16
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory12 GB12 GB
Internal Storage256GB / 512GB / 1024GB256GB / 512GB / 1024GB
Storage SpeedHigh-speed flashHigh-speed flash
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics
Primary Camera48 MP, f/1.6, OIS, Fusion 48MP200 MP, f/1.4, OIS, Samsung HP2
Telephoto ZoomNone (Digital zoom only)10 MP (3x optical zoom), f/2.4, OIS + 50 MP (5x optical zoom), f/2.9, OIS
Ultrawide CameraN/A50 MP, f/2
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video Recording Capabilities
Main Camera Video
4K@60fps1080p@240fpsHDR
4K@60fps1080p@240fpsHDR
Front Video
4K@60fps1080p@60fpsgyro-EIS
4K@60fps1080p@60fpsgyro-EIS
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens18 MP, f/1.912 MP, f/2.2
7. Body & Dimensions
Dimensions156.2 x 74.7 x 5.64 mm163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm
Weight165 g214 g
Build MaterialsGlass front, metal/glass frameGlass front, metal/glass frame
SIM TypeNano-SIM / eSIM supportNano-SIM / eSIM support
Water ResistanceIP68IP68
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity3,149 mAh5,000 mAh
Wired Fast Charging20W wired fast charging60W wired fast charging
Wireless Charging25W wireless charging25W wireless charging
Reverse ChargingReverse wireless chargingReverse wireless charging
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerStereo speakersStereo speakers
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity & Comms
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 7Wi-Fi 7
Bluetooth6.06.0
USB Port & SpeedUSB-C 2.0USB-C 3.2
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsBiometric fingerprint/face, accelerometer, gyro, compassBiometric fingerprint/face, accelerometer, gyro, compass
Satellite FeaturesEmergency SOS via satellite (select markets)Emergency SOS via satellite (select markets)
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsStandard finishesStandard finishes
Launch Price$999$1299
Editorial Lab Verdict

Galaxy S26 Ultra edges ahead with a BeastScore of 88.2/100

After comprehensive hardware benchmark comparisons, Galaxy S26 Ultra ranks as the overall top pick in this matchup. Key differentiators include its advanced processor architecture and verified 100/100 camera rating.

When to buy iPhone Air:
Brighter screen: 3,000 nits peak vs 2,600 nits · Lighter body: 165g (49g lighter in hand)
When to buy Galaxy S26 Ultra:
Higher overall BeastScore: 88.2 vs top rival 78.1 · Larger battery capacity: 5,000 mAh (+1,851 mAh more)
Quick Answers

Frequently Asked Questions: iPhone Air vs Galaxy S26 Ultra

Which phone is better: iPhone Air or Galaxy S26 Ultra?

Galaxy S26 Ultra leads with an overall BeastScore of 88.2/100 compared to iPhone Air (78.1/100), driven by advantages in Higher overall BeastScore: 88.2 vs top rival 78.1 and Larger battery capacity: 5,000 mAh (+1,851 mAh more).

What are the primary battery and display differences between iPhone Air and Galaxy S26 Ultra?

iPhone Air is equipped with a 6.5-inch display and 3149 mAh battery, while Galaxy S26 Ultra features a 6.9-inch display and 5000 mAh battery.

How do the camera capabilities compare between iPhone Air and Galaxy S26 Ultra?

In lab hardware evaluations, iPhone Air scores 82/100 in camera performance, while Galaxy S26 Ultra scores 100/100.

Similar Hardware Tier

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