BeastCompare

Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra: Which One Should You Buy?

Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra edges ahead with a BeastScore of 95.0/100 — 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
Sony

Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra

Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra
95/ 100
Launch pricePrice on request
Head-to-head

Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra wins overall; Galaxy S26 Ultra takes 3 of 5 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Galaxy S26 Ultra
Galaxy S26 Ultra
3 wins
Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra
Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra
1 win
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplay
Galaxy S26 UltraSony Xperia XA1 Ultra
Category winners

Scores out of 100. "From specs" scores compare only the specs both phones list. How we score

  • Speedfrom specsGalaxy S26 Ultra
    96
    39
  • Camerafrom specsGalaxy S26 Ultra
    89
    82
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieSony Xperia XA1 Ultra
    60
    88
  • Batteryfrom specsGalaxy S26 Ultra
    67
    0
  • Displayfrom specsTie
    88
    88
  • ConnectivityNot enough data
  • SecurityNot enough data
  • ValueNot enough data
Key differences
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger battery5,000 mAh vs 2,700 mAh
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra has a sharper main camera200 MP vs 50 MP
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen6.9" vs 6"
  • Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra has a sharper selfie camera32 MP vs 12 MP
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra has more RAM12 GB vs 4 GB
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra has the faster chipSnapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 vs MT6757 Helio P20
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Galaxy S26 Ultra
  • ✓Bigger 5,000 mAh battery (+2,300 mAh)
  • ✓200 MP main camera
  • ✓6.9" display at 120 Hz
Reasons to buy Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra
  • ✓50 MP main camera
  • ✓6" display at 120 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationGalaxy S26 UltraSony Xperia XA1 Ultra
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeDynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X (Privacy Display)Not listed
Screen Size6.9"6"
Resolution & Density3120x1440 (501 ppi)N/A
Refresh Rate120 Hz adaptive120 Hz
Brightness2,600 nits peakN/A
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance🏆 Galaxy S26 Ultra Wins Performance
Chipset / ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3nm)MT6757 Helio P20
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsAdreno 840Not listed
Operating SystemAndroid 16Android 15
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory12 GB LPDDR4 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage256GB / 512GB / 1024GB64 GB
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, 50MP Main (OIS) + 50MP Ultra-wide + Telephoto
Telephoto Zoom10 MP (3x optical zoom), f/2.4, OIS + 50 MP (5x optical zoom), f/2.9, OISNone (digital zoom only)
Ultrawide Camera50 MP, f/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/2.232 MP
7. Body & Dimensions
Dimensions163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mmN/A
Weight214 gN/A
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP68Not listed
8. Battery & Charging🏆 Galaxy S26 Ultra Wins Battery
Battery Capacity5,000 mAh2,700 mAh
Wired Fast Charging60W wired fast chargingN/A
Wireless Charging25W 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
Bluetooth6.0Not listed
USB Port & SpeedUSB-C 3.2Not listed
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$1,299Price on request
Our verdict

Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra wins — BeastScore 95.0/100

The Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra is the better pick for most people thanks to its sharper selfie camera (32 MP vs 12 MP). The Galaxy S26 Ultra is worth a look if you prefer its bigger battery (5,000 mAh vs 2,700 mAh).

Buy Galaxy S26 Ultra if you want

Larger battery: 5,000 mAh vs 2,700 mAh · Higher-resolution main camera: 200 MP vs 50 MP

Buy Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra if you want

Reliable all-round performance.

Common questions

Which is better: Galaxy S26 Ultra or Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra?

The Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra is the better pick for most people thanks to its sharper selfie camera (32 MP vs 12 MP). The Galaxy S26 Ultra is worth a look if you prefer its bigger battery (5,000 mAh vs 2,700 mAh). BeastScore: Galaxy S26 Ultra 88.2/100, Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra 95.0/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Galaxy S26 Ultra and Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra?

Galaxy S26 Ultra has a 6.9-inch display and 5000 mAh battery. Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra has a 6-inch display and 2700 mAh battery.

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Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold

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