Engadget names Galaxy S26 Ultra top Android rival to iPhone 18 Pro Max
The comparison praises Samsung's balance of performance and software, but says Apple's flagship still leads on video quality and chip speed.
Engadget has named the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra the most balanced Android alternative to Apple's iPhone 18 Pro Max in a comparison published on November 1, 2026. The Galaxy S26 Ultra, released in February 2026, runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset with a 5000mAh battery.
The base model ships with 12GB of RAM, while the 1TB version gets 16GB, according to Engadget. The outlet said the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is fast but does not match Apple's A20 Pro, and that Apple's flagship still leads in video recording quality over the Galaxy S26 Ultra's 200-megapixel main sensor.
Engadget also assessed the wider Android field. It said the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL's Tensor G6 lags in performance, with the Pixel 11 testing below Samsung's older flagship, while the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and adds a secondary screen in its rear camera area.
Distribution and software weigh in Samsung's favour
Availability played a part in the verdict: Xiaomi phones are not sold through US and Canadian carriers, unlike Samsung's broad distribution. Engadget also rated Samsung's One UI 9 higher than Xiaomi's HyperOS in polish and ease of use.
Looking ahead, leaks cited in the comparison suggest the Galaxy S27 Ultra will use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 with changes to its design and camera system.
Quick answers
When was the Galaxy S26 Ultra released?
Samsung released the Galaxy S26 Ultra in February 2026.
What chipset does the Galaxy S26 Ultra use?
It uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 with a 5000mAh battery, according to Engadget.
Why didn't Engadget pick the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max?
Engadget cited Xiaomi's lack of US and Canadian carrier distribution and rated Samsung's One UI 9 above Xiaomi's HyperOS.