Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Alternatives

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is one of our top smartphones picks of 2026 ($1295.86 · 4.8/5), but it is not the right buy for everyone. Below are the closest comparables in the same category, ranked by how strong a case they make against the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra for typical buyers.

By The Tech Showdown Editorial TeamUpdated April 26, 2026How we research

#1Cheaper and higher-rated

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

$1198.68★ 4.9/5

At $1198.68 the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max costs $97.18 less than the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra while still scoring 4.9/5 in our research synthesis. Worth a serious look if you do not need every premium feature on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Compare Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max →Read full Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max review →

#2The budget-conscious pick

OnePlus 13

$899.99★ 4.6/5

At $899.99 the OnePlus 13 costs $395.87 less than the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra while still scoring 4.6/5 in our research synthesis. Worth a serious look if you do not need every premium feature on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Compare Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs OnePlus 13 →Read full OnePlus 13 review →

#3The budget-conscious pick

Apple iPhone 16

$799.00★ 4.6/5

At $799.00 the Apple iPhone 16 costs $496.86 less than the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra while still scoring 4.6/5 in our research synthesis. Worth a serious look if you do not need every premium feature on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Compare Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Apple iPhone 16 →Read full Apple iPhone 16 review →

#4The budget-conscious pick

Google Pixel 9 Pro

$999.00★ 4.5/5

At $999.00 the Google Pixel 9 Pro costs $296.86 less than the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra while still scoring 4.5/5 in our research synthesis. Worth a serious look if you do not need every premium feature on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Compare Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 Pro →Read full Google Pixel 9 Pro review →

#5The budget-conscious pick

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro

$1199.99★ 4.5/5

At $1199.99 the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro costs $95.87 less than the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra while still scoring 4.5/5 in our research synthesis. Worth a serious look if you do not need every premium feature on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Compare Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro →Read full ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro review →

#6The budget-conscious pick

Nothing Phone 2a Plus

$399.00★ 4.3/5

At $399.00 the Nothing Phone 2a Plus costs $896.86 less than the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra while still scoring 4.3/5 in our research synthesis. Worth a serious look if you do not need every premium feature on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Compare Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Nothing Phone 2a Plus →Read full Nothing Phone 2a Plus review →

#7A premium alternative

Xiaomi 14 Ultra

$1499.00★ 4.5/5

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra sits $203.14 above the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra at $1499.00 and earns a 4.5/5 rating. Justifiable only if its specific strengths line up with your use case — see the spec breakdown on its review page.

Compare Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Xiaomi 14 Ultra →Read full Xiaomi 14 Ultra review →

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