Samsung Galaxy S26 vs vivo iQOO Z11
Compare Samsung Galaxy S26 vs vivo iQOO Z11 side by side: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 / Samsung Exynos 2600 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, 50MP vs…
Samsung
Galaxy S26
$790
9categories won
vivo
iQOO Z11
$450
8categories won
2 categories tied · 19 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Samsung Galaxy S26 takes the overall win
The Samsung Galaxy S26 claims the overall win over the vivo iQOO Z11, delivering a stronger technical package across gaming and photography. For battery longevity and charging speed, the iQOO Z11 takes the lead, while the Galaxy S26 is the clear choice for demanding 3D gaming and heavy multitasking. Choose the Galaxy S26 if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the iQOO Z11 if its lower retail price better fit your budget.
iQOO Z11 takes battery honors offering 9,020 mAh alongside 90W charging.
Galaxy S26 leads gaming and raw performance powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 / Samsung Exynos 2600 and 12GB RAM.
Galaxy S26 wins photography with 50MP main imaging and 3x dedicated optical zoom.
iQOO Z11 wins on budget and value at $450 compared to $790.
Category verdicts are computed algorithmically from verified technical specifications and hardware benchmarks. Rows where neither figure is objectively better — screen size preference, operating system choice, aesthetic build materials — are displayed for direct reference without scoring bias.
Galaxy S26 vs iQOO Z11: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | Galaxy S26 | iQOO Z11 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.3" | 6.83" |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1260 x 2800Winner |
| Pixel density | 409 ppi | 450 ppiWinner |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 144 HzWinner |
| Peak brightness | 2600 nits | 5000 nitsWinner |
Performance
| Specification | Galaxy S26 | iQOO Z11 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 / Samsung Exynos 2600 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 |
| Process node | 2 nmWinner | 4 nm |
| AnTuTu score | 3,064,672 | — |
| Geekbench multi | 10824Winner | 3091 |
| Maximum RAM | 12 GB | 12 GB |
| Maximum storage | 512GBWinner | 256GB |
Camera
| Specification | Galaxy S26 | iQOO Z11 |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 50 MP | 50 MP |
| Rear cameras | 3Winner | 2 |
| Optical zoom | 3x | — |
| Ultrawide | 12 MPWinner | 8 MP |
| Selfie camera | 12 MP | 32 MPWinner |
| Max video | 8K at 30fps / 4K at 120fps | 4K@30fps |
Battery and charging
| Specification | Galaxy S26 | iQOO Z11 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4,300 mAh | 9,020 mAhWinner |
| Wired charging | 25 W | 90 WWinner |
| Wireless charging | 15 W | No |
Design
| Specification | Galaxy S26 | iQOO Z11 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 167 gWinner | 213 g |
| Thickness | 7.2 mmWinner | 8.3 mm |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68/IP69 |
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
Software and support
| Specification | Galaxy S26 | iQOO Z11 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Android 16 | Android 16 |
| OS updates | 7 yearsWinner | 3 years |
| Security updates | 7 yearsWinner | 5 years |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | Galaxy S26 | iQOO Z11 |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be, tri-band 2.4/5/6GHz, 320MHz bandwidth) | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 |
| Storage expansion | None | None |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Launch price | $790 | $450Winner |
Samsung Galaxy S26
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a premium compact smartphone suited for buyers who want top-tier performance without the bulk. Priced at $789.99, it pairs a powerful 2nm processor and exceptional seven-year update support with a bright 6.3-inch LTPO display, though its 25W charging speeds lag behind the competition.
- Display
- 6.3"
- Chipset
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 / Samsung Exynos 2600
- Main camera
- 50MP
- Battery
- 4,300mAh
vivo iQOO Z11
The vivo iQOO Z11 is a $450 mid-range smartphone defined by its gargantuan 9020 mAh battery and premium IP69 durability. Featuring a crisp 144Hz AMOLED display and a capable Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset, it suits power users and gamers who prioritize multi-day endurance over camera versatility or premium materials.
- Display
- 6.83"
- Chipset
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4
- Main camera
- 50MP
- Battery
- 9,020mAh