Android Phones That Beat Galaxy S26 FE in Benchmarks

As of early 2025, no Android phone currently on the market beats the Galaxy S26 FE in benchmarks because the device has not been released yet. However, based on the performance of the Galaxy S25 FE and typical Samsung release patterns, the S26 FE is expected to use a next-generation Exynos or Snapdragon chipset. This article explains what benchmark scores to expect, which existing phones outperform the current FE model, and how to compare them yourself.

What Benchmarks Actually Measure

Benchmarks are standardized tests that stress a phone’s processor (CPU), graphics (GPU), memory, and sometimes storage. The most common suites are Geekbench 6 (single-core and multi-core CPU), AnTuTu 10 (overall system), and 3DMark Wild Life (GPU). Each returns a numeric score; higher is better. For real-world feel, sustained performance matters more than peak scores, as thermal throttling can reduce output during long gaming sessions.

Current Phones That Beat the Galaxy S25 FE

Since the S26 FE isn’t out yet, the best comparison is against the existing S25 FE. The S25 FE uses the Exynos 2400e chip, scoring roughly 1,900 single-core and 6,200 multi-core in Geekbench 6, and around 1.9 million in AnTuTu 10. Several phones already exceed those numbers:

Galaxy S24 Ultra (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3): ~2,300 single-core, ~7,200 multi-core, AnTuTu ~2.1 million.
iPhone 15 Pro (A17 Pro): ~2,900 single-core, ~7,000 multi-core, AnTuTu ~1.6 million (iOS vs Android differences matter).
OnePlus 12 (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3): Similar to S24 Ultra, with better sustained GPU performance.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3): Often tops AnTuTu charts due to aggressive cooling.

When the S26 FE launches, it will likely use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 or Exynos 2500, which should surpass these scores. Until then, any phone with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or newer will beat the current FE.

How to Compare Phones Yourself

To see which phone beats another in benchmarks, follow these steps:

Install Geekbench 6 and AnTuTu 10 from the Google Play Store.
Run each test on both phones under the same conditions (room temperature, similar battery level, no background apps).
Record the scores and compare them side by side.
For sustained performance, run 3DMark’s Wild Life Stress Test (20-minute loop) and look at the stability percentage.

Remember that benchmark scores vary slightly between units due to manufacturing tolerances and software updates. A difference of 5% is usually negligible in daily use.

Why Benchmarks Don’t Tell the Whole Story

Benchmarks measure raw capability, not real-world experience. A phone with a lower score might feel faster if it has better software optimization, faster storage, or a higher refresh rate display. For example, the iPhone 15 Pro has a lower AnTuTu score than many Android flagships, but its CPU efficiency and app loading times are often superior. Similarly, the S25 FE may score lower than the S24 Ultra, but for most users, the difference is imperceptible outside of heavy gaming or video editing.

Common Misconceptions About Benchmark Scores

One common mistake is comparing scores across different benchmark versions. AnTuTu 9 and AnTuTu 10 scores are not directly comparable. Another is assuming that a higher multi-core score always means better multitasking—some tasks rely more on single-core speed. Also, beware of “benchmark mode” that some phones enable when they detect a benchmark app, artificially inflating scores. This is rare but has been documented in the past.

What to Expect From the Galaxy S26 FE

Based on the S25 FE’s specs, the S26 FE will likely feature a chipset that is one generation newer. If Samsung uses the Exynos 2500, it may score around 2,500 single-core and 8,000 multi-core in Geekbench 6, and about 2.3 million in AnTuTu 10. If it uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, scores could be slightly higher. These are estimates, not confirmed figures. The FE series typically uses a slightly underclocked version of the flagship chip, so expect performance about 10-15% below the S26 Ultra.

Real-World Performance vs. Numbers

Benchmark scores are useful for comparing raw power, but they don’t measure thermal management, battery life, or camera processing speed. A phone that scores high but throttles after 10 minutes of gaming will feel slower than a phone that maintains a lower but stable score. For the S26 FE, Samsung’s Exynos chips have historically run warmer than Snapdragons, so sustained performance may be a concern. If you plan to game heavily, consider a phone with a vapor chamber cooling system, like the ROG Phone series.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Galaxy S26 FE beat the iPhone 16 in benchmarks?

It’s likely, but not guaranteed. The iPhone 16 uses the A18 chip, which scores around 3,300 single-core and 8,300 multi-core in Geekbench 6. If the S26 FE uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, it could match or exceed those numbers, but Apple’s chips typically lead in single-core performance.

Do benchmark scores matter for everyday use?

For most people, no. Browsing, social media, and streaming don’t require top-tier performance. You’ll only notice differences in demanding games, 4K video editing, or heavy multitasking. A mid-range phone with a good screen and battery often feels just as fast for daily tasks.

Can I trust benchmark results from YouTube reviews?

Mostly yes, but check if the reviewer used the same benchmark version and controlled for temperature. Some reviewers run tests in a cool room or with a cooling fan, which can inflate scores. Look for reviews that include sustained performance tests.

Why does my phone’s benchmark score differ from what I see online?

Variations are normal. Background apps, battery temperature, and even the phone’s case can affect scores. Also, software updates can improve or degrade performance. To get consistent results, close all apps, let the phone cool down, and run the test multiple times.

Is there a way to improve my phone’s benchmark score?

You can enable “Performance Mode” in settings if available, close background apps, and ensure the phone is not hot. However, these tweaks only yield small gains. Real performance is fixed by the hardware and software optimizations.

In summary, until the Galaxy S26 FE is released, the fastest Android phones are those with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or newer. When comparing, use consistent benchmark versions and consider real-world usage. The S26 FE will likely be a strong performer, but it may not top the charts—it’s designed as a value flagship, not an absolute performance king.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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