2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years for flagship smartphones in India. You have the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra launching on February 25 with a 200MP camera, Privacy Display, and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Then there is the OnePlus 15 — already on sale at ₹72,999 — with India's first Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, a 7300mAh battery, 165Hz display, and 120W charging. And then the Realme GT 8 Pro at ₹72,999 with a QHD+ 144Hz AMOLED panel, a Ricoh-tuned 200MP periscope camera, a 7000mAh battery, and a unique swappable camera housing. Three very different flagships. One buying decision. Let us break it all down so you know exactly which one is right for you.
Quick Specs Comparison - All Three Flagships Side by Side
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | OnePlus 15 | Realme GT 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| India Price (Starting) | ~₹1,29,999 | ₹72,999 | ₹72,999 |
| Launch Date (India) | Feb 25, 2026 (pre-order) - March 11 on sale | November 13, 2025 - On sale now | November 20, 2025 - On sale now |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (Global) | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
| Custom Gaming Chip | No | OP Gaming Core | Hyper Vision+ AI Chip + R1 GPU Chip |
| Display | 6.9" QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz LTPO | 6.78" 1.5K AMOLED LTPO 165Hz | 6.79" QHD+ AMOLED LTPO 144Hz |
| Peak Brightness | ~3000 nits | 1800 nits | 7000 nits |
| RAM | Up to 16GB LPDDR5X | Up to 16GB LPDDR5X Ultra+ | Up to 16GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage (Max) | 1TB UFS 4.1 | 512GB UFS 4.1 | 512GB UFS 4.1 |
| Main Camera | 200MP f/1.7 with OIS | 50MP Sony Primary with OIS | 50MP Ricoh GR f/1.88 with OIS |
| Telephoto Camera | 50MP 5x + 50MP 3x (Dual Tele) | 50MP 3.5x Optical Zoom | 200MP Samsung HP5 3x Periscope |
| Ultrawide Camera | 50MP | 50MP | 50MP |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP | 32MP (4K 60fps) | 32MP |
| Battery | 5200mAh | 7300mAh | 7000mAh |
| Wired Charging | 60W | 120W (100% in 40 min) | 120W |
| Wireless Charging | 25W | 50W | 50W |
| Reverse Wireless | Yes | Yes (10W) | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP68 | IP66 + IP68 + IP69 |
| S Pen | Yes - Built In | No | No |
| Privacy Display | Yes - World First | No | No |
| OS at Launch | Android 16 + One UI 8.5 | Android 15 + OxygenOS 16 | Android 16 + Realme UI 7.0 |
| Software Support | 7 years OS + Security | Not officially confirmed | 3 OS + 4 years Security |
| Body Thickness | 7.9mm | 8.1mm | 8.0mm |
| Weight | 214g | 211g | 209g |
| Swappable Camera Design | No | No | Yes - 3 Official Styles |
| Available On | Samsung.com, Amazon, Flipkart, Croma | OnePlus.in, Amazon | Realme.com, Flipkart |
Price Breakdown - All Variants
| Phone | 12GB + 256GB | 16GB + 512GB | 16GB + 1TB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | ~₹1,29,999 | ~₹1,41,999 | ~₹1,59,999 |
| OnePlus 15 | ₹72,999 | ₹79,999 | Not Available |
| Realme GT 8 Pro | ₹72,999 | ₹78,999 | Not Available |
Note: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra pre-orders open February 26, 2026. Retail sales begin March 11, 2026. Bank discounts of ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 are expected on all three phones through launch offers.
Performance - Who Has the Edge
All three phones run on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 — so in terms of raw CPU and GPU performance, they start from the same base. But each brand has taken a different approach to squeezing more out of this chip.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra uses a custom-tuned "For Galaxy" version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, focused on AI workloads, photo processing, and productivity. Samsung's Vapor Chamber cooling system ensures the chip runs without throttling during extended use. For heavy users running Galaxy AI features, multitasking, and professional tasks, the S26 Ultra is the most complete package.
The OnePlus 15 adds its own OP Gaming Core — a dedicated gaming engine that handles CPU scheduling, GPU HyperRendering, and frame stabilization. In gaming benchmarks, the OnePlus 15 regularly hits 165 FPS in BGMI and MLBB at maximum settings — genuinely best in class for gaming at this price point. OnePlus claims always-on 120 FPS gaming, and real-world tests by 91mobiles and Beebom confirm this holds up well in sustained sessions.
The Realme GT 8 Pro goes the furthest with its tri-chip approach — Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, plus an R1 GPU enhancement chip, plus a Hyper Vision+ AI chip. Realme claims over 4 million points on AnTuTu — the highest of the three. It also includes a 7,000mm² VC cooling system to keep thermals in check. For pure benchmark performance and sustained gaming without throttling, the GT 8 Pro has an edge.
Performance Winner: Realme GT 8 Pro for raw benchmarks and gaming. OnePlus 15 for optimised real-world gaming at 165Hz. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra for AI and productivity performance.
Display - Which Screen is Best
Display is one of the most important factors for Indian buyers, and all three phones offer outstanding screens — but with important differences.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra features a 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with LTPO and up to 120Hz adaptive refresh. Its standout exclusive feature is the world's first Privacy Display — built on Samsung's Flex Magic Pixel OLED technology. When activated, the screen darkens from the sides so only the person directly in front can see the content. This is a genuinely useful feature for professionals using their phone in public, on trains, in meetings, or at airports. Peak brightness is around 3000 nits.
The OnePlus 15 packs a 6.78-inch 1.5K BOE Flexible AMOLED LTPO display with a blazing 165Hz refresh rate — the highest of the three phones. In everyday use, the 165Hz difference over 144Hz is subtle but noticeable for gamers and users who do a lot of fast scrolling. Peak brightness hits 1800 nits, which is the lowest of the three.
The Realme GT 8 Pro wins the brightness battle convincingly — its 6.79-inch QHD+ BOE Q10 AMOLED hits a staggering 7000 nits peak brightness. This is the brightest display of any phone in this comparison and one of the brightest available on any Android phone worldwide. For outdoor use under harsh Indian sunlight, this is a massive advantage. It runs at 144Hz with LTPO support and Gorilla Glass 7i protection.
Display Winner: Realme GT 8 Pro for outdoor brightness. OnePlus 15 for smoothness at 165Hz. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra for Privacy Display and overall balance.
Camera - The Most Important Battle
This is where the three phones diverge the most dramatically — and where your buying decision may be made.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra - The All-Round Camera King
The S26 Ultra features a quad-camera system with a 200MP f/1.7 main sensor — the widest aperture ever on a Samsung flagship — plus a 50MP 5x periscope telephoto, a 50MP 3x telephoto, and a 50MP ultrawide. The dual telephoto system means you have dedicated 3x and 5x optical zoom lenses — giving you the most versatile zoom range of any phone in this comparison. It also supports 8K video recording and comes with Samsung's Galaxy AI camera features including Generative Edit, AI Object Eraser, and Remaster. The brand new f/1.7 aperture on the main sensor is a significant jump from the S25 Ultra's f/1.75 — capturing more light for better low-light photography.
OnePlus 15 - Triple 50MP and Improved Color Science
The OnePlus 15 features a triple 50MP camera system — a Sony primary sensor with OIS, a 50MP 3.5x optical zoom telephoto with OIS, and a 50MP ultrawide. OnePlus dropped its Hasselblad partnership and now relies entirely on its own DetailMax Engine for image processing and color tuning. The results are promising — reviews on Amazon and 91mobiles note consistent color reproduction and good low-light performance. The 32MP front camera supporting 4K 60fps recording is a notable first for OnePlus and will appeal strongly to content creators and vloggers. In real-world use, cameras are good — but reviewers consistently note that night photography lags behind Vivo X300 Pro and Oppo Find X9 at similar prices.
Realme GT 8 Pro - The Ricoh Collaboration Camera
The GT 8 Pro's camera is genuinely unique. The 50MP main sensor uses a Ricoh GR anti-glare lens with a 7-element array, ultra-low-reflection coating, and 97% light transmittance — inspired by Ricoh's legendary GR film cameras known for producing sharp, realistic images with natural tones. The rear setup also includes a 200MP Samsung ISOCELL HP5 periscope telephoto with 3x optical zoom and 8K recording at 30fps, plus a 50MP ultrawide. The GT 8 Pro also features a swappable camera housing — you can physically change the design of the camera bump with three official styles (square, circular, and robot-inspired) held by Torx screws and magnets. Realme has even released 3MF model files so you can 3D-print custom camera housings. This is unlike anything any other flagship offers.
Camera Winner: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra for versatility, zoom range, and AI camera features. Realme GT 8 Pro for unique Ricoh tuning, 200MP telephoto, and swappable housing innovation. OnePlus 15 for consistent everyday performance but lags in low-light zoom.
Battery and Charging - A Clear Story
This is the area where the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra takes a clear step back compared to its rivals.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra packs a 5200mAh battery with 60W wired charging — an upgrade from the S25 Ultra's 5000mAh and 45W. Samsung claims a charge to 75% in about 30 minutes. Wireless charging gets a big bump to 25W. For a phone priced at ₹1,29,999, a 5200mAh battery feels underwhelming when rivals offer 7000mAh and 7300mAh cells at nearly half the price.
The OnePlus 15 packs a massive 7300mAh battery with 120W wired charging that fills 100% in just 40 minutes, plus 50W wireless charging. In real-world testing on Amazon reviews and 91mobiles, the OnePlus 15 consistently delivers 1.5 days of normal use on a single charge. This combination of huge battery plus very fast charging is the best of both worlds — you almost never need to worry about battery, and when you do plug in, it charges in under an hour.
The Realme GT 8 Pro carries a 7000mAh battery with 120W wired charging and 50W wireless charging. Battery life is similarly excellent — easily lasting a full day of heavy use and well into a second day on moderate use. Realme includes a 7K Ultimate VC cooling system that also helps maintain battery health during fast charging sessions.
Battery Winner: OnePlus 15 with the largest 7300mAh cell. Both OnePlus 15 and Realme GT 8 Pro beat the S26 Ultra significantly in battery capacity and charging speed.
Software and Updates - Long Term Ownership
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra commits to 7 years of Android OS updates and 7 years of security patches — running Android 16 with One UI 8.5 at launch. One UI 8.5 is Samsung's most polished version yet, with Galaxy AI features deeply integrated including Live Translate, AI Note Assist, Circle to Search, and the new Privacy Display settings.
The OnePlus 15 launches with Android 15 and OxygenOS 16. OnePlus has not officially confirmed a specific number of update years for the OnePlus 15, which is a notable gap compared to Samsung and Google. OxygenOS 16 is fast and clean but has moved further away from the minimal Android-close design that made early OnePlus phones popular.
The Realme GT 8 Pro launches with Android 16 and Realme UI 7.0. Realme commits to 3 major OS updates and 4 years of security patches — the weakest software support of the three. For a phone priced at ₹72,999, this is a meaningful concern for buyers who hold their phones for 3 to 5 years.
Software Winner: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — no contest at 7 years of updates.
Unique Features - What Makes Each Phone Special
| Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | OnePlus 15 | Realme GT 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in S Pen stylus | 165Hz display - highest of the three | 7000 nits brightness - brightest display |
| World's first Privacy Display | OP Gaming Core for 165 FPS gaming | Ricoh GR camera collaboration |
| 7 years of software updates | 7300mAh + 120W - best charging combo | Swappable camera housing (3 official styles) |
| Dual telephoto (3x + 5x optical zoom) | 32MP front camera with 4K 60fps | 200MP periscope telephoto camera |
| Galaxy AI deepest integration | 50W wireless charging | Triple water resistance (IP66 + IP68 + IP69) |
| 1TB storage option | LPDDR5X Ultra+ RAM | 4 million+ AnTuTu score |
Which Phone Should You Buy - Category by Category Verdict
Buy Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra If
- Budget is not a constraint — you want the absolute best flagship experience
- You use an S Pen for notes, sketches, or productivity
- Privacy Display is important — you work in public spaces frequently
- You want 7 years of guaranteed software updates
- Galaxy AI features and Samsung ecosystem matter to you
- Dual telephoto zoom (3x and 5x) is important for your photography
- You want 1TB internal storage option
Buy OnePlus 15 If
- Gaming performance at 165 FPS is your top priority
- You want the best battery life and charging combo at this price — 7300mAh and 120W
- You prefer a clean, fast OxygenOS experience
- You want a 32MP front camera with 4K 60fps for vlogging and selfies
- 50W wireless charging is important for your daily routine
- You want a polished all-rounder without paying Samsung Ultra money
Buy Realme GT 8 Pro If
- You are a photography enthusiast who appreciates the unique Ricoh GR camera tuning
- You want the brightest possible display — 7000 nits for outdoor use
- You want the best raw benchmark performance and sustained gaming
- The swappable camera housing concept excites you
- Triple water resistance (IP66 + IP68 + IP69) matters to you
- You want the 200MP periscope telephoto experience at ₹72,999
Head to Head Score Card
| Category | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | OnePlus 15 | Realme GT 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | 9.2 | 9.5 | 9.6 |
| Display | 9.3 | 9.2 | 9.5 |
| Camera | 9.8 | 8.5 | 9.2 |
| Battery | 7.5 | 9.8 | 9.5 |
| Software and Updates | 9.8 | 7.5 | 7.0 |
| Unique Features | 9.5 | 8.8 | 9.2 |
| Value for Money | 7.5 | 9.0 | 9.0 |
| Overall | 8.9 | 8.9 | 9.0 |
Final Verdict - Our Recommendation
All three phones are excellent in their own right — but they serve fundamentally different types of buyers.
If money is no object and you want the most feature-complete flagship Android can offer — the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra at ₹1,29,999 is the answer. The Privacy Display, S Pen, dual telephoto zoom, Galaxy AI, and 7-year software support make it a genuinely future-proof investment. It is worth every rupee — but only if you actually need all those features.
If you want flagship performance at half the S26 Ultra's price, the OnePlus 15 and Realme GT 8 Pro are neck and neck at ₹72,999. Choose the OnePlus 15 if gaming at 165 FPS and the best battery and charging combination are your priorities. Choose the Realme GT 8 Pro if you want the brightest display, the most unique camera system with Ricoh tuning, the strongest benchmark scores, and triple water resistance.
For most Indian buyers who want a flagship experience without paying ultra-premium prices — the OnePlus 15 is the safer, more balanced choice. The battery life, charging speed, and camera consistency make it an excellent daily driver. But if you are the kind of buyer who loves innovation and unique features, the Realme GT 8 Pro is genuinely more exciting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra in India
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to start at ₹1,29,999 for the 12GB + 256GB variant in India. Pre-orders open on February 26, 2026, with retail sales starting March 11, 2026 on Samsung.com, Amazon, Flipkart, and Croma.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs OnePlus 15 - which is better value
The OnePlus 15 at ₹72,999 offers significantly better battery (7300mAh vs 5200mAh) and faster charging (120W vs 60W) at nearly half the price. The S26 Ultra wins on camera versatility, Privacy Display, S Pen, and 7-year software support. Value-for-money goes to OnePlus 15, but if you need all the S26 Ultra's exclusive features, it is worth the premium.
Is Realme GT 8 Pro better than OnePlus 15
Both phones are priced at ₹72,999. The Realme GT 8 Pro wins on display brightness (7000 nits vs 1800 nits), benchmark performance, unique Ricoh camera experience, and triple IP rating. The OnePlus 15 wins on gaming (165Hz), battery (7300mAh vs 7000mAh), and front camera (32MP with 4K 60fps). It depends on your priorities.
Does Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra have better camera than Realme GT 8 Pro
The S26 Ultra has a more versatile camera system with dual telephoto (3x and 5x optical zoom) and the widest aperture (f/1.7) on its 200MP main sensor. The Realme GT 8 Pro has a unique Ricoh GR tuned main camera with a 200MP periscope telephoto and a swappable camera housing. For zoom versatility and AI features, S26 Ultra wins. For unique optical character and imaging experience, GT 8 Pro is special.
Which phone has the best battery among these three
The OnePlus 15 has the largest battery at 7300mAh with 120W wired and 50W wireless charging that reaches 100% in just 40 minutes. The Realme GT 8 Pro follows closely with 7000mAh. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the smallest battery at 5200mAh despite being the most expensive phone.
Which is the best gaming phone among Samsung S26 Ultra, OnePlus 15 and Realme GT 8 Pro
For gaming, the Realme GT 8 Pro leads in raw benchmark scores with 4 million+ AnTuTu and its tri-chip setup. The OnePlus 15 offers the best real-world gaming experience with its 165Hz display and dedicated OP Gaming Core delivering always-on stable 120 to 165 FPS in supported titles. Both beat the S26 Ultra in sustained gaming performance.
Does Realme GT 8 Pro have better water resistance than OnePlus 15
Yes. The Realme GT 8 Pro carries a triple water resistance rating of IP66 + IP68 + IP69, making it the most water resistant of the three. The OnePlus 15 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra both carry IP68 only.
When will Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra be available in India
Samsung Galaxy Unpacked is on February 25, 2026 in San Francisco. Pre-orders open in India on February 26, 2026. Retail sales begin on March 11, 2026 on Samsung.com, Amazon India, Flipkart, and Croma.
Disclaimer: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra India pricing is based on pre-launch leaks as of February 15, 2026. Official pricing will be confirmed at Galaxy Unpacked on February 25, 2026. OnePlus 15 and Realme GT 8 Pro prices are confirmed official India launch prices.
