Recommended Free Tools
There is no evidence-based universal winner between the Huawei Mate 90 and Samsung’s Galaxy S26 family. The Mate 90’s published specifications and launch prices are for China, while the cited Galaxy S26 lineup information is for the UK. Before comparing features, check whether the Mate 90 is officially available, supported by your carrier, and compatible with the apps and services you rely on in your country. Then compare it with the specific Galaxy S26, S26+, or S26 Ultra you are considering.
Which Galaxy S model is the right comparison?
“Galaxy S series” is not one phone. Samsung UK lists three models in its 2026 range: Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra. Samsung announced the family on 25 February 2026 and released it on 11 March 2026. Samsung’s UK Galaxy S26 page is the source for that lineup; it does not establish availability or specifications in every market.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Choose the Samsung tier first. Size, handling, camera priorities, and local price can differ across the range, so a comparison against an unspecified “Galaxy S” risks weighing the Mate 90 against the wrong device.
What the published Mate 90 specifications say
Huawei’s official China specification page lists the standard Mate 90 with HarmonyOS 7.0, 12 GB of RAM, and 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB of storage. It specifies a 6.75-inch LTPO OLED display with adaptive 1–120 Hz refresh and three rear cameras: a 50 MP main camera, 40 MP ultrawide, and 50 MP telephoto. Huawei’s China Mate 90 specifications describe this model; they are not a matched comparison with any Galaxy S26 camera or display.
#1 Best Overall
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
There is a chipset naming discrepancy in Huawei’s own materials. The standard Mate 90 specification page lists Kirin 9030, while Huawei’s series press release says the Mate 90 series uses a “Tau” chipset and describes Kirin 9050 Pro. Those claims should not be merged into a single specification for the standard Mate 90 without variant-specific clarification. Huawei’s press release contains the series wording.
China launch prices are not a local price comparison
Huawei’s China purchase guide gives these launch prices and configurations, with formal sales starting 1 October 2026:
Rank #2
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
| Mate 90 configuration | China launch price |
|---|---|
| 12 GB / 256 GB | CNY 5,999 |
| 12 GB / 512 GB | CNY 6,999 |
| 12 GB / 1 TB | CNY 8,499 |
These are China launch prices, not current global street prices or evidence of official sales in another country. Huawei’s China purchase guide names VMALL, its Tmall flagship store, and authorized physical stores for China. It does not establish local stock, retailer reliability, warranty coverage, or a comparable Galaxy S26 price in your market.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsBattery, charging, and durability claims
Huawei advertises a 6,600 mAh battery and 66 W wired charging for the Mate 90. These are manufacturer specifications, not independent measurements of battery life or charging time. Huawei also advertises third-generation Kunlun glass and IP68/IP69 protection. Its product-page footnote says these protection claims are based on controlled laboratory tests, that resistance may diminish with wear, and that liquid damage is not covered by warranty. Huawei’s China Mate 90 product page provides the claims and qualifications.
Rank #3
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
The available figures do not establish which phone lasts longer in everyday use. Battery endurance depends on use and conditions, and no matched battery, performance, or camera testing is available here. Treat manufacturer specifications as features to investigate, not proof of a real-world win over a Galaxy S26 model.
Check these points before choosing in your country
- App and service compatibility: Confirm that the exact Mate 90 variant supports the apps, account services, payments, navigation, and other tools you depend on. The published HarmonyOS specification alone does not establish compatibility with particular apps or Google services.
- Official availability and warranty: Check whether the handset is sold through an authorized seller in your country, what warranty applies there, and how returns and repairs work. A China-market listing does not establish local support.
- Carrier and network compatibility: Verify the exact regional model’s supported bands and your carrier’s compatibility requirements. The cited specifications do not establish network-band support for your market.
- Exact Samsung tier and local price: Compare the Mate 90 with the Galaxy S26, S26+, or S26 Ultra you would actually buy, using current prices and storage configurations from local sellers.
- Camera evidence: Look for independent tests that compare the exact regional models under similar conditions. Megapixel counts alone do not show which camera produces better results.
- Accessories and existing devices: Consider whether the phone works with the ecosystem and accessories you already own. Huawei depicts a Mate 90 case as an accessory sold separately; that does not establish availability from a particular retailer. Huawei’s Mate 90 accessories page shows the case.
Who should lean toward each phone?
Consider the Mate 90 if
- It is officially available to you with clear local warranty and repair support.
- You have confirmed that your essential apps and carrier work with the exact model.
- The listed display, storage options, camera configuration, and manufacturer-stated charging features match your priorities.
Consider a Galaxy S26 model if
- You want to choose among Samsung’s three defined S26 tiers rather than compare against an unspecified Galaxy S phone.
- The Mate 90’s availability, app support, network compatibility, or local warranty cannot be verified for your market.
- You can compare the exact Samsung model’s local price and support with a verified Mate 90 offer.
Huawei chairman Richard Yu said in the company-provided series release, “The HUAWEI Mate 90 Series is equipped with the flagship Tau chipset across the entire series.” That is a series-level claim and does not resolve the difference between the press release’s chipset language and the standard model’s Kirin 9030 listing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Brilliant 6.3" Display: Enjoy a sharp Dynamic AMOLED 2X FHD+ screen with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, HDR support, Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and smooth everyday viewing for streaming, gaming, and browsing.
- Next-Gen Galaxy Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor, 12GB RAM, Adreno 840 graphics, and 256GB internal storage for fast multitasking, gaming, AI features, and productivity.
- Pro-Grade Triple Camera: Capture sharp photos and video with a 50MP wide camera with OIS, 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, 12MP ultrawide camera, 12MP front camera, and up to 8K video recording.
- Fast 5G + Modern Connectivity: Supports 5G Sub-6 and mmWave, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, GPS, USB-C, wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and a long-lasting 4300mAh battery.
- Unlocked US Model with Nano-SIM + eSIM (Dual SIM) support. Compatible with major GSM and CDMA carriers including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Metro, Straight Talk, Global GSM and other supported networks. (If carrier not listed, please contact seller to confirm MVNO compatibility. )
Rank #4
- Brilliant 6.7" Display: Enjoy a sharp Dynamic AMOLED 2X FHD+ screen with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, HDR support, Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and smooth everyday viewing for streaming, gaming, and browsing.
- Next-Gen Galaxy Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor, 12GB RAM, Adreno 840 graphics, and 256GB internal storage for fast multitasking, gaming, AI features, and productivity.
- Pro-Grade Triple Camera: Capture sharp photos and video with a 50MP wide camera with OIS, 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, 12MP ultrawide camera, 12MP front camera, and up to 8K video recording Horizon Lock for shake free recording and pictures.
- Fast 5G + Modern Connectivity: Supports 5G Sub-6 and mmWave, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, GPS, USB-C, wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and a long-lasting 4900mAh battery.
- Unlocked US Model: Nano-SIM + eSIM support. Compatible with major GSM and CDMA carriers including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Metro, Straight Talk, Global GSM and other supported networks. (If carrier not listed, please contact seller to confirm MVNO compatibility. )
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
