Some Android phones beat the Galaxy S26 FE in published CPU benchmarks, but the five phones named in the original comparison do not all qualify. Tom’s Guide’s Geekbench 6 results put the OnePlus 15R and Galaxy S25 ahead of the FE; the Pixel 10 Pro’s cited scores are lower. The Motorola Signature and Xiaomi 17 are plausible alternatives based on the comparison’s reported claims, but those results are not independently confirmed here.
What counts as “more powerful” than the Galaxy S26 FE?
“More powerful” depends on the workload. Geekbench 6 measures CPU performance, while graphics tests can offer a different view of gaming capability. Neither score alone establishes how a phone feels in everyday use: sustained performance, cooling, software, and the task itself matter.
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The Galaxy S26 FE uses Samsung’s Exynos 2500, according to independent reviews. Tom’s Guide recorded 2,444 single-core and 7,958 multi-core points in Geekbench 6; Android Central recorded 2,362 and 7,848 in a separate test. The difference between those results is a reminder to compare phones within the same review and test conditions, rather than treating a score as a universal ranking.
Samsung announced the S26 FE on August 27, 2026, and describes it as the first S26-family device to launch with One UI 9. Its UK product page lists a 6.7-inch FHD+ 120 Hz display, 4,900 mAh battery, up to 29 hours of video playback, and up to seven OS upgrades and seven years of security updates. Samsung’s Mobile Press announcement specifies 3x optical zoom and a 12 MP front camera. These are manufacturer-stated specifications and support terms, not independent performance findings.
#1 Best Overall
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- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
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How the five named alternatives compare
| Phone | Performance evidence in the comparison | What to know before choosing |
|---|---|---|
| OnePlus 15R | Tom’s Guide Geekbench 6: 2,691 single-core / 9,502 multi-core, as reported by BGR; both exceed Tom’s Guide’s S26 FE results. | BGR reports Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, 12 GB RAM and 256 GB storage, and no telephoto camera. It said the phone was not available in North America or Europe at publication; confirm current local availability. |
| Motorola Signature | BGR reports a “60% better performance” claim attributed to Beebom testing. That figure is not independently established here. | BGR lists Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, with 12 GB / 256 GB and 16 GB / 512 GB configurations, plus a 165 Hz LTPO AMOLED display, 5,200 mAh battery, 90 W wired and 50 W wireless charging. It reports availability in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific; check your market and exact configuration. |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 | BGR reports Geekbench and 3DMark comparisons above the S26 FE, but the underlying score figures are not stated in the comparison summarized here. | BGR identifies a Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy. It is an older flagship, so check current price, remaining software support, exact model and storage, and battery condition if buying refurbished. |
| Google Pixel 10 Pro | BGR reports Geekbench 6 scores of 2,333 single-core / 6,375 multi-core—below Tom’s Guide’s S26 FE figures. | It may appeal for camera, AI, or software features, but the cited CPU benchmark does not support calling it more powerful than the FE. |
| Xiaomi 17 | BGR reports Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and cites PhoneArena Geekbench and graphics results above several competitors; the underlying scores are not stated here. | BGR says it can be difficult to buy in the United States. Check cellular-band compatibility, warranty, software-update policy, seller, and local availability. |
Which phones have the clearest benchmark case?
OnePlus 15R: ahead in the cited Geekbench comparison
The 15R is the clearest of the five in the supplied comparison with directly stated results above the FE: BGR attributes Tom’s Guide’s 2,691 single-core and 9,502 multi-core scores to it, versus 2,444 and 7,958 for the FE in Tom’s Guide’s review. That is a same-source comparison as reported by BGR, not a guarantee of better performance in every app or under prolonged load. Its reported lack of a telephoto camera is also a practical trade-off for anyone who regularly uses optical zoom.
Availability is a significant qualifier: BGR said it was unavailable in North America and Europe at the time of publication. Check whether an official local model is now sold where you live before weighing the benchmark against warranty, network compatibility, and support.
Rank #2
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- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
Galaxy S25: an older flagship worth checking at current prices
BGR’s comparison says the Galaxy S25’s Geekbench and 3DMark results beat the S26 FE, and identifies its chip as Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy. The comparison does not give the score values, so it supports a reported advantage but not a precise margin. Because this is an older flagship, the original launch price is not a useful guide to what it costs now; compare live prices and verify the remaining update commitment for the specific model and region.
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Motorola Signature: strong claimed specifications, less certain score evidence
BGR describes the Signature as using Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 and cites a 60% performance advantage attributed to Beebom testing. The basis and test conditions for that percentage are not established here, so it should not be read as a verified, apples-to-apples result against the S26 FE. Its listed display, battery, and charging specifications may matter independently of raw speed, but check the exact regional model and configuration before buying.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Xiaomi 17: reported benchmark lead, market-dependent purchase
BGR reports the Xiaomi 17 uses Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and cites PhoneArena CPU and graphics comparisons above several competitors. Without the underlying scores and test details, that is a reported lead rather than a directly quantified comparison with the FE. For a phone imported or bought through a third-party seller, confirm the precise model number, supported bands, warranty coverage, and update policy in your country.
Pixel 10 Pro: not faster on the cited Geekbench figures
The Pixel 10 Pro does not belong in a strict list of phones shown to outperform the S26 FE on the cited CPU benchmark: BGR gives it 2,333 single-core and 6,375 multi-core Geekbench 6 points, below Tom’s Guide’s FE result of 2,444 and 7,958. BGR still presents it as a possible choice for camera, AI, and software strengths. Those are separate reasons to choose it, not evidence of higher CPU benchmark performance.
Rank #4
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- 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
Samsung Galaxy S26 variants also score above the FE
Tom’s Guide’s Geekbench 6 table reports higher results for both tested S26 variants than for the S26 FE:
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| Phone / variant | Single-core | Multi-core | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S26 FE | 2,444 | 7,958 | Tom’s Guide, 2026 review |
| Galaxy S26, Snapdragon variant | 3,531 | 10,778 | Tom’s Guide, 2026 review |
| Galaxy S26, Exynos variant | 3,197 | 11,065 | Tom’s Guide, 2026 review |
These are review test results, not a promise that every S26 variant will lead in every task. They do show why it matters to identify the chip variant and compare results from the same testing source.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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- CAMERA SYSTEM: 50MP Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- PERFORMANCE: Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB of RAM.
- 64GB built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps. Made for US
How to choose among them
- For the clearest cited CPU score advantage: start with the OnePlus 15R, while checking that it is officially available and supported in your country.
- For a discounted older flagship: consider the Galaxy S25 only after comparing today’s price, remaining software support, model, storage, and battery condition.
- For the Signature or Xiaomi 17: treat the performance lead as reported rather than fully quantified here, and verify market-specific model details.
- For camera, AI, or software preferences: the Pixel 10 Pro may still suit you, but the cited Geekbench results do not establish it as faster than the FE.
- For any phone: weigh CPU and graphics evidence alongside sustained performance, camera needs, battery and charging, display, support, and warranty. A higher synthetic score does not by itself prove a better everyday experience.
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