Galaxy s26 ultra vs xiaomi 17 ultra: which phone takes the best photos?

In a battle of flagship smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Xiaomi 17 Ultra both promise to deliver exceptional camera performance. But how do their real-world photos compare?

Let's dive in

For this hands-on comparison, I put both phones through their paces, snapping hundreds of photos in varying conditions. From dimly lit alleys to sun-drenched parks, I tested their low-light capabilities, color accuracy, and zoom prowess.

On paper, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra boasts a larger 1-inch main camera sensor and a more powerful telephoto lens. But Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a unique dual telephoto setup, promising greater versatility.

So, which phone emerges victorious in the photo stakes? Let's take a look at the results: