Benchmarks • Leaks • Samsung vs Apple • 2026
Galaxy S26 Ultra “Highest Yet” Benchmark Leak: Up to ~20% Faster Than iPhone 17 Pro Max in Multi-Core
A new Geekbench 6 leak claims the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra just posted its best CPU scores so far—enough to outscore Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max by roughly 19–20% in multi-core. Here’s the exact math, what’s confirmed vs rumored, and what these numbers realistically mean for creators, gamers, and everyday users—especially if you’re buying in the Philippines.
Quick answer (for Google, assistants, and humans)
- Leak claim: Galaxy S26 Ultra scores about 3,852 (single-core) and 11,738 (multi-core) on Geekbench 6.
- Reference device page: iPhone 17 Pro Max averages around 3,792 (single-core) and 9,832 (multi-core) on Geekbench 6 user submissions.
- Calculated gap: S26 Ultra is about +1.6% in single-core and +19.4% in multi-core (if you compare those two numbers directly).
- What it likely affects: heavy multitasking, CPU-bound creation work, long exports—more than “everyday speed.”
- What can change the story: thermals and sustained performance (how long the phone can hold peak clocks).
Benchmark leaks are directional, not final. Treat “wins” as “outscores in this particular test” until retail reviews confirm sustained performance.
Confirmed vs rumored (fast clarity)
More reliable / directly verifiable
- Geekbench device pages for iPhone models exist, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max page shows aggregated Geekbench 6 CPU scores from user-submitted runs. (Example reference page: Geekbench Browser – iPhone 17 Pro Max.)
- Those pages explicitly state the data is gathered from user-submitted Geekbench 6 results, which means the score shown is an aggregate from many runs, not a single controlled lab run.
Rumor / leak territory (treat as provisional)
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra Geekbench 6 listing being discussed is not a retail review; it’s reported as a leaked run tied to pre-release hardware/software. Reports citing the “highest yet” numbers include: NotebookCheck and Gizmochina.
- Anything about final chip configuration, sustained performance, cooling design, and launch timing should be considered “not confirmed” unless it appears in official announcements or retail reviews.
The scores and the math behind “~20%”
Let’s put the headline in plain numbers first, then show the calculation. The reported “highest yet” leak claims the Galaxy S26 Ultra hit approximately: 3,852 single-core and 11,738 multi-core on Geekbench 6, as cited by major leak roundups. You can read the reporting here: NotebookCheck and here: Gizmochina.
For the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Geekbench’s device page shows an aggregate around: 3,792 single-core and 9,832 multi-core. See: Geekbench Browser – iPhone 17 Pro Max.
| Device (as referenced) | Geekbench 6 Single-Core | Geekbench 6 Multi-Core | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S26 Ultra (reported leak) | 3,852 | 11,738 | Reported as a “highest yet” listing in leak roundups |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max (device page aggregate) | 3,792 | 9,832 | Geekbench 6 user-submitted aggregate on Geekbench Browser |
The actual calculation (so “~20%” isn’t hand-wavy)
When someone says “S26 Ultra is ~20% faster,” they’re usually doing a simple relative difference calculation:
Multi-core gap = (11,738 − 9,832) ÷ 9,832
Multi-core gap = 1,906 ÷ 9,832 ≈ 0.1938 = 19.38%
Single-core gap = (3,852 − 3,792) ÷ 3,792
Single-core gap = 60 ÷ 3,792 ≈ 0.0158 = 1.58%
That’s why you’ll see “nearly 20%” or “about 19–20%” in headlines: the math lands around 19.4% based on these specific values. The real-world significance depends on thermals, workloads, and how representative the leak is.
How to read Geekbench 6 without getting fooled
Geekbench is useful because it’s widely used and easy to compare. It’s also easy to misinterpret—especially when leaks are involved. If you want a quick “leak hygiene” checklist, this section is the one to bookmark.
What Geekbench 6 measures (in plain terms)
- Single-core: how fast one CPU core can run a mixed set of tasks. This often correlates with “snappiness” in bursty actions.
- Multi-core: how well multiple CPU cores work together on parallel workloads. This can benefit heavy multitasking and CPU-bound creation tasks.
- What it doesn’t measure directly: GPU gaming performance, camera ISP speed, NPU AI throughput, sustained stability, or battery efficiency under long loads.
Why leaks can look better (or worse) than reality
A pre-release unit might be running firmware that boosts performance aggressively to validate headroom—or firmware that’s unoptimized and running hot. Either way, a leaked listing is not a guarantee of what retail buyers will see.
A practical “confidence rating” for this leak
9 rules to avoid bad comparisons
- Compare like with like: Geekbench 6 to Geekbench 6, not Geekbench 5 vs 6.
- Check whether it’s aggregate or single run: an aggregate page is usually more stable than one listing.
- Expect variance: user submissions can scatter; a “best run” can be an outlier.
- Thermals matter: peak scores often happen before heat forces throttling.
- OS and scheduler matter: updates can shift scores without hardware changes.
- Background load matters: a phone installing apps can bench lower.
- Performance mode matters: vendor “boost” modes can inflate scores.
- Don’t equate CPU score with “best phone”: camera, display, battery, and software often matter more.
- Wait for sustained tests: stability under load is where flagships separate.
What multi-core vs single-core actually means for you
The most important interpretation from these numbers is not “Samsung wins” or “Apple loses.” It’s this: the leak suggests the S26 Ultra could achieve near iPhone-class single-core while delivering a meaningfully higher multi-core peak. If both are true in retail units, that’s a strong combination for Android power users.
When multi-core gains are real and noticeable
- Long exports: rendering or exporting large projects where the app can spread work across cores.
- Batch processing: compressing files, converting media, or handling multiple heavy tasks at once.
- Serious multitasking: heavy browser tabs + document editing + background sync + media processing.
When single-core “feel” still dominates
- UI interactions: app launch, scrolling, switching, and responsiveness.
- Web performance: many page rendering steps are still single-thread heavy.
- Camera bursts: some parts of the pipeline depend on quick single-thread tasks even if other stages parallelize.
Peak vs sustained: the thermal reality check
CPU benchmarks reward short bursts of maximum performance. Phones, however, are compact computers with strict thermal limits. If a phone runs at peak clocks for 30 seconds but throttles heavily after two minutes, you may not feel the “headline” advantage in long workloads.
Why multi-core heats up faster
Multi-core workloads engage more CPU cores simultaneously, increasing power draw and heat. Heat triggers protective behavior: the system reduces clocks (throttling) to protect the chip and battery, which reduces sustained performance.
What reviewers will test (the stuff that matters)
- Looped CPU tests to check performance stability over 10–30 minutes
- Long export tests for video/photo tasks, not just synthetic scores
- Surface temperature (comfort and safety)
- Battery drain under load (performance per watt)
If Samsung’s cooling and tuning can hold more of that multi-core headroom for longer, the advantage becomes practical. If not, the “peak” lead may compress under sustained stress.
Will games be 20% faster? (usually not)
This is one of the most searched follow-up questions, so let’s answer it clearly: No—CPU multi-core benchmarks rarely translate into a flat 20% gaming FPS increase.
Why gaming performance is different
- GPU-limited workloads: Most modern games hit GPU limits before CPU limits.
- Thermal-limited sessions: Gaming heats the device; sustained clocks matter more than peak benchmarks.
- Frame pacing: Consistency (stable frame times) often matters more than a higher peak score.
Where CPU can help gaming
- Simulation-heavy games that rely on CPU logic (strategy, physics, large NPC counts)
- High-refresh scenarios where the CPU must keep up with fast frames, especially in lighter esports titles
- Background multitasking during gaming (recording, streaming, chat overlays)
Battery and efficiency: the hidden trade-off
A higher peak multi-core score can be achieved in two broad ways: more efficient silicon, or more aggressive boosting (higher power draw). Both can increase the number—but only one preserves battery life.
Why efficiency matters more than raw speed
Many flagship buyers don’t actually need the fastest possible burst. They want a phone that stays fast and stays cool and lasts all day. That’s why “performance per watt” is the benchmark behind the benchmark.
Practical questions to ask after launch
- Does the S26 Ultra maintain higher multi-core performance without a dramatic battery penalty?
- Is the advantage visible in real app tests (exports, compression), not just Geekbench?
- What happens in hot environments (commute, outdoor use, no aircon)?
In the Philippines, ambient temperatures can be higher than in many review labs. That can reduce sustained performance and increase throttling. So local conditions can be the deciding factor between “great on paper” and “great in daily life.”
Snapdragon vs Exynos: why variants matter
Galaxy Ultra models sometimes vary by region. That means two “S26 Ultra” headlines can hide two different realities: performance can differ if the underlying chipset differs, or if tuning differs.
How variant confusion breaks comparisons
- One leak may be a Snapdragon-tuned build; another leak may be an Exynos regional unit.
- People then compare those to an iPhone aggregate and declare victory/defeat based on mixed data.
- Result: noise, not insight.
What to do instead
When you see a headline, look for model identifiers and whether multiple listings show a consistent pattern. If performance swings widely across leaks, that’s a hint you’re looking at variant differences or firmware maturity, not a single “final” performance number.
Philippines buyer notes (GEO): what to watch locally
If you’re buying in the Philippines (or you’re a Filipino buyer comparing prices, promos, and warranty), benchmark headlines should be filtered through local realities: availability timing, official warranty, trade-in programs, and real-world thermals in a warmer climate.
1) Prioritize official warranty and service support
If you’re deciding between official Samsung Philippines releases vs gray-market imports, consider that performance differences between variants are less painful than after-sales issues. For a flagship, warranty and service quality often matter more than a 5–10% benchmark swing.
2) Watch for launch promos and trade-in deals
Samsung’s Ultra launches often come with bundles or trade-in incentives. Apple’s side also fluctuates with authorized reseller promos. If you’re choosing between S26 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the “better deal” locally can be the real deciding factor—especially if you already live in one ecosystem.
3) Consider heat and sustained performance
Warm ambient temperatures can accelerate throttling. If you’re outdoors often, commute daily, or game while charging, pay extra attention to review sections about sustained performance and device surface temperature. A phone that holds 90% of its peak performance consistently can feel better than one that spikes high but drops sharply under heat.
4) Use-case matching: who benefits most from the leak’s “multi-core lead”?
- Creators: frequent long exports and CPU-heavy workflows
- Power multitaskers: split-screen, heavy browser tabs, productivity stacks
- Most casual users: benefit more from camera, battery, and OS preference than benchmark deltas
Smart buying advice (no hype)
If you already own iPhone 17 Pro Max
A single CPU benchmark headline is not a rational reason to switch. Consider switching only if Samsung’s features and workflows matter to you: S Pen productivity, Android customization, specific camera styles, or ecosystem integration that fits your daily tools. Wait for retail reviews to confirm sustained gains.
If you’re choosing between ecosystems
Decide based on platform fit: messaging habits, accessories, cloud services, family sharing, and app needs. Performance matters, but “ecosystem friction” matters more over 2–4 years of ownership.
If you want the fastest all-round flagship
Wait for launch reviews covering CPU, GPU, sustained stability, and battery drain under load. The best phone is the one that stays fast without overheating or draining quickly—not the one with the biggest one-time number.
A simple “decision rule”
Choose S26 Ultra if: you need top-tier multitasking and CPU-heavy creation work on Android, and reviews confirm sustained performance.
Choose iPhone 17 Pro Max if: you want iOS ecosystem benefits, consistent performance, and your apps/workflows are optimized for Apple’s platform.
Wait if: you’re buying primarily because of a leak. Retail reviews will answer the important question: does the performance advantage hold under heat and long workloads?
FAQ
Is Geekbench 6 enough to declare a “winner” between Samsung and Apple?
Not by itself. Geekbench 6 is a CPU benchmark, not a full “phone experience” score. Camera processing, GPU gaming, thermals, battery efficiency, display, modem performance, and software optimization can matter just as much—or more—depending on your use case.
Where does the “~20% faster” claim come from?
It comes from a simple relative difference calculation using the reported S26 Ultra multi-core score (11,738) and the iPhone 17 Pro Max aggregate multi-core score (9,832): (11,738 − 9,832) ÷ 9,832 ≈ 19.38%.
Could this S26 Ultra listing be an outlier?
Yes. Any single listing can be unusually high (best-case thermals, performance mode enabled, early tuning) or unusually low. That’s why repeated patterns across multiple listings and third-party retail reviews are more reliable than one “hero” score.
Will this make everyday apps feel dramatically faster?
Probably not dramatically. The single-core difference implied by these specific numbers is small (~1.6%), and both phones are already extremely fast. Everyday “feel” is often limited by app design, animation pacing, storage, and network.
What should I watch for after launch if I’m buying in the Philippines?
- Sustained performance in warm conditions (thermals and stability)
- Battery drain under load (performance per watt)
- Official PH warranty vs gray-market risks
- Launch promos, trade-in values, and storage tier pricing
Sources
- NotebookCheck report citing S26 Ultra Geekbench 6 scores (3,852 single / 11,738 multi) and ~19.36% multi-core gap: NotebookCheck
- Gizmochina summary of the same Geekbench 6 listing: Gizmochina
- Geekbench Browser device page for iPhone 17 Pro Max (aggregate scores from user submissions): Geekbench Browser
Reader note: benchmark pages can update as new submissions arrive, and leak reports can change as more listings surface. If you’re making a purchase decision, prioritize retail reviews that include sustained tests and battery drain measurements.