A blind selfie video test has produced an unusual outcome: two Samsung mid-range phones managed to look convincing enough to challenge far more expensive flagship models. In a comparison built to remove brand bias, the results put affordability and performance in the same conversation.
The test brought together five phones from very different tiers. Three were flagships — vivo X300 Ultra, Oppo Find X9 Ultra, and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — while the other two were Samsung Galaxy A37 and Galaxy A57.
A comparison designed to keep bias out
Every selfie video was shown without a brand name or model number. Instead of revealing the devices, the clips were labeled Phone 1 through Phone 5, and the order was shuffled so viewers could not rely on reputation or price.
The setup also went beyond a single viewing. Audiences were asked to judge the clips after seeing them on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, while still images were provided for a clearer look at details. High-quality video files were also made available for download to reduce the effect of platform compression on color, sharpness, and fine texture.
That approach made the evaluation focus squarely on image quality. It also created a more direct comparison between phones that normally sit in very different parts of the market.
Mid-range Samsung phones outperform expectations
On paper, the contest looked uneven from the start. vivo X300 Ultra and Oppo Find X9 Ultra are described as the top two camera phones in 2026, while Galaxy S26 Ultra sits just behind them but offers a lower price and wider availability.
The camera hardware also showed a clear hierarchy. vivo and Oppo both use 50MP front cameras, while Galaxy S26 Ultra uses an optimized 12MP sensor. Galaxy A37 and Galaxy A57 also rely on 12MP front cameras, but without autofocus.
Even with those disadvantages, the two mid-range Samsung models reportedly delivered very strong selfie video quality. Their results were good enough to be placed directly alongside the flagship devices in the same blind evaluation.
Price gap makes the result more striking
The most eye-catching part of the comparison is the cost difference. vivo X300 Ultra has an MSRP of €2,000, while Samsung Galaxy A37 is priced at less than one-sixth of that, at €300.
The gap may be even wider in real-world retail. Galaxy A37 is said to sell below MSRP in the market, which increases the distance between it and the ultra-premium tier even further.
That context matters because selfie video is not only about technical bragging rights. It is also important for vlogging, video calls, and social media content, where the front camera plays a central role.
Galaxy S26 Ultra occupies an interesting middle position in the group. It does not fully match vivo and Oppo in overall camera performance, but it still brings two practical advantages: a lower price than the two ultra-premium rivals and broader market availability.
Public voting will decide the favorite
The blind test is still open to public judgment. Viewers are being asked to choose the best video after watching the full set of clips, and the comment section is also open for subjective opinions.
Skin tones, stability, facial detail, exposure, and processing style are likely to be among the main factors people consider. The final voting result, along with the real identities behind Phone 1 through Phone 5, will be revealed later.
If the two mid-range Samsung phones continue to hold their own in the public vote, the front-camera race could look very different from what the price tags suggest. For now, the test has already shown that selfie video deserves as much attention as rear-camera performance.