Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S26

Our Verdict: Hardware priorities split the decision here, with the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL strongest for the larger 6.8" screen versus 6.3", the sharper 42MP selfie camera, up to 1TB storage and the Samsung Galaxy S26 stronger for the lighter 167g body versus 221g. The Samsung Galaxy S26 is currently cheaper on the lowest total contract cost at about £525, roughly £150 less than the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL. Review scores are close, averaging 4.4 for the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL and 3.9 for the Samsung Galaxy S26. That makes the Samsung Galaxy S26 the value-led pick, unless the larger 6.8" screen versus 6.3" on the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is worth paying extra for.

The S26 is the cheaper one to own: around £600 over a typical contract, £197 less than the Pixel 10 Pro XL.

Expert Rating
4.4
11 reviews
3.9
11 reviews
Screen
6.8" 6.3"
Display
LTPO OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1344 x 2992 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
482 409
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
42 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Google Tensor G5 (4 nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery
5,200 mAh 4,300 mAh
Storage
256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB
OS
Android 15 Android 16
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm
Weight
221 grams 167 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts
£29.99/mo (£55.00 upfront) £20.00/mo (£179.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£654.99 £645.05

Prices updated 11 July 2026

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL Google Pixel 10 Pro XL Samsung Galaxy S26 Samsung Galaxy S26
Expert Rating 4.4
11 reviews
3.9
11 reviews
Screen 6.8" 6.3"
Display LTPO OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1344 x 2992 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 482 409
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 42 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Google Tensor G5 (4 nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery 5,200 mAh 4,300 mAh
Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB
OS Android 15 Android 16
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm
Weight 221 grams 167 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts £29.99/mo
£55.00 upfront
£20.00/mo
£179.00 upfront
SIM-free £654.99 £645.05
Prices updated 11 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL

24 Months

256GB

Obsidian

25GB

Data

Exclusive Deal Details

£29.99 per month, £55 upfront.

Use code: SUMMER10 (£10)

Samsung Galaxy S26
Samsung Galaxy S26

24 Months

256GB

Black

100GB

Data

£20 per month, £179 upfront.

Use codes: ENUJ (£100) + APP5 (5%)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S26 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is cheaper on contract at £600.05 over the life of the deal from £20.00 per month with £179.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S26's 6.3", the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL has the sharper display at 482 pixels per inch versus 409, and the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL uses a LTPO OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £645.05.

What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 comes in 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S26 use?

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is powered by the Google Tensor G5 (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 uses the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is the more portable of the two: it's 54g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm, and is slimmer at 7.2mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S26?

Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.

What operating system do the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S26 run?

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL runs Android 15 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 runs Android 16. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.