Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Our Verdict: Hardware priorities split the decision here, with the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL strongest for the sharper 42MP selfie camera and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra stronger for the higher-resolution 200MP rear camera against 50MP. The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is currently cheaper on the lowest total contract cost at about £675, roughly £224 less than the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. Review scores are close, averaging 4.4 for the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL and 4.4 for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. That makes the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL the value-led pick, unless the higher-resolution 200MP rear camera against 50MP on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is worth paying extra for.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL is the cheaper one to own: around £797 over a typical contract, £159 less than the S26 Ultra.

Expert Rating
4.4
11 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Screen
6.8" 6.9"
Display
LTPO OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1344 x 2992 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch
482 498
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 200 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 5,000 mAh
Storage
256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS
Android 15 Android
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 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm
Weight
221 grams 214 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts
£29.99/mo (£55.00 upfront) £15.00/mo (£585.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£654.99 £899.00

Prices updated 11 July 2026

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL Google Pixel 10 Pro XL Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Expert Rating 4.4
11 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Screen 6.8" 6.9"
Display LTPO OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1344 x 2992 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch 482 498
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 200 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 5,000 mAh
Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS Android 15 Android
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 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm
Weight 221 grams 214 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts £29.99/mo
£55.00 upfront
£15.00/mo
£585.00 upfront
SIM-free £654.99 £899.00
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 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

24 Months

256GB

Sky Blue

300GB

Data

£15 per month, £585 upfront.

Use code: 30JNOFF (£30)

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is cheaper on contract at £797.16 over the life of the deal from £29.99 per month with £55.00 upfront.

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

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL's 6.8", the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the sharper display at 498 pixels per inch versus 482, and the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL uses a LTPO OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

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

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a 200 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 Ultra?

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £654.99.

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

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

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

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is powered by the Google Tensor G5 (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 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 Ultra?

It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is lighter but the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is more compact. It's 7g lighter at 214 grams, though the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is actually the more compact phone at 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is slimmer at 7.9mm thick.

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

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).

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

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