Google Pixel 10a vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Our Verdict: Pixel 10a and S26 Ultra are close enough that the details matter. S26 Ultra has the larger display, 6.9 inches against 6.3, while S26 Ultra is sharper at about 498 PPI versus 421; S26 Ultra brings a much higher-resolution 200MP main camera, compared with 48MP. Pixel 10a leaves far more room in the budget, so S26 Ultra has to win on features you will genuinely use. Pick S26 Ultra only if its upgrades are important to you; otherwise Pixel 10a is the better-value buy.

Over a full contract, the Pixel 10a works out around £359 all-in, about £597 less than the S26 Ultra.

Expert Rating
4.2
11 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.9"
Display
P-OLED, HDR, 120Hz, 2000 nits (HBM), 3000 nits (peak) Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2424 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch
421 498
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera
13 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery
5,100 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS
Android 16 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth
6.0, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
153.9 x 73 x 9 mm 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm
Weight
183 grams 214 grams
Water Resistance
IP68/IP69 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts
£12.99/mo (£25.00 upfront) £15.00/mo (£585.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£389.99 £899.00

Prices updated 11 July 2026

Google Pixel 10a Google Pixel 10a Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Expert Rating 4.2
11 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.9"
Display P-OLED, HDR, 120Hz, 2000 nits (HBM), 3000 nits (peak) Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2424 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch 421 498
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera 13 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery 5,100 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS Android 16 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth 6.0, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 153.9 x 73 x 9 mm 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm
Weight 183 grams 214 grams
Water Resistance IP68/IP69 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts £12.99/mo
£25.00 upfront
£15.00/mo
£585.00 upfront
SIM-free £389.99 £899.00
Prices updated 11 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Google Pixel 10a
Google Pixel 10a

24 Months

128GB

Fog

25GB

Data

Exclusive Deal Details

£12.99 per month, £25 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 10a or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 10a is cheaper on contract at £359.16 over the life of the deal from £12.99 per month with £25.00 upfront.

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

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Google Pixel 10a's 6.3", the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the sharper display at 498 pixels per inch versus 421, and the Google Pixel 10a uses a P-OLED, HDR, 120Hz, 2000 nits (HBM), 3000 nits (peak) panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

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

The Google Pixel 10a features a 48 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 10a or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Google Pixel 10a is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £389.99.

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

The Google Pixel 10a is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.

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

The Google Pixel 10a is powered by the Google Tensor G4 (4nm), 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 10a or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Google Pixel 10a is the more portable of the two: it's 31g lighter at 183 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 153.9 x 73 x 9 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is slimmer at 7.9mm thick.

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

The Google Pixel 10a is rated IP68/IP69 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min), 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 10a and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra run?

The Google Pixel 10a runs Android 16 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.