Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S26

Our Verdict: The clearest split between Samsung Galaxy S26 and Google Pixel 11 Pro XL is display quality against portability. For the Pixel, that means a larger 6.8-inch screen, a sharper 482 PPI display, and its LTPO OLED panel. The Samsung is easier to recommend for its Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel and a lighter 167g body. A bigger mAh figure is useful context, but real battery life still depends on software and chipset efficiency. Go with the Pixel for display quality; lean toward the Samsung if portability is higher on your list.

Over a full contract, the S26 works out around £688 all-in, about £260 less than the Pixel 11 Pro XL.

Expert Rating
3.8
10 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 G6 (2 nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery
5,115 mAh 4,300 mAh
Storage
256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB
OS
Android 17 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
6.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
162.7 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm
Weight
226 grams 167 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts
£29.99/mo (£199.00 upfront) £28.29/mo (£9.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£1099.00 £594.99
Google Pixel 11 Pro XL Google Pixel 11 Pro XL Samsung Galaxy S26 Samsung Galaxy S26
Expert Rating 3.8
10 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 G6 (2 nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery 5,115 mAh 4,300 mAh
Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB
OS Android 17 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 6.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 162.7 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm
Weight 226 grams 167 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts £29.99/mo
£199.00 upfront
£28.29/mo
£9.00 upfront
SIM-free £1099.00 £594.99
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL
Google Pixel 11 Pro XL

24 Months

256GB

Obsidian

100GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£29.99 a month, £199 upfront.

Use code: SUMMER10 (£10 off)

Samsung Galaxy S26
Samsung Galaxy S26

24 Months

256GB

White

Refurbished

10GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£28.29 a month, £9 upfront.

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S26 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is cheaper on contract at £687.96 over the life of the deal from £28.29 per month with £9.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S26's 6.3", the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL has the sharper display at 482 pixels per inch versus 409, and the Google Pixel 11 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 11 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Google Pixel 11 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 11 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £594.99.

What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 comes in 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S26 use?

The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL is powered by the Google Tensor G6 (2 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 11 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is the more portable of the two: it's 59g 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 11 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.

What operating system do the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S26 run?

The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL runs Android 17 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.