Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S26 FE

Our Verdict: Among the lasting differences between Google Pixel 11 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S26 FE, the Pixel's lead in screen sharpness is the most notable, supported by a sharper 482 PPI display, a higher-resolution 42MP front camera, and 256GB to 1TB storage. The Samsung counters with a lighter 193g body, pointing instead toward portability. Prioritise the Pixel for screen sharpness; lean toward the Samsung only if portability is more important to you.

The S26 FE is the cheaper one to own: around £648 over a typical contract, £300 less than the Pixel 11 Pro XL.

Expert Rating
3.8
10 reviews
3.7
5 reviews
Screen
6.8" 6.7"
Display
LTPO OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1344 x 2992 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
482 385
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
42 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Google Tensor G6 (2 nm) Exynos 2500 (3 nm)
Battery
5,115 mAh 4,900 mAh
Storage
256GB, 512GB, 1TB 128GB, 256GB
OS
Android 17 Android 17
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 161.3 x 76.6 x 7.4 mm
Weight
226 grams 193 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) £14.99/mo (£259.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£1099.00 £697.00
Google Pixel 11 Pro XL Google Pixel 11 Pro XL Samsung Galaxy S26 FE Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
Expert Rating 3.8
10 reviews
3.7
5 reviews
Screen 6.8" 6.7"
Display LTPO OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1344 x 2992 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 482 385
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 42 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Google Tensor G6 (2 nm) Exynos 2500 (3 nm)
Battery 5,115 mAh 4,900 mAh
Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 128GB, 256GB
OS Android 17 Android 17
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 161.3 x 76.6 x 7.4 mm
Weight 226 grams 193 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
£14.99/mo
£259.00 upfront
SIM-free £1099.00 £697.00
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 FE
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE

24 Months

128GB

Graphite

100GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£14.99 a month, £259 upfront.

Use code: SUMMER10 (£10 off)

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is cheaper on contract at £648.36 over the life of the deal from £14.99 per month with £259.00 upfront.

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

Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.8", the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL has the sharper display at 482 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL uses a LTPO OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

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

The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE 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 FE?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £697.00.

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

The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE comes in 128GB, 256GB.

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

The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL is powered by the Google Tensor G6 (2 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE uses the Exynos 2500 (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is the more portable of the two: it's 33g lighter at 193 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 161.3 x 76.6 x 7.4 mm, and is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?

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 FE 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 FE run?

Both phones run Android 17.