Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Our Verdict: Comparing Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Google Pixel 11 Pro XL, the choice mostly comes down to portability versus display quality. The Samsung gives you its Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel, a higher-resolution 200MP rear camera, and a lighter 214g body, while the Pixel is more appealing for its LTPO OLED panel and a higher-resolution 42MP front camera. Choose the Samsung for portability; choose the Pixel if display quality matters more.

On price there's almost nothing between them: both work out around £924 over a full contract.

Expert Rating
3.8
10 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 G6 (2 nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery
5,115 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage
256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS
Android 17 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
6.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
162.7 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm
Weight
226 grams 214 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts
£29.99/mo (£199.00 upfront) £37.29/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£1099.00 £869.99
Google Pixel 11 Pro XL Google Pixel 11 Pro XL Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Expert Rating 3.8
10 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 G6 (2 nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery 5,115 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS Android 17 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 6.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 162.7 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm
Weight 226 grams 214 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts £29.99/mo
£199.00 upfront
£37.29/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £1099.00 £869.99
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 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

24 Months

256GB

Black

Refurbished

10GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£37.29 a month, £29 upfront.

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is cheaper on contract at £923.96 over the life of the deal from £37.29 per month with £29.00 upfront.

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

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Google Pixel 11 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 11 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 11 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

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

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £869.99.

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

The Google Pixel 11 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 11 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra use?

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

It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is lighter but the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL is more compact. It's 12g lighter at 214 grams, though the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL is actually the more compact phone at 162.7 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is slimmer at 7.9mm thick.

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

Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).

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

The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL runs Android 17 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.