Google Pixel 11 vs Samsung Galaxy S26

Our Verdict: Samsung Galaxy S26 and Google Pixel 11 suit different priorities. The Pixel is stronger for display quality, helped by its OLED panel and a larger 4,985 mAh battery, while the Samsung is better suited to 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. Choose the Pixel for display quality; choose the Samsung if portability matters more.

Over a full contract, the Pixel 11 works out around £648 all-in, about £40 less than the S26.

Expert Rating
4.0
11 reviews
3.9
11 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.3"
Display
OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+ Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2424 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
421 409
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
13 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Google Tensor G6 (2 nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery
4,985 mAh 4,300 mAh
Storage
256GB, 512GB 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth
6.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
152.8 x 72 x 8.6 mm 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm
Weight
197 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
£24.99/mo (£9.00 upfront) £28.29/mo (£9.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£799.00 £594.99
Google Pixel 11 Google Pixel 11 Samsung Galaxy S26 Samsung Galaxy S26
Expert Rating 4.0
11 reviews
3.9
11 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.3"
Display OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+ Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2424 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 421 409
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 13 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Google Tensor G6 (2 nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery 4,985 mAh 4,300 mAh
Storage 256GB, 512GB 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth 6.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 152.8 x 72 x 8.6 mm 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm
Weight 197 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 £24.99/mo
£9.00 upfront
£28.29/mo
£9.00 upfront
SIM-free £799.00 £594.99
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Google Pixel 11
Google Pixel 11

24 Months

256GB

Frost

25GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

Exclusive Deal Details

£24.99 a month, £9 upfront.

Samsung Galaxy S26
Samsung Galaxy S26

24 Months

256GB

White

Refurbished

10GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£28.29 a month, £9 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 11 is cheaper on contract at £648.36 over the life of the deal from £24.99 per month with £9.00 upfront.

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

Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.3", the Google Pixel 11 has the sharper display at 421 pixels per inch versus 409, and the Google Pixel 11 uses a OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+ panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

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

The Google Pixel 11 features a 48 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 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 and Samsung Galaxy S26?

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

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

The Google Pixel 11 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 or Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is the more portable of the two: it's 30g 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 or Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Google Pixel 11 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 and Samsung Galaxy S26 run?

The Google Pixel 11 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.