Google Pixel 9 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S26+

Our Verdict: The S26+ has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.7" against 6.3" and sharper at 513 PPI, and the S26+ is the lighter phone at 190g against 199g. Only pay up for the S26+ if you'll use what it offers; if not, the Google Pixel 9 Pro makes more sense.

Total contract costs are about level, around £845 for either phone.

Expert Rating
4.4
11 reviews
3.9
10 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.7"
Display
LTPO AMOLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1280 x 2856 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch
497 513
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
42 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery
4,700 mAh 4,900 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB 256GB, 512GB
OS
Android 14 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
5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm
Weight
199 grams 190 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP 68
Contracts
£67.33/mo (£30.00 upfront) £12.00/mo (£565.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£357.00 £799.00

Prices updated 27 July 2026

Google Pixel 9 Pro Google Pixel 9 Pro Samsung Galaxy S26+ Samsung Galaxy S26+
Expert Rating 4.4
11 reviews
3.9
10 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.7"
Display LTPO AMOLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1280 x 2856 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch 497 513
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 42 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery 4,700 mAh 4,900 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 256GB, 512GB
OS Android 14 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 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm
Weight 199 grams 190 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP 68
Contracts £67.33/mo
£30.00 upfront
£12.00/mo
£565.00 upfront
SIM-free £357.00 £799.00
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Google Pixel 9 Pro
Google Pixel 9 Pro

12 Months

128GB

Hazel

Refurbished

5GB

Data

£67.33 per month, £30 upfront.

Samsung Galaxy S26+
Samsung Galaxy S26+

24 Months

256GB

Sky Blue

300GB

Data

£12 per month, £565 upfront.

Use code: 30JNOFF (£30)

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Google Pixel 9 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S26+ cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 9 Pro is cheaper on contract at £845.46 over the life of the deal from £67.33 per month with £30.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 9 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Google Pixel 9 Pro's 6.3", the Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the sharper display at 513 pixels per inch versus 497, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro uses a LTPO AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 9 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro 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 9 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £357.00.

What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 9 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ comes in 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Google Pixel 9 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S26+ use?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro is powered by the Google Tensor G4 (4nm), 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 9 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is lighter but the Google Pixel 9 Pro is more compact. It's 9g lighter at 190 grams, though the Google Pixel 9 Pro is actually the more compact phone at 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is slimmer at 7.3mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 9 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is rated IP 68.

What operating system do the Google Pixel 9 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S26+ run?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro runs Android 14 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.