Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy A26

Our Verdict: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a dedicated 5x telephoto camera and a sharper 6.8-inch display, giving it clear reasons to recommend it over Samsung Galaxy A26 for photography and detailed viewing. The Samsung's 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display is almost as large, and its 200g body is lighter than the Pixel's 221g build. Both run Android, but Google's and Samsung's interfaces may feel quite different in everyday use. Choose the Pixel for its zoom camera and display detail, or the A26 if lower weight and familiarity with Samsung matter more.

Over a full contract, the A26 works out around £448 all-in, about £986 less than the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Expert Rating
4.4
13 reviews
3.6
10 reviews
Screen
6.8" 6.7"
Display
LTPO AMOLED Super AMOLED
Resolution
1280 x 2856 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
460 385
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
42 Megapixels 13 Megapixels
Chipset
Google Tensor G4 (4nm) 5nm Exynos 1280
Battery
5,060 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 128GB, 256GB
OS
Android 14 Android
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM Nano 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
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD 5.3 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions
152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm 164 x 77.5 x 7.7 mm
Weight
199 grams 200 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Contracts
£45.00/mo (£299.00 upfront) £16.00/mo (£9.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£359.00 -
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Samsung Galaxy A26 Samsung Galaxy A26
Expert Rating 4.4
13 reviews
3.6
10 reviews
Screen 6.8" 6.7"
Display LTPO AMOLED Super AMOLED
Resolution 1280 x 2856 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 460 385
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 42 Megapixels 13 Megapixels
Chipset Google Tensor G4 (4nm) 5nm Exynos 1280
Battery 5,060 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 128GB, 256GB
OS Android 14 Android
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM Nano 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
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD 5.3 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm 164 x 77.5 x 7.7 mm
Weight 199 grams 200 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Contracts £45.00/mo
£299.00 upfront
£16.00/mo
£9.00 upfront
SIM-free £359.00 -
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

24 Months

512GB

Hazel

Unlimited

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£45 a month, £299 upfront.

Samsung Galaxy A26
Samsung Galaxy A26

24 Months

128GB

White

50GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£16 a month, £9 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy A26 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy A26 is cheaper on contract at £448.00 over the life of the deal from £16.00 per month with £9.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy A26?

Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.8", the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the sharper display at 460 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL uses a LTPO AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy A26 has a Super AMOLED.

Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy A26?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy A26 has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy A26?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy A26 comes in 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy A26 use?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is powered by the Google Tensor G4 (4nm), while the Samsung Galaxy A26 uses the 5nm Exynos 1280 .

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy A26?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the more portable of the two: they weigh about the same (199 grams vs 200 grams), it's also the more compact phone at 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm, the Samsung Galaxy A26 is slimmer at 7.7mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy A26?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy A26 is rated IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min).

What operating system do the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy A26 run?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL runs Android 14 and the Samsung Galaxy A26 runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.