Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy A56

Our Verdict: If your priority is capability, Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the edge through the sharper 460ppi display, a 42MP front camera and storage up to 1TB. Samsung Galaxy A56 still pushes back with solid core specs, so it should not be dismissed if those points matter more to you. Pick Google Pixel 9 Pro XL for the broader hardware lead, or Samsung Galaxy A56 if solid core specs is more useful to you.

The A56 is the cheaper one to own: around £420 over a typical contract, £470 less than the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Expert Rating
4.4
13 reviews
3.8
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 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Exynos 1580 (4 nm)
Battery
5,060 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 128GB, 256GB
OS
Android 14 Android 14
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/6
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD 5.3 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions
152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm
Weight
199 grams 198 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
£71.08/mo (£30.00 upfront) £16.29/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£369.00 £229.99

Prices updated 28 July 2026

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Samsung Galaxy A56 Samsung Galaxy A56
Expert Rating 4.4
13 reviews
3.8
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 12 Megapixels
Chipset Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Exynos 1580 (4 nm)
Battery 5,060 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 128GB, 256GB
OS Android 14 Android 14
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/6
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD 5.3 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm
Weight 199 grams 198 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 £71.08/mo
£30.00 upfront
£16.29/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £369.00 £229.99
Prices updated 28 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

12 Months

128GB

Obsidian

5GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£71.08 per month, £30 upfront.

Samsung Galaxy A56
Samsung Galaxy A56

24 Months

128GB

Awesome Olive

10GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£16.29 per month, £29 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy A56 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy A56 is cheaper on contract at £419.96 over the life of the deal from £16.29 per month with £29.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy A56?

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 A56 has a Super AMOLED.

Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy A56?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy A56 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 XL or Samsung Galaxy A56?

The Samsung Galaxy A56 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £229.99.

What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy A56?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy A56 comes in 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy A56 use?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is powered by the Google Tensor G4 (4nm), while the Samsung Galaxy A56 uses the Exynos 1580 (4 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy A56?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the more portable of the two: they weigh about the same (199 grams vs 198 grams), it's also the more compact phone at 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm, the Samsung Galaxy A56 is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy A56?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy A56 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 A56 run?

Both phones run Android 14.