Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S26
Our Verdict: The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the bigger battery of the two, 5060mAh against 4300mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.8" against 6.3" and sharper at 460 PPI. The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers up to 1TB of storage versus 512GB on the Samsung Galaxy S26, and the S26 is the lighter phone at 167g against 199g. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the S26 is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
The S26 is the cheaper one to own: around £660 over a typical contract, £230 less than the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
13 reviews 3.9
11 reviews
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
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Samsung Galaxy S26
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.4 13 reviews |
3.9 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.8" | 6.3" |
| Display | LTPO AMOLED | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1280 x 2856 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 460 | 409 |
| 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 | 5,060 mAh | 4,300 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 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 | 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm |
| Weight | 199 grams | 167 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts |
£71.08/mo
£30.00 upfront |
£26.29/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £399.99 | £569.00 |
| Prices updated 27 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S26 cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is cheaper on contract at £659.96 over the life of the deal from £26.29 per month with £29.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S26's 6.3", the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the sharper display at 460 pixels per inch versus 409, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL 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 XL or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL 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 XL or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £399.99.
What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S26 use?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL 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 XL or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is the more portable of the two: it's 32g 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 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S26?
Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S26 run?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL 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.