Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S26+
Our verdict: Budget-conscious buyers should note the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is £459.20 cheaper on contract than the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. If you care about a crisp screen, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ wins at 513 PPI. Up front, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL wins with a 42MP selfie camera. Portability goes to the Samsung Galaxy S26+ at 190g.
13 reviews 3.9
10 reviews
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
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Samsung Galaxy S26+
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.4 13 reviews |
3.9 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.8" | 6.7" |
| Display | LTPO AMOLED | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1280 x 2856 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 460 | 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) |
| 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 | 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 |
£49.00/mo
£39.00 upfront |
£12.95/mo
£515.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £393.00 | £799.00 |
| Deals | Deals |
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 £795.80 over the life of the deal from £12.95 per month with £515.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S26+?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.8", the Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the sharper display at 513 pixels per inch versus 460, 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 £393.00.
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+?
It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is lighter but the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is more compact. It's 9g lighter at 190 grams, though the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL 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 XL or Samsung Galaxy S26+?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL 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 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.