Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Over a full contract, the S26 Ultra works out around £996 all-in, about £269 less than the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
13 reviews 4.4
12 reviews
Prices updated 11 August 2026
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
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Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
|
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.4 13 reviews |
4.4 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.8" | 6.9" |
| Display | LTPO AMOLED | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1280 x 2856 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 460 | 498 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 200 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 | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| OS | Android 14 | Android |
| 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 | 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 199 grams | 214 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Contracts |
£49.00/mo
£39.00 upfront |
£40.29/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £369.00 | £879.00 |
| Prices updated 11 August 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is cheaper on contract at £995.96 over the life of the deal from £40.29 per month with £29.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL's 6.8", the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the sharper display at 498 pixels per inch versus 460, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL uses a LTPO AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a 200 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 Ultra?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £369.00.
What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra use?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is powered by the Google Tensor G4 (4nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 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 Ultra?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the more portable of the two: it's 15g lighter at 199 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is slimmer at 7.9mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
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 Ultra is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).
What operating system do the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra run?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL runs Android 14 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.