Google Pixel 9 vs Samsung Galaxy S26

Our Verdict: For buyers focused on a noticeably lighter body and more storage headroom, the Galaxy S26 is the more convincing choice. It backs that up with 256GB-512GB storage options, 167g weight and 10,901 active deals, while the Pixel 9 counters with 4700mAh battery and 508 active deals. Current active deals start around £309 for the Pixel 9, versus about £525 for the Galaxy S26. The Pixel 9 is the better fit for lower current deal pricing and the larger battery, while the Galaxy S26 is easier to justify when your priorities lean toward a noticeably lighter body and more storage headroom.

On price there's almost nothing between them: both work out around £660 over a full contract.

Expert Rating
4.2
13 reviews
3.9
11 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.3"
Display
OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2424 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
421 409
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
10.5 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery
4,700 mAh 4,300 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB 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 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm
Weight
198 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
£54.42/mo (£30.00 upfront) £26.29/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£319.00 £569.00

Prices updated 27 July 2026

Google Pixel 9 Google Pixel 9 Samsung Galaxy S26 Samsung Galaxy S26
Expert Rating 4.2
13 reviews
3.9
11 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.3"
Display OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2424 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 421 409
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 10.5 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery 4,700 mAh 4,300 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB 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 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm
Weight 198 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 £54.42/mo
£30.00 upfront
£26.29/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £319.00 £569.00
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel 9

12 Months

128GB

Peony

5GB

Data

£54.42 per month, £30 upfront.

Samsung Galaxy S26
Samsung Galaxy S26

24 Months

256GB

Sky Blue

10GB

Data

£26.29 per month, £29 upfront.

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Google Pixel 9 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 or Samsung Galaxy S26?

Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.3", the Google Pixel 9 has the sharper display at 421 pixels per inch versus 409, and the Google Pixel 9 uses a OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 9 or Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Google Pixel 9 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 or Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Google Pixel 9 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £319.00.

What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Google Pixel 9 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 comes in 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Google Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy S26 use?

The Google Pixel 9 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 or Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is the more portable of the two: it's 31g 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 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 and Samsung Galaxy S26 run?

The Google Pixel 9 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.