Google Pixel 9 vs Samsung Galaxy S26
Our verdict: Over a typical contract, expect to pay £161.84 less with the Google Pixel 9 than the Samsung Galaxy S26. Text and images look sharper on the Google Pixel 9 with its 421 PPI display. Selfie fans take note: the Samsung Galaxy S26 has a 12MP front camera. For a lighter carry, the Samsung Galaxy S26 wins at 167g.
13 reviews 3.9
11 reviews
Google Pixel 9
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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) |
| 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 |
£19.99/mo
£29.00 upfront |
£11.95/mo
£429.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £389.00 | £699.00 |
| Deals | Deals |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Google Pixel 9 or Samsung Galaxy S26 cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 9 is cheaper on contract at £523.96 over the life of the deal from £19.99 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 £389.00.
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.