Google Pixel 9 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Our Verdict: The Google Pixel 9 has the clearer appeal for the lighter 198g body versus 214g; the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra pushes back through the larger 6.9" screen versus 6.3", the higher-resolution 200MP rear camera against 50MP, up to 1TB storage. The Google Pixel 9 is currently cheaper on the lowest total contract cost at about £309, roughly £590 less than the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. There is also much wider deal availability for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, with 16,176 active deals versus 508. That makes the Google Pixel 9 the value-led pick, unless the larger 6.9" screen versus 6.3" on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is worth paying extra for.

The Pixel 9 is the cheaper one to own: around £691 over a typical contract, £250 less than the S26 Ultra.

Expert Rating
4.2
13 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.9"
Display
OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2424 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch
421 498
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 200 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 5,000 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB 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 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm
Weight
198 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
£54.42/mo (£30.00 upfront) £16.00/mo (£545.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£319.00 £899.00

Prices updated 27 July 2026

Google Pixel 9 Google Pixel 9 Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Expert Rating 4.2
13 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.9"
Display OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2424 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch 421 498
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 200 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 5,000 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB 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 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm
Weight 198 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 £54.42/mo
£30.00 upfront
£16.00/mo
£545.00 upfront
SIM-free £319.00 £899.00
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 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

24 Months

256GB

White

300GB

Data

£16 per month, £545 upfront.

Use code: 30JNOFF (£30)

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Google Pixel 9 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 9 is cheaper on contract at £690.54 over the life of the deal from £54.42 per month with £30.00 upfront.

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

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Google Pixel 9's 6.3", the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the sharper display at 498 pixels per inch versus 421, and the Google Pixel 9 uses a OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

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

The Google Pixel 9 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 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

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 Ultra?

The Google Pixel 9 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.

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

The Google Pixel 9 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 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Google Pixel 9 is the more portable of the two: it's 16g lighter at 198 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 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Google Pixel 9 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 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra run?

The Google Pixel 9 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.