Google Pixel 9a vs Samsung Galaxy S26+

Our Verdict: Comparing Google Pixel 9a and Samsung Galaxy S26+, the choice mostly comes down to display quality versus durability. The Samsung gives you a larger 6.7-inch screen, a sharper 513 PPI display, and its Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel, while the Pixel is more appealing for its P-OLED panel, its IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) rating, and a 4.4/5 expert-review average from 13 reviews. Choose the Samsung for display quality; choose the Pixel if durability matters more.

The Pixel 9a is the cheaper one to own: around £415 over a typical contract, £401 less than the S26+.

Expert Rating
4.4
13 reviews
3.9
10 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.7"
Display
P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2424 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch
421 513
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
13 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery
5,100 mAh 4,900 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB
OS
Android 15 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/6 tri-band 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm
Weight
186 grams 190 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) IP 68
Contracts
£14.99/mo (£29.00 upfront) £32.79/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£259.99 £799.00
Google Pixel 9a Google Pixel 9a Samsung Galaxy S26+ Samsung Galaxy S26+
Expert Rating 4.4
13 reviews
3.9
10 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.7"
Display P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2424 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch 421 513
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 13 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery 5,100 mAh 4,900 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB
OS Android 15 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/6 tri-band 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm
Weight 186 grams 190 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) IP 68
Contracts £14.99/mo
£29.00 upfront
£32.79/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £259.99 £799.00
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Google Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 9a

24 Months

128GB

Obsidian

25GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£14.99 per month, £29 upfront.

Use code: SUMMER10 (£10 off)

Samsung Galaxy S26+
Samsung Galaxy S26+

24 Months

256GB

Black

Refurbished

10GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£32.79 per month, £29 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 9a is cheaper on contract at £414.76 over the life of the deal from £14.99 per month with £29.00 upfront.

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

The Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Google Pixel 9a's 6.3", the Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the sharper display at 513 pixels per inch versus 421, and the Google Pixel 9a uses a P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

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

The Google Pixel 9a features a 48 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 9a or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Google Pixel 9a is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £259.99.

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

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

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

The Google Pixel 9a 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 9a or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Google Pixel 9a is the more portable of the two: it's 4g lighter at 186 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is slimmer at 7.3mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Google Pixel 9a is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min), while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is rated IP 68.

What operating system do the Google Pixel 9a and Samsung Galaxy S26+ run?

The Google Pixel 9a runs Android 15 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.