Google Pixel 9a vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Over a full contract, the Pixel 9a works out around £411 all-in, about £529 less than the S26 Ultra.
13 reviews 4.4
12 reviews
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Google Pixel 9a
|
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.4 13 reviews |
4.4 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.3" | 6.9" |
| Display | P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2424 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 421 | 498 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 200 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 | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| OS | Android 15 | 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/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 | 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 186 grams | 214 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) | IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Contracts |
£14.99/mo
£29.00 upfront |
£16.00/mo
£545.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £274.99 | £899.00 |
| Prices updated 27 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
Cheapest Deals
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 9a is cheaper on contract at £411.16 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 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Google Pixel 9a's 6.3", the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the sharper display at 498 pixels per inch versus 421, and the Google Pixel 9a uses a P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Google Pixel 9a features a 48 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 9a or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Google Pixel 9a is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £274.99.
What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 9a and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Google Pixel 9a is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Google Pixel 9a and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra use?
The Google Pixel 9a 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 9a or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Google Pixel 9a is the more portable of the two: it's 28g 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 Ultra is slimmer at 7.9mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).
What operating system do the Google Pixel 9a and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra run?
The Google Pixel 9a runs Android 15 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.