Google Pixel 9a vs Samsung Galaxy S26
Our verdict: On contract, the Google Pixel 9a works out £331.25 cheaper overall than the Samsung Galaxy S26. The Google Pixel 9a has the sharper display at 421 PPI. If you'd rather buy outright, the Google Pixel 9a starts at £259.99 SIM-free.
Google Pixel 9a
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Samsung Galaxy S26
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.3" | 6.3" |
| Display | P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2424 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 421 | 409 |
| 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) |
| 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 | 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm |
| Weight | 186 grams | 167 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts |
£14.99/mo
£29.00 upfront |
£19.00/mo
£299.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £259.99 | £746.10 |
| Deals | Deals |
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 £379.80 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?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.3", the Google Pixel 9a has the sharper display at 421 pixels per inch versus 409, 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 Samsung Galaxy S26 is the more portable of the two — it's 19g 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 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 IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
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.