Google Pixel 9a vs Samsung Galaxy S26+
Our verdict: On contract, the Google Pixel 9a works out £597.24 cheaper overall than the Samsung Galaxy S26+. The Samsung Galaxy S26+ wins on display with a bigger 6.7" screen and a sharper 513 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+
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|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| 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 |
£38.99/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £259.99 | £944.10 |
| 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+?
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.