Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S26 Ultra
Starting at
£894.79£1,449.00 new
Google Pixel 9
Starting at
£314.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Google Pixel 9?
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 9 starts at £314, £580.79 less than the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Main camera
Front camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) on the Google Pixel 9.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4700 mAh.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a bigger screen: 6.9 inch vs 6.3 inch.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 specs
The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a larger 6.9 inch screen with higher resolution, making it a good choice if you want a roomier display for video or detailed viewing. It also has a more advanced camera system with four lenses and a higher resolution front camera, suited for photography enthusiasts. The Pixel 9 is smaller and lighter, with a 6.3 inch screen and a simpler camera setup. It offers fewer storage options but covers everyday needs well. Each phone suits different preferences for size, screen clarity and camera features.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 price
Colour
- BlackStarting at £929.69
- BlueStarting at £966.44
- Rose GoldStarting at £1,072.75
- VioletStarting at £894.79
- PurpleStarting at £894.79
- SilverStarting at £1,031.27
- WhiteStarting at £914.25
- BlackSold out
- BeigeSold out
- GreenSold out
- PinkSold out
Storage
- 128GBSold out
- 256GBSold out
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 battery life and software updates
Durability focuses on software support and form factor.
Software Updates
This means either device will keep up to date with Android developments for a similar period.
Form Factor
Both phones have a traditional smartphone design. This suits users who prefer a solid phone that fits easily in pockets or bags.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 screen
Screen quality is a key difference between these phones. Both have a 120 Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling, but the Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a larger, higher resolution display ideal for immersive viewing.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a 6.9 inch screen, which provides more space for video, gaming and multitasking. The Pixel 9's 6.3 inch screen is more compact and easier to handle with one hand, suitable if portability is important.
Resolution
The Galaxy S26 Ultra's 1440 x 3120 resolution delivers sharper and more detailed images, which benefits users who watch high definition content or prefer clearer text and photos. The Pixel 9's 1080 x 2424 resolution offers good clarity appropriate for everyday use.
Refresh Rate
Both phones feature a 120 Hz refresh rate, which means smooth animations and scrolling on either device. This makes interactions feel responsive on both the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Pixel 9.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 camera
The camera setups differ between these phones, affecting photography and selfie quality. The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers more versatility with an additional rear lens and a higher resolution front camera.
Rear Camera System
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a quadruple rear camera system with four lenses, providing flexibility for various photography styles such as wide angle, zoom or detailed shots. The Pixel 9 uses a triple rear camera system, which still covers most typical photo needs but with fewer options for creative shooting.
Front Camera
The Galaxy S26 Ultra includes a 12 megapixel front camera, which can capture more detailed selfies and video calls. The Pixel 9's front camera has 10.5 megapixels, sufficient for everyday photos and video but slightly lower resolution.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 size and design
Other practical differences relate to size, weight and storage options. These affect how the phones feel in hand and how much data you can keep locally.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy S26 Ultra measures 163.6 mm in height, 78.1 mm in width and 7.9 mm in depth, weighing 214 g. The Pixel 9 is smaller and lighter at 152.8 mm tall, 72 mm wide, 8.5 mm deep and 198 g. The Pixel 9 suits users who prefer a phone that is easier to hold and carry, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a bigger device that feels substantial.
Storage Capacity
The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers larger storage options including 256GB, 512GB and 1TB. This suits users who store many photos, videos or apps. The Pixel 9 offers 128GB and 256GB options, suitable for everyday use and moderate storage needs.
SIM and Network
Both phones support 5G networks and have a physical SIM plus eSIM slot, giving you flexible mobile connectivity. Both are unlocked, so you can choose any compatible UK carrier.
Connector
Both phones use USB-C connectors, so they share compatibility with common charging cables and accessories.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S26 Ultra or Google Pixel 9: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S26 Ultra if
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4700 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.3 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (200 megapixels vs 50 megapixels)
Buy the Google Pixel 9 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £314, £580.79 less than the Galaxy S26 Ultra
- you want a lighter build (198 g vs 214 g)
What our customers say
Customers who choose the Galaxy S26 Ultra often praise its condition, reporting it looks and feels like new even when refurbished. They highlight the smooth performance, excellent battery life and strong camera quality. The large screen and high storage options appeal to those who use their phone heavily for media and multitasking. Some mention minor cosmetic issues that do not affect use, and a few note the search for a compatible screen protector with the fingerprint sensor. Overall, buyers find it a premium device that meets their expectations for speed, camera and battery.
Google Pixel 9 customers find the phone runs smoothly and looks like new, with positive feedback on camera and battery life. Some users mention ease of transferring data and setting up the phone, which helps those switching from other platforms. The smaller size and lighter weight suit users who want a comfortable phone for everyday use. A few customers note minor scratches or slower speed compared to earlier models, but most are happy with the device's performance and condition.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra suits buyers who prioritise a larger, sharper screen and an advanced camera system with high storage capacity. The Google Pixel 9 is a good fit for those who prefer a smaller phone that performs well for daily tasks with solid camera and battery features.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 FAQs
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) on the Google Pixel 9. The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4700 mAh.
The Google Pixel 9 is cheaper refurbished, from £314 compared with £894.79 for the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4700 mAh.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a higher-resolution main camera: 200 megapixels vs 50 megapixels.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra gets updates until Mar 2033. The Google Pixel 9 gets updates until Aug 2031.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the Google Pixel 9 in 128GB and 256GB.
