Galaxy S26 vs Google Pixel 9
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S26
Starting at
£658.95£999.00 new
Google Pixel 9
Starting at
£314.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S26 and Google Pixel 9?
Galaxy S26 vs Google Pixel 9 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen type. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 9 starts at £314, £344.95 less than the Galaxy S26. The Galaxy S26 is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen type
Front camera
Software updates
- Chipset: Exynos 2600 on the Galaxy S26, Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) on the Google Pixel 9.
- The Google Pixel 9 has a bigger battery: 4700 mAh vs 4300 mAh.
- Screen type: Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X on the Galaxy S26, OLED on the Google Pixel 9.
Galaxy S26 vs Google Pixel 9 specs
The Galaxy S26 and Google Pixel 9 offer many similar features but have key differences that suit different users. The Galaxy S26 has a slightly smaller battery and a thinner, lighter body, making it easier to hold and carry. The Pixel 9 offers a larger battery and a slightly taller screen resolution, good for those who want more screen detail and longer battery life. The Pixel 9 features a front camera with a slightly lower megapixel count, which may suit users who prioritise the rear camera. Overall, the Galaxy S26 is ideal if you want a lighter phone with more storage, while the Pixel 9 suits those who value battery capacity and screen detail.
Galaxy S26 vs Google Pixel 9 price
Colour
- BlackStarting at £692.30
- BlueStarting at £658.95
- Rose GoldStarting at £792.70
- VioletStarting at £685.40
- PurpleStarting at £792.70
- SilverStarting at £792.70
- WhiteStarting at £691.15
- BlackSold out
- BeigeSold out
- GreenSold out
- PinkSold out
Storage
- 128GBSold out
- 256GBSold out
Galaxy S26 vs Google Pixel 9 battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and device size affect how long a phone lasts through the day and how it feels in hand.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S26 has a 4300 mAh battery, which suits users with moderate daily use. The Google Pixel 9 has a larger 4700 mAh battery, making it better for those who need longer time between charges or use their phone heavily throughout the day.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy S26 is thinner at 7.2 mm and lighter at 167 g, making it comfortable to hold and carry for long periods. The Google Pixel 9 is a bit thicker at 8.5 mm and heavier at 198 g, which may feel more substantial but less pocket-friendly.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S26 vs Google Pixel 9 performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S26 vs Google Pixel 9 screen
Screen quality is important for viewing comfort and clarity. Both phones have the same screen size and refresh rate, but subtle differences in screen type and resolution may influence your experience.
Screen Resolution
The Google Pixel 9 has a resolution of 1080 by 2424 pixels, slightly taller than the Galaxy S26's 1080 by 2340 pixels. This means the Pixel 9 offers a bit more vertical screen space, which can help when scrolling or viewing longer content.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S26 uses a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X screen, which is a form of AMOLED that can adjust its refresh rate to save battery. The Google Pixel 9 has an OLED screen. Both provide vibrant colours and good contrast, but the Galaxy S26's panel may offer efficiency benefits during varied use.
Refresh Rate and Size
Both phones feature a 6.3 inch screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate. This means smooth animations and scrolling on both devices, suitable for gaming, videos, and everyday use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S26 vs Google Pixel 9 camera
Camera and front camera performance matter for photos and video calls. Both phones have triple rear cameras, while the front camera differs slightly in resolution.
Front Camera
The Galaxy S26 has a 12 megapixel front camera, ideal for clear selfies and video calls with sharp detail. The Google Pixel 9 features a 10.5 megapixel front camera, still good for video calls and selfies but with a slightly lower megapixel count.
Rear Cameras
Both phones have triple rear cameras, providing versatility for different photography needs such as wide-angle, zoom, and standard shots. This setup suits users who want flexibility in their mobile photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S26 vs Google Pixel 9 size and design
Other practical features include storage options, physical size, and connectivity. These affect daily use, how much you can store, and how the phone fits in your hand or pocket.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S26 offers 256GB and 512GB storage options, which suits users who need ample space for apps, photos, and files. The Google Pixel 9 comes in 128GB and 256GB variants, suitable for everyday storage needs.
Physical Dimensions
The Galaxy S26 measures 149.6 mm in height and 71.7 mm in width, with a depth of 7.2 mm and weight of 167 g, making it compact and light. The Google Pixel 9 is taller at 152.8 mm, slightly wider at 72 mm, thicker at 8.5 mm, and heavier at 198 g, which may feel more substantial in hand.
Network and SIM
Both phones support 5G networks and come unlocked, allowing freedom to choose your carrier. Each supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, giving flexible options for mobile plans.
Connector and Expansion
Both the Galaxy S26 and Google Pixel 9 use USB-C connectors for charging and data transfer. Neither device includes an SD card slot, so storage relies on internal memory.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S26 or Google Pixel 9: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S26 if
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 10.5 megapixels)
- you want longer software support (until Mar 2033 vs until Aug 2031)
- you want a lighter build (167 g vs 198 g)
Buy the Google Pixel 9 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £314, £344.95 less than the Galaxy S26
- you want a bigger battery (4700 mAh vs 4300 mAh)
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy S26 looks and feels like a new or nearly new device, with many praising its sharp, bright screen and good battery life that lasts a full day with moderate use. Some appreciate the phone's solid feel and ample storage space, especially in the 256GB version. A few note minor cosmetic marks but overall find the phone reliable and quick for work emails, video calls, and daily apps.
Google Pixel 9 users report the phone feels as new as possible and runs smoothly, with some noting the battery life performs well even after many charge cycles. The screen is described as perfect and clear, with the phone handling browsing, gaming, and photography effectively. Users coming from other operating systems find transferring data manageable, and the Pixel 9 receives compliments for its appearance and camera quality, despite some scratches noted in individual cases.
The Galaxy S26 suits those who want a lighter, thinner phone with larger storage options and a higher front camera megapixel count.
Galaxy S26 vs Google Pixel 9 FAQs
Galaxy S26 vs Google Pixel 9 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen type. Chipset: Exynos 2600 on the Galaxy S26, Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) on the Google Pixel 9. The Google Pixel 9 has a bigger battery: 4700 mAh vs 4300 mAh.
The Google Pixel 9 is cheaper refurbished, from £314 compared with £658.95 for the Galaxy S26.
The Google Pixel 9 has a bigger battery: 4700 mAh vs 4300 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 50 megapixels.
The Galaxy S26 gets updates until Mar 2033. The Google Pixel 9 gets updates until Aug 2031.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S26 comes in 256GB and 512GB, and the Google Pixel 9 in 128GB and 256GB.
