Galaxy S26 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S26
Starting at
£658.95£999.00 new
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Starting at
£400.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S26 and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
Galaxy S26 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL starts at £400, £258.95 less than the Galaxy S26. The Galaxy S26 is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Exynos 2600 on the Galaxy S26, Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) on the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.
- The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has more RAM: 16 GB vs 12 GB.
- The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a bigger battery: 5060 mAh vs 4300 mAh.
Galaxy S26 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL specs
The Galaxy S26 and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL share core features like Android OS, 5G, and unlocked status but differ in size, memory, and battery capacity. The Galaxy S26 is more compact and lighter, with 12 GB RAM and storage options up to 512GB. The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a larger, higher resolution screen and a front camera with more megapixels, alongside 16 GB RAM and up to 1TB storage. The Pixel's battery is larger, suited for longer use, while the Galaxy S26's smaller size benefits those who prefer a lighter, pocket-friendly phone. Choose the Galaxy S26 for a sharp, manageable device or the Pixel 9 Pro XL for a roomier display and more memory for multitasking.
Galaxy S26 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL 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
- GreySold out
- PinkSold out
Storage
- 128GBSold out
- 256GBSold out
- 512GBSold out
- 1TBSold out
Galaxy S26 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and physical size differ, affecting daily use and portability.
Battery Capacity
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 5060 mAh battery, which suits users who need longer battery life between charges, ideal for heavy use or long days away from power. The Galaxy S26 has a 4300 mAh battery, which fits those with moderate daily use who prefer a lighter device.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S26 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S26 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL screen
Screen quality differences influence how you experience video, browsing, and general use. Both offer smooth 120 Hz refresh rates, but size and resolution vary significantly, affecting clarity and workspace.
Screen Size
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 6.8 inch display, offering a more spacious screen for watching videos, gaming, or multitasking. The Galaxy S26 has a 6.3 inch screen, making it easier to handle with one hand and fit in smaller pockets.
Resolution
The Pixel 9 Pro XL's 1344 x 2992 resolution provides finer detail and sharper images, which benefits users who value crisp visuals for photos and text. The Galaxy S26's 1080 x 2340 resolution still delivers a clear, vibrant display suitable for everyday use.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy S26 uses a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X screen, which can offer efficient brightness and contrast, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL uses an LTPO OLED screen. Both support smooth refresh rates but may differ slightly in colour and power management.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S26 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL camera
Camera and front-facing camera quality shape your photography and video call experience. Both phones have triple rear cameras, but their front cameras differ notably in resolution.
Front Camera Resolution
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 42 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail and is suited to users who prioritise selfies or video calls with sharp image quality. The Galaxy S26's 12 megapixel front camera supports clear video calls and selfies for everyday use.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S26 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL size and design
Physical dimensions, weight, and storage options affect portability and how much you can keep on your phone. Both phones have unlocked status and 5G, supporting flexible network use and fast connectivity.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy S26 is 149.6 mm tall, 71.7 mm wide, 7.2 mm deep and weighs 167 g, making it a lighter and more compact device. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is larger and heavier at 162.8 mm tall, 76.6 mm wide, 8.5 mm deep and 221 g, which suits users wanting a bigger phone and don't mind extra weight.
Memory and Storage
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL offers 16 GB RAM and storage options ranging from 128GB to 1TB, ideal for users who run many apps simultaneously or need extensive storage. The Galaxy S26 comes with 12 GB RAM and storage of 256GB or 512GB, fitting users who want solid multitasking and ample space without very large storage.
SIM and Connectivity
Both devices support 5G, have physical SIM plus eSIM slots, and use USB-C connectors, providing flexible network options and modern charging and accessory compatibility.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S26 or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S26 if
- you want longer software support (until Mar 2033 vs until Aug 2031)
- you want a lighter build (167 g vs 221 g)
Buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £400, £258.95 less than the Galaxy S26
- you want more RAM (16 GB vs 12 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5060 mAh vs 4300 mAh)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy S26 often mention its brand new or near-new condition, sharp and bright screen, and solid performance for work tasks like emails and video calls. Many praise the battery life for lasting a full day with moderate use and appreciate the phone's lighter, more compact size. Some note a small mark or scratch but generally find the phone feels premium and reliable. The storage size is ample for photos and apps.
Pixel 9 Pro XL customers highlight the phone's great condition, often like-new, with some noting battery health percentages from the refurbished stock. Many praise the camera, especially its detail and speed, alongside the fast performance and smooth experience. The larger screen and 16 GB RAM suit users who want a spacious display and strong multitasking. A few mention minor cosmetic marks but are happy overall with the device's functionality and appearance.
Overall, the Galaxy S26 suits users looking for a compact, lighter phone with solid all-round performance and good battery life. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL appeals to those wanting a larger screen, more memory, and a higher resolution front camera for detailed photos and video calls.
Galaxy S26 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL FAQs
Galaxy S26 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 2600 on the Galaxy S26, Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) on the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has more RAM: 16 GB vs 12 GB.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is cheaper refurbished, from £400 compared with £658.95 for the Galaxy S26.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a bigger battery: 5060 mAh vs 4300 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 50 megapixels.
The Galaxy S26 gets updates until Mar 2033. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL gets updates until Aug 2031.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S26 comes in 256GB and 512GB, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
