Google Pixel 8 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Google Pixel 8 (2023) runs on the Google Tensor G3, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (2026) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5; launch prices were $699 and $1299. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads — 84/100 vs 68/100 (a 16-point difference). Key differences: the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4575); the main camera is 50 MP vs 200 MP; the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is faster in AnTuTu (3,463,142 vs 1,443,431); per DXOMark lab testing, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the stronger camera (157 vs 148); the Google Pixel 8 is noticeably lighter (187g vs 214g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Google Pixel 8
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
What makes Google Pixel 8 better?
- Lighter: 187g vs 214g
- Cheaper at launch: $699 vs $1299
- Better portability (57/100 vs 51/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 3463142 vs 1443431
- Better Geekbench Single: 3601 vs 1722
- Better Geekbench Multi: 10686 vs 4458
- Bigger battery: 5000 vs 4575 mAh
- Faster charging: 60W vs 27W
- Better main camera: 200MP vs 50MP
- Faster wireless charging: 25W vs 18W
- Higher performance (96/100 vs 70/100)
- Better camera (86/100 vs 79/100)
- Longer battery life (61/100 vs 44/100)
- Better display (88/100 vs 82/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Google Pixel 8 vs the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra scores 16 points higher (84/100 vs 68/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (96/100 vs 70/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (61/100 vs 44/100). Value score: Google Pixel 8 — 50/100, Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — 78/100; it shows how far a model sits above or below the usual level for its price, and is not part of the overall rating. In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra notably outperforms the Google Pixel 8 (96/100 vs 70/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit better (88/100 vs 82/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit better (86/100 vs 79/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra notably outperforms the Google Pixel 8 (61/100 vs 44/100). In the "portability" category, the Google Pixel 8 is a bit better (57/100 vs 51/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Google Pixel 8 | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | |
| AnTuTu | 1443431 | 3463142 | |
| Geekbench Single | 1722 | 3601 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 4458 | 10686 | |
| Display | 6.2" OLED | 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 3120x1440 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 4575 mAh | 5000 mAh | |
| Charging | 27W | 60W | |
| Wireless charging | 18W | 25W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | 148 | 157 | |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 200 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 50 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 50 MP | |
| Front camera | 10 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB / 16GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 16 / One UI 8.5 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 2000 nits | 2600 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 150.5×70.8×8.9 mm | 163.6×78.1×7.9 mm | |
| Weight | 187 g | 214 g | |
| Launch price | $699 | $1299 |
Camera comparison
Google Pixel 8
- Main: 50MP f/1.7
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Front: 10MP
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Main: 200MP f/1.7
- Ultrawide: 50MP
- Telephoto: 50MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Google Pixel 8
- 6.2" OLED
- Resolution: 1080x2400
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 3120x1440
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Google Pixel 8
- 4575 mAh
- Wired: 27W
- Wireless: 18W
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- 5000 mAh
- NanoReview test: web browsing 10:12 hrs, total 28:50 hrs
- Wired: 60W
- Wireless: 25W
Overall performance score
We compared Google Pixel 8 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads Google Pixel 8 by 58.3% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $600. Google Pixel 8 was $600 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra notably outperforms the Google Pixel 8 (96/100 vs 70/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit better (88/100 vs 82/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit better (86/100 vs 79/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra notably outperforms the Google Pixel 8 (61/100 vs 44/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Google Pixel 8 is a bit better (57/100 vs 51/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Google Pixel 8 or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is noticeably better than the Google Pixel 8 — the overall rating gap is 16 points.
What is the rating of the Google Pixel 8 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Google Pixel 8 has a MobileRank rating of 68/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — 84/100.
Which has the better camera: the Google Pixel 8 or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on camera score (86/100 vs 79/100).
Which is more powerful: the Google Pixel 8 or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on performance (96/100 vs 70/100).
Should you choose the Google Pixel 8 over the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Google Pixel 8 is a better fit for active users. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a better fit for gamers and power users, mobile photography enthusiasts, budget-conscious buyers.