Google Pixel 8 vs Samsung Galaxy S26
The Google Pixel 8 (2023) runs on the Google Tensor G3, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 (2026) runs on the Samsung Exynos 2600; launch prices were $699 and $799. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads — 74/100 vs 68/100 (a 6-point difference). Key differences: the Google Pixel 8 has the bigger battery (4575 mAh vs 4000); the Samsung Galaxy S26 is faster in AnTuTu (2,827,538 vs 1,443,431); per DXOMark lab testing, the Google Pixel 8 has the stronger camera (148 vs 146); the Samsung Galaxy S26 is noticeably lighter (162g vs 187g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Google Pixel 8
Samsung Galaxy S26
What makes Google Pixel 8 better?
- Bigger battery: 4575 vs 4000 mAh
- Faster charging: 27W vs 25W
- Faster wireless charging: 18W vs 15W
- Cheaper at launch: $699 vs $799
- Better camera (79/100 vs 77/100)
- Longer battery life (44/100 vs 31/100)
- Better display (82/100 vs 81/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 2827538 vs 1443431
- Better Geekbench Single: 2880 vs 1722
- Better Geekbench Multi: 9100 vs 4458
- Lighter: 162g vs 187g
- Higher performance (89/100 vs 70/100)
- Better portability (89/100 vs 57/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Google Pixel 8 vs the Samsung Galaxy S26, the Samsung Galaxy S26 scores 6 points higher (74/100 vs 68/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (89/100 vs 70/100). In the "battery" category, the Google Pixel 8 leads (44/100 vs 31/100). Value score: Google Pixel 8 — 50/100, Samsung Galaxy S26 — 62/100; 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 notably outperforms the Google Pixel 8 (89/100 vs 70/100). In the "display" category, the Google Pixel 8 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 are nearly equal (82/100 vs 81/100). In the "camera" category, the Google Pixel 8 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 are nearly equal (79/100 vs 77/100). In the "battery" category, the Google Pixel 8 is a bit better (44/100 vs 31/100). In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Google Pixel 8 (89/100 vs 57/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Google Pixel 8 | Samsung Galaxy S26 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Samsung Exynos 2600 | |
| AnTuTu | 1443431 | 2827538 | |
| Geekbench Single | 1722 | 2880 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 4458 | 9100 | |
| Display | 6.2" OLED | 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 2340x1080 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 4575 mAh | 4000 mAh | |
| Charging | 27W | 25W | |
| Wireless charging | 18W | 15W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | 148 | 146 | |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 12 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 10 MP | |
| Front camera | 10 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | |
| 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 | 158.4×75.8×7.3 mm | |
| Weight | 187 g | 162 g | |
| Launch price | $699 | $799 |
Camera comparison
Google Pixel 8
- Main: 50MP f/1.7
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Front: 10MP
Samsung Galaxy S26
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 10MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Google Pixel 8
- 6.2" OLED
- Resolution: 1080x2400
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 2340x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Google Pixel 8
- 4575 mAh
- Wired: 27W
- Wireless: 18W
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 4000 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 15W
Overall performance score
We compared Google Pixel 8 and Samsung Galaxy S26, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 leads Google Pixel 8 by 49.0% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $100. Google Pixel 8 was $100 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the Google Pixel 8 (89/100 vs 70/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Google Pixel 8 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 are nearly equal (82/100 vs 81/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Google Pixel 8 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 are nearly equal (79/100 vs 77/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Google Pixel 8 is a bit better (44/100 vs 31/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Google Pixel 8 (89/100 vs 57/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Google Pixel 8 or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 edges out the Google Pixel 8 by just 6 points — the two devices are very close in overall level.
What is the rating of the Google Pixel 8 and the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Google Pixel 8 has a MobileRank rating of 68/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 — 74/100.
Which is more powerful: the Google Pixel 8 or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on performance (89/100 vs 70/100).
Should you choose the Google Pixel 8 over the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Google Pixel 8 is a better fit for active users. The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a better fit for gamers and power users.