Google Pixel 8a vs Samsung Galaxy S26+
The Google Pixel 8a (2024) runs on the Google Tensor G3, while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ (2026) runs on the Samsung Exynos 2600; launch prices were $499 and $999. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ leads — 70/100 vs 65/100 (a 5-point difference). Key differences: the Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the bigger battery (4900 mAh vs 4492); the main camera is 64 MP vs 50 MP; the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is faster in AnTuTu (3,161,830 vs 1,433,693); the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is thinner (7.3mm vs 8.9mm).
Google Pixel 8a
Samsung Galaxy S26+
- Better main camera: 64MP vs 50MP
- Lighter: 188g vs 190g
- Cheaper at launch: $499 vs $999
- Better camera (70/100 vs 40/100)
- Better value for money (56/100 vs 52/100)
- Higher AnTuTu: 3161830 vs 1433693
- Better Geekbench Single: 2900 vs 1722
- Better Geekbench Multi: 9200 vs 4458
- Bigger battery: 4900 vs 4492 mAh
- Faster charging: 45W vs 18W
- Faster wireless charging: 15W vs 7W
- Higher performance (91/100 vs 70/100)
- Longer battery life (54/100 vs 39/100)
- Better display (89/100 vs 82/100)
- Better portability (72/100 vs 57/100)
Comparing the Google Pixel 8a vs the Samsung Galaxy S26+, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ scores 5 points higher (70/100 vs 65/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ leads (91/100 vs 70/100). In the "camera" category, the Google Pixel 8a leads (70/100 vs 40/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ leads (54/100 vs 39/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ notably outperforms the Google Pixel 8a (91/100 vs 70/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is a bit better (89/100 vs 82/100). In the "camera" category, the Google Pixel 8a significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26+ (70/100 vs 40/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ notably outperforms the Google Pixel 8a (54/100 vs 39/100). In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ notably outperforms the Google Pixel 8a (72/100 vs 57/100). In the "value for money" category, the Google Pixel 8a and the Samsung Galaxy S26+ are nearly equal (56/100 vs 52/100).
| Specification | Google Pixel 8a | Samsung Galaxy S26+ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Samsung Exynos 2600 | |
| AnTuTu | 1433693 | 3161830 | |
| Geekbench Single | 1722 | 2900 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 4458 | 9200 | |
| Display | 6.1" OLED | 6.7" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 2400x1080 | 3120x1440 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 4492 mAh | 4900 mAh | |
| Charging | 18W | 45W | |
| Wireless charging | 7W | 15W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | 136 | — | |
| Main camera | 64 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 13 MP | 12 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 10 MP | |
| Front camera | 13 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 256GB / 512GB | |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 16 / One UI 8.5 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 2000 nits | 2600 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP67 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 152.1×72.7×8.9 mm | 158.4×75.8×7.3 mm | |
| Weight | 188 g | 190 g | |
| Launch price | $499 | $999 |
Google Pixel 8a
- Main: 64MP f/f/1.89
- Ultrawide: 13MP
- Front: 13MP
Samsung Galaxy S26+
- Main: 50MP f/f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 10MP
- Front: 12MP
Google Pixel 8a
- 6.1" OLED
- Resolution: 2400x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26+
- 6.7" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 3120x1440
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Google Pixel 8a
- 4492 mAh
- Wired: 18W
- Wireless: 7W
Samsung Galaxy S26+
- 4900 mAh
- Wired: 45W
- Wireless: 15W
We compared Google Pixel 8a and Samsung Galaxy S26+, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26+ leads Google Pixel 8a by 54.7% in our overall performance rating.
Launch price difference: $500. Google Pixel 8a was $500 cheaper at launch.
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ notably outperforms the Google Pixel 8a (91/100 vs 70/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is a bit better (89/100 vs 82/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Google Pixel 8a significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26+ (70/100 vs 40/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ notably outperforms the Google Pixel 8a (54/100 vs 39/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ notably outperforms the Google Pixel 8a (72/100 vs 57/100).
value for money
In the "value for money" category, the Google Pixel 8a and the Samsung Galaxy S26+ are nearly equal (56/100 vs 52/100).
Which is better: the Google Pixel 8a or the Samsung Galaxy S26+?
The Samsung Galaxy S26+ edges out the Google Pixel 8a by just 5 points — the two devices are very close in overall level.
What is the rating of the Google Pixel 8a and the Samsung Galaxy S26+?
The Google Pixel 8a has a MobileRank rating of 65/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ — 70/100.
Which has the better camera: the Google Pixel 8a or the Samsung Galaxy S26+?
The Google Pixel 8a leads on camera score (70/100 vs 40/100).
Which is more powerful: the Google Pixel 8a or the Samsung Galaxy S26+?
The Samsung Galaxy S26+ leads on performance (91/100 vs 70/100).
Should you choose the Google Pixel 8a over the Samsung Galaxy S26+?
The Google Pixel 8a is a better fit for active users. The Samsung Galaxy S26+ is a better fit for gamers and power users.