Google Pixel 8a vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Google Pixel 8a (2024) runs on the Google Tensor G3, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (2026) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5; estimated prices are $499 and $1299. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads — 75/100 vs 48/100 (a 27-point difference). Key differences: the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4492); the main camera is 64 MP vs 200 MP; the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is faster in AnTuTu (3,515,964 vs 1,433,693); per DXOMark lab testing, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the stronger camera (157 vs 136); the Google Pixel 8a is noticeably lighter (188g vs 214g).
Google Pixel 8a
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Lighter: 188g vs 214g
- Cheaper: $499 vs $1299
- Better design/ergonomics (65/100 vs 32/100)
- Better value for money (75/100 vs 20/100)
- Higher AnTuTu: 3515964 vs 1433693
- Better Geekbench Single: 3601 vs 1722
- Better Geekbench Multi: 10686 vs 4458
- Bigger battery: 5000 vs 4492 mAh
- Faster charging: 60W vs 18W
- Better main camera: 200MP vs 64MP
- Faster wireless charging: 25W vs 7W
- Higher performance (84/100 vs 21/100)
- Better camera (86/100 vs 70/100)
- Longer battery life (51/100 vs 25/100)
Comparing the Google Pixel 8a vs the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra scores 27 points higher (75/100 vs 48/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (84/100 vs 21/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (86/100 vs 70/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (51/100 vs 25/100). In the "value for money" category, the Google Pixel 8a leads (75/100 vs 20/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Google Pixel 8a (84/100 vs 21/100). In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 100/100. In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra notably outperforms the Google Pixel 8a (86/100 vs 70/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra notably outperforms the Google Pixel 8a (51/100 vs 25/100). In the "design" category, the Google Pixel 8a significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (65/100 vs 32/100). In the "value for money" category, the Google Pixel 8a significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (75/100 vs 20/100).
| Specification | Google Pixel 8a | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | |
| AnTuTu | 1433693 | 3515964 | |
| Geekbench Single | 1722 | 3601 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 4458 | 10686 | |
| Display | 6.1" OLED | 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 2400x1080 | 3120x1440 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 4492 mAh | 5000 mAh | |
| Charging | 18W | 60W | |
| Wireless charging | 7W | 25W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | 136 | 157 | |
| Main camera | 64 MP | 200 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 13 MP | 50 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 50 MP | |
| Front camera | 13 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 | IP67 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 152.1×72.7×8.9 mm | 163.6×78.1×7.9 mm | |
| Weight | 188 g | 214 g | |
| Price | $499 | $1299 |
Google Pixel 8a
- Main: 64MP f/f/1.89
- Ultrawide: 13MP
- Front: 13MP
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Main: 200MP f/f/1.7
- Ultrawide: 50MP
- Telephoto: 50MP
- Front: 12MP
Google Pixel 8a
- 6.1" OLED
- Resolution: 2400x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 3120x1440
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Google Pixel 8a
- 4492 mAh
- Wired: 18W
- Wireless: 7W
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- 5000 mAh
- NanoReview test: web browsing 10:12 hrs, total 28:50 hrs
- Wired: 60W
- Wireless: 25W
We compared Google Pixel 8a and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads Google Pixel 8a by 59.2% in our overall performance rating.
Price difference: $800. Google Pixel 8a is cheaper by $800.
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Google Pixel 8a (84/100 vs 21/100).
display
In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 100/100.
camera
In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra notably outperforms the Google Pixel 8a (86/100 vs 70/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra notably outperforms the Google Pixel 8a (51/100 vs 25/100).
design
In the "design" category, the Google Pixel 8a significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (65/100 vs 32/100).
value for money
In the "value for money" category, the Google Pixel 8a significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (75/100 vs 20/100).
Which is better: the Google Pixel 8a or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Google Pixel 8a by 27 points (75/100 vs 48/100).
What is the rating of the Google Pixel 8a and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Google Pixel 8a has a MobileRank rating of 48/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — 75/100.
Which has the better camera: the Google Pixel 8a or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on camera score (86/100 vs 70/100).
Which is more powerful: the Google Pixel 8a or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on performance (84/100 vs 21/100).
Should you choose the Google Pixel 8a over the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Google Pixel 8a is a better fit for budget-conscious buyers. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a better fit for gamers and power users, mobile photography enthusiasts.