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; launch prices were $499 and $1299. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads — 84/100 vs 65/100 (a 19-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 (3,463,142 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).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Google Pixel 8a
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
What makes Google Pixel 8a better?
- Lighter: 188g vs 214g
- Cheaper at launch: $499 vs $1299
- Better portability (57/100 vs 51/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 3463142 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 (96/100 vs 70/100)
- Better camera (86/100 vs 70/100)
- Longer battery life (61/100 vs 39/100)
- Better display (88/100 vs 82/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Google Pixel 8a vs the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra scores 19 points higher (84/100 vs 65/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (96/100 vs 70/100). 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 (61/100 vs 39/100). Value score: Google Pixel 8a — 52/100, 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 8a (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 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 (61/100 vs 39/100). In the "portability" category, the Google Pixel 8a is a bit better (57/100 vs 51/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Google Pixel 8a | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | |
| AnTuTu | 1433693 | 3463142 | |
| 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 | |
| Launch price | $499 | $1299 |
Camera comparison
Google Pixel 8a
- Main: 64MP f/1.89
- Ultrawide: 13MP
- Front: 13MP
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Main: 200MP f/1.7
- Ultrawide: 50MP
- Telephoto: 50MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
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
Battery and charging
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
Overall performance score
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 58.6% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $800. Google Pixel 8a was $800 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra notably outperforms the Google Pixel 8a (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 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 (61/100 vs 39/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Google Pixel 8a is a bit better (57/100 vs 51/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Google Pixel 8a or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is noticeably better than the Google Pixel 8a — the overall rating gap is 19 points.
What is the rating of the Google Pixel 8a and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Google Pixel 8a has a MobileRank rating of 65/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — 84/100.
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 (96/100 vs 70/100).
Should you choose the Google Pixel 8a over the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Google Pixel 8a 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.