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 $799. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads — 74/100 vs 65/100 (a 9-point difference). Key differences: the Google Pixel 8a has the bigger battery (4492 mAh vs 4000); the main camera is 64 MP vs 50 MP; the Samsung Galaxy S26 is faster in AnTuTu (2,827,538 vs 1,433,693); per DXOMark lab testing, the Samsung Galaxy S26 has the stronger camera (146 vs 136); the Samsung Galaxy S26 is noticeably lighter (162g vs 188g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Google Pixel 8a
Samsung Galaxy S26
What makes Google Pixel 8a better?
- Bigger battery: 4492 vs 4000 mAh
- Better main camera: 64MP vs 50MP
- Cheaper at launch: $499 vs $799
- Longer battery life (39/100 vs 31/100)
- Better display (82/100 vs 81/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 2827538 vs 1433693
- Better Geekbench Single: 2880 vs 1722
- Better Geekbench Multi: 9100 vs 4458
- Faster charging: 25W vs 18W
- Faster wireless charging: 15W vs 7W
- Lighter: 162g vs 188g
- Higher performance (89/100 vs 70/100)
- Better camera (77/100 vs 70/100)
- Better portability (89/100 vs 57/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Google Pixel 8a vs the Samsung Galaxy S26, the Samsung Galaxy S26 scores 9 points higher (74/100 vs 65/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (89/100 vs 70/100). Value score: Google Pixel 8a — 52/100, 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 8a (89/100 vs 70/100). In the "display" category, the Google Pixel 8a and the Samsung Galaxy S26 are nearly equal (82/100 vs 81/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is a bit better (77/100 vs 70/100). In the "battery" category, the Google Pixel 8a is a bit better (39/100 vs 31/100). In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Google Pixel 8a (89/100 vs 57/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Google Pixel 8a | Samsung Galaxy S26 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Samsung Exynos 2600 | |
| AnTuTu | 1433693 | 2827538 | |
| Geekbench Single | 1722 | 2880 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 4458 | 9100 | |
| Display | 6.1" OLED | 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 2400x1080 | 2340x1080 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 4492 mAh | 4000 mAh | |
| Charging | 18W | 25W | |
| Wireless charging | 7W | 15W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | 136 | 146 | |
| 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 | 128GB / 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 | 162 g | |
| Launch price | $499 | $799 |
Camera comparison
Google Pixel 8a
- Main: 64MP f/1.89
- Ultrawide: 13MP
- Front: 13MP
Samsung Galaxy S26
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 10MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Google Pixel 8a
- 6.1" OLED
- Resolution: 2400x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 2340x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Google Pixel 8a
- 4492 mAh
- Wired: 18W
- Wireless: 7W
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 4000 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 15W
Overall performance score
We compared Google Pixel 8a and Samsung Galaxy S26, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 leads Google Pixel 8a by 49.3% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $300. Google Pixel 8a was $300 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the Google Pixel 8a (89/100 vs 70/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Google Pixel 8a and the Samsung Galaxy S26 are nearly equal (82/100 vs 81/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is a bit better (77/100 vs 70/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Google Pixel 8a is a bit better (39/100 vs 31/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Google Pixel 8a (89/100 vs 57/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Google Pixel 8a or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 edges out the Google Pixel 8a by just 9 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 — 74/100.
Which has the better camera: the Google Pixel 8a or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on camera score (77/100 vs 70/100).
Which is more powerful: the Google Pixel 8a or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on performance (89/100 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.