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; estimated prices are $499 and $799. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads — 54/100 vs 48/100 (a 6-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 (2,856,499 vs 1,433,693); the Samsung Galaxy S26 is noticeably lighter (162g vs 188g).
Google Pixel 8a
Samsung Galaxy S26
- Bigger battery: 4492 vs 4000 mAh
- Better main camera: 64MP vs 50MP
- Cheaper: $499 vs $799
- Better camera (70/100 vs 35/100)
- Longer battery life (25/100 vs 15/100)
- Better value for money (75/100 vs 55/100)
- Higher AnTuTu: 2856499 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 (64/100 vs 21/100)
- Better design/ergonomics (97/100 vs 65/100)
Comparing the Google Pixel 8a vs the Samsung Galaxy S26, the Samsung Galaxy S26 scores 6 points higher (54/100 vs 48/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (64/100 vs 21/100). In the "camera" category, the Google Pixel 8a leads (70/100 vs 35/100). In the "battery" category, the Google Pixel 8a leads (25/100 vs 15/100). In the "value for money" category, the Google Pixel 8a leads (75/100 vs 55/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Google Pixel 8a (64/100 vs 21/100). In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 100/100. In the "camera" category, the Google Pixel 8a significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (70/100 vs 35/100). In the "battery" category, the Google Pixel 8a is a bit better (25/100 vs 15/100). In the "design" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Google Pixel 8a (97/100 vs 65/100). In the "value for money" category, the Google Pixel 8a notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (75/100 vs 55/100).
| Specification | Google Pixel 8a | Samsung Galaxy S26 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Samsung Exynos 2600 | |
| AnTuTu | 1433693 | 2856499 | |
| 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 | — | |
| 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 | |
| Price | $499 | $799 |
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
- 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 2340x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Google Pixel 8a
- 4492 mAh
- Wired: 18W
- Wireless: 7W
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 4000 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- 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 49.8% in our overall performance rating.
Price difference: $300. Google Pixel 8a is cheaper by $300.
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Google Pixel 8a (64/100 vs 21/100).
display
In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 100/100.
camera
In the "camera" category, the Google Pixel 8a significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (70/100 vs 35/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Google Pixel 8a is a bit better (25/100 vs 15/100).
design
In the "design" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Google Pixel 8a (97/100 vs 65/100).
value for money
In the "value for money" category, the Google Pixel 8a notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (75/100 vs 55/100).
Which is better: the Google Pixel 8a or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 edges out the Google Pixel 8a by just 6 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 48/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 — 54/100.
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 35/100).
Which is more powerful: the Google Pixel 8a or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on performance (64/100 vs 21/100).
Should you choose the Google Pixel 8a over the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Google Pixel 8a is a better fit for budget-conscious buyers. The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a better fit for active users.