Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL (2024) runs on the Google Tensor G4, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (2026) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5; launch prices were $1099 and $1299. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads — 84/100 vs 74/100 (a 10-point difference). Key differences: the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the bigger battery (5060 mAh vs 5000); the main camera is 50 MP vs 200 MP; the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is faster in AnTuTu (3,463,142 vs 1,672,795); per DXOMark lab testing, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the stronger camera (160 vs 157).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
What makes Google Pixel 9 Pro XL better?
- Bigger battery: 5060 vs 5000 mAh
- Cheaper at launch: $1099 vs $1299
- Better camera (88/100 vs 86/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 3463142 vs 1672795
- Better Geekbench Single: 3601 vs 1900
- Better Geekbench Multi: 10686 vs 5200
- Faster charging: 60W vs 37W
- Better main camera: 200MP vs 50MP
- Faster wireless charging: 25W vs 23W
- Lighter: 214g vs 221g
- Higher performance (96/100 vs 74/100)
- Longer battery life (61/100 vs 57/100)
- Better display (88/100 vs 86/100)
- Better portability (51/100 vs 41/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra scores 10 points higher (84/100 vs 74/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (96/100 vs 74/100). Value score: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL — 58/100, 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 9 Pro XL (96/100 vs 74/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL are nearly equal (88/100 vs 86/100). In the "camera" category, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra are nearly equal (88/100 vs 86/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL are nearly equal (61/100 vs 57/100). In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit better (51/100 vs 41/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Google Tensor G4 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | |
| AnTuTu | 1672795 | 3463142 | |
| Geekbench Single | 1900 | 3601 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 5200 | 10686 | |
| Display | 6.8" Super Actua LTPO OLED | 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 2992x1344 | 3120x1440 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 5060 mAh | 5000 mAh | |
| Charging | 37W | 60W | |
| Wireless charging | 23W | 25W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | 160 | 157 | |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 200 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 48 MP | 50 MP | |
| Telephoto | 48 MP | 50 MP | |
| Front camera | 42 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 16GB | 12GB / 16GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 16 / One UI 8.5 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 3000 nits | 2600 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 162.8×76.6×8.5 mm | 163.6×78.1×7.9 mm | |
| Weight | 221 g | 214 g | |
| Launch price | $1099 | $1299 |
Camera comparison
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
- Main: 50MP f/1.68
- Ultrawide: 48MP
- Telephoto: 48MP
- Front: 42MP
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Main: 200MP f/1.7
- Ultrawide: 50MP
- Telephoto: 50MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
- 6.8" Super Actua LTPO OLED
- Resolution: 2992x1344
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 3120x1440
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
- 5060 mAh
- Wired: 37W
- Wireless: 23W
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 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads Google Pixel 9 Pro XL by 51.7% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $200. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL was $200 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra notably outperforms the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL (96/100 vs 74/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL are nearly equal (88/100 vs 86/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra are nearly equal (88/100 vs 86/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL are nearly equal (61/100 vs 57/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit better (51/100 vs 41/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is noticeably better than the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL — the overall rating gap is 10 points.
What is the rating of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a MobileRank rating of 74/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — 84/100.
Which is more powerful: the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on performance (96/100 vs 74/100).
Should you choose the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL over the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a better fit for active users, mobile photography enthusiasts. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a better fit for gamers and power users, mobile photography enthusiasts, budget-conscious buyers.