Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S26
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL (2024) runs on the Google Tensor G4, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 (2026) runs on the Samsung Exynos 2600; launch prices were $1099 and $799. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads — 75/100 vs 74/100 (a 1-point difference). Key differences: the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the bigger battery (5060 mAh vs 4000); the Samsung Galaxy S26 is faster in AnTuTu (3,161,126 vs 1,672,795); per DXOMark lab testing, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the stronger camera (160 vs 146); the Samsung Galaxy S26 is noticeably lighter (162g vs 221g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Samsung Galaxy S26
What makes Google Pixel 9 Pro XL better?
- Bigger battery: 5060 vs 4000 mAh
- Faster charging: 37W vs 25W
- Faster wireless charging: 23W vs 15W
- Better camera (88/100 vs 77/100)
- Longer battery life (57/100 vs 31/100)
- Better display (86/100 vs 81/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 3161126 vs 1672795
- Better Geekbench Single: 2880 vs 1900
- Better Geekbench Multi: 9100 vs 5200
- Lighter: 162g vs 221g
- Cheaper at launch: $799 vs $1099
- Higher performance (91/100 vs 74/100)
- Better portability (89/100 vs 41/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs the Samsung Galaxy S26, the Samsung Galaxy S26 scores 1 points higher (75/100 vs 74/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (91/100 vs 74/100). In the "camera" category, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL leads (88/100 vs 77/100). In the "battery" category, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL leads (57/100 vs 31/100). Value score: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL — 58/100, Samsung Galaxy S26 — 64/100; 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 9 Pro XL (91/100 vs 74/100). In the "display" category, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a bit better (86/100 vs 81/100). In the "camera" category, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a bit better (88/100 vs 77/100). In the "battery" category, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (57/100 vs 31/100). In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL (89/100 vs 41/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | Samsung Galaxy S26 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Google Tensor G4 | Samsung Exynos 2600 | |
| AnTuTu | 1672795 | 3161126 | |
| Geekbench Single | 1900 | 2880 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 5200 | 9100 | |
| Display | 6.8" Super Actua LTPO OLED | 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 2992x1344 | 2340x1080 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 5060 mAh | 4000 mAh | |
| Charging | 37W | 25W | |
| Wireless charging | 23W | 15W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | 160 | 146 | |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 48 MP | 12 MP | |
| Telephoto | 48 MP | 10 MP | |
| Front camera | 42 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 16GB | 12GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | |
| 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 | 158.4×75.8×7.3 mm | |
| Weight | 221 g | 162 g | |
| Launch price | $1099 | $799 |
Camera comparison
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
- Main: 50MP f/1.68
- Ultrawide: 48MP
- Telephoto: 48MP
- Front: 42MP
Samsung Galaxy S26
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 10MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
- 6.8" Super Actua LTPO OLED
- Resolution: 2992x1344
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 2340x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
- 5060 mAh
- Wired: 37W
- Wireless: 23W
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 4000 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 15W
Overall performance score
We compared Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S26, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 leads Google Pixel 9 Pro XL by 47.1% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $300. Samsung Galaxy S26 was $300 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL (91/100 vs 74/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a bit better (86/100 vs 81/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a bit better (88/100 vs 77/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (57/100 vs 31/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL (89/100 vs 41/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 edges out the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL by just 1 points — the two devices are very close in overall level.
What is the rating of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a MobileRank rating of 74/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 — 75/100.
Which has the better camera: the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL leads on camera score (88/100 vs 77/100).
Which is more powerful: the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on performance (91/100 vs 74/100).
Should you choose the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL over the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a better fit for active users, mobile photography enthusiasts. The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a better fit for gamers and power users.