Google Pixel 9 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Google Pixel 9 (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 $799 and $1299. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads — 84/100 vs 69/100 (a 15-point difference). Key differences: the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4700); the main camera is 50 MP vs 200 MP; the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is faster in AnTuTu (3,463,142 vs 1,561,427); per DXOMark lab testing, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the stronger camera (157 vs 143); the Google Pixel 9 is noticeably lighter (198g vs 214g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Google Pixel 9
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
What makes Google Pixel 9 better?
- Lighter: 198g vs 214g
- Cheaper at launch: $799 vs $1299
- Better portability (55/100 vs 51/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 3463142 vs 1561427
- Better Geekbench Single: 3601 vs 1850
- Better Geekbench Multi: 10686 vs 4900
- Bigger battery: 5000 vs 4700 mAh
- Faster charging: 60W vs 27W
- Better main camera: 200MP vs 50MP
- Faster wireless charging: 25W vs 15W
- Higher performance (96/100 vs 73/100)
- Better camera (86/100 vs 75/100)
- Longer battery life (61/100 vs 46/100)
- Better display (88/100 vs 82/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Google Pixel 9 vs the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra scores 15 points higher (84/100 vs 69/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (96/100 vs 73/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (86/100 vs 75/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (61/100 vs 46/100). Value score: Google Pixel 9 — 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 9 (96/100 vs 73/100). 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 is a bit better (86/100 vs 75/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra notably outperforms the Google Pixel 9 (61/100 vs 46/100). In the "portability" category, the Google Pixel 9 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra are nearly equal (55/100 vs 51/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Google Pixel 9 | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Google Tensor G4 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | |
| AnTuTu | 1561427 | 3463142 | |
| Geekbench Single | 1850 | 3601 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 4900 | 10686 | |
| Display | 6.3" Actua OLED | 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 2424x1080 | 3120x1440 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 4700 mAh | 5000 mAh | |
| Charging | 27W | 60W | |
| Wireless charging | 15W | 25W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | 143 | 157 | |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 200 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 48 MP | 50 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 50 MP | |
| Front camera | 10 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB / 16GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 16 / One UI 8.5 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 2700 nits | 2600 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 152.8×72.0×8.5 mm | 163.6×78.1×7.9 mm | |
| Weight | 198 g | 214 g | |
| Launch price | $799 | $1299 |
Camera comparison
Google Pixel 9
- Main: 50MP f/1.68
- Ultrawide: 48MP
- Front: 10MP
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Main: 200MP f/1.7
- Ultrawide: 50MP
- Telephoto: 50MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Google Pixel 9
- 6.3" Actua OLED
- Resolution: 2424x1080
- 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
- 4700 mAh
- Wired: 27W
- Wireless: 15W
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 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads Google Pixel 9 by 54.9% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $500. Google Pixel 9 was $500 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra notably outperforms the Google Pixel 9 (96/100 vs 73/100).
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 is a bit better (86/100 vs 75/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra notably outperforms the Google Pixel 9 (61/100 vs 46/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Google Pixel 9 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra are nearly equal (55/100 vs 51/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Google Pixel 9 or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is noticeably better than the Google Pixel 9 — the overall rating gap is 15 points.
What is the rating of the Google Pixel 9 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Google Pixel 9 has a MobileRank rating of 69/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — 84/100.
Which has the better camera: the Google Pixel 9 or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on camera score (86/100 vs 75/100).
Which is more powerful: the Google Pixel 9 or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on performance (96/100 vs 73/100).
Should you choose the Google Pixel 9 over the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Google Pixel 9 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.