Google Pixel 11a vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Compare Google Pixel 11a vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra side by side: Google Tensor G6 (2nm TSMC) vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, 48MP vs 200MP…
Pixel 11a
$499
4categories won
Samsung
Galaxy S26 Ultra
$1,299
12categories won
4 categories tied · 20 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra takes the overall win
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra proves superior overall against the Google Pixel 11a, outperforming on battery endurance and daily usability. In camera testing, the Galaxy S26 Ultra leads with superior optics, while battery endurance leans towards the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Choose the Galaxy S26 Ultra if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the Pixel 11a if its lower retail price better fit your budget.
Galaxy S26 Ultra takes battery honors offering 5,000 mAh alongside 60W charging.
Both handsets deliver top-tier speed with Google Tensor G6 (2nm TSMC) and smooth everyday multitasking.
Galaxy S26 Ultra takes photography with 200MP optics and 5x optical telephoto capabilities.
Pixel 11a provides a sharper value proposition, coming in at $499 vs $1299.
Category verdicts are computed algorithmically from verified technical specifications and hardware benchmarks. Rows where neither figure is objectively better — screen size preference, operating system choice, aesthetic build materials — are displayed for direct reference without scoring bias.
Pixel 11a vs Galaxy S26 Ultra: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | Pixel 11a | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.3" | 6.9" |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1440 x 3120Winner |
| Pixel density | 418 ppi | 498 ppiWinner |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 2200 nits | 2400 nitsWinner |
Performance
| Specification | Pixel 11a | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Google Tensor G6 (2nm TSMC) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy |
| Process node | 2 nmWinner | 3 nm |
| AnTuTu score | — | 2,400,000 |
| Geekbench multi | — | 8900 |
| Maximum RAM | 12 GB | 16 GBWinner |
| Maximum storage | 256GB | 1TBWinner |
Camera
| Specification | Pixel 11a | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 48 MP | 200 MPWinner |
| Rear cameras | 2 | 4Winner |
| Optical zoom | 1x | 5xWinner |
| Ultrawide | 13 MP | 50 MPWinner |
| Selfie camera | 13 MPWinner | 12 MP |
Battery and charging
| Specification | Pixel 11a | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5,100 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Wired charging | 27 W | 60 WWinner |
| Wireless charging | 10 W | 25 WWinner |
Design
| Specification | Pixel 11a | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 184 gWinner | 214 g |
| Thickness | 8.4 mm | 7.9 mmWinner |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Build | — | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame |
Software and support
| Specification | Pixel 11a | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Android 17 | Android 16 |
| OS updates | 7 years | 7 years |
| Security updates | 7 years | 7 years |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | Pixel 11a | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Storage expansion | None | None |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Launch price | $499Winner | $1,299 |
Google Pixel 11a
The Pixel 11a brings Google’s flagship 2nm Tensor G6 processor, 7 years of guaranteed updates, a flush camera visor, and 5,200 mAh endurance to the mid-range $499 tier.
- Display
- 6.3"
- Chipset
- Google Tensor G6 (2nm TSMC)
- Main camera
- 48MP
- Battery
- 5,100mAh
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a premium 6.9-inch flagship built for power users and creators. Priced at $1299, it pairs a heavily upgraded Snapdragon processor and 60W charging with a versatile quad-camera array and the signature built-in S Pen stylus.
- Display
- 6.9"
- Chipset
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
- Main camera
- 200MP
- Battery
- 5,000mAh