Google Pixel 12 vs Samsung Galaxy S26
Compare Google Pixel 12 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 side by side: Google Tensor G7 (TSMC 2nm Second Gen) vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 / Samsung Exynos 2600…
Pixel 12
$849
9categories won
Samsung
Galaxy S26
$790
4categories won
8 categories tied · 21 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Google Pixel 12 takes the overall win
The Google Pixel 12 claims the overall win over the Samsung Galaxy S26, delivering a stronger technical package across battery endurance and core hardware. In camera testing, the Galaxy S26 leads with superior optics, while battery endurance leans towards the Pixel 12. Choose the Pixel 12 if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the Galaxy S26 if its lower retail price better fit your budget.
Pixel 12 wins on endurance with 4,900 mAh and 45W fast charging.
Pixel 12 leads gaming and raw performance powered by the Google Tensor G7 (TSMC 2nm Second Gen) and 16GB RAM.
Galaxy S26 takes photography with 50MP optics and 3x optical telephoto capabilities.
Galaxy S26 wins on budget and value at $790 compared to $849.
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 12 vs Galaxy S26: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | Pixel 12 | Galaxy S26 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.36" | 6.3" |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400Winner | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixel density | 414 ppi | 409 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 3000 nitsWinner | 2600 nits |
Performance
| Specification | Pixel 12 | Galaxy S26 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Google Tensor G7 (TSMC 2nm Second Gen) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 / Samsung Exynos 2600 |
| Process node | 2 nm | 2 nm |
| AnTuTu score | 3,200,000Winner | 3,064,672 |
| Geekbench multi | 10800 | 10824 |
| Maximum RAM | 16 GBWinner | 12 GB |
| Maximum storage | 512GB | 512GB |
Camera
| Specification | Pixel 12 | Galaxy S26 |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 50 MP | 50 MP |
| Rear cameras | 2 | 3Winner |
| Optical zoom | — | 3x |
| Ultrawide | 50 MPWinner | 12 MP |
| Selfie camera | 16 MPWinner | 12 MP |
| Max video | 8K at 30fps / 4K at 120fps | 8K at 30fps / 4K at 120fps |
Battery and charging
| Specification | Pixel 12 | Galaxy S26 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4,900 mAhWinner | 4,300 mAh |
| Wired charging | 45 WWinner | 25 W |
| Wireless charging | 25 WWinner | 15 W |
Design
| Specification | Pixel 12 | Galaxy S26 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 178 g | 167 gWinner |
| Thickness | 7.8 mm | 7.2 mmWinner |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Build | Grade 5 Titanium frame, Ceramic Glass front and back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame |
Software and support
| Specification | Pixel 12 | Galaxy S26 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Android 17 | Android 16 |
| OS updates | 7 years | 7 years |
| Security updates | 7 years | 7 years |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | Pixel 12 | Galaxy S26 |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be, tri-band 2.4/5/6GHz, 320MHz bandwidth) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be, tri-band 2.4/5/6GHz, 320MHz bandwidth) |
| Storage expansion | None | None |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Launch price | $849 | $790Winner |
Google Pixel 12
Powered by the second-generation 2nm Tensor G7 processor with hardware-accelerated local AI, the Pixel 12 features a refined 7.8mm matte glass frame, 4,900 mAh battery, and dual 50MP optics.
- Display
- 6.36"
- Chipset
- Google Tensor G7 (TSMC 2nm Second Gen)
- Main camera
- 50MP
- Battery
- 4,900mAh
Samsung Galaxy S26
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a premium compact smartphone suited for buyers who want top-tier performance without the bulk. Priced at $789.99, it pairs a powerful 2nm processor and exceptional seven-year update support with a bright 6.3-inch LTPO display, though its 25W charging speeds lag behind the competition.
- Display
- 6.3"
- Chipset
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 / Samsung Exynos 2600
- Main camera
- 50MP
- Battery
- 4,300mAh