Google Pixel 8a vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Compare Google Pixel 8a vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra side by side: Google Tensor G3 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, 64MP vs 200MP camera…
Pixel 8a
$499
4categories won
Samsung
Galaxy S26 Ultra
$1,299
15categories won
2 categories tied · 21 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 8a, outperforming on gaming and photography. 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 8a if its lower retail price better fit your budget.
Galaxy S26 Ultra takes battery honors offering 5,000 mAh alongside 60W charging.
Galaxy S26 Ultra provides greater sustained gaming output with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy and 16GB RAM.
Galaxy S26 Ultra takes photography with 200MP optics and 5x optical telephoto capabilities.
Pixel 8a 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 8a vs Galaxy S26 Ultra: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | Pixel 8a | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.1" | 6.9" |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1440 x 3120Winner |
| Pixel density | 431 ppi | 498 ppiWinner |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 2000 nits | 2400 nitsWinner |
Performance
| Specification | Pixel 8a | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Google Tensor G3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy |
| Process node | 4 nm | 3 nmWinner |
| AnTuTu score | 1,050,000 | 2,400,000Winner |
| Geekbench multi | 4310 | 8900Winner |
| Maximum RAM | 8 GB | 16 GBWinner |
| Maximum storage | 256GB | 1TBWinner |
Camera
| Specification | Pixel 8a | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 64 MP | 200 MPWinner |
| Rear cameras | 2 | 4Winner |
| Optical zoom | — | 5x |
| Ultrawide | 13 MP | 50 MPWinner |
| Selfie camera | 13 MPWinner | 12 MP |
| Max video | 4K at 60fps | — |
Battery and charging
| Specification | Pixel 8a | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4,492 mAh | 5,000 mAhWinner |
| Wired charging | 18 W | 60 WWinner |
| Wireless charging | 7.5 W | 25 WWinner |
Design
| Specification | Pixel 8a | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 188 gWinner | 214 g |
| Thickness | 8.9 mm | 7.9 mmWinner |
| Water resistance | IP67 | IP68 |
| Build | Matte aluminum frame, Corning Gorilla Glass 3 front, matte composite plastic back | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame |
Software and support
| Specification | Pixel 8a | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Android 14 | Android 16 |
| OS updates | 7 years | 7 years |
| Security updates | 8 yearsWinner | 7 years |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | Pixel 8a | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) | — |
| Storage expansion | None | None |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Launch price | $499Winner | $1,299 |
Google Pixel 8a
The Google Pixel 8a brings flagship Tensor G3 silicon, a 120Hz 2000-nit Actua OLED display, AI photo editing suite, and 7 years of full OS updates to the sub-$500 category.
- Display
- 6.1"
- Chipset
- Google Tensor G3
- Main camera
- 64MP
- Battery
- 4,492mAh
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