Google Pixel 9 vs Samsung Galaxy S26
Compare Google Pixel 9 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 side by side: Google Tensor G4 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 / Samsung Exynos 2600, 50MP vs 50MP camera…
Pixel 9
$799
5categories won
Samsung
Galaxy S26
$790
8categories won
8 categories tied · 21 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Samsung Galaxy S26 takes the overall win
The Samsung Galaxy S26 proves superior overall against the Google Pixel 9, outperforming on gaming and photography. For battery longevity and charging speed, the Pixel 9 takes the lead, while the Galaxy S26 is the clear choice for demanding 3D gaming and heavy multitasking. Choose the Galaxy S26 if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the Pixel 9 if its specific hardware strengths better fit your budget.
Pixel 9 wins on endurance with 4,700 mAh and 27W fast charging.
Galaxy S26 provides greater sustained gaming output with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 / Samsung Exynos 2600 and 12GB RAM.
Galaxy S26 takes photography with 50MP optics and 3x optical telephoto capabilities.
Both handsets sit in the exact same pricing bracket around $799.
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 9 vs Galaxy S26: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | Pixel 9 | Galaxy S26 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.3" | 6.3" |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2424Winner | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixel density | 422 ppiWinner | 409 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 2700 nits | 2600 nits |
Performance
| Specification | Pixel 9 | Galaxy S26 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Google Tensor G4 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 / Samsung Exynos 2600 |
| Process node | 4 nm | 2 nmWinner |
| AnTuTu score | 1,290,000 | 3,064,672Winner |
| Geekbench multi | 4760 | 10824Winner |
| Maximum RAM | 12 GB | 12 GB |
| Maximum storage | 256GB | 512GBWinner |
Camera
| Specification | Pixel 9 | Galaxy S26 |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 50 MP | 50 MP |
| Rear cameras | 2 | 3Winner |
| Optical zoom | — | 3x |
| Ultrawide | 48 MPWinner | 12 MP |
| Selfie camera | 10.5 MP | 12 MPWinner |
| Max video | 4K at 60fps | 8K at 30fps / 4K at 120fps |
Battery and charging
| Specification | Pixel 9 | Galaxy S26 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4,700 mAhWinner | 4,300 mAh |
| Wired charging | 27 WWinner | 25 W |
| Wireless charging | 15 W | 15 W |
Design
| Specification | Pixel 9 | Galaxy S26 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 198 g | 167 gWinner |
| Thickness | 8.5 mm | 7.2 mmWinner |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Build | Satin metal frame, polished back glass | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame |
Software and support
| Specification | Pixel 9 | Galaxy S26 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Android 14 (upgradable to 15) | Android 16 |
| OS updates | 7 years | 7 years |
| Security updates | 7 years | 7 years |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | Pixel 9 | Galaxy S26 |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be, tri-band 2.4/5/6GHz, 320MHz bandwidth) |
| Storage expansion | None | None |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Launch price | $799 | $790 |
Google Pixel 9
Upgraded with 12GB of RAM for seamless on-device Gemini AI, an upgraded 48MP macro ultrawide lens, ultrasonic fingerprint unlocking, and a 2700-nit Actua display, the Pixel 9 is Google’s most refined entry flagship yet.
- Display
- 6.3"
- Chipset
- Google Tensor G4
- Main camera
- 50MP
- Battery
- 4,700mAh
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