The new Google Pixel 11 was just unveiled this week. This usually prompts some consumers to question how Google’s latest smartphone stacks up against Apple’s current generation iPhone.
However, this isn’t really the most apt comparison. Because the phones run different operating systems, owners of either device may be reluctant to switch ecosystems in search of greener pastures.
The real head-to-head is between the Google Pixel 11 and its most direct Android rival: Samsung’s latest flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S26. Let’s put these two Android devices head-to-head.
Google Pixel 11 vs Samsung Galaxy S26: Price
With the cost of technology rising amid global shortages of semiconductors, memory, and storage, price is likely front of mind for many consumers.
Both the Google Pixel 11 and Samsung Galaxy S26 start at $899 with 256GB and 12GB of memory.
Currently, the Google Pixel 11 is only available via pre-order and the Samsung Galaxy S26 has been out for a few months. Consumers are looking to purchase a new device immediately may therefore be able to find discounts on the Galaxy S26 right now. If they don’t mind waiting, both smartphones will likely be priced similarly once the Pixel 11 is readily available in stores.
Google Pixel 11 vs Samsung Galaxy S26: Specs
Both the Google Pixel 11 and Samsung Galaxy S26 offer some real processing power. These are the flagship smartphones from two of the leading Android device manufacturers, after all.
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The Pixel 11 is powered by Google’s latest custom chipset, the Tensor G6, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, which has been optimized for Galaxy smartphones. With AI features being a major selling point for both devices, processing power is going to matter a lot.
So, which is more powerful? While the Tensor G6 is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the Tensor G5, experts have shared their disappointment in the chipset’s capabilities. Don’t get us wrong, Google has undoubtedly been able to optimize its own chipset specifically for the Pixel 11’s Gemini-powered features. However, based on the performance benchmarks currently available, the Galaxy S26’s Snapdragon 8 processor takes the clear lead in areas including CPU performance, gaming, and battery life.
Aside from the chipset powering each smartphone, the Pixel 11 and Galaxy S26 are quite similar specs-wise. Both devices run Android. Both have a 6.3-inch display with 120Hz refresh rate, although the Pixel 11 has an OLED display and the Galaxy S26 sports an AMOLED display. Both smartphones are quite similar in size, although the Pixel 11 is 0.1 inches taller than the Galaxy S26.
In addition, both models offer 12GB of RAM and either 256GB or 512GB of storage.
Perhaps the most noticeable differences are their batteries and weight. The Pixel 11 has a 4,985 mAh battery, whereas the Samsung Galaxy S26 has a 4,300 mAh battery. The Samsung Galaxy S26 is also nearly a full ounce lighter than the Pixel 11.
Google Pixel 11 vs Samsung Galaxy S26: Cameras
Smartphone cameras are a huge selling point, and both the Pixel 11 and Galaxy S26 deliver four of them: three rear-facing cameras and one selfie camera.
The Pixel 11 has a 48MP wide-angle camera, while the Galaxy S26 has a 50MP camera. The Pixel 11’s ultrawide camera is 13MP, while the Galaxy S26 sports a 12MP ultrawide camera. The Pixel 11 has a 10.8MP telephoto camera, while the Galaxy S26 has a 10MP telephoto camera. The Pixel 11 and Galaxy S26 have 10.5MP and 12MP selfie cameras, respectively.
As one can see, the camera specs on both devices are quite similar and the slight differences will be barely noticeable to most. The real comparison may come down to each phone’s software features. The Pixel 11 has features such as Camera Looks and Magic Capture, while Galaxy AI offers its own photo-editing tools.
One notable difference, however, is video resolution. While the Samsung Galaxy S26 can record video in 8K, the Pixel 11 is limited to 4K recording.
