Google Pixel 8 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Google Pixel 8 | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AnTuTu v10 score | 1,152,535 | 3,515,964 | -67.2% |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G3 | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | — |
| Display | 6.2" 120 Hz | 6.9" 120 Hz | — |
| Battery (mAh) | 4,575 | 5,200 | -12.0% |
| Rear cameras | 50+12 MP | 200+50+50+50 MP | — |
| Front camera (MP) | 10.5 | 24 | — |
| RAM / storage (base) | 8 GB / 128 GB | 16 GB / 256 GB | — |
| Max configuration | 8 GB / 256 GB | 24 GB / 1024 GB | — |
| Weight (g) | 187 | 215 | -13.0% |
| Connectivity / unlock | 5G · Under-display | 5G · Under-display | — |
| Launch price (USD) | $699–$759 | $1,349–$1,649 | -48.2% |
- Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on raw performance by about 67% on AnTuTu v10 (Google Tensor G3 vs Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5).
- Google Pixel 8 is the cheaper option at launch pricing, though these phones launched 3 years apart — street prices will differ from launch MSRPs.
Verdict: Pixel 8 or Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Google Pixel 8 advantages
- Lightness (+13%)
- Affordability (+48%)
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra advantages
- Raw performance (+67%)
- Battery capacity (+12%)
- Camera resolution (+75%)
- Memory (+50%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Google Pixel 8 if you want a lighter phone for one-handed use.
- Choose the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra if you game or want the most headroom for years of updates.
- Choose the Google Pixel 8 if you want the best value for money.
Value for money
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Google Pixel 8 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: which should you choose?
Google Pixel 8 — Google Android 14 smartphone (2023) with a 6.2-inch 120 Hz OLED, Google Tensor G3, 4575 mAh battery and 50MP main camera, scoring about 1,152,535 on AnTuTu v10; launched at $699.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — Samsung Android 16 smartphone (2026) with a 6.9-inch 120 Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 5200 mAh battery and 200MP main camera, scoring about 3,515,964 on AnTuTu v10; launched at $1,349.
Google Pixel 8 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the faster phone. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on raw performance by about 67% on AnTuTu v10 (Google Tensor G3 vs Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5). Google Pixel 8 is the cheaper option at launch pricing, though these phones launched 3 years apart — street prices will differ from launch MSRPs.
Performance and everyday use
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the faster device on raw benchmarks (3,515,964 vs 1,152,535 on AnTuTu v10), running the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 against the Google Tensor G3. For messaging, browsing and social apps both feel instant — the gap matters most for gaming and long-term headroom.
Display and battery
Google Pixel 8 carries a 6.2-inch 120 Hz OLED against a 6.9-inch 120 Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. Batteries are 4,575 and 5,200 mAh — though software tuning and chipset efficiency shape real-world endurance as much as capacity.
Cameras, storage and price
Rear arrays are 50+12 MP versus 200+50+50+50 MP, with 10.5 MP and 24 MP front cameras. Base configurations start at 8 GB / 128 GB and 16 GB / 256 GB. The Google Pixel 8 is the more affordable at about $699 launch price, which may matter more than a small spec gap.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the smartphone comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Google Pixel 8 better than the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra takes the overall edge, though Google Pixel 8 wins in specific areas worth weighing. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on raw performance by about 67% on AnTuTu v10 (Google Tensor G3 vs Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5).
What is the main difference between the Google Pixel 8 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on raw performance by about 67% on AnTuTu v10 (Google Tensor G3 vs Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5). Google Pixel 8 is the cheaper option at launch pricing, though these phones launched 3 years apart — street prices will differ from launch MSRPs.
Which is better value?
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Google Pixel 8 if you want a lighter phone for one-handed use. Choose the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra if you game or want the most headroom for years of updates.
Methodology
Smartphones are compared on AnTuTu v10 benchmark scores, chipset, display size and refresh rate, battery capacity, rear and front camera resolution, RAM and storage across launch variants, weight, and launch pricing (USD). Each model shows its base variant with the top-spec configuration noted where multiple variants exist. Benchmark scores reflect the listed chipset variant; real-world battery life and camera quality depend on software tuning, not just hardware numbers.