The battle of the flagship smartphones continues with the announcement of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. This latest offering from Samsung is set to compete with the likes of the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL for the crown of the best super-sized flagship phone on the market.
In the past, Samsung’s Ultra range has been the go-to choice for Android enthusiasts, showcasing the best that the platform has to offer in a premium metal package. However, the competition has grown stronger in recent years, with the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL emerging as a worthy rival in terms of status, availability, and quality.
While our full review of the Galaxy S26 Ultra is still in the works, we can provide some initial impressions based on specs and hands-on experience. So, let’s dive into a comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL to help you decide which one is the best fit for you.
Do you care about getting close to your subject?
One area where Samsung excels is in bringing you closer to your subject with its impressive telephoto lenses. The Galaxy S26 Ultra features two separate telephoto lenses – a 50Mp 10x periscope telephoto and a 10Mp 3x telephoto, offering a wide zoom range. In comparison, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL only has a single 48Mp 5x periscope telephoto camera.
While the Pixel 10 Pro XL captures fantastic photos with its main and front cameras, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra takes the lead in zoom capabilities.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
What about convenient wireless charging?
One disappointment with the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the lack of Qi2 wireless charging support, requiring a special case for wireless charging. In contrast, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL features PixelSnap, a convenient magnetized charging system that offers hassle-free wireless charging.
If you enjoy the convenience of wireless charging, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL takes the prize in this category.
Winner: Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
And avoiding pesky shoulder snoopers?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces a Privacy Display feature that prevents others from viewing sensitive screen content from over your shoulder. This innovative feature uses specific OLED display pixels to make content appear black from any angle other than your own.
While the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL lacks this privacy feature, Samsung’s Privacy Display makes the Galaxy S26 Ultra the top choice for privacy-conscious users.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
How important is a clean UI?
Samsung’s One UI offers a highly customizable user interface, catering to users who enjoy tweaking settings to their preferences. On the other hand, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL presents a clean, feature-complete take on Android with its pure and cohesive user interface.
For a visually cohesive and bloatware-free UI, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL outshines the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Winner: Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
Or is it all about the ultimate performance?
If you prioritize performance for gaming or demanding tasks, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra delivers top-notch performance with its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip. In comparison, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL’s Tensor G5 chip, optimized for AI tasks, falls short in benchmark results and gaming performance.
For ultimate performance, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra stands out as the superior choice.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Is the most important thing value for money?
In terms of pricing, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comes at a higher cost than the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, with a starting price of £1,279. If value for money is a key consideration, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL offers a more affordable option with similar features.
For budget-conscious buyers, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL wins in the value for money category.
Winner: Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Google Pixel 10 Pro XL: Conclusion
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL each have their strengths and weaknesses, catering to different user preferences. The Galaxy S26 Ultra excels in power-user features, camera capabilities, and performance, while the Pixel 10 Pro XL offers a clean UI, convenient wireless charging, and better value for money.
Ultimately, the choice between the two flagship smartphones boils down to whether you prioritize power-user features or user-friendly convenience. Both devices offer a premium smartphone experience, so choose based on your specific needs and preferences.
