GoKawiilNina Raemont/Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET
Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
The new Google Pixel 11 Pro XL is here, and if you're upgrading to a premium Android phone this year, you may wonder how it compares to its biggest competitor, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. Both phones are large and premium, offering some of the best features from Google and Samsung.
Also: Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: How the big Android foldables compare
Though the Pixel 11 Pro XL was just released today, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has been around for a few months, so it's already been tested and used by a wider audience. Based on official information about the Pixel 11 Pro XL and our experience with the S26 Ultra, we'll break down the key differences between the two to help you choose the best option for your needs.
Specifications
Category Google Pixel 11 Pro XL Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Starting price $1,300 $1,300 Display 6.8-in | OLED | 486ppi | 120Hz | 3,600 nits peak 6.9-in | AMOLED | 500ppi | 120Hz | 2,600 nits peak Processor Google Tensor G6 Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 RAM 12GB | 16GB on 1TB storage 12GB | 16GB on 1TB storage Storage 256GB | 512GB | 1TB 256GB | 512GB | 1TB Main Camera 50MP Wide | 48MP UW | 48MP Tele 200MP Wide | 10MP Tele 3x | 50MP Tele 5x | 50MP UW Selfie Camera 42MP 12MP Battery 5,115mAh | Pixelsnap | Qi2 5,000mAh | Qi2 Finish Canyon, Olive, Fog, Obsidian Cobalt Violed, Sky Blue, Black, White, Silver Shadow, Pink Gold
How the new processor matches up
Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET
The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL features the Tensor G6 processor, built on TSMC's 2-nanometer process node, which delivers significant efficiency improvements for the Pixel in AI processing, battery life, and thermal management. However, the process node alone doesn't determine performance, especially when compared to the powerful Qualcomm chip within the S26 Ultra.
... continue reading