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It is Samsung Unpacked season, which suggests antsy cellphone patrons are getting a number of new fashions to significantly take into account. If you happen to’re an influence person specifically, it’s possible you’ll be weighing the brand new Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra in opposition to the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, each of which could be argued to supply the most effective of Android phones within the first half of 2026.
Since Unpacked, the ZDNET workforce has hung out with each telephones to get a way of their distinctive strengths and weaknesses. If you happen to’re break up between the 2, listed here are the important thing shopping for causes for every, together with our alternative if we needed to decide one.
You should purchase the Samsung Galaxy S26 Extremely if…
Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET
1. You like Samsung’s kitchen sink method to software program
Whereas Samsung’s software program expertise has turn out to be much less buggy and chaotic because the previous TouchWiz days, OneUI, now on model 8.5, stays probably the most feature-rich variations of Android in the marketplace. The native launcher permits you to customise components similar to wallpaper shade, widget types, swipe animations, and extra.
On a tool just like the Galaxy S26 Extremely, you may get further note-taking options to take advantage of the built-in S Pen stylus — although you possibly can not use Bluetooth gestures like you might with older fashions. There are a number of new Galaxy AI options as effectively, together with context-based Now Nudge, just like Google’s Magic Cue, and an upgraded rip-off detection device.
Samsung additionally continues to match Google’s promise of no less than seven years of software program updates for its Galaxy S models. That’s to say, you may really feel such as you bought your cash’s price when splurging on Samsung’s flagship cellphone.
2. You need the superior smartphone show, in a number of methods
I’ve examined virtually each main cellphone launch previously 12 months, together with a big-screenfoldable, and the Galaxy S26 Extremely has the most effective show I’ve seen. It is a 6.8-inch AMOLED LTPO panel that refreshes between 1Hz and 120Hz and will get lots shiny through the daytime. By the way in which, these specs are almost an identical to the Pixel 10 Professional XL. What units the Samsung Galaxy S26 Extremely aside is its glare-free coating, which considerably reduces gentle reflections, and its new Privateness Show.
Privateness Show is a {hardware} improve that alters how the S26 Extremely’s pixels disperse gentle, making the display screen seem off when seen at an off-angle. This function behaves equally to a privateness display screen protector, tinting your display screen when necessary notifications or content material seem so passersby or eavesdropping strangers cannot see what you possibly can.
3. You need a better-performing smartphone
The brand new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Elite chipset has already set benchmark information in contrast with earlier variations, and we count on it to outperform Google’s Tensor G5 normally efficiency and energy administration. This goes hand in hand with Samsung’s upgraded 60W wired charging fee, which lets the S26 Extremely prime up from 0 to 75% in half an hour.
You should purchase the Google Pixel 10 Professional XL if…
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
1. You like Google’s cleaner method to software program
One of many largest distinctions between the Google Pixel and nearly each different Android mannequin is the software program expertise. I would not categorize the newest Pixel launcher, on Android 16, as bare-bones, but it surely’s definitely much less intrusive and feature-packed than Samsung’s OneUI. There is a handful of customization instruments for the house and lock screens, however do not count on to tweak each little side of what you see.
Naturally, the cleaner aesthetic of the Pixel launcher and using an in-house Tensor G5 chipset permit Google to distribute the newest Android options and safety updates. Like Samsung, the corporate guarantees as much as seven years of working system updates, however Google additionally packages frequent Pixel Function Drops and safety patches to maintain its telephones related till no less than 2032.
2. You need essentially the most forgiving digital camera system in the marketplace
Positive, the Pixel 10 Professional XL could not have all of the digital camera bells and whistles of the Galaxy S26 Extremely, however the place it lacks in sensors, it makes up for it in computational tuning and picture recognition. One of the best instance is once I examined the Pixel’s 100X Professional Res Zoom, which leverages its 48MP telephoto lens and the Tensor G5’s ISP to acknowledge distant topics and AI-generates misplaced particulars. The consequence, as surveyed by a crowd of media members, confirmed the Pixel beating the Galaxy’s 100X zoom by a protracted shot.
In addition to having top-of-the-line point-and-shoot digital camera methods on any smartphone, the Pixel 10 Professional XL additionally options many AI instruments that assist customers seize, edit, and reproduce images to their liking. I am going to acknowledge right here that there is a complete “What is a picture?” debate tied into the generative AI insanity.
Nonetheless, for purchasers who favor idealism over realism and comfort over labor, instruments like the improved Add Me, Professional Res Zoom, and the brand new Digital camera Coach, which guides framing and mode choice inside the viewfinder in actual time, give the Pixel 10 Professional XL probably the most forgiving digital camera methods in the marketplace.
3. You need a cellphone that is much less of a burden to carry, and sticks
Sure, the Pixel 10 Professional XL is $200 cheaper than the Galaxy S25 Extremely, however maybe extra importantly, it is truly comfy to carry. Contemplating how usually you may be carrying your cellphone, holding it up, and interacting with it every day, hand really feel is among the most ignored but important elements of cellular gadgets.
In contrast with the boxy, sharp-cornered design of the Samsung, the Pixel 10 Professional XL has flat edges that allow you to grip the cellphone firmly and refined curves that assist scale back the general footprint. Put a case on each gadgets, and you will discover the distinction much more.
Google additionally gives its PixelSnap system of magnetic equipment that leverages the Pixel 10 Professional XL’s Qi2 wi-fi charging. Along with simpler docking and stand placement, PixelSnap permits you to mount hand grips and kickstands with out the necessity for third-party adapters and mounts. Samsung, disappointingly, nonetheless does not supply built-in magnet help.
Author’s alternative
Between the Google Pixel 10 Professional XL and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Extremely, I might select the latter for its extra succesful function set, however I might maintain off on shopping for the Samsung until there is a becoming trade-in deal or common low cost. Some retailers could also be bundling present playing cards with S26 Extremely preorders proper now, in order that’s price contemplating.
It helps that Samsung has been working intently with Google on Gemini-enhanced AI options, and now with Perplexity, too, so you do not essentially miss out on too many software program instruments by choosing it.
I’ve additionally discovered Samsung’s digital camera system delivers extra vivid imagery that requires little modifying after the very fact. If you happen to’re heavy on social media utilization and sharing the newest happenings with family and friends, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Extremely’s digital camera is healthier suited to you.
