Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — which Android flagship will win?

The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra are two highly anticipated Android flagship smartphones, with both sets to launch at the end of August. While the Galaxy S26 Ultra has already hit the market, the Pixel 11 Pro XL is still a few weeks away from being available. Both devices boast similar pricing, starting at around $1,299 for the base model with 256GB storage and 12GB of RAM. However, the Pixel 11 Pro XL might offer a memory downgrade, with just 12GB of RAM instead of 16GB.

In terms of design, the Galaxy S26 Ultra boasts a larger 6.9-inch display, while the Pixel 11 Pro XL is expected to feature a slightly smaller 6.8-inch screen. Despite its smaller size, the Pixel 11 Pro XL is anticipated to be heavier due to the inclusion of Qi2 magnets on the back. The Pixel 11 Pro XL's display is rumored to be brighter, with a projected 3,600 nit brightness compared to the S26 Ultra's 2,600 nit screen.

When it comes to performance, the Galaxy S26 Ultra's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy is likely to outperform the Pixel 11 Pro XL's Tensor G6 chip. The G6 is rumored to have seven cores built on TSMC's 2nm process, while the Pixel 11 Pro XL's Tensor G6 is rumored to drop to seven cores and utilize MediaTek M90 modem, which is several years old. Google's recent performance track record also suggests it may struggle to match the Galaxy S26 Ultra in this department.

The camera department favors the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, which features a 200MP main camera, along with a 50MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 10MP secondary telephoto capable of 3x optical zoom. The Pixel 11 Pro XL, on the other hand, is expected to come with a 50MP main camera lens and a 12MP selfie camera. While the Pixel 11 Pro XL may offer some software advantages like Google's "Pixel Glow" feature, it appears unlikely to outperform the Galaxy S26 Ultra in the camera department.