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It is Samsung Unpacked season, which implies antsy cellphone patrons are getting a number of new fashions to significantly think about. If you happen to’re an influence person particularly, it’s possible you’ll be weighing the brand new Samsung Galaxy S26 Extremely in opposition to the Google Pixel 10 Professional XL, each of which might be argued to supply one of the best of Android telephones 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 favor Samsung’s kitchen sink strategy to software program
Whereas Samsung’s software program expertise has change into much less buggy and chaotic for the reason that outdated TouchWiz days, OneUI, now on model 8.5, stays one of the feature-rich variations of Android in the marketplace. The native launcher allows you to customise components akin to wallpaper shade, widget kinds, swipe animations, and extra.
On a tool just like the Galaxy S26 Extremely, you will get extra note-taking options to profit from the built-in S Pen stylus — although you may now not use Bluetooth gestures like you possibly can 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 instrument.
Samsung additionally continues to match Google’s promise of at the least seven years of software program updates for its Galaxy S fashions. That’s to say, you will 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 prior to now 12 months, together with a big-screen foldable, and the Galaxy S26 Extremely has one of the best show I’ve seen. It is a 6.8-inch AMOLED LTPO panel that refreshes between 1Hz and 120Hz and will get loads vivid through the daytime. By the way in which, these specs are almost equivalent to the Pixel 10 Professional XL. What units the Samsung Galaxy S26 Extremely aside is its glare-free coating, which considerably reduces mild reflections, and its new Privateness Show.
Additionally: Each Samsung Galaxy S26 mannequin in contrast: Must you purchase the bottom, Plus, or Extremely?
Privateness Show is a {hardware} improve that alters how the S26 Extremely’s pixels disperse mild, making the display seem off when seen at an off-angle. This function behaves equally to a privateness display protector, tinting your display when vital notifications or content material seem so passersby or eavesdropping strangers cannot see what you may.
3. You need a better-performing smartphone
The brand new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Elite chipset has already set benchmark data 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 high up from 0 to 75% in half an hour.
You should purchase the Google Pixel 10 Professional XL if…
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
1. You favor Google’s cleaner strategy to software program
One of many greatest distinctions between the Google Pixel and nearly each different Android mannequin is the software program expertise. I would not categorize the most recent Pixel launcher, on Android 16, as bare-bones, nevertheless it’s actually 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.
Additionally: I in contrast two of one of the best Android digital camera telephones proper now – there is a shock winner
Naturally, the cleaner aesthetic of the Pixel launcher and the usage of an in-house Tensor G5 chipset enable Google to distribute the most recent 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 Characteristic Drops and safety patches to maintain its telephones related till at the least 2032.
2. You need probably 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. The very best instance is after 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.
Additionally: The very best Android telephones to purchase in 2026
Moreover having among the finest 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 photographs to their liking. I am going to acknowledge right here that there is a entire “What’s an image?” debate tied into the generative AI insanity.
Nevertheless, for patrons who favor idealism over realism and comfort over labor, instruments like the improved Add Me, Professional Res Zoom, and the brand new Digicam Coach, which guides framing and mode choice inside the viewfinder in actual time, give the Pixel 10 Professional XL one of the 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 will be carrying your cellphone, holding it up, and interacting with it day by day, hand really feel is likely one of the most missed but important points of cell gadgets.
Additionally: PixelSnap is the MagSafe for Android telephones we have been ready for – this is our first look
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 delicate curves that assist cut back the general footprint. Put a case on each gadgets, and you may discover the distinction much more.
Google additionally presents 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 allows 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 would select the latter for its extra succesful function set, however I would 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 enhancing after the actual fact. If you happen to’re heavy on social media utilization and sharing the most recent happenings with family and friends, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Extremely’s digital camera is best suited to you.
