Observe ZDNET: Add us as a most popular supply on Google.
It is Samsung Unpacked season, which implies antsy telephone consumers are getting a number of new fashions to noticeably think about. If you happen to’re an influence consumer specifically, it’s possible you’ll be weighing the brand new Samsung Galaxy S26 Extremely towards the Google Pixel 10 Professional XL, each of which will be argued to supply the most effective of Android telephones within the first half of 2026.
Since Unpacked, the ZDNET group has hung out with each telephones to get a way of their distinctive strengths and weaknesses. If you happen to’re cut up between the 2, listed below are the important thing shopping for causes for every, together with our selection if we needed to choose one.
You should purchase the Samsung Galaxy S26 Extremely if…
Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET
1. You like Samsung’s kitchen sink strategy to software program
Whereas Samsung’s software program expertise has turn into much less buggy and chaotic for the reason that outdated TouchWiz days, OneUI, now on model 8.5, stays probably the most feature-rich variations of Android available on the market. The native launcher permits you to customise components comparable to wallpaper shade, widget types, swipe animations, and extra.
On a tool just like the Galaxy S26 Extremely, you may get extra note-taking options to benefit from the built-in S Pen stylus — although you possibly can not use Bluetooth gestures like you could possibly with older fashions. There are a number of new Galaxy AI options as properly, together with context-based Now Nudge, much like Google’s Magic Cue, and an upgraded rip-off detection software.
Samsung additionally continues to match Google’s promise of at the very least seven years of software program updates for its Galaxy S fashions. That’s to say, you may really feel such as you acquired your cash’s price when splurging on Samsung’s flagship telephone.
2. You need the superior smartphone show, in a number of methods
I’ve examined nearly each main telephone launch up to now 12 months, together with a big-screen foldable, 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 best way, these specs are practically similar 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: Do you have to 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 screen seem off when considered at an off-angle. This function behaves equally to a privateness display screen protector, tinting your display screen when vital 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 anticipate it to outperform Google’s Tensor G5 on the whole efficiency and energy administration. This goes hand in hand with Samsung’s upgraded 60W wired charging price, 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 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 anticipate to tweak each little facet of what you see.
Additionally: I in contrast two of the most effective 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 permit 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 very least 2032.
2. You need essentially the most forgiving digital camera system available on the market
Certain, 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 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.
Additionally: The very best Android telephones to purchase in 2026
Moreover having probably the greatest point-and-shoot digital camera techniques on any smartphone, the Pixel 10 Professional XL additionally options many AI instruments that assist customers seize, edit, and reproduce pictures to their liking. I will acknowledge right here that there is a entire “What is a picture?” debate tied into the generative AI insanity.
Nonetheless, for patrons 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 techniques available on the market.
3. You need a telephone 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 really snug to carry. Contemplating how typically you may be carrying your telephone, holding it up, and interacting with it each day, hand really feel is likely one of the most neglected but important facets of cellular units.
Additionally: PixelSnap is the MagSafe for Android telephones we have been ready for – here 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 telephone firmly and refined curves that assist scale back the general footprint. Put a case on each units, and you may 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 would not supply built-in magnet assist.
Author’s selection
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 except there is a becoming trade-in deal or basic low cost. Some retailers could also be bundling reward 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 healthier fitted to you.
