Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Critics score the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL 72 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 86 out of 100, from 7 and 20 professional reviews. 7 outlets reviewed both: 7 scored the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra higher. On average those critics put the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 16 points ahead.
Google Pixel 11 Pro XL
Praised for: picture quality (5 of 7), battery life (3 of 7), performance (2 of 7)
Criticised for: price (4 of 7), battery life (3 of 7)
The catch: It costs more, with less RAM and weak gaming performance.
All 7 reviews of the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL →
We earn a commission if you buy through these links. It never changes a score.
Image: SamsungSamsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Praised for: picture quality (18 of 20), performance (17 of 20), battery life (7 of 20)
Criticised for: price (10 of 20), battery life (7 of 20)
The catch: Very expensive, and the AI features are hit-and-miss.
All 20 reviews of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra →
We earn a commission if you buy through these links. It never changes a score.
Critics who reviewed both
The fairest comparison: the same reviewer, the same standards| Outlet | Google Pixel 11 Pro XL | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tom's Guide | 60 | 90 | -30 |
| Expert Reviews | 60 | 80 | -20 |
| ZDNET | 71est. | 90 | -19 |
| TechRadar | 80 | 95 | -15 |
| Digital Trends | 80 | 90 | -10 |
| Tech Advisor | 80 | 90 | -10 |
| WIRED | 70 | 80 | -10 |
Scores converted to 0–100. Difference is the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL minus the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. Outlined tiles are estimated from the verdict. Each score links to the review.
Compare either one with another smartphone → · All smartphones ranked →
Common questions
Which is better, the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Critics rate the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra higher: 86 against 72. 7 outlets reviewed both: 7 scored the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra higher. On average those critics put the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 16 points ahead.
Do critics agree about the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL: broad agreement, scores from 60 to 80. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: broad agreement, scores from 66 to 95.