Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Quick answer

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 XLImage: Google

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL

72
Mixed
Average of 7 professional reviews
2 of 7 recommend it · broad agreement
Where the 7 reviews landedRange 60–80
Score printed by the outlet Estimated from the verdict

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 →

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Samsung Galaxy S26 UltraImage: Samsung

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

86
Highly rated
Average of 20 professional reviews
18 of 20 recommend it · broad agreement
Where the 20 reviews landedRange 66–95
Score printed by the outlet Estimated from the verdict

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 →

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Critics who reviewed both

The fairest comparison: the same reviewer, the same standards
OutletGoogle Pixel 11 Pro XLSamsung Galaxy S26 UltraDifference
Tom's Guide6090-30
Expert Reviews6080-20
ZDNET71est.90-19
TechRadar8095-15
Digital Trends8090-10
Tech Advisor8090-10
WIRED7080-10

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.

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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.