Samsung’s Galaxy S26 and Google’s Pixel 10 are two of the most popular Android phones in the UK, and both have 6.3-inch screens and 12GB of RAM. But they make different trade-offs on cameras, battery, charging and size. Here’s our Galaxy S26 vs Pixel 10 comparison, using Samsung’s and Google’s official UK specs.
Quick answer
- Choose the Galaxy S26 for a lighter, slimmer phone, Wi-Fi 7, 256GB as standard and 8K video.
- Choose the Pixel 10 for a bigger battery, a 5x zoom camera, built-in Qi2 magnets and Google’s AI features.
- Prices change often, so check Samsung’s and Google’s stores for the latest UK deals.
Key specs compared
| Spec | Galaxy S26 | Pixel 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.3in FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz | 6.3in 1080 x 2424 OLED, 60 to 120Hz, up to 3,000 nits peak |
| Processor | Exynos 2600 (2nm) | Google Tensor G5 |
| Memory and storage | 12GB, 256GB or 512GB | 12GB, 128GB or 256GB |
| Rear cameras | 50MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP 3x telephoto | 48MP wide, 13MP ultra-wide, 10.8MP 5x telephoto |
| Front camera | 12MP | 10.5MP with autofocus |
| Video | Up to 8K at 30fps | Up to 4K at 60fps |
| Battery | 4,300mAh (typical) | 4,970mAh (typical) |
| Wireless charging | Not listed in the specs we checked | Pixelsnap Qi2, up to 15W |
| Wi-Fi and Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6 |
| Size and weight | 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2mm, 167g | 152.8 x 72 x 8.6mm, 204g |
| UK price | Check price at Samsung UK | Check price at Google Store |
Sources: Samsung UK’s Galaxy S26 page, Samsung’s S26 vs S25 comparison, Samsung UK’s S26 spec sheet and Google Store UK’s Pixel 10 specs.
Design and screen
Both phones have a 6.3-inch OLED screen with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. Google quotes up to 3,000 nits peak brightness for the Pixel 10’s Actua display. The big physical difference is weight: the Galaxy S26 is 167g and 7.2mm thick, while the Pixel 10 is 204g and 8.6mm thick. If you want a light phone that’s easy to use one-handed, the Samsung has the edge. Google lists IP68 dust and water resistance for the Pixel 10.
Cameras
Both have three rear cameras. The Galaxy S26 pairs a 50MP main camera with a 12MP ultra-wide and a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. The Pixel 10 has a 48MP main camera, a 13MP ultra-wide and a 10.8MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom, with Super Zoom up to 20x. So the Pixel reaches further for distant subjects, while the Samsung can record 8K video at 30fps against the Pixel’s 4K at 60fps. We haven’t tested either camera, so we can’t judge photo quality.
Performance and storage
Samsung says the UK Galaxy S26 uses its Exynos 2600 chip, built on a 2nm process, while the Pixel 10 runs Google’s Tensor G5. Both have 12GB of RAM. The S26 starts at 256GB of storage, with a 512GB option, while the Pixel 10 starts at 128GB, with a 256GB option.
Battery and charging
The Pixel 10 has the larger battery, at 4,970mAh typical against the S26’s 4,300mAh. Samsung quotes up to 30 hours of video playback for the S26, while Google quotes 24+ hours of battery life for the Pixel 10. These are measured differently, so they can’t be compared directly. Google says the Pixel 10 charges to 55% in about 30 minutes with a 30W charger, sold separately.
The Pixel 10 also has Pixelsnap: built-in magnets with Qi2-certified wireless charging at up to 15W. That means it snaps on to magnetic chargers without a special case. Our Qi2 vs MagSafe guide explains what that means.
Connectivity
The Galaxy S26 supports Wi-Fi 7, while the Pixel 10 has Wi-Fi 6E. That only matters if you have a Wi-Fi 7 router, as our Wi-Fi 6 vs Wi-Fi 7 guide explains. Both support eSIM, and Samsung lists nano-SIM plus eSIM, or dual eSIM, for the S26. See how to switch to eSIM.
Which should you buy?
- Galaxy S26: if you want a light, slim phone, more base storage, Wi-Fi 7 or 8K video, or you already use Samsung earbuds and watches.
- Pixel 10: if you want the bigger battery, 5x zoom, magnetic Qi2 charging built in, and Google’s own take on Android and AI.
- Also worth knowing: Samsung offers the larger S26+ and S26 Ultra, and Google has since launched newer Pixel models, so compare current prices before you buy.
Browse phone accessories in our shop, and check our Black Friday 2026 guide for deal timing.
Verdict
The Galaxy S26 is the lighter, slimmer phone with more storage as standard and Wi-Fi 7. The Pixel 10 counters with a bigger battery, a longer 5x zoom and built-in magnetic charging. Neither is a clear winner: pick the Samsung for portability and storage, or the Pixel for battery and zoom. We haven’t tested these phones ourselves; this comparison uses Samsung’s and Google’s official UK specs. See how we test and choose products.
FAQ
Is the Galaxy S26 or Pixel 10 bigger?
Both have 6.3-inch screens. The Pixel 10 is slightly taller and thicker, at 8.6mm and 204g, against the S26’s 7.2mm and 167g.
Which has the better battery?
The Pixel 10 has the larger battery, at 4,970mAh typical, against 4,300mAh for the Galaxy S26.
Does the Pixel 10 have magnetic charging?
Yes. Google lists Pixelsnap wireless charging, which is Qi2 certified, at up to 15W.
Which processor does the UK Galaxy S26 use?
Samsung UK lists the Exynos 2600 (2nm) for the Galaxy S26.
Featured image: Samsung Galaxy S26, photo by Kyu3a via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.