Galaxy S6 vs Pixel: Which One Should You Buy?

Pixel edges ahead with a BeastScore of 63.8/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Samsung · 2015

Galaxy S6

Galaxy S6
64/ 100
Launch price$685
Google · 2016

Pixel

Pixel
64/ 100
Launch price$649
Head-to-head

Pixel wins 2 of 7 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Galaxy S6
Galaxy S6
1 win
Pixel
Pixel
2 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivityValue
Galaxy S6Pixel
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedPixel
    60
    64
  • CameraGalaxy S6
    72
    68
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    40
    40
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityPixel
    45
    57
  • SecurityNot enough data
  • ValueTie
    68
    68
Key differences
  • Pixel has the bigger battery2,770 mAh vs 2,550 mAh
  • Pixel charges faster18W vs 15W
  • Galaxy S6 has a sharper main camera16 MP vs 12.3 MP
  • Galaxy S6 has the bigger screen5.1" vs 5"
  • Galaxy S6 is lighter138 g vs 143 g
  • Pixel launched cheaper$649 vs $685
  • Pixel has a sharper selfie camera8 MP vs 5 MP
  • Pixel has newer Bluetooth4.2 vs 4.1
  • Pixel has more RAM4 GB vs 3 GB
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Galaxy S6
  • ✓5 g lighter (138 g vs 143 g), easier to hold
  • ✓16 MP main camera
  • ✓5.1" display at 60 Hz
Reasons to buy Pixel
  • ✓$36 cheaper at launch ($649 vs $685)
  • ✓Bigger 2,770 mAh battery (+220 mAh)
  • ✓12.3 MP main camera

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationGalaxy S6Pixel
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeSuper AMOLEDAMOLED
Screen Size5.1"5"
Resolution & Density2560x1440 (577 ppi)1920x1080 (441 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness784 nits peak400 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance🏆 Pixel Wins Performance
Chipset / ProcessorNot listed Not listed
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedNot listed
Operating SystemAndroid 5.0Android 7.1
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory3 GB LPDDR4 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage32GB / 64GB / 128GB32GB / 128GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics🏆 Galaxy S6 Wins Camera
Primary Camera16 MP, f/1.9, OIS12.3 MP, f/2
Telephoto ZoomNone (digital zoom only)None (digital zoom only)
Ultrawide CameraN/AN/A
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens5 MP, f/1.98 MP, f/2.4
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Galaxy S6 Lightest Chassis
Dimensions143.4 x 70.5 x 6.8 mm143.8 x 69.5 x 8.5 mm
Weight138 g143 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceNot listedIP53
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity2,550 mAh2,770 mAh
Wired Fast Charging15W wired fast charging18W wired fast charging
Wireless Charging9W wireless chargingNot listed
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 5
Bluetooth4.14.2
USB Port & SpeedMicro-USB 2.0USB-C 3.1
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$685$649
Our verdict

Pixel wins — BeastScore 63.8/100

The Pixel is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (2,770 mAh vs 2,550 mAh) and faster charging (18W vs 15W). The Galaxy S6 is worth a look if you prefer its sharper main camera (16 MP vs 12.3 MP).

Buy Galaxy S6 if you want

Brighter screen: 784 nits vs 400 nits

Buy Pixel if you want

Larger battery: 2,770 mAh vs 2,550 mAh

Common questions

Which is better: Galaxy S6 or Pixel?

The Pixel is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (2,770 mAh vs 2,550 mAh) and faster charging (18W vs 15W). The Galaxy S6 is worth a look if you prefer its sharper main camera (16 MP vs 12.3 MP). BeastScore: Galaxy S6 63.8/100, Pixel 63.8/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Galaxy S6 and Pixel?

Galaxy S6 has a 5.1-inch display and 2550 mAh battery. Pixel has a 5-inch display and 2770 mAh battery.

How do Galaxy S6 and Pixel compare for speed?

Galaxy S6 scores 60/100 for performance; Pixel scores 64/100.

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