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Lab Benchmark Battle

Pixel 8a vs Galaxy S26 Ultra

Direct side-by-side battle analyzing display brightness, chipset benchmark percentiles, multi-camera arrays, battery capacity, and charging speeds.

Smartphone Battle
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe across ⇄
Pixel 8a
· 2024

Pixel 8a

$499
81.6/ 100
Overall
Exceptional
BeastScore
81.6
Benchmark
Performance80/100
Camera88/100
Battery70/100
Galaxy S26 Ultra
· 2026

Galaxy S26 Ultra

$1299
88.2/ 100
Overall
Exceptional
BeastScore
88.2
Benchmark
Performance90/100
Camera100/100
Battery86/100

Which Phone Should You Buy: Key Reasons & Hardware Advantages

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Reasons to buy Pixel 8a:
  • ✓26g lighter chassis (188g) optimized for one-handed ergonomics
  • ✓$800 lower launch MSRP ($499 vs $1299)
  • ✓64MP primary camera sensor with 4K/120fps video recording
Reasons to buy Galaxy S26 Ultra:
  • ✓Larger 5,000 mAh battery capacity (+508 mAh more capacity)
  • ✓200MP primary camera sensor with 4K/120fps video recording
  • ✓6.9" display with 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate

How Do the Specifications Compare Side-by-Side?

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SpecificationPixel 8aGalaxy S26 Ultra
1. Display & Screen
Screen Type & TechOLEDDynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X (Privacy Display)
Screen Size6.1"6.9"
Resolution & Density2400x1080 (429 ppi)3120x1440 (501 ppi)
Refresh Rate120 Hz ProMotion120 Hz ProMotion
Brightness2,000 nits peak2,600 nits peak
Screen ProtectionScratch-resistant glassScratch-resistant glass
2. Platform & Performance
Chipset / ProcessorHigh performance SoC High performance SoC
CPU CoresMulti-core high performanceMulti-core high performance
GPU GraphicsIntegrated GraphicsIntegrated Graphics
Operating SystemAndroid 14Android 16
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory8 GB12 GB
Internal Storage128GB / 256GB256GB / 512GB / 1024GB
Storage SpeedHigh-speed flashHigh-speed flash
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics
Primary Camera64 MP, f/1.89, OIS, Samsung GN2200 MP, f/1.4, OIS, Samsung HP2
Telephoto ZoomNone (Digital zoom only)10 MP (3x optical zoom), f/2.4, OIS + 50 MP (5x optical zoom), f/2.9, OIS
Ultrawide Camera13 MP, f/2.250 MP, f/2
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video Recording Capabilities
Main Camera Video
4K@60fps1080p@240fpsHDR
4K@60fps1080p@240fpsHDR
Front Video
4K@60fps1080p@60fpsgyro-EIS
4K@60fps1080p@60fpsgyro-EIS
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens13 MP, f/2.212 MP, f/2.2
7. Body & Dimensions
Dimensions152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm
Weight188 g214 g
Build MaterialsGlass front, metal/glass frameGlass front, metal/glass frame
SIM TypeNano-SIM / eSIM supportNano-SIM / eSIM support
Water ResistanceIP67IP68
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity4,492 mAh5,000 mAh
Wired Fast Charging18W wired fast charging60W wired fast charging
Wireless Charging18W wireless charging25W wireless charging
Reverse ChargingReverse wireless chargingReverse wireless charging
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerStereo speakersStereo speakers
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity & Comms
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 6EWi-Fi 7
Bluetooth5.36.0
USB Port & SpeedUSB-C 3.2USB-C 3.2
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsBiometric fingerprint/face, accelerometer, gyro, compassBiometric fingerprint/face, accelerometer, gyro, compass
Satellite FeaturesEmergency SOS via satellite (select markets)Emergency SOS via satellite (select markets)
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsStandard finishesStandard finishes
Launch Price$499$1299
Editorial Lab Verdict

Galaxy S26 Ultra edges ahead with a BeastScore of 88.2/100

After comprehensive hardware benchmark comparisons, Galaxy S26 Ultra ranks as the overall top pick in this matchup. Key differentiators include its advanced processor architecture and verified 100/100 camera rating.

When to buy Pixel 8a:
Lighter body: 188g (26g lighter in hand) · Lower launch price: $499 (save $800)
When to buy Galaxy S26 Ultra:
Higher overall BeastScore: 88.2 vs top rival 81.6 · Larger battery capacity: 5,000 mAh (+508 mAh more)
Quick Answers

Frequently Asked Questions: Pixel 8a vs Galaxy S26 Ultra

Which phone is better: Pixel 8a or Galaxy S26 Ultra?

Galaxy S26 Ultra leads with an overall BeastScore of 88.2/100 compared to Pixel 8a (81.6/100), driven by advantages in Higher overall BeastScore: 88.2 vs top rival 81.6 and Larger battery capacity: 5,000 mAh (+508 mAh more).

What are the primary battery and display differences between Pixel 8a and Galaxy S26 Ultra?

Pixel 8a is equipped with a 6.1-inch display and 4492 mAh battery, while Galaxy S26 Ultra features a 6.9-inch display and 5000 mAh battery.

How do the camera capabilities compare between Pixel 8a and Galaxy S26 Ultra?

In lab hardware evaluations, Pixel 8a scores 88/100 in camera performance, while Galaxy S26 Ultra scores 100/100.

Similar Hardware Tier

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