Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Google Pixel 10 Pro XL: Which android phone has the best camera?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has officially been unveiled, joining the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL in the premium smartphone segment as a top-tier option for users prioritising high-end performance: particularly in camera capabilities.

Once regarded as the definitive Android flagship, Samsung’s Ultra series set the benchmark for what the platform could offer in a single, high-end device. However, the competition has intensified in recent years.

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL has emerged as the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s closest rival—not necessarily in terms of sales, but certainly in reputation, availability, and overall quality.

While a full review of the Galaxy S26 Ultra is still pending, early hands-on impressions and specifications provide a clear picture of how it compares with Google’s flagship counterpart.

Camera Zoom vs Camera Balance

Samsung continues to prioritise zoom capabilities. The Galaxy S26 Ultra features two telephoto lenses—a 50MP 10x periscope and a 10MP 3x telephoto—offering significantly more range than the Pixel 10 Pro XL’s single 48MP 5x periscope lens.

That said, Google’s device remains a powerhouse in photography. Its 48MP main sensor delivers consistently balanced images, while the 42MP front camera ranks among the best for selfies.

Still, for long-distance shooting, Samsung takes the lead.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Wireless Charging Convenience

Samsung’s decision to omit Qi2 wireless charging support from the Galaxy S26 series has proven disappointing. Users will need a compatible case to access magnetic charging features.

In contrast, Google integrates Qi2 via its PixelSnap system in the Pixel 10 lineup, allowing seamless attachment of chargers and accessories.

Winner: Google Pixel 10 Pro XL

Privacy Innovation

A standout feature of the Galaxy S26 Ultra is its new Privacy Display. This technology restricts screen visibility to the user’s direct line of sight, preventing others from viewing sensitive content from different angles.

While the Pixel 10 Pro XL lacks an equivalent feature, Samsung’s innovation gives it a clear advantage for privacy-conscious users.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Software Experience

Samsung’s One UI offers extensive customisation, appealing to users who prefer fine-tuning their device experience.

However, Google’s Pixel devices run the purest version of Android, delivering a clean, cohesive interface with deeply integrated AI features and minimal bloatware.

Winner: Google Pixel 10 Pro XL

Performance Power

Performance is another area where Samsung pulls ahead. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip (including a faster “for Galaxy” variant), positioning it among the fastest smartphones available.

Meanwhile, the Pixel 10 Pro XL runs on Google’s Tensor G5 chip, which excels in AI tasks but trails behind in raw performance and gaming benchmarks.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra