Compare / Pixel 8a vs Galaxy A26
Google Pixel 8a vs Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2026): Which Should You Buy?
By Alex Turner • Lead Hardware Reviewer • Updated August 17, 2026
The Google Pixel 8a and Samsung Galaxy A26 5G are two of the most searched-for phones under £500 — but they sit at very different price points. The Pixel 8a launched at £499 (and now regularly sells for less), while the Galaxy A26 5G costs just £249. Here is how they actually compare, spec by spec.
Pixel 8a vs Galaxy A26: Full Specifications
| Google Pixel 8a | Samsung Galaxy A26 5G | |
| Price (RRP) | £499 | £249 |
| Display | 6.1-inch OLED, 120Hz, HDR, Gorilla Glass 3 | 6.5-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz, FHD+ |
| Processor | Google Tensor G3 (4nm) with Titan M2 | Samsung Exynos 1380 Octa-Core (5nm) |
| Camera | 64MP Main (OIS) + 13MP Ultrawide | 50MP Main (OIS) + 8MP Ultrawide + 2MP Macro |
| Battery & Charging | 4492 mAh (18W Wired, 7.5W Wireless) | 5000 mAh (25W Wired Charging) |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB (MicroSD up to 1TB) |
| Software & Updates | Android 14, 7 Years OS Updates | Android 15 (One UI 7), 4 Years OS Updates |
| Dimensions | 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm | 161.5 x 77.2 x 8.0 mm |
| Weight | 188g | 192g |
| Our Rating | 8.6 / 10 | 8.4 / 10 |
Display & Design
Samsung gives you more screen for less money: 6.5 inches of Super AMOLED against the Pixel’s 6.1-inch OLED, with both panels running at a smooth 120Hz. If you watch a lot of video, the A26’s extra real estate is genuinely useful; if you prefer a more compact phone, the Pixel 8a is the easier one-handed device at 188g and 152mm tall.
Performance & Cameras
This is where the gap opens up. Google’s Tensor G3 comfortably outperforms the Exynos 1380 and powers features the Samsung simply doesn’t have, from Magic Editor to on-device AI. The camera tells the same story: the Pixel’s 64MP main sensor plus Google’s processing produces the best photos you can get anywhere near this price, while the A26’s 50MP shooter is solid but unremarkable.
Battery, Value & Verdict
The Galaxy carries a larger 5000mAh cell against the Pixel’s 4492mAh, and both charge slowly by 2026 standards (25W vs 18W). The Pixel counters with wireless charging, rare at this price. On pure value the A26 is hard to argue with; on longevity, the Pixel’s seven years of updates mean it will still be getting new Android versions when the A26 has stopped.
Choose the Google Pixel 8a if you want the best camera under £500, seven years of updates, and wireless charging.
Check Pixel 8a price on Amazon →Choose the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G if you want 80% of the experience for half the price, a bigger screen, and expandable storage.
Check Galaxy A26 price on Amazon →We may earn a commission from links on this page. Prices correct at time of writing.
Read our full reviews: Google Pixel 8a review · Samsung Galaxy A26 5G review
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