Google Pixel 11 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
Buy the Pixel 11 for the 5x telephoto, 256GB base storage and 25W magnetic charging in a smaller phone. Buy the Galaxy S26 FE if you want a 6.7-inch screen and faster wired charging for $300 less right now.
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How this page was made: this is a research-based guide built from manufacturer spec pages, official prices and published lab measurements from the outlets we name and link. We haven’t tested these products ourselves, and we don’t invent scores. Our methodology.
Quick answer
Short answer: pick the Pixel 11 for the Tensor G6, a 5x telephoto, 256GB/12GB base and 25W Qi2.2 magnetic charging in a 6.3-inch phone. Pick the Galaxy S26 FE if you want a 6.7-inch screen and 45W wired charging and would rather save $200–$300 at today's prices.
Last updated Prices checked Nov 2026
Check Google Pixel 11 price (opens in a new tab)Check Samsung Galaxy S26 FE price (opens in a new tab)
Key facts at a glance
| Google Pixel 11 | Samsung Galaxy S26 FE | |
|---|---|---|
| Price, unlocked (Nov 12, 2026) | $899 (256GB) at Google Store | $599.99 (128GB), $699.99 (256GB) at Samsung, on sale from $699.99/$799.99 |
| Chip and RAM | Tensor G6, 12GB | Exynos 2500, 8GB |
| Display | 6.3-inch OLED, 1080 × 2424, 60–120Hz, up to 3,000 nits peak | 6.7-inch AMOLED, 120Hz, 1,900 nits peak |
| Rear cameras | 48MP wide + 13MP ultrawide + 10.8MP 5x telephoto (OIS) | 50MP wide + 12MP ultrawide + 8MP 3x telephoto |
| Front camera | 10.5MP with autofocus | 12MP |
Pick the Pixel 11 if cameras and accessories matter: it has a 10.8MP 5x telephoto, 12GB RAM and 256GB as standard, and Pixelsnap Qi2.2 magnetic charging at up to 25W, for about $899 (checked Nov 2026). Pick the Galaxy S26 FE if you want the bigger 6.7-inch screen and the lower price: Samsung's current sale puts the 128GB model at $599.99 and 256GB at $699.99. Both get seven years of OS updates. For the cheaper Samsung, see Galaxy S26 FE vs Galaxy A57.
Google Pixel 11 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 FE: side-by-side
| Pixel 11 | Galaxy S26 FE | |
|---|---|---|
| Price, unlocked (Nov 12, 2026) | $899 (256GB) at Google Store | $599.99 (128GB), $699.99 (256GB) at Samsung, on sale from $699.99/$799.99 |
| Chip and RAM | Tensor G6, 12GB | Exynos 2500, 8GB |
| Display | 6.3-inch OLED, 1080 × 2424, 60–120Hz, up to 3,000 nits peak | 6.7-inch AMOLED, 120Hz, 1,900 nits peak |
| Rear cameras | 48MP wide + 13MP ultrawide + 10.8MP 5x telephoto (OIS) | 50MP wide + 12MP ultrawide + 8MP 3x telephoto |
| Front camera | 10.5MP with autofocus | 12MP |
| Battery | 4,985 mAh typical; GSMArena Active Use Score 15:40h | 4,900 mAh |
| Wired charging | Up to 55% in 30 min with a 30W charger; full in about 1h 20m (GSMArena) | 45W; 69% in 30 min, full in 1h 08m (GSMArena) |
| Wireless charging | Pixelsnap Qi2.2 magnetic, up to 25W | 15W Qi2-compatible, no magnets |
| Weight / thickness | 6.9 oz (196 g) / 0.3 in | 193 g / 7.4 mm |
| Durability | IP68, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back | IP68, Gorilla Glass Victus+ back |
| Updates | 7 years of OS, security and Pixel Drop updates | 7 years of OS upgrades |
How much do they cost?
Google Pixel 11 plans
| Option | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 256GB / 12GB | $899 | Google offers up to $510 back with an eligible trade-in |
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE plans
| Option | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 128GB | $599.99 | Sale from $699.99; Amazon $599 |
| 256GB | $699.99 | Sale from $799.99 |
What are the pros and cons?
Google Pixel 11: pros
- 10.8MP 5x telephoto with OIS
- 256GB and 12GB RAM as standard
- 25W Qi2.2 magnetic wireless charging
- 15:40h Active Use Score in GSMArena's test
Google Pixel 11: cons
- $899 is $199 more than the 256GB S26 FE on sale
- Slower wired charging: about 1h 20m to full vs 1h 08m
- Charger sold separately; 30W needed for the quoted 55% in 30 minutes
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE: pros
- Bigger 6.7-inch screen
- 45W wired charging, full in 1h 08m
- $599.99 for 128GB on sale
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE: cons
- 3x zoom on a small 1/4.4-inch 8MP sensor (GSMArena)
- 128GB base and 8GB RAM
- 15W wireless with no Qi2 magnets
Which should you choose: Google Pixel 11 or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
The Pixel 11 is the better camera phone, especially for zoom, and has more memory and storage at its base price. The S26 FE gets you a bigger screen and quicker wired charging for far less while Samsung's sale lasts. Comparing like for like at 256GB, the gap today is $199.
Choose Google Pixel 11 if…
- You shoot zoomed photos at 5x and beyond
- You use magnetic chargers, stands or wallets
- You want a smaller 6.3-inch phone
- You want 256GB without paying extra
Choose Samsung Galaxy S26 FE if…
- You want a 6.7-inch screen
- You want to spend $600–$700
- You charge with a cable and want it done quickly
Battery and charging
Capacities are nearly identical (4,985 vs 4,900 mAh). GSMArena[4][6] gave the Pixel 11 an Active Use Score of 15:40h, up from 12:08h on the Pixel 10. On a cable, the S26 FE is quicker: GSMArena timed a full charge at 1 hour 8 minutes at 45W, against about 1 hour 20 minutes for the Pixel. Wirelessly it flips: Google rates Pixelsnap at 25W with magnets, while Android Central calls the FE's 15W disappointing.
Who should skip this
- Skip the Pixel 11 if you want a big screen on a budget; at $899 it costs $299 more than the base S26 FE today.
- Skip the S26 FE if you take zoomed photos at concerts or sports; its 8MP 3x camera is the weak spot GSMArena[4][6] and Android Central both noted.
- Skip both if you want the longest battery for the money; see the Galaxy A57's 5,000 mAh option or a discounted Pixel 10.
Related comparisons
See Galaxy S26 FE vs Pixel 10 if the older Pixel is on sale, Pixel 11 vs Pixel 10, and Galaxy S26 vs Pixel 11 for Samsung's main flagship.
Frequently asked questions
Which has the better zoom?
Which charges faster?
How much storage do they start with?
How long are they supported?
Sources
Pricing and plan details were checked on the official pages below as of Nov 2026. Vendors change prices, credits and plan names often, and some show regional pricing at checkout, so confirm on the vendor’s site before you buy.
- Google Store: Pixel 11 tech specs and price (Nov 2026) (store.google.com)
- Google Store: Pixel 11 (store.google.com)
- Samsung: Galaxy S26 FE 128GB unlocked (US price, Nov 2026) (samsung.com)
- GSMArena: Pixel 11 battery life and charging tests (gsmarena.com)
- Android Central: Galaxy S26 FE review (androidcentral.com)
- GSMArena: Galaxy S26 FE review, lab tests (gsmarena.com)
- Amazon: Galaxy S26 FE 128GB unlocked listing (price, Nov 2026) (amazon.com)
Related
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE vs Google Pixel 10
Same list price at 256GB, very different phones: a big 6.7-inch screen and 45W charging versus a 5x zoom and Qi2 magnets.
comparisonPixel 11 vs Pixel 10
Same size, same cameras, same seven years of updates. The Pixel 11 adds a newer chip, faster wireless charging and more base storage.
comparisonSamsung Galaxy S26 vs Google Pixel 11
Pick the Pixel 11 for camera-first simplicity and the Galaxy S26 for Samsung’s display features and DeX-class versatility.
comparisonGalaxy S26 FE vs Galaxy A57
Buy the Galaxy S26 FE while it is $599.99: it adds a 3x telephoto, 15W wireless charging and a faster Exynos 2500 for the same money as the A57's list price. Buy the A57 only if you find it well below that.
best ofBest Samsung Galaxy Phones of 2026
The Galaxy S26 ($849.99 on sale) is the best Samsung phone for most people. The S26 Ultra adds the S Pen and 5x zoom, the Z Fold8 is WIRED’s favorite foldable, and the A37 is the budget pick.