Pixel 11 Pro XL vs. Galaxy S26 Ultra: Which Android Phone Takes Better Photos?

Two of the best Android phones on the market have been put to the test in a camera showdown. The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra were compared under various lighting conditions and with moving subjects during a trip to Cape May, New Jersey.

The cameras' color science was one of the key differences between the two phones. The Pixel portrayed trees, roads, and the sky in more neutral tones, while the Samsung produced more vibrant, saturated colors.

In terms of detail, the clouds captured by both phones showed a stark contrast. The Samsung's image had better exposure and highlights, depicting each cloud as distinct shapes merging with others.

The portrait mode effect was also put to the test, resulting in the Pixel producing warmer photos with generous bokeh and smoother edges, while the Samsung produced sharper-edged images with worse blurring.