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The Galaxy S26 Ultra won PhoneBuff’s published speed test, finishing with 0.96 seconds less total response delay than the Pixel 11 Pro XL. That result reflects one sequence of app tasks under controlled conditions—not a guarantee that the Galaxy will feel faster in every app or use case.
What happened in the speed test?
PhoneBuff compared a 256 GB Pixel 11 Pro XL with a 256 GB Galaxy S26 Ultra in a timed app-task sequence. The Pixel recorded 0.96 seconds more total response delay than the Galaxy baseline, so the Galaxy finished ahead in that run. PhoneBuff’s test describes calibrated screens set to 200 nits, auto brightness turned off, equal distance from a Wi-Fi access point, and a temperature-controlled environment.
The test description identifies the Pixel as having Tensor G6 and 12 GB RAM, and the Galaxy as having Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 and 12 GB RAM. Treat those chipset details as specific to the tested units and the source’s description; processor configurations can vary by market.
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How do the benchmark results compare?
Tom’s Guide also reported higher Galaxy S26 Ultra scores in the benchmarks listed below. These are separate results from PhoneBuff’s app-task test: benchmarks measure defined workloads, not the time needed to complete PhoneBuff’s sequence. The figures are Tom’s Guide’s 2026 reported results, not independently reproduced measurements here.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
| Test | Pixel 11 Pro XL | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench single-core | 2,713 | 3,785 |
| Geekbench multicore | 7,453 | 11,563 |
| 3DMark Wild Life Extreme Unlimited | 3,249 | 6,645 |
All three listed results favor the Galaxy, but they should be interpreted within their own test methods and conditions. A score in one benchmark does not directly predict app-opening time, battery life, or sustained gaming performance. Tom’s Guide’s review is the source for these scores.
What the speed-test win does—and does not—tell you
The Galaxy’s PhoneBuff win is a useful comparison for that test’s tasks, devices, software, and setup. It does not establish that every app launches faster on every unit, or that the Galaxy has better battery life, gaming performance over long sessions, or overall responsiveness in all situations. Those questions require evidence from the relevant workload, including sustained-performance and thermal testing for long-running tasks.
Rank #2
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
When weighing another speed comparison, check what tasks it runs, how it measures total completion time, the benchmark version and configuration, and whether it tests sustained performance or only a short burst. Differences in software and device configuration can also affect results.
What else separates the phones?
Processor speed is only one part of the choice. Google’s official specifications list the Pixel 11 Pro XL with a Tensor G6 processor, a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display with a 1–120 Hz refresh rate, and 12 GB RAM on the 256 GB model. Google lists a typical 5,115 mAh battery. It says wired charging can reach up to 75% in about 30 minutes with a 45 W USB-C PPS charger or higher, sold separately. Google’s Pixel specifications provide those details.
Rank #3
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Samsung’s announcement lists the Galaxy S26 Ultra with a 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and an adaptive 1–120 Hz refresh rate. Samsung also describes a built-in Privacy Display in its US announcement. Samsung’s global announcement and US announcement cover those features.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which phone should you choose based on speed?
If your deciding criterion is the evidence in these cited tests, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is the speed winner: it finished PhoneBuff’s sequence sooner and posted higher scores in the listed Geekbench and 3DMark tests. If you are choosing a phone overall, those results alone do not settle the decision. Consider the features and specifications you value, and look for tests that match the tasks you actually do.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.8" Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh rate, up to ~1750 nits brightness, HDR10+ support, and ultra-smooth responsiveness for gaming and scrolling.
Rank #4
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
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