← Back to Smartphones
2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel 8 vs Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
The Google Pixel 8 is the premium choice here, thanks to its stunning 2,000 nits display and a whopping 7 years of software support. You'll enjoy not just the bright display, but also the flagship performance that the Tensor G3 chip offers, especially if you're into photography or gaming.
📱 Display: 6.2" vs 6.6"🔋 Battery: 4575 mAh vs 4050 mAh⚖️ Weight: 6.60 oz vs 8.29 oz
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Google Pixel 8
★4.6
(1,129)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030)
Processor:Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
Graphics:Immortalis-G715s MC10
Check Amazon Price→
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
★3.9
(215)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (Enterprise Edition standard)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm)
Graphics:Adreno 642L
Check Amazon Price→
Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Google Pixel 8
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel 8
6.2"
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
6.6"Winner
Refresh Rate
Google Pixel 8
60Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive LTPS)
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
120Hz
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Google Pixel 8
Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm)
RAMKey
Google Pixel 8
8GB LPDDR5XWinner
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
6GB
Storage
Google Pixel 8
128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Google Pixel 8
50MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 1/1.31", OIS, EIS, 2x Optical Quality Crop
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash
Ultra-Wide Camera
Google Pixel 8
12MP, f/2.2, 126-degree FOV, Autofocus (Macro Focus)
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
8MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Google Pixel 8
4,575mAh (Typical)Winner
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
4,050mAh (User-Removable)
Wireless Charging
Google Pixel 8
18W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen) / 12W (Qi-certified)
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
No (Standard Qi not supported; POGO charging cradles used instead)
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel 8
6.60 oz (187 g)Winner
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
8.29 oz (235 g)
Dimensions
Google Pixel 8
5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm)
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
6.65 x 3.15 x 0.39 in (168.8 x 79.9 x 9.9 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Google Pixel 8
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, PTT (Push-to-Talk)
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Google Pixel 8 vs Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
Google Pixel 8
★4.6(1,129)Best Buy
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
★3.9(215)Amazon
| Criterion | Google Pixel 8 | Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(1,129)Best Buy | ★3.9(215)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030) | 4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (Enterprise Edition standard) |
Processor | Google Tensor G3 (4nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm) |
Graphics | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Adreno 642L |
RAM | 8GB LPDDR5X | 6GB |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1 | 128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB) |
Display Size | 6.2" | 6.6" |
Screen Type | Actua OLED, 120Hz, 2,000 nits (Peak) | PLS LCD, 120Hz, Wet Touch & Glove Mode |
Resolution | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 428 ppi | 2408 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive LTPS) | 120Hz |
Peak Brightness | 1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak) | 480 nits (Typical) / 500 nits (Peak) — optimized for indoor/industrial use |
Main Camera | 50MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 1/1.31", OIS, EIS, 2x Optical Quality Crop | 50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP, f/2.2, 126-degree FOV, Autofocus (Macro Focus) | 8MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 2x Optical Quality (via Main Sensor cropping) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom) | Up to 10x |
Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps (10-bit HDR); Audio Magic Eraser | 4K UHD @ 30fps; 1080p @ 60fps |
Front Camera | 10.5MP Dual PD, f/2.2, Fixed Focus, 4K @ 60fps | 13MP, f/2.2 |
Battery | 4,575mAh (Typical) | 4,050mAh (User-Removable) |
Wired Charging | 27W Fast Charging (50% in ~30 min with 30W adapter - sold separately) | 15W Fast Charging (Support up to 25W with specific adapters); POGO Pin Charging |
Wireless Charging | 18W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen) / 12W (Qi-certified) | No (Standard Qi not supported; POGO charging cradles used instead) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, PTT (Push-to-Talk) |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (Supports DeX) |
Durability | IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (Front & Back) | IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); MIL-STD-810H Certified; Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ |
Dimensions | 5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm) | 6.65 x 3.15 x 0.39 in (168.8 x 79.9 x 9.9 mm) |
Weight | 6.60 oz (187 g) | 8.29 oz (235 g) |
Biometrics | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock (Class 3 - Banking app compatible) | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Recognition |
Extras | VPN by Google One, Clear Calling, Call Screen, Crash Detection, Temperature Sensor (Pro only - NOT on Pixel 8) | Two Programmable Keys (XCover Key, Top Key), Samsung DeX, Dual Microphones, Barometer |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Google Pixel 8
Rating:★4.6(1,129)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030)
Processor:Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
Graphics:Immortalis-G715s MC10
RAM:8GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1
Display Size:6.2"
Screen Type:Actua OLED, 120Hz, 2,000 nits (Peak)
Resolution:2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 428 ppi
Refresh Rate:60Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive LTPS)
Peak Brightness:1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:50MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 1/1.31", OIS, EIS, 2x Optical Quality Crop
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP, f/2.2, 126-degree FOV, Autofocus (Macro Focus)
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom
Optical Zoom:2x Optical Quality (via Main Sensor cropping)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom)
Video Recording:4K @ 60fps (10-bit HDR); Audio Magic Eraser
Front Camera:10.5MP Dual PD, f/2.2, Fixed Focus, 4K @ 60fps
Battery:4,575mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:27W Fast Charging (50% in ~30 min with 30W adapter - sold separately)
Wireless Charging:18W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen) / 12W (Qi-certified)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2
Durability:IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (Front & Back)
Dimensions:5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm)
Weight:6.60 oz (187 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock (Class 3 - Banking app compatible)
Extras:VPN by Google One, Clear Calling, Call Screen, Crash Detection, Temperature Sensor (Pro only - NOT on Pixel 8)
✓ Pros:
- • Unprecedented 7 years of full OS and security updates
- • Actua display is exceptionally bright (2,000 nits) and sharp
- • Face Unlock is now secure enough for banking/payments (Class 3)
- • Compact form factor with premium satin metal and glass finish
- • Smartest software features in class (Call Screen, Magic Editor)
✗ Cons:
- • Storage uses older UFS 3.1 standard (competitors use faster UFS 4.0)
- • Tensor G3 chip trails Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 in raw power and efficiency
- • Optical fingerprint sensor is slower/less reliable than ultrasonic rivals
- • Charging speed (27W) is relatively slow
- • Ultrawide camera lacks the higher resolution (48MP) found on the Pro model
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
Rating:★3.9(215)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (Enterprise Edition standard)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm)
Graphics:Adreno 642L
RAM:6GB
Storage:128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Display Size:6.6"
Screen Type:PLS LCD, 120Hz, Wet Touch & Glove Mode
Resolution:2408 x 1080 (FHD+)
Refresh Rate:120Hz
Peak Brightness:480 nits (Typical) / 500 nits (Peak) — optimized for indoor/industrial use
Main Camera:50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash
Ultra-Wide Camera:8MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 10x
Video Recording:4K UHD @ 30fps; 1080p @ 60fps
Front Camera:13MP, f/2.2
Battery:4,050mAh (User-Removable)
Wired Charging:15W Fast Charging (Support up to 25W with specific adapters); POGO Pin Charging
Wireless Charging:No (Standard Qi not supported; POGO charging cradles used instead)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, PTT (Push-to-Talk)
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (Supports DeX)
Durability:IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); MIL-STD-810H Certified; Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+
Dimensions:6.65 x 3.15 x 0.39 in (168.8 x 79.9 x 9.9 mm)
Weight:8.29 oz (235 g)
Biometrics:Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Recognition
Extras:Two Programmable Keys (XCover Key, Top Key), Samsung DeX, Dual Microphones, Barometer
✓ Pros:
- • User-removable battery is a rare and critical feature for field work
- • Rugged build (IP68/MIL-STD-810H) survives drops without a case
- • Physical programmable keys are excellent for Push-to-Talk or app launching
- • Supports Wi-Fi 6E and Samsung DeX for desktop-like productivity
- • Touchscreen works with gloves and in wet conditions
✗ Cons:
- • Display brightness (~500 nits) is low for outdoor use compared to S-series
- • No standard Qi wireless charging (requires proprietary POGO docks)
- • Charging speed is modest (15W included, 25W capable)
- • Cameras are functional but lack optical stabilization (OIS)
- • Price is high relative to raw performance specs (paying for ruggedness)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
Key specs: Display: 6.2" vs 6.6" and Battery: 4575 mAh vs 4050 mAh.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel 8 if: you want a bright 2,000 nits display for outdoor use, need 7 years of updates for longevity, or value excellent camera performance.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro if: you require a user-removable battery for fieldwork, need a rugged design that survives drops, or want programmable keys for quick access. (6.6" display, 4050 mAh battery)
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Google Pixel 8 excels if you value unprecedented 7 years of full os and security updates. Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro is better if you prioritize user-removable battery is a rare and critical feature for field work. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.