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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
Looking to decide between the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G? The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the flagship option here, offering unrivaled performance and features like a stunning 6.8" Super Actua display with 3,000 nits peak brightness. . The deciding factor here comes down to whether you need the high-end features of the Pixel or if you're looking to save money without sacrificing quality.
📱 Display: 6.8" vs 6.6"🔋 Battery: 5060 mAh vs 5000 mAh⚖️ Weight: 7.80 oz vs 7.37 oz
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Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
★4.4
(986)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G4
Graphics:Arm Mali-G715 MC7
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Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
★4.6
(389)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Processor:Samsung Exynos 1380 (5nm octa-core)
Graphics:Mali-G68 MP5
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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 9 Pro XL
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)Winner
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
6.6"
Refresh Rate
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
1–120Hz (Adaptive)
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Tensor G4
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
Samsung Exynos 1380 (5nm octa-core)
RAMKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
16GB LPDDR5XWinner
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
6GB
Storage
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1)
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
50MP, f/1.8, OIS, AF
Ultra-Wide Camera
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
8MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
5,060 mAh (Typical)Winner
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
5,000mAh (Typical)
Wireless Charging
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Up to 23W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
No (Not supported)
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
7.80 oz (221 g)
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
7.37 oz (209 g)Winner
Dimensions
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
6.4" x 3.0" x 0.3" (162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm)
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
6.37 x 3.07 x 0.32 in (161.7 x 78.0 x 8.2 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB; Dual Band GNSS
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
+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 9 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
★4.4(986)Amazon
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
★4.6(389)Best Buy
| Criterion | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | Samsung Galaxy A35 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(986)Amazon | ★4.6(389)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates | 4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates |
Processor | Google Tensor G4 | Samsung Exynos 1380 (5nm octa-core) |
Graphics | Arm Mali-G715 MC7 | Mali-G68 MP5 |
RAM | 16GB LPDDR5X | 6GB |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1) | 128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB) |
Display Size | 6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.6" |
Screen Type | Super Actua LTPO OLED | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1,000 nits (HBM) |
Resolution | 1344 x 2992 pixels (QHD+), 486 ppi | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 1–120Hz (Adaptive) | 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 2,000 nits (HDR) / 3,000 nits (Peak) | 1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS | 50MP, f/1.8, OIS, AF |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus | 8MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV |
Telephoto Camera | 48MP Telephoto (5x optical, f/2.8), Quad PD AF, OIS | No (Not supported) — Includes 5MP Macro f/2.4 |
Optical Zoom | 5x Optical Zoom (Optical quality at 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x, 10x) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x Super Res Zoom | Up to 10x |
Video Recording | 8K@30fps (via Video Boost); 4K@24/30/60fps | 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) @ 30fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps |
Front Camera | 42MP Front (f/2.2, 103° FOV), Dual PD AF | 13MP, f/2.2 |
Battery | 5,060 mAh (Typical) | 5,000mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | Up to 37W (charges up to 70% in ~30 min with Google 45W USB-C Charger) | 25W Super Fast Charging |
Wireless Charging | Up to 23W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share | No (Not supported) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB; Dual Band GNSS | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 | USB Type-C 2.0 (OTG) |
Durability | IP68 (Dust and water resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back) | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ (Front) |
Dimensions | 6.4" x 3.0" x 0.3" (162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm) | 6.37 x 3.07 x 0.32 in (161.7 x 78.0 x 8.2 mm) |
Weight | 7.80 oz (221 g) | 7.37 oz (209 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Unlock; Face Unlock | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Satellite SOS; Gemini AI integrated; Temperature sensor; VPN by Google One | Stereo speakers (Hybrid slot), Samsung Knox Vault, Samsung Wallet |
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Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Rating:★4.4(986)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G4
Graphics:Arm Mali-G715 MC7
RAM:16GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1)
Display Size:6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Super Actua LTPO OLED
Resolution:1344 x 2992 pixels (QHD+), 486 ppi
Refresh Rate:1–120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:2,000 nits (HDR) / 3,000 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus
Telephoto Camera:48MP Telephoto (5x optical, f/2.8), Quad PD AF, OIS
Optical Zoom:5x Optical Zoom (Optical quality at 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x, 10x)
Digital Zoom:Up to 30x Super Res Zoom
Video Recording:8K@30fps (via Video Boost); 4K@24/30/60fps
Front Camera:42MP Front (f/2.2, 103° FOV), Dual PD AF
Battery:5,060 mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:Up to 37W (charges up to 70% in ~30 min with Google 45W USB-C Charger)
Wireless Charging:Up to 23W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB; Dual Band GNSS
USB:USB Type-C 3.2
Durability:IP68 (Dust and water resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back)
Dimensions:6.4" x 3.0" x 0.3" (162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm)
Weight:7.80 oz (221 g)
Biometrics:Ultrasonic Fingerprint Unlock; Face Unlock
Extras:Satellite SOS; Gemini AI integrated; Temperature sensor; VPN by Google One
✓ Pros:
- • Industry-leading 7-year software support commitment
- • Super Actua display is exceptionally bright (3,000 nits peak)
- • Versatile camera system with 5x optical zoom and high-res 42MP selfie camera
- • Deep AI integration with Gemini and exclusive features like Video Boost
- • Premium build with uniform bezels and Gorilla Glass Victus 2
✗ Cons:
- • 8K video recording is not native on-device (requires cloud-based Video Boost processing)
- • UFS 3.1 storage is slower than the UFS 4.0 standard found in competitors
- • Heavy gaming performance lags behind Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 rivals
- • Charging speed (37W max) is slower than many flagship peers
- • Optical fingerprint sensor replaced by ultrasonic, but still requires good placement
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
Rating:★4.6(389)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Processor:Samsung Exynos 1380 (5nm octa-core)
Graphics:Mali-G68 MP5
RAM:6GB
Storage:128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Display Size:6.6"
Screen Type:Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1,000 nits (HBM)
Resolution:2340 x 1080 (FHD+)
Refresh Rate:120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode)
Main Camera:50MP, f/1.8, OIS, AF
Ultra-Wide Camera:8MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Includes 5MP Macro f/2.4
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 10x
Video Recording:4K UHD (3840 x 2160) @ 30fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps
Front Camera:13MP, f/2.2
Battery:5,000mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:25W Super Fast Charging
Wireless Charging:No (Not supported)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 2.0 (OTG)
Durability:IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ (Front)
Dimensions:6.37 x 3.07 x 0.32 in (161.7 x 78.0 x 8.2 mm)
Weight:7.37 oz (209 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Stereo speakers (Hybrid slot), Samsung Knox Vault, Samsung Wallet
✓ Pros:
- • Excellent software support (4 OS updates, 5 years security)
- • Bright 120Hz Super AMOLED display with Vision Booster
- • IP67 dust and water resistance rating
- • Premium glass back design (Gorilla Glass Victus+ front)
- • Reliable battery life with 5,000mAh capacity
✗ Cons:
- • Charging speed limited to 25W (Charger sold separately)
- • Virtual proximity sensor rather than hardware
- • No wireless charging support
- • Slightly thick bezels compared to premium models
- • No 3.5mm headphone jack
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Which one is better?
Grab the A35 5G if you want to save money while still enjoying great features - it's easier on your wallet.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL if: you need a stunning 6.8" display for media consumption, crave high-performance gaming with 16GB of RAM, or want seven years of software support.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G if: you want a reliable phone at a lower price, need a solid battery life for day-to-day use, or prefer expandable storage via microSD. (6.6" display, 5000 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 9 Pro XL excels if you value industry-leading 7-year software support commitment. Samsung Galaxy A35 5G is better if you prioritize excellent software support (4 os updates, 5 years security). 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.
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