Google Pixel 10 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 — both series have record-low prices right now, but which is the better buy?

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra REVIEW
(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

There's perhaps been no better time to consider picking up a new Android device this year than right now. Both the latest Google Pixel 10 series and the new(ish) Samsung Galaxy S26 series are on sale for the lowest prices we've seen so far.

For example, the Google Pixel 10 is just $549 (was $799) at Amazon right now, which is a match for the previous record from Black Friday. It's a price that makes the standard Pixel 10 just $50 more than the standard retail price of the mid-range Pixel 10a, but of course, that device also happens to be on sale for a record-low price of $449 (was $499) at the same retailer.

Today's best Google Pixel 10 deals

Google Pixel 10
Google Pixel 10: was $799 now $549 at Amazon

The Google Pixel 10 is back down to its record-low price today at Amazon - the same price as all the way back on Black Friday last year. At just $549 upfront, this one is an absolute steal if you're looking for an unlocked flagship that can duke it out with the best of them. The discounts apply to both the baseline 128GB storage variant and the 256GB version, should you require more storage.

Google Pixel 10 Pro
Google Pixel 10 Pro: was $999 now $749 at Amazon

Those record-low prices continue on the Pixel 10 Pro series today at Amazon, although this particular discount has cropped up regularly at the carrier. Still, a fantastic price that's cheaper than the standard Pixel 10's original retail price, and one that doesn't require the usual trade-in criteria or plans to be eligible.

Google Pixel 10a
Google Pixel 10a: was $499 now $449 at Amazon

Finally, if you're really on a budget, you may want to consider Amazon's price cut on the new Google Pixel 10a. The $50 discount isn't huge, but this is still a record-low price, and the Pixel 10a was already pretty damn cheap to begin with. With a lovely 'bumpless' design, this one definitely appeals to those who prefer a more minimalist phone that can nonetheless keep up with the competition.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL: $1,199$699, plus one year of unlimited data for $15/mo at Mint Mobile
Recommended

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL: was $1,199 now $699, plus one year of unlimited data for $15/mo at Mint Mobile
If you're looking to bundle up an excellent device with a cheap unlimited plan, consider Mint's deal on the Pixel 10 Pro XL this week. The carrier is currently offering a massive $500 price cut on this device right now, alongside a full year of unlimited data for half price. Since no trades are needed, this is a fantastic choice - although note, we did see Mint offer $600 off this device with the same terms over Black Friday, so this isn't a record-breaking deal.

Google Pixel: was $799 now $549
Google Pixel 10 Pro: was $999 now $724

Today's best Samsung Galaxy S26 deals

Samsung Galaxy S26 series: get up to $720 off with a trade-in, or $200 off upfront at Samsung

Samsung Galaxy S26 series: get up to $720 off with a trade-in, or $200 off upfront at Samsung
Samsung has just switched up its deals on the latest Galaxy S26 series this week, offering a compelling choice between a healthy trade-in rebate of up to $720 off or an upfront discount of up to $200. While we've seen bigger trade rebates before (up to $900), the upfront discount is a new record-low price and definitely a fantastic deal if you're looking to buy a device upfront.

Samsung Galaxy S26 series: $500 off, plus a trade-in rebate of up to $400 at Mint Mobile

Samsung Galaxy S26 series: $500 off, plus a trade-in rebate of up to $400 at Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile has just debuted the best deal yet from a prepaid carrier on the latest Galaxy S26 series. For a limited time, you'll be able to get a massive $500 upfront discount across the entire series, as well as the option to trade-in for a further discount of up to $400. Combined, that's enough to cover the entire cost of the standard Galaxy S26 - and, you also get a full year of unlimited data for just $180 (that's half price) as well.

Samsung Galaxy S26: $480 off with plan, plus trade-in rebates at Visible Wireless

Samsung Galaxy S26: $480 off with plan, plus trade-in rebates at Visible Wireless
Visible Wireless' excellent deal on the Galaxy S26 gets you a healthy $480 rebate over the duration of 24 months without even having to trade-in. All that's required here is a new line on the carrier's premium Visible Pro Plus plan, and you're good to go. You can even trade in for a further discount if you're looking to upgrade specifically.

What device is the better buy right now?

A composite image of the Samsung Galaxy S25 and Google Pixel 10

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Both ranges are fantastic across the board, but the Pixel 10 series tends to lean towards value while the Galaxy S26 series has more power under the hood. My personal choice would be the standard Google Pixel 10, but there's no doubt the Galaxy S26 series has the edge when it comes to performance - and the baseline device also starts with 256GB storage capacity.

If you're going for a high-end device, then it's really hard not to recommend the absolutely stunning Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. Even with $200 off, it's a pricey buy, but you get a fantastic 6.9-inch display, exceptional performance, and a surprisingly lightweight design for a smartphone of its size.

Alex Whitelock
Retail Editor

Alex is TechRadar's retail editor, specializing in buying advice and general tips on how to save our readers as much cash as possible. He's covered major retail events in some capacity for over seven years now; both in editorial and other ecommerce adjacent roles on TechRadar, T3, GamesRadar, and other Future PLC sites. Alex's expertise touches on most areas, but he has a particular love for phones, laptops, and cameras, being an avid photographer.

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