When it comes to the best smartphones of 2024, two models stand out: Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra. These flagship devices, priced at $1,099 and $1,149 respectively, pack impressive features and performance, making the decision between them challenging.
This comparison delves into design, camera technology, gaming capabilities, battery life, and more to help you decide which of these top-tier smartphones is the best fit for you.
Design, Build and Ai Features
Both the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S24 Ultra feature 6.8-inch displays, though the Galaxy S24 Ultra appears larger due to its squared-off corners. Despite nearly identical dimensions, the S24 Ultra’s sharp corners make it less comfortable to hold. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a more stable back design with its horizontal camera bump, offering a handy finger rest for one-handed use—a feature the S24 Ultra lacks.
Both devices feature soft-touch matte glass backs, but the Pixel tends to show smudges more readily than the Galaxy. The S24 Ultra’s metal frame includes a touch of titanium, while the Pixel is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2. Both phones are IP68-rated for water and dust resistance.
Running on Android 14, both devices are expected to receive Android 15 by the end of 2024, with seven years of Android updates guaranteed. The Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S24 Ultra come equipped with in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensors and face unlock. Both support Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology for smartphone key functionality and offer AI features like Circle to Search and smart photo editing tools.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL comes with full Gemini support, including a year of Gemini Advanced for free, whereas the S24 Ultra requires a download from the Play Store. The Pixel’s stock Android experience offers a cleaner interface compared to Samsung’s One UI, which can feel heavy and redundant with features. However, the S24 Ultra’s S Pen is a unique advantage for quick notes or document signing.
Display and Audio Quality
Both devices offer top-tier displays, with the Pixel 9 Pro XL featuring a Super Actual OLED display at 1344 x 2992 resolution, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra has a Dynamic AMOLED display at 1440 x 3120 resolution. The difference in sharpness is minimal. Both screens support HDR10 streaming, with the S24 Ultra offering more customization options.
Brightness levels on both devices ensure good outdoor visibility, with the S24 Ultra’s anti-reflective coating adding an extra layer of clarity. Both phones also deliver strong stereo speaker output, with the S24 Ultra being slightly louder. Neither device includes a headphone jack, as expected on flagship models.
Performance and Battery Life
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL features the Google-Samsung Tensor G4. The Pixel offers 16GB of RAM compared to 12GB on the S24 Ultra. Both devices handle everyday tasks smoothly, but the S24 Ultra has the edge in gaming, maintaining 60 frames per second with fewer dips compared to the Pixel.
Both phones have vapor chambers for heat management, though they can still warm up during intense gaming. Gaming modes are basic on both, with the S24 Ultra featuring a priority mode and the Pixel offering YouTube streaming.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a slightly larger battery at 5,600mAh compared to the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 5,000mAh. However, the difference in battery life is minimal, with both devices lasting nearly 17 hours of continuous video playback in side-by-side tests. Charging speeds are similar, with the Pixel offering 37W wired charging and the S24 Ultra at 45W. Both support wireless charging, though the Pixel offers faster wireless speeds.
Cameras test
The Pixel’s primary shooter is a 50-megapixel sensor, while the S24 Ultra has a 200-megapixel main sensor. Both default to 12-megapixel images, which helps in low light.
The S24 Ultra tends to produce warmer photos, even with the scene optimizer off, while the Pixel offers a more natural vibe. Samsung’s camera slightly brightens indoor scenes, but the Pixel often delivers better night shots. Both phones handle HDR well, though the Pixel’s ultra-wide camera is superior, featuring a 48-megapixel sensor versus the S24 Ultra’s 12-megapixel one. The Pixel also excels in HDR shooting with its ultra-wide, while both offer strong zoom capabilities.
The S24 Ultra has a dual zoom system, reaching up to 100x, while the Pixel maxes out at 30x, often producing sharper images at that level. Both phones capture RAW images, but only the S24 Ultra has a dedicated Pro mode with adjustable settings like ISO and shutter speed. For ultra-wide shots, the Pixel’s 48-megapixel camera is better, especially for macro photography.
In video, both phones shoot in 4K at 60fps, with the S24 Ultra also offering 8K. The Pixel’s video boost requires cloud processing to achieve 8K. Both phones perform well in low light and have strong stabilization. The Pixel includes advanced audio eraser tools for cleaning up background noise. The Pixel’s 42-megapixel selfie camera is better for group shots compared to the S24 Ultra’s 12-megapixel one, with both capable of shooting in 4K at 60fps. The Pixel also handles bright backgrounds better and offers more natural skin tones compared to the S24 Ultra.
Final Thought
Deciding between the Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Galaxy S24 Ultra depends on your priorities. The Pixel offers a superior camera experience and a cleaner Android interface, while the S24 Ultra excels in gaming and includes the versatile S Pen. Both are exceptional devices, but your choice will depend on what features matter most to you.
Let me know in the comments which one you think is best for you: the Pixel 9 Pro XL or the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
