Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy s24 Ultra -Which Is The Best Flagship
The smartphone arena is constantly evolving, and two of the most anticipated flagships of 2024 are the Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Both devices bring remarkable features and powerful performance, making it difficult for users to choose between them. In this article, we’ll explore the hardware, software, camera capabilities, battery life, and overall performance of these two devices to help you determine which one is right for you.
Hardware and Design
When it comes to hardware and design, both the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S24 Ultra are crafted with premium materials, though they showcase distinct styles.
Pixel 9 Pro XL features a flat aluminum frame with an iconic camera visor that is both stylish and functional. The device is designed to be comfortable in hand, with softened edges reminiscent of the iPhone’s boxy look but with a more ergonomic feel. Its glossy aluminum body gives the device a sleek, high-end appearance.
On the other hand, the Galaxy S24 Ultra sticks to Samsung’s tried-and-tested design with minor refinements. The phone is built with a titanium frame, which not only adds durability but also provides a matte finish that reduces fingerprints. The S24 Ultra is slightly heavier than the Pixel, but its curved side rails and flat top and bottom make it easier to grip. Its four-camera setup has remained a signature feature of Samsung’s Ultra series.
Table 1: Hardware and Design Comparison
| Feature | Pixel 9 Pro XL | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Glossy aluminum | Matte titanium |
| Design | Flat with camera visor | Curved edges with boxy frame |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Build Comfort | Ergonomically comfortable | Sturdier but heavier |
Display
Both the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S24 Ultra offer large 6.8-inch QHD+ displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, but there are differences in brightness and features.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a brighter display with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, making it ideal for outdoor viewing under bright conditions. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, on the other hand, offers 2,600 nits with an anti-reflective coating that improves visibility in sunlight by minimizing glare. Although the Pixel’s display is brighter, Samsung’s technology provides better overall visibility in various lighting conditions.
Performance and Storage
Performance is where the Galaxy S24 Ultra pulls ahead. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the S24 Ultra delivers superior processing power for gaming, multitasking, and general use. Its UFS 4.0 storage ensures faster data transfer and app loading times.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is equipped with Google’s Tensor G4 chipset, which is optimized for AI-driven tasks. While the Tensor G4 offers impressive performance in areas such as voice recognition and photo editing, it struggles to match the raw power of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in benchmarks and gaming.
Table 2: Performance and Storage Comparison
| Feature | Pixel 9 Pro XL | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Google Tensor G4 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| RAM | 16GB | 12GB |
| Storage | UFS 3.1 | UFS 4.0 |
| AI Optimization | Strong for AI tasks | Balanced AI and performance |
Software and Features
Both phones run on Android 14, but the experiences differ due to each brand’s unique interface.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a clean, stock Android experience with a focus on AI integration. Google’s suite of AI tools, such as Pixel Screenshots and Reimagine, enhances productivity and creativity.
Samsung’s One UI 6.1 adds a layer of customization and additional features. The S Pen, a feature exclusive to the Galaxy S24 Ultra, offers users added versatility, allowing for precise note-taking, sketching, and enhanced control over certain apps.
While Samsung’s interface is more feature-packed, the Pixel’s minimalist approach appeals to users who prefer simplicity and fewer customizations out of the box.
Camera Comparison
The camera is another key area where both phones shine, but in different ways.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL boasts a 50MP main sensor, 48MP ultrawide, and 50MP 5x telephoto lens, with Google’s renowned computational photography enhancing image quality.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a 200MP main sensor, 50MP 5x telephoto, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. Samsung’s camera is superior in terms of raw megapixel count and overall versatility.
While the Pixel excels in AI-assisted features like Video Boost, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the king when it comes to videography and 8K video recording. It also offers more zoom flexibility, though Google’s camera performs better with moving subjects.
Table 3: Camera System Comparison
| Feature | Pixel 9 Pro XL | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 50MP | 200MP |
| Telephoto Camera | 50MP (5x zoom) | 50MP (5x zoom) |
| Ultrawide Camera | 48MP | 12MP |
| Video Capabilities | 4K video, AI-enhanced | 8K video, Pro controls |
Battery and Charging
The battery life and charging speeds of both phones are quite similar, but there are key differences.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 5,060mAh battery with 37W wired charging and 23W wireless charging. While these numbers are respectable, the actual charging time is slower than some competitors.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with a 5,000mAh battery and supports 45W wired charging. However, wireless charging is capped at 15W. Despite the Galaxy having faster wired charging, both phones take over an hour to fully charge, which is slower than other flagship models on the market.
In terms of battery endurance, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is more efficient, giving the Galaxy S24 Ultra a slight edge in power management during heavy usage.
Price and Availability
Price plays a major role in determining which phone to choose:
The Pixel 9 Pro XL starts at $1,099 for 128GB of storage, while upgrading to 256GB costs a little more.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra starts at $1,299, but it includes 256GB of storage and the S Pen, adding more value for those who use these features.
Both phones come with a 7-year software update promise, ensuring they remain relevant well into the future.
Final Verdict
The choice between the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S24 Ultra comes down to what you value most in a smartphone.
If you prioritize AI capabilities, a clean Android experience, and a slightly lower price, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the right choice for you.
However, if you prefer top-tier performance, a more versatile camera setup, and the addition of the S Pen, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is undoubtedly the better option.
FAQ’s
1. Which phone is better for gaming?
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is better suited for gaming due to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and UFS 4.0 storage, which ensure faster performance and better frame rates.
2. How does the camera quality compare between the two phones?
Both phones offer excellent cameras, but the Pixel 9 Pro XL excels in computational photography, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra provides better zoom capabilities and videography features.
3. How long will each phone be supported with updates?
Both the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S24 Ultra promise 7 years of software updates, meaning they’ll receive updates until 2031.
4. Is the S Pen useful for everyday tasks?
Yes, the S Pen on the Galaxy S24 Ultra adds a layer of functionality, making it useful for note-taking, sketching, and more precise control over apps.
5. Which phone offers better battery life?
While both phones have similar battery capacities, the Galaxy S24 Ultra may offer slightly better efficiency due to its more power-efficient chipset. However, both phones are capable of lasting a full day of intensive use.
