Google Pixel 9 vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra - Which one is the best?
Display
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a massive 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a truly immersive viewing experience. The screen is large and vivid, with sharp colors and deep contrasts, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and working on detailed tasks. It’s perfect for outdoor visibility as well, with its high brightness levels ensuring clarity even in direct sunlight. The slight curve on the edges adds a premium feel but doesn't interfere with usability, which I appreciate.
Google Pixel 9: The Pixel 9, on the other hand, comes with a 6.3-inch Actua Display, also featuring a 120Hz refresh rate. While smaller than the Galaxy S24 Ultra, the screen size is ideal for single-handed use. Despite the size difference, the display quality is excellent, and Google has fine-tuned the color accuracy, making it vibrant without being overly saturated. The flat display is a plus for those who prefer a traditional look and feel without curved edges. It feels more compact and easy to handle.
Comparison: If you prefer a larger, more immersive display, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the clear winner. However, the Pixel 9 offers a great balance of size and usability, ideal for those who prioritize one-handed comfort.
Related: Samsung galaxy s24 ultra case at its best price on Amazon
Camera
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: This phone is a camera powerhouse. It boasts a 200MP main sensor, which truly lives up to its promise of incredible detail, especially in well-lit conditions. The zoom capabilities are out of this world with 100x Space Zoom, allowing you to capture faraway objects with surprising clarity. The Nightography mode also performs well, brightening up low-light scenes impressively. For someone who enjoys photography or creating content, this camera setup offers professional-level versatility.
Google Pixel 9: The Pixel 9 is more about practical excellence rather than over-the-top specs. It has a 50MP main sensor and a 48MP ultra-wide lens, both of which produce stunningly sharp and color-accurate images. What sets Pixel apart is Google's AI magic. Features like Magic Editor and Best Take elevate simple shots to an artistic level. The AI-driven post-processing makes it easier to create well-balanced, visually stunning photos. It’s fantastic for everyday photography where you don’t need to fiddle too much with settings.
Comparison: If you're all about raw camera specs and zooming capabilities, the Galaxy S24 Ultra leads the way. But if you prefer smart, AI-enhanced photography with minimal effort, the Pixel 9 offers an excellent experience.
Performance and Processor
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is an absolute beast in terms of performance. Multitasking is fluid, and apps load instantly with no noticeable lag. Whether you're gaming, streaming, or switching between several apps, the phone handles it without breaking a sweat. The 12GB of RAM also ensures smooth performance during heavy usage. Even with demanding tasks, the phone rarely overheats or slows down.
Google Pixel 9: The Pixel 9 comes with Google’s in-house Tensor G4 processor, which, while not as powerful as Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, still provides excellent performance. It's built for efficiency and handles Google’s AI functionalities seamlessly. For everyday tasks, it's more than sufficient, but it does show signs of lag when pushed to its limits in high-end gaming or heavy multitasking. The 12GB of RAM helps keep things relatively smooth, but it doesn’t quite match the fluidity of the S24 Ultra in intense scenarios.
Comparison: For power users, especially those who game or multitask frequently, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out. However, if you prioritize efficient AI features and smoother day-to-day operations, the Pixel 9 offers a solid performance.
Battery Life
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: The battery life on the Galaxy S24 Ultra is impressive. With a large 5000mAh battery, it easily lasts a full day, even with heavy usage. Features like power-saving modes and fast charging help keep it juiced up quickly. The longevity of the battery is a strong selling point, especially for power users who need their phones to last through long workdays.
Google Pixel 9: The Pixel 9, with its smaller size, also holds up well in the battery department. Its 24-hour battery claim is accurate for moderate usage, but if you push it with gaming or heavy multitasking, you may find yourself reaching for the charger by the evening. The Extreme Battery Saver mode, which can stretch up to 100 hours, is a neat feature for when you need to conserve power, but it limits phone functionality.
Comparison: While both phones offer solid battery life, the Galaxy S24 Ultra edges out the Pixel 9 for heavy users who need to power through demanding tasks all day long.
Design & Build
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: The Galaxy S24 Ultra looks and feels premium with its Titanium Black finish and slightly curved screen edges. It’s a large phone, no doubt, and may feel bulky in smaller hands. The build quality is excellent, and the inclusion of the S Pen is a bonus for those who like to take notes or draw. However, its size makes it harder to carry in smaller pockets or bags.
Google Pixel 9: The Pixel 9 has a sleek, understated design that feels more comfortable to hold. The flat display and the smooth Obsidian finish give it a minimalistic yet modern look. Despite being slightly less premium in feel than the Galaxy, it’s practical, and the compact size makes it easier to use and carry around. Plus, with 7 years of software updates, it's built to last.
Comparison: The Galaxy S24 Ultra is designed for those who want premium build quality and don’t mind the extra heft, while the Pixel 9 offers a more compact, user-friendly design.
Price
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (512GB): $1,000
- Google Pixel 9 (128GB): More affordable, $767
Overall Performance
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: In terms of overall performance, the S24 Ultra excels in almost every aspect: camera, display, multitasking, and battery life. It is designed for users who demand top-tier specs and are willing to pay for them. However, it may be overkill for those who don’t need all the bells and whistles.
Google Pixel 9: The Pixel 9 offers a balanced experience. While it doesn’t compete with the S24 Ultra in terms of raw power, it is a highly efficient and practical device. The AI-driven features, reliable camera system, and smooth user experience make it a great choice for everyday users.
Final Suggestion
For Power Users: If you’re someone who needs the absolute best in terms of specs, camera performance, and display quality, go for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
For Everyday Users: If you want a solid, AI-enhanced experience with a reliable camera and compact design at a more affordable price, the Google Pixel 9 is your best bet.
