Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S24 Ultra are two of the most powerful smartphones on the market, both offering cutting-edge technology and premium designs. However, choosing between them can be challenging, given their distinct advantages in different areas. This detailed comparison will help you decide which of these flagship devices better suits your needs.
Design
Features: The Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Galaxy S24 Ultra both sport high-quality builds, but they take different approaches to design. The Pixel 9 Pro XL features a glass front and back made of Gorilla Glass Victus 2, with an aluminum frame, giving it a sleek and durable feel. In contrast, the Galaxy S24 Ultra goes a step further with Corning Gorilla Armor for both the front and back, and a titanium frame, which is not only stronger but also lighter than aluminum.
Similarities: Both devices are IP68 rated, meaning they are dust and water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, ensuring durability in various environments. They also share a similar form factor with almost identical screen sizes, making them comparable in terms of handling and portability.
Differences: The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s titanium frame gives it an edge in robustness and premium feel, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s design leans towards a more traditional and minimalist aesthetic. Additionally, the S24 Ultra includes a built-in stylus with Bluetooth integration, a feature the Pixel lacks.
Advantages: For users who prioritize build quality and additional functionality, the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s use of titanium and the inclusion of a stylus make it the superior choice. However, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a sleek and slightly lighter design that might appeal to users who prefer a more understated look.
Which Is Better? In terms of design, the Galaxy S24 Ultra edges out the Pixel 9 Pro XL, particularly for those who value premium materials and additional features like the stylus.
Display, Media, and Software
Features: The Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display with a resolution of 1344 x 2992 pixels, offering a peak brightness of 3000 nits. It supports a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and always-on display functionality. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, on the other hand, boasts a 6.8-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with a higher resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels and a peak brightness of 2600 nits. It also supports a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and has an always-on display feature.
Similarities: Both displays offer stunning visuals with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high brightness levels, making them perfect for media consumption. They also share similar sizes, refresh rates, and HDR capabilities, ensuring smooth and immersive viewing experiences.
Differences: The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s display is slightly less sharp than the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s due to its lower resolution, though it compensates with higher peak brightness. Additionally, the S24 Ultra’s display is equipped with Corning Gorilla Armor, providing enhanced protection compared to the Pixel’s Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
Advantages: For media consumption, the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s higher resolution and superior display protection offer a more premium experience. However, the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s higher peak brightness can be advantageous in bright outdoor conditions.
Which Is Better? The Galaxy S24 Ultra wins in the display department, especially for those who prioritize higher resolution and additional screen protection.
Performance and Battery
Features: The Pixel 9 Pro XL is powered by Google’s Tensor G4 chipset, an octa-core processor with a Mali-G715 MC7 GPU. It comes with up to 1TB of storage and 16GB of RAM, but it uses UFS 3.1 storage technology. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, in contrast, is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, also an octa-core processor, paired with the Adreno 750 GPU. It offers up to 1TB of storage with 12GB of RAM but utilizes faster UFS 4.0 storage.
Similarities: Both devices offer flagship-level performance with cutting-edge processors and ample RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking, gaming, and media experiences. They are also both equipped with Android 14 and promise up to seven major Android upgrades.
Differences: The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and UFS 4.0 storage provide faster performance and data transfer speeds than the Tensor G4 and UFS 3.1 in the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Additionally, while both have similarly sized batteries (5000 mAh in the Galaxy S24 Ultra and 5060 mAh in the Pixel 9 Pro XL), the S24 Ultra supports faster wired charging (45W vs. 37W) and slightly slower wireless charging (15W vs. 23W).
Advantages: The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s superior processing power and faster storage technology give it a clear performance edge, especially for power users and gamers. However, the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s slightly larger battery and faster wireless charging might appeal to those who prioritize battery life and convenience.
Which is better? The Galaxy S24 Ultra is the leader in performance, offering a faster, more efficient overall experience.
Cameras
Features: The Pixel 9 Pro XL features a triple-camera setup: a 50MP wide lens, a 48MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 48MP ultrawide lens. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, however, offers a more complex quad-camera system: a 200MP wide lens, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens.
Similarities: Both smartphones excel in photography, offering versatile setups with wide, telephoto, and ultrawide capabilities. They both support 8K video recording and include advanced features like optical image stabilization (OIS) and multi-directional phase detection autofocus (PDAF).
Differences: The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 200MP wide lens offers unparalleled detail, especially in well-lit conditions, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL focuses on computational photography with features like Best Take and Zoom Enhance. Additionally, the S24 Ultra includes two telephoto lenses, allowing for more flexibility in zoom capabilities.
Advantages: The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s camera setup provides more versatility and higher resolution, making it the better choice for photography enthusiasts who need maximum detail and flexibility. The Pixel 9 Pro XL, however, offers superior software-driven photography features that produce excellent results with less effort, making it ideal for casual photographers.
Which Is Better? In terms of hardware, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the clear winner, but the Pixel 9 Pro XL might be preferable for users who prioritize ease of use and computational photography.
Conclusion:
Galaxy S24 Ultra: Excels in build quality, display, performance, and camera versatility. Ideal for users who demand top-tier hardware, additional features like a stylus, and a more immersive media experience.
Pixel 9 Pro XL: Offers a more affordable option with superior software-driven features, higher peak brightness, and faster wireless charging. Best for those who prefer Google’s ecosystem and a minimalist design.
Our Opinion: If you’re a power user who values cutting-edge technology, premium materials, and the best possible camera experience, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the better buy. However, if you appreciate the simplicity and efficiency of Google’s software, along with a focus on user-friendly features, the Pixel 9 Pro XL might be the smartphone for you. Ultimately, the choice comes down to your specific needs and preferences.
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