Google Pixel 9 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Ultimate Showdown!
A Google Pixel 9 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra comparison will help determine the best Android phone. Google hopes its new Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL will take down Samsung’s premium flagship.
Google has confirmed the Pixel 9 Pro will appear at the August 13 Made by Google event, showing off the upcoming flagship. But that phone could have some company in the form of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, a bigger version of the standard Pro with a screen to rival the size of the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Two phones may not be enough to overcome the Ultra, one of the best phones we’ve tested this year. In addition to a powerful chipset and long-lasting battery, the Galaxy S24 Ultra includes AI features that rival the smarts found on any phone — including Google’s.
Table of Specifications
| Google Pixel 9 Pro (rumored) | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL (rumored) | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.1 – 6.3 inches | 6.7 – 6.8 inches | 6.8 inches |
| CPU | Tensor G4 | Tensor G4 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| RAM | 16GB | 16GB | 12GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Rear cameras | 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto (5x zoom) | 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto (5x zoom) | 200MP main; 12MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto (5x zoom), 10MP telephoto (3x zoom) |
| Front camera | 50MP | 50MP | 12MP |
| Battery size | 4,558 mAh | 4,942 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Colors | Black, white, pink, green | Black, white, pink, green | Titanium Black, Titanium White, Titanium Violet, Titanium Yellow |
Design and Display
When discussing the Pixel 9 Pro, we’re really talking about two models, according to rumors. Google is allegedly making the Pixel 9 Pro more compact, shrinking its screen size to somewhere between 6.1 and 6.3 inches. Alongside the Pixel 9 Pro would be an XL model that would either match the 6.7-inch size of the Pixel 8 Pro or feature a slightly bigger 6.8-inch panel.
The latter size would match the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 6.8-inch OLED screen. Like the Ultra, we’d expect both Pixel models to offer displays with 120Hz refresh rates.
Brightness could be the big battleground for these displays. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is rated for a maximum brightness of 2,600 nits, though we measured it at 1,363 nits. Pixel 9 Pro rumors tip both models to match the 2,600-nit brightness of Samsung’s premium phone. We’ll see if that claim holds up once we get the new phones into our lab.
Learn more about the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Camera Capabilities
The Galaxy S24 Ultra ranks highly among the best camera phones. Samsung equips its top phone with a 200MP main camera with larger pixels for better low-light performance. There’s also a 12MP ultrawide camera and two telephoto lenses — one 10MP lens to support a 3x zoom and a 50MP shooter with a 5x zoom. That second lens arrived with some controversy, as it replaced a 10MP telephoto lens that offered a 10x zoom. Samsung traded a larger zoom for better resolution on close-ups.
We’re not expecting huge changes to the Pixel 9 Pro camera setup, at least in terms of megapixel counts on the rear cameras. Both Pro models are likely to have the same 50MP main camera as the Pixel 8 Pro. A 48MP ultrawide lens will also return, though reports suggest it will be a larger sensor. The same 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom that’s on the Pixel 8 Pro should be a part of the Pixel 9 Pro setup.
The Pixel 9 Pro’s front camera could get a significant megapixel boost over the current 10.5MP shooter. A rumor tips the new Pro phones to get an upgraded 50MP selfie cam with autofocus.
Check out the latest Google Pixel phones
AI Features
Hardware specs only tell part of the story with these camera phones, as AI-powered photo software plays a big role for both Google’s Pixel phones and the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Samsung’s phone added features like edit suggestions for improving your images, generative editing tools, and a feature that adds slow motion to any video you capture. Previous Pixels have come loaded with tools for removing unwanted objects from photos and improving group shots with a Best Take editor. The Pixel 9 Pro is rumored to be getting an Add Me feature where the person taking the photo can insert themselves into the shot, along with other AI capabilities.
Explore more about AI camera features
Pricing and Value
After a $100 price hike from its predecessor, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the most expensive smartphone that doesn’t fold, with a starting price of $1,299. That’s $300 more than Google’s most expensive non-foldable, the $999 Pixel 8 Pro.
While the Pixel 9 Pro pricing hasn’t been confirmed, it’s expected to remain competitive, especially considering the addition of the Pixel 9 Pro XL model. Google aims to offer a high-value proposition with powerful specs, impressive camera capabilities, and advanced AI features at a slightly lower price point than Samsung’s flagship.
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Conclusion
Both the Google Pixel 9 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra are shaping up to be standout Android phones for 2024. With their own strengths and unique features, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and specific needs. The Galaxy S24 Ultra offers incredible camera specs and high brightness levels, while the Pixel 9 Pro models bring innovative AI features and competitive pricing to the table.
FAQs
- What are the key differences between the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL? The main differences lie in their screen sizes, with the Pixel 9 Pro offering a more compact design and the Pixel 9 Pro XL providing a larger display similar to the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
- Which phone has a better camera setup? While both phones offer impressive camera specs, the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 200MP main camera and dual telephoto lenses give it an edge in versatility and zoom capabilities.
- What are the rumored AI features of the Pixel 9 Pro? The Pixel 9 Pro is rumored to include features like an Add Me function, where the person taking the photo can insert themselves into the shot, along with other AI capabilities.
- How does the battery life compare? The Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 5,000 mAh battery, while the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL have 4,558 mAh and 4,942 mAh batteries, respectively. The S24 Ultra may have a slight edge in battery capacity.
- What is the pricing difference between the two models? The Galaxy S24 Ultra starts at $1,299, which is $300 more than the expected price of the Pixel 9 Pro. The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s price is yet to be confirmed but is expected to be competitive.
