In recent years, Google has been steadily climbing the ranks in the smartphone industry, and with the release of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, they’re making it clear they intend to be a top contender. This new device boasts high-end features and hardware with minimal compromises, all while introducing innovative AI features. But how does it stack up against Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra, a well-established leader in the smartphone market? This comparison will help you decide which Android flagship is the better buy.
Google’s approach with the Pixel 9 Pro XL marks a significant shift from its previous strategy of creating affordable flagship smartphones by making smart trade-offs. This time, Google is offering top-tier hardware with few compromises, yet the Pixel 9 Pro XL is still priced lower than the Galaxy S24 Ultra, particularly if you opt for the smaller Pixel 9 Pro model with its 6.3-inch screen.
When it comes to display technology, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL scores its first victory. Both phones feature QHD resolution, 120Hz refresh rates, and LTPO technology, but the Pixel 9 Pro XL edges ahead with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, compared to the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 2,600 nits. Although the difference in brightness may seem significant on paper, it’s less noticeable in real-world usage. However, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has an advantage in outdoor visibility with a display that reduces reflections and is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which is more resistant to scratches compared to the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is the first to feature Google’s Tensor G4 chip, but it remains to be seen how it performs in real-world scenarios. Previous Tensor chips have lagged slightly behind industry leaders, and if that trend continues, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, may have a slight edge in performance. However, Google has introduced a vapor chamber in the Pixel 9 Pro XL to help maintain strong performance over time, and with 16GB of RAM, it offers more memory than the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 12GB.
While some of the Pixel’s memory is dedicated to Google’s AI models like Gen Nano and Imageen 3, the Galaxy S24 Ultra also comes with Samsung’s AI features, though there’s no indication that its memory is specifically set aside for them.
One of the standout features of the Galaxy S24 Ultra is its S Pen, which is built into the device, making it a convenient tool for note-taking and creative tasks. The Pixel 9 Pro XL does not include or support a stylus, which could be a drawback for some users.
On the software front, Google’s Pixel UI is known for being simple and lightweight, with new features like an automatic call summary and a Pixel Studio app for AI-generated images. In contrast, Samsung’s One UI is packed with features, including a wide range of AI tools powered by Galaxy AI. Both phones promise seven years of software updates, but Samsung has a better track record of bringing new AI features to older models, like how Galaxy AI was added to the Galaxy S22 series.
The design of the Pixel 9 Pro XL now aligns more closely with Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra, as both phones have moved away from curved displays to flat-edge designs. This change is good news for screen protector users and makes screen replacements easier. The Pixel 9 Pro XL retains Google’s signature camera bar, though with a new design, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra features a simpler camera layout. Which design you prefer ultimately comes down to personal taste.
When it comes to camera performance, Google and Samsung have always been strong competitors. The Pixel 9 Pro XL mostly retains the same hardware as its predecessor, except for a significant upgrade to the selfie camera, which now boasts 42 megapixels, up from 10.5 megapixels. On the other hand, the Galaxy S24 Ultra features a 200-megapixel main camera and an extra 3x telephoto lens. However, Samsung uses pixel binning, reducing the final photo to 12.5 megapixels, which allows for capturing more detail, though most users won’t utilize the full 200-megapixel option.
Both phones come equipped with numerous AI features for photo editing, such as removing or changing parts of an image. The Pixel 9 Pro XL also introduces new Magic Editor features, though these might eventually be available on other Android phones through a Google One subscription.
Battery life is another area where the Galaxy S24 Ultra excels, as Google’s efficiency record isn’t as strong. The Pixel 9 Pro XL now supports a 45-watt adapter, which uses the same charging standard as the Galaxy S24 Ultra, allowing it to charge to 70% in just 30 minutes—a significant improvement over its predecessor. However, the smaller Pixel 9 Pro is limited to 27-watt fast charging.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is available for pre-order at $999 or $1,099 with a year of Google One AI premium included, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which initially launched at $1,299, can now be found at a lower price and offers double the base storage of 256GB compared to the Pixel 9 Pro’s 128GB. As prices drop, the gap between these two flagship models narrows significantly.
The differences between Google and Samsung’s flagship phones have never been smaller. The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers fewer hardware compromises than its predecessors but comes at a lower price point. However, the Galaxy S24 Ultra still stands out in a few key areas, such as being the only phone with a built-in stylus.
If you’re not a heavy mobile gamer or a frequent note-taker, the Pixel 9 Pro XL will more than meet your needs, thanks to its upgraded camera and Google’s focus on AI, making it one of the best value Android phones available. But if you’re looking for the most feature-packed Android experience with minimal compromises, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is likely the better choice.
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Shop no. 20 A kensington village shopping center, 8 sovereigns ave, Bray Park QLD 4500
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4/28 Elizabeth St, Acacia Ridge QLD 4110 Brisbane Australia
gadget.kings.prs@gmail.com