Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Samsung S24 Ultra: Which Flagship Should You Buy?

Specifications

Review

In the ever-evolving world of flagship smartphones, two giants have risen to the top of the 2024 charts: the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Both phones represent the very best their respective companies have to offer, pushing the boundaries of hardware, software, and user experience. If you’re trying to decide between these two powerhouses, you’re not alone.

In this deep dive, we’ll compare the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Samsung S24 Ultra across design, display, performance, camera, battery life, and overall value  based on real-world usage, not just specs on paper.

Design

Let’s start with the physical feel of each device. The Pixel 9 Pro XL rocks a flat aluminum frame with a minimal, clean look that, frankly, reminds some users of the iPhone’s modern design. It’s not a bad thing  in fact, many prefer it. It’s light in the hand and easy to grip.

Samsung, on the other hand, doubles down on luxury. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is built with a titanium frame, giving it that unmistakable premium weight and finish. Add in the S Pen, subtly integrated into the body, and you’ve got more than just a phone  it’s a productivity tool.

The camera designs also differ. Google continues with its iconic horizontal camera bar, while Samsung keeps its triple-lens setup clean and separated. Holding either phone feels premium, but in terms of industrial design, Samsung might have the edge.

Display

When it comes to displays, both are top-tier  but the differences matter.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL boasts a 6.7-inch Super LTPO OLED display, 120Hz refresh rate, and a stunning peak brightness of 3000 nits. It’s sharp, punchy, and vibrant in all lighting conditions. But here’s the catch: it lacks an anti-reflective coating. So in harsh sunlight, you might catch a bit more glare than you’d like.

Samsung’s Dynamic AMOLED display on the Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with 2600 nits peak brightness, Gorilla Glass Armor for better durability, and  importantly  an anti-reflective layer. It makes a bigger difference than you’d think. The reflections are significantly reduced, and the viewing experience feels more immersive, especially outdoors.

If you’re someone who uses their phone outdoors a lot or cares deeply about reflection control, Samsung takes the win here.

Performance: Snapdragon vs Tensor

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra packs the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL features Google’s in-house Tensor G4 chip. Now, if you’re into benchmarks, Samsung technically comes out ahead. But real-world usage paints a more nuanced picture.

For day-to-day tasks  messaging, YouTube, browsing, gaming, and switching between apps  both phones are fast, fluid, and reliable. Unless you’re benchmarking all day long or running intensive apps, you’re unlikely to notice much difference.

However, the S24 Ultra feels just a hair smoother during transitions and heavy multitasking. And if you’re a mobile gamer, Samsung might give you a better experience in demanding titles.

Software Experience: Stock vs Skinned

Google has slowly evolved its Pixel software from pure stock Android to what is now being referred to as “Pixel UI.” It still carries the clean, Material You design language with personalization and AI enhancements baked in, but it’s not as barebones as previous generations.

Samsung’s One UI 6, layered on top of Android 14, is rich with features. It’s mature, customizable, and comes with Galaxy AI tools. However, not everyone uses these tools daily.

Both phones are promised seven years of software support, which is a huge win for buyers. It comes down to preference: do you want a clean, smart Pixel experience, or the powerful feature-set of One UI?

Camera Comparison

Now we get to one of the most important parts of any flagship phone: the camera.

Samsung comes out swinging with a 200MP main sensor, 10x optical zoom (up to 100x digital), and an 8K video mode. It’s an absolute beast. The zoom, in particular, is unmatched. If you like photographing far-away subjects, wildlife, concerts, cityscapes  the S24 Ultra is in a league of its own.

But the Pixel 9 Pro XL might surprise you. While it “only” packs 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP telephoto lenses, the image processing is where Google shines. Photos from the Pixel look natural, sharp, and true-to-life  almost like you had a DSLR in your pocket.

For everyday photography  portraits, food shots, night mode  the Pixel wins with consistency. If zoom and advanced camera control are your priority, go Samsung. If you want the best out-of-the-box photo experience, pick Pixel.

Battery & Charging

The Pixel 9 Pro XL packs a slightly larger 5600mAh battery compared to Samsung’s 5000mAh cell. Surprisingly, standby time on the Pixel is outstanding, often dropping just 2-3% overnight.

However, Samsung claws back with faster charging speeds. The S24 Ultra supports 45W fast charging, while the Pixel still maxes out around 30-37W. In practice, that means you’ll get to 100% quicker on the S24 Ultra.

Both phones will last a full day easily, so the choice comes down to whether you prioritize faster top-ups or longer standby.

Price & Value

The Galaxy S24 Ultra starts at $1,299 with 256GB of base storage, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL is priced slightly lower at $1,099 but comes with only 128GB by default. You’ll need to pay an additional $100 to upgrade to 256GB on the Pixel. Samsung’s pricing tends to fluctuate more, but it often includes promotional deals and trade-in offers that can reduce the cost.

For the extra cost, you get slightly better hardware across the board with Samsung. But the Pixel offers better photo quality and an arguably better Android software experience.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

If we had to pick just one based on an all-around experience, it would be the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra  thanks to its robust hardware, versatile camera system, better charging, and anti-reflective display.

But that doesn’t mean the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a bad choice. In fact, it’s the best Pixel ever made, and its photography and software experience make it an excellent everyday phone.

In the battle of Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Samsung S24 Ultra, there’s no wrong answer, just the one that fits your lifestyle better.

FAQs

Follow Phoonomo to never miss an update