They say compact flagships are a dying breed, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The Google Pixel 8 and Samsung Galaxy S24 prove there’s still room for smaller phones that don’t compromise on power or design. Both are built for people who want top-tier performance and cameras in a more manageable size and this year’s battle between them is closer than ever.
At first glance, these two smartphones are cut from the same cloth: both sleek, pocket-friendly, and packed with flagship-level hardware. Yet, they go about things differently, and those small details make all the difference.
Design and Build Quality
The Pixel 8 and Galaxy S24 are remarkably similar in size, but Samsung manages to make its phone around 10% lighter. The Galaxy’s flat sides and subtle camera rings lend it a cleaner, more minimal look. The Pixel 8, on the other hand, carries Google’s signature rounded edges and the familiar camera bar stretching across the back, beautiful to some, awkward to others, especially when it occasionally catches on your pocket.
Both phones use a mix of glass and metal for that premium in-hand feel, and both are IP68-rated, so you won’t have to worry about dust or water. Buttons are tactile on both, but Samsung’s ultrasonic fingerprint reader is noticeably more accurate and faster than the optical sensor on the Pixel.
When it comes to compact phones, comfort and usability matter, and both of these devices fit easily in one hand. They’re proof that small doesn’t have to mean less capable.
Display
Each phone sports a 6.2-inch Full HD+ AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering fluid scrolling and punchy visuals. On paper, it’s almost identical but when you put them side by side, the Galaxy S24’s screen stands out.
Samsung’s extra brightness toggle makes a clear difference under direct sunlight, giving the display a noticeable edge in outdoor visibility. The Pixel 8’s screen is still bright, sharp, and colorful, but it doesn’t hit quite the same peak brightness as Samsung’s.
Both panels are flat, which is a welcome sight for those who dislike curved edges. For compact devices like these, flat displays not only look cleaner but are easier to protect and handle.
Performance
Performance is where Samsung starts to pull ahead. Even the Exynos version of the S24 (available in Europe) feels faster and more responsive than the Pixel 8’s Tensor G3 processor. In everyday use opening apps, multitasking, scrolling both phones are quick, but the Galaxy holds a subtle advantage.
Things widen further when gaming enters the mix. The Galaxy delivers smoother frame rates and fewer drops during graphically demanding sessions. If you’re into heavy gaming, neither of these compact devices is ideal due to smaller batteries and limited cooling, but the S24 clearly performs better under load.
Still, Google’s software experience is hard to overlook. The Pixel 8 runs battery smooth, thanks to the company’s optimized Android experience and thoughtful animations. For most users, it feels as fast as anything on the market.
Battery Life and Charging
Neither of these phones will comfortably last two full days. On lighter usage, you might stretch them that far, but expect to charge every night. The Pixel 8 supports slightly faster wired and wireless charging, yet in real-world use, the Galaxy S24 tends to last longer on a single charge.
Samsung’s advantage comes from better standby efficiency; the S24 drains less when idle or with the screen off. The Pixel 8’s active use is solid, but its background management still needs some refinement.
Charging speeds are moderate on both. They’re nowhere near the super-fast numbers seen on Chinese brands, but they’re adequate for overnight or quick top-ups during the day.
Camera Comparison
This is where things get interesting. The Pixel 8 and Galaxy S24 take different approaches to photography. Google leans on computational photography and realistic color tones, while Samsung prefers bright, vibrant images that pop on social media.
The Pixel 8’s main camera sensor is slightly larger, capturing detailed and balanced shots with impressive white balance accuracy. Skin tones look natural, and colors stay true to life. Samsung’s shots, by contrast, are punchier, sometimes oversaturated but undeniably eye-catching.
When it comes to versatility, Samsung wins this round. The Galaxy S24 adds a dedicated 3x telephoto lens, offering crisper zoomed shots that the Pixel simply can’t match. Zoom performance is one of those features you don’t realize you miss until you have it.
For portraits, the competition is surprisingly close. Despite Google’s reputation for clean cutouts, Samsung’s portrait mode often produces better subject separation and depth, both with people and objects. The S24 also captures shots faster, thanks to a more responsive camera app.
Video quality tells a similar story. The Pixel 8 records excellent 4K video, but Samsung offers 8K recording and slightly richer footage in 4K mode. The Galaxy’s exposure control is tighter, though it sometimes underexposes darker scenes. The Pixel handles dynamic range beautifully but can occasionally lag behind in responsiveness.
Both phones support post-processing AI tools like Magic Eraser on the Pixel and Galaxy AI editing on the S24. They work similarly handy for removing unwanted objects or adjusting compositions. Google still has a small edge with its Audio Eraser, which filters out background noise in videos something Samsung currently lacks.
Software and Longevity
Both devices run Android 14, and both brands promise long-term support up to 2030, including major OS updates. That means buyers can expect around seven years of software and security patches.
This long-term commitment adds serious value for users who hold onto their phones for several years. It also boosts the used phone market, since even a three-year-old Pixel 8 or S24 will still get fresh updates down the road.
Samsung continues to refine its One UI, while Google’s Pixel software remains the cleanest version of Android available. It comes down to personal preference Samsung packs in more features, while Google sticks to simplicity and smarter AI-driven tools.
Price and Value
Here’s where the Pixel 8 pulls a major punch. At its current price is around $300 for the 128GB model, it undercuts the Galaxy S24 by around $350. That’s not a small difference; it pushes these two devices into nearly different price brackets.
Despite that, the Pixel doesn’t feel like a cheaper phone. Its build quality, display, and camera performance are all flagship-level. The Galaxy S24, on the other hand, justifies its higher price with better performance, longer endurance, and that extra telephoto camera.
If budget isn’t an issue, the S24 is the better-rounded choice. But if you want flagship performance in a compact form at a lower price, the Pixel 8 is hard to ignore.
Final Thoughts
The compact flagship category might be small, but it’s clearly not dead. The Pixel 8 and Galaxy S24 show that you can still have power, design, and premium features without carrying a massive device.
The Galaxy S24 wins on performance, battery efficiency, and versatility. It’s the most polished and technically capable phone. The Pixel 8, however, shines in camera realism, clean software, and unbeatable value for money.
Ultimately, it comes down to priorities. If you want the fastest, brightest, and most well-rounded compact Android phone the Galaxy S24 takes it. But if you value camera consistency, smoother software, and a lower price tag, the Pixel 8 remains one of the best deals in the Android world today.
See Also Pixel 10 vs Galaxy S25: Which One Deserves Your Money in 2025?
FAQs (Pixel 8 vs S24)
Which phone performs better, Pixel 8 or Galaxy S24?
The Galaxy S24 performs better, especially in gaming and overall speed, thanks to its more powerful processor.
Which phone has the better camera setup?
The Pixel 8 captures more natural photos, but the S24 wins in zoom and versatility with its dedicated telephoto lens.
Is the Pixel 8 cheaper than the Galaxy S24?
Yes. The Pixel 8 starts around at $300, which is about $350 less than Samsung’s base S24 model.
Which phone lasts longer on a charge?
The Galaxy S24 offers slightly better battery life and standby performance than the Pixel 8.
Which phone has better software support?
Both promise software updates through 2030, giving around seven years of OS and security updates.
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