As smartphones continue to grow larger, the Google Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy S24 stand out as compact flagships, offering top-tier features in smaller, more manageable packages. Both phones pack impressive hardware and are in a similar price range, though the Pixel 9 is slightly more expensive, retailing for around €750, compared to the €650 base price of the Galaxy S24.
Size Comparison:
- The Samsung Galaxy S24 is more compact, being shorter, narrower, and thinner than the Pixel 9. However, the display difference is minimal: 6.2 inches on the S24 vs. 6.3 inches on the Pixel 9. The S24 maximizes screen space better with thinner bezels.
- Weight: The Pixel 9 weighs in at nearly 200 grams, heavier than the 167-gram Galaxy S24. This is due to the Pixel 9's larger 4,700 mAh battery, compared to the S24's 4,000 mAh.
Design:
Both phones have modern aesthetics with rounded metal frames and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back. The Pixel 9’s camera island protrudes noticeably, while the S24 is more subtle in its design. Both phones have IP68 protection, making them resistant to water and dust.
Display:
- Both devices have FullHD+ displays and support a 120Hz dynamic refresh rate.
- The Pixel 9’s 6.3-inch display offers slightly more screen space, but the S24 benefits from LTPO technology, allowing for more efficient dynamic refresh rate switching.
- In terms of brightness, the Pixel 9 has a clear edge, reaching 2,232 nits, while the S24 tops out at 1,401 nits.
Battery Life:
- The Pixel 9 features a 4,700 mAh battery, which provides 13:05 hours of active use, outperforming the 4,000 mAh battery in the Galaxy S24, which lasts 12:06 hours.
Charging:
- Both phones support wired charging up to 27W (Pixel 9) and 25W (S24), along with 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. The S24 charges a bit faster due to its smaller battery.
Speakers:
Both phones use hybrid stereo speakers. While both are loud and provide good audio, the Pixel 9 slightly edges out with better mids and highs.
Performance:
- The Pixel 9 features the Tensor G4 chipset, which is behind the Exynos 2400 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the Galaxy S24. The S24 outperforms the Pixel in benchmarks but both provide excellent real-life performance.
- The Pixel 9 has 12GB of RAM, while the S24 has 8GB (base models), though both come with 128GB storage. The S24 offers faster UFS 4.0 storage on its larger models.
Camera Comparison:
- Pixel 9: Better main camera quality with a larger sensor and higher-res ultra-wide camera. It excels in low-light performance and image quality overall.
- S24: Offers a dedicated 3x optical zoom and 8K video recording. In terms of versatility, the S24’s telephoto lens and 4K video capture give it an edge in zoomed-in shots and video quality.
Verdict:
Both phones are strong contenders, but your choice depends on what you prioritize:
- Choose the Google Pixel 9 if you want:
- A brighter display and better outdoor visibility.
- A larger battery with better battery life.
- Superior main camera quality and autofocus on the ultra-wide camera.
- Choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 if you want:
- A lower price and a more compact design.
- LTPO display technology for more efficient refresh rate switching.
- A better performance and better video recording with 3x optical zoom.
Both phones are excellent choices, with each excelling in different areas, so your decision depends on the features most important to you.