Flagship Showdown: Google Pixel 9 vs Samsung Galaxy S24 — Full Specs Breakdown, Which One Should You Buy?
In the 2024 Android flagship market, the Google Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy S24 are undoubtedly two of the hottest devices. Google unveiled the Pixel 9 on August 22, 2024 (availability starting August 13), highlighting its pure Android experience and advanced camera innovations. Samsung launched the Galaxy S24 earlier in the year on January 31 (available from January 17), leveraging its proven hardware and feature-packed ecosystem to capture market share. Both devices come in at nearly identical price points (Pixel 9: $799 / €899, Galaxy S24: $800 / €899). However, their strengths differ across design, display, performance, battery life, and imaging. Here’s the complete head-to-head comparison.
1. Design & In-Hand Feel: Noticeable Size and Weight Differences, Same Premium Materials
Both devices use premium materials and feature IP68 water and dust resistance for durability. However, they differ significantly in size, weight, and handling.
| Category | Google Pixel 9 | Samsung Galaxy S24 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm (12 mm including camera bump) | 147 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm (8.85 mm including camera bump) |
| Weight | 198 g | 168 g |
| Materials | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 + Aluminum frame | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 + Aluminum frame |
| Biometrics | Ultrasonic in-display fingerprint | Ultrasonic in-display fingerprint |
| Colors | Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Peony | Onyx Black, Marble Gray, Cobalt Violet, Amber Yellow, Jade Green, Sandstone Orange, Sapphire Blue |
The Galaxy S24 is slimmer, lighter (30 g less), and more comfortable for one-handed use. The Pixel 9 is bulkier with a more pronounced camera bump. Samsung also offers a wider range of color options.
2. Display: OLED vs Dynamic AMOLED
The screen is the heart of interaction. Both feature 120Hz refresh rates, but their specs differ slightly.
| Category | Google Pixel 9 | Samsung Galaxy S24 |
| Size | 6.3-inch | 6.2-inch |
| Screen-to-body ratio | 81.73% | 90.87% |
| Type | OLED, 120Hz | Dynamic AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Resolution | 2400x1080 (418 PPI) | 2340x1080 (416 PPI) |
| Peak Brightness | 2623 nits | 2498 nits |
The Pixel 9 offers slightly higher peak brightness, improving visibility outdoors. The Galaxy S24 delivers slimmer bezels and a higher screen-to-body ratio, offering a more immersive visual experience with punchier colors.
3. Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Tensor G4
Performance is the core of any flagship. The chips inside tell two different stories.
| Category | Google Pixel 9 | Samsung Galaxy S24 |
| SoC | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm, Exynos 2400 in some regions) |
| RAM | 12GB LPDDR5X | 8GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 128/256GB | 128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) |
| GeekBench Single-Core | 1800 | 2119 |
| GeekBench Multi-Core | 4573 | 6820 |
| 3DMark (High) | 2575 | 4246 |
The Galaxy S24 dominates in CPU and GPU benchmarks, making it ideal for heavy multitasking and gaming. The Pixel 9 has more RAM, which helps with background apps, but overall performance lags due to its less powerful chip.
4. Battery & Charging: Bigger Battery vs More Charging Flexibility
| Category | Google Pixel 9 | Samsung Galaxy S24 |
| Battery | 4700mAh | 4000mAh |
| Wired Charging | 27W | 25W |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 15W + Reverse Wireless Charging |
| Estimated Endurance | 6h 48m | 6h 37m |
Pixel 9’s larger 4700mAh battery provides slightly better endurance in browsing and video playback. The Galaxy S24 performs better in gaming scenarios thanks to Snapdragon’s efficiency and adds reverse wireless charging for accessories.
5. Camera: Dual vs Triple Setup
| Category | Google Pixel 9 | Samsung Galaxy S24 |
| Main Camera | 50MP GNK, 1/1.31-inch sensor | 50MP GN3, 1/1.56-inch sensor |
| Ultra-wide | 48MP IMX858 | 12MP IMX564 |
| Telephoto | None | 10MP, 2.8x optical zoom |
| Video | 4K 60fps | 8K 30fps / 4K 60fps / 1080p 240fps |
The Galaxy S24 has a more versatile triple-camera setup with telephoto and 8K video capabilities. The Pixel 9 shines in low light with a larger sensor and Google’s computational photography, offering more natural color reproduction.
6. Connectivity & Extra Features
| Category | Google Pixel 9 | Samsung Galaxy S24 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| 5G Bands | 26 bands, Sub-6 + mmWave | 20 bands, Sub-6 + mmWave |
| Satellite | Emergency SOS via satellite | None |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM |
The Pixel 9 supports Wi-Fi 7 and emergency satellite SOS, making it a better choice for travelers and adventurers. The Galaxy S24 offers dual physical SIMs, better for business or frequent cross-border users.
7. Buying Guide: Which One Is for You?
Go for the Pixel 9 if you:
Prefer stock Android with fast updates.
Value battery endurance and natural color photography.
Spend time outdoors and need satellite SOS.
Require wider 5G band coverage for global travel.
Go for the Galaxy S24 if you:
Demand top-tier performance for gaming and multitasking.
Prefer a lighter, slimmer device with high screen-to-body ratio.
Need telephoto zoom, 8K video, or reverse wireless charging.
Rely on dual SIM + eSIM flexibility and Samsung’s feature-rich One UI.
Conclusion
The Google Pixel 9 is the best choice for stock Android enthusiasts and those who prioritize endurance and straightforward usability. The Samsung Galaxy S24, on the other hand, is perfect for performance-driven users and photography all-rounders. Both are standout Android flagships of 2024 — the choice ultimately depends on your needs.
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