Introduction
Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra, be prepared to part with significant cash. The Pixel 9 Pro XL, and you’ll need to shell out even more if you want extra storage. Meanwhile, for the Galaxy S24 Ultra Sure, there are deals and trade-in offers to consider,
But choosing between these pricey, oversized devices can be challenging. Here’s a detailed comparison of the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S24 Ultra, covering everything from camera tech and gaming capabilities to battery life.
Design
The Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S24 Ultra are massive, 6.8-inch devices. The Galaxy S24 Ultra may appear more significant due to its squared-off corners, but its dimensions are nearly identical. These smartphones are substantial, making them tricky to use one-handed. The sharp corners on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, in particular, make it less comfortable to hold.
Both phones feature soft-touch matte glass backs, though the Pixel 9 Pro XL tends to attract more smudges and fingerprints compared to the Galaxy S24 Ultra. On the other hand, the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s camera bump, which spans the entire width of the back, makes it more stable when placed on a flat surface.
Colour options
Regarding colour options, Google offers four colours, while Samsung provides about seven if you order from their website. Both phones feature metal frames, with Samsung incorporating a bit of titanium. The Pixel 9 Pro XL uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which is scratch and shatter resistant.
After a week and a half of heavy use, only a few light scratches appeared on the Pixel 9 Pro XL, similar to the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which uses Gorilla Glass Armor. The S24 Ultra’s display is less reflective than the Pixel’s, which is particularly noticeable under harsh lighting.
Features & AI
Both smartphones are IP68-rated, making them resistant to water and dust. They also feature Android 14, with Android 15 expected to be available on both by the end of 2024. Each device offers seven years of Android updates and security patches.
They both have ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensors that map a 3D image of your thumb, ensuring quick and accurate response, even with wet hands. Face unlock is also available on both phones.
Regarding AI features, the Pixel 9 Pro XL has full Gemini support, with a year of Gemini Advanced included for free. While the Galaxy S24 Ultra doesn’t come with Gemini pre-installed, you can download it from the Play Store.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s impressive AI capabilities offer various intelligent photo editing tools and the ability to generate AI images.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s stock Android experience is cleaner compared to Samsung’s One UI, which tends to duplicate features already present in Android. The Pixel also includes useful exclusive features like call screening.
However, the S Pen stylus on the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a standout feature, especially for those who frequently sign documents or enjoy sketching. The stylus is conveniently stored in the phone’s bottom orifice, ready for use whenever needed.
Display & Audio
Both the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S24 Ultra boast impressive OLED displays, with the Pixel featuring a Super Actual OLED display (1344 x 2992 pixels) and the Galaxy sporting a Dynamic AMOLED display (1440 x 3120 pixels).
The colour reproduction differs, with the Galaxy offering more customization options. Both phones support HDR10 streaming and feature LTPO technology, allowing the refresh rate to scale from 120Hz to 1Hz, which is energy efficient. The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s anti-reflective display enhances outdoor visibility.
Both phones have robust stereo speakers, with the Galaxy S24 Ultra being slightly louder. The audio quality is clear and full-bodied, making it easy to enjoy content without needing headphones.
Performance & Gaming
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor powers the Galaxy S24 Ultra, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL uses a Tensor G4 processor, a collaboration between Google and Samsung. Both phones offer smooth everyday performance, but the Galaxy S24 Ultra has the edge in gaming, easily handling demanding titles like Wuthering Waves.
While still capable, the Pixel 9 Pro XL showed slight stutters during gameplay. Both phones have vapour chambers to manage heat, though they can still get warm during extended gaming sessions.
Battery Life
The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a slightly larger battery (5060mAh) than the Galaxy S24 Ultra (5000mAh), though the difference is minimal. Both phones offer excellent battery life, with a full charge lasting through a long, intensive day. In a side by side battery drain test, both devices lasted nearly 17 hours of continuous video playback on a single charge.
Conclusion
This detailed comparison highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S24 Ultra, helping you decide which flagship device best suits your needs.
