Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8 Pro

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro in a comprehensive and insightful comparison.

Introducing the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Samsung’s latest flagship boasting an expansive display, an array of cameras, a high-end chipset, and more. Interestingly, it’s stepping onto Google’s playing field this year, aligning with the Pixel 8 Pro by incorporating numerous AI features.

Now, let’s delve into the comparison of these brilliant smartphones. Explore their specifications and our insights from the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra review and the Google Pixel 8 Pro review below.

For those seeking a Samsung phone with robust AI features at a more budget-friendly price, consider our hands-on experiences with the Samsung Galaxy S24 and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus.

A Close Look At Specs

To the left, we’ve organized the specs for the Galaxy S24 Ultra, while on the right, you’ll discover the specifications of the Pixel 8 Pro, launched a few months prior.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8 Pro: Specs

Price And Availability

In our Pixel 8 Pro vs Galaxy S23 Ultra comparison, both Samsung’s Ultras and Google’s Pixel 8 Pro lean towards the higher cost. While the Pixel 8 Pro claims the title of Google’s priciest smartphone so far, Samsung’s new phone maintains the legacy of its predecessor with a notably high starting price.

Specifically, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is priced at $1,299.99 / £1,249 / AU$2,199 for the 256GB model, $1,419.99 / £1,349 / AU$2,399 for the 512GB version, and $1,659.99 / £1,549 / AU$2,799 for the 1TB storage variant. The phone made its debut on January 17, with pre-orders for Samsung Galaxy S24 deals commencing on the same day, and the phone is scheduled to ship on January 31.

In contrast, Google’s latest flagship hit the market on October 12, 2023. The initial pricing is set at $999 / £999 / AU$1,699 for 128GB of storage, $1,059 / £1,059 / AU$1,799 for 256GB, and $1,179 / £1,179 / AU$1,999 for 512GB. Additionally, U.S. consumers had the choice of a 1TB build for $1,399, although this variant wasn’t available in other markets like the UK or Australia.

The Pixel’s cost advantage is not only evident from the get-go, but ongoing discounts on the 8 Pro, highlighted in our Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro deals roundup, often widen the pricing gap even further.

Design

The Galaxy S24 Ultra maintains a familiar look, reminiscent of its predecessors, featuring a squared silhouette, a floating four-lens camera design, a metal frame, and glass on both front and back. The display boasts wafer-thin bezels and a punch-hole front camera.

Consistent features like IP68 water resistance align with the 8 Pro. However, the S24 Ultra introduces changes, such as a titanium frame, akin to the iPhone 15 Pro, providing cool points and a superior strength-to-weight ratio compared to the Pixel’s aluminum frame.

The material shift results in a thinner and slightly lighter design for the S24 Ultra, weighing 232 grams and measuring 162.3 x 79 x 8.6mm. This makes it 0.2mm thinner than the current Pro Pixel but 19 grams heavier, attributable to its larger size and display – a noticeable difference in real-world use.

Offering a broader spectrum of colors, Samsung’s S24 Ultra comes in Titanium Violet, Titanium Gray, Titanium Black, Titanium Yellow, Titanium Blue, Titanium Green, and Titanium Orange, including exclusive options. In contrast, the 8 Pro is available in Obsidian, Porcelain, and Bay. The diverse color choices from Samsung have been a consistent feature across the series.

Display

Although Samsung consistently delivers impressive displays, the Pixel series typically lags in this aspect. However, Google elevated its game by introducing ‘Actua’ panels on both Pixel 8 models.

The Pixel 8 Pro features a 6.7-inch ‘Super Actua’ OLED screen with a sharp 1344 x 2992 resolution, a dynamic 1Hz to 120Hz refresh rate, and a remarkable peak brightness of 2,400 nits.

In comparison, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a larger 6.8-inch panel with a 1440 x 3120 resolution, providing sharper visuals than the Pixel despite its size (489ppi versus 505ppi). It matches the Pixel with a dynamic 1Hz to 120Hz refresh rate but surpasses it with a peak brightness of 2,600 nits.

Adding to the S24 Ultra’s allure is the S Pen, offering stylus input and compatibility with numerous integrated and third-party apps for writing, note-taking, and illustration. Conversely, the Pixel relies solely on your digits for interaction.

Cameras

In the camera arena, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra maintains the quad-rear camera setup but swaps the S23 Ultra’s 10x zoom for a 50MP 5x periscopic telephoto, alongside the 200MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, and 10MP 3x telephoto cameras.

This adjustment, albeit reducing the optical zoom range compared to the S23 Ultra, aligns with the Pixel 8 Pro’s triple rear camera setup – featuring a 50MP primary camera, a 48MP ultra-wide, and a 48MP 5x telephoto.

Despite the shorter optical range, the S24 Ultra promises 10x ‘optical quality’ zoom, showcasing the improved color and dynamic range in our review. AI plays a crucial role here, a recent addition to Samsung’s cameras, contrasting the Pixel 8 Pro’s established AI enhancements like the improved Magic Eraser and the powerful Magic Editor.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra aims to match the Pixel’s capabilities, offering features such as reframing subjects, generative filling of the shot’s surroundings, and more, echoing the 8 Pro’s prowess in this department.

Both the S23 Ultra and Google Pixel 8 Pro rank among the best camera phones. The S24 Ultra, while a departure from Samsung’s traditional approach, is poised to join the list, challenging the 8 Pro in areas where other competitors fall short.

Performance And Software

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, fueled by Qualcomm’s cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, impresses with benchmark victories, outclassing the Pixel 8 Pro in raw power and gaming.

Opting for UFS 4.0 storage standard and eliminating the 128GB variant, the S24 Ultra offers 256GB to 1TB choices. In contrast, the Pixel is available with 1TB in the US and 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB (UFS 3.1) elsewhere.

Both phones boast 12GB of RAM, ensuring a level playing field in this department.

On the software front, the S24 Ultra adopts Samsung’s One UI 6.1 on the latest Android 14, while the Pixel embraces Google’s near-stock Android 14, offering a less cluttered, albeit less feature-rich, user experience.

Historically, Samsung led the Android realm in long-term support, promising four years of OS and five years of security updates. However, the Pixel 8 Pro steps up with an impressive seven years of support, matching the commitment made by Samsung for the S24 Ultra.

Battery Life

The Galaxy S24 Ultra packs a substantial 5,000mAh battery, like its predecessor, while the Pixel 8 Pro edges slightly ahead with a 5,050mAh cell.

Impressively, the S24 Ultra’s battery endured 16 hours and 45 minutes of 5G web browsing in our tests, thanks to its Adaptive display mode.

Despite a larger cell and a similar 4nm architecture, the 8 Pro with Tensor G3 falls short of the S24 Ultra’s longevity in typical daily use.

In the charging department, Samsung takes the lead, offering 45W wired and 15W wireless options, surpassing the Pixel’s 30W wired and up to 23W wireless charging, specifically with Google’s 2nd-gen Pixel Stand (otherwise, wireless recharge peaks at 12W).

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Vs Google Pixel 8 Pro: Conclusion

In essence, power dominates in the Galaxy S24 Ultra, overshadowing the Pixel 8 Pro. Yet, Samsung extends its reach into Google’s AI territory, blending productivity and photography.

While the Pixel 8 Pro’s curves appeal to many, Samsung’s robust Ultra design and exotic titanium build may sway others. Each has its aesthetic charm, with Samsung’s uniqueness standing out against the Pixel’s conventional aluminum frame.

Though both offer stellar viewing experiences, the S24 Ultra’s superior battery life, charging speed, and distinctive S Pen create a more compelling smartphone package than Google provides.

Nevertheless, those prioritizing simplicity or a more budget-friendly option might find the Pixel 8 Pro to be better value, despite Samsung narrowing the gap in enhanced software features.