In the smartphone world, two manufacturers are head to head with their latest high-end models: The Google Pixel 8 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Both devices present themselves as leaders in their brands and promise outstanding technology and innovation. But which model performs better in a direct comparison? In this article, we compare both phones to help you make the difficult decision between Google and Samsung and find out which device best suits your needs.
Are you only interested in the Google Pixel 8 Pro? Then Check out our short review of the Google Pixel 8 Pro on YouTube Shorts.
Elegance meets size
The Google Pixel 8 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra are in close competition not only in terms of technology, but also in terms of design. The Pixel 8 Pro is a bit more manageable and lighter, weighing 213g and with a 6.7-inch display, compared to the slightly larger and heavier S24 Ultra, which comes in at 6.8 inches and 232g. Both boast a high resolution, which is 2,992 x 1,344 pixels for the Pixel 8 Pro and 3,120 x 1,440 pixels for the S24 Ultra. A refresh rate of 120 Hz ensures smooth display on both devices.
Visual similarity to its predecessors
In terms of design, both smartphones are closely based on their predecessor models, but set different accents: The Pixel 8 Pro stands out with its striking camera module, which is seamlessly enclosed in an elegant metal strip on the back and promises a stable position on the table without wobbling.
The S24 Ultra, on the other hand, remains true to Samsung's typical design, which does not stand out much visually from its predecessors. Samsung seems to be relying on recognition value in the designs of the newer phones, as similar designs can be found in the entire line-up of the S series, as well as the budget models Samsung A55 and Samsung A35 can be found.
Lots of memory and decent performance
Both smartphones are equipped with 12 GB of RAM, which makes them powerhouses in terms of performance. However, there are differences in the storage sizes that could be crucial for users. The Pixel 8 Pro is available in 128 GB, 256 GB and 512 GB versions, which should be more than enough for most applications. Samsung, on the other hand, goes one step further and offers a version with a whopping 1 TB of storage for the S24 Ultra in addition to the 256 GB and 512 GB options. This should make it particularly suitable for users who need a lot of storage and don't want to limit themselves.
Strong processors: Snapdragon 8 Gen3 vs Google Tensor G3
At the heart of both smartphones are two of the latest processors currently on the market: the Snapdragon 8 Gen3 for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the in-house Tensor G3 processor for the Google Pixel 8 Pro.
While the Snapdragon 8 Gen3 has the edge in terms of performance and clock speed and performs better in benchmarks, both devices still show strong performance in everyday use. The difference between the processors will probably only become apparent in particularly performance-intensive applications.
Triple camera vs.quad camera
The camera equipment of both smartphones is extensive, but this is where the Google Pixel 8 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra diverge slightly. The Pixel 8 Pro offers a versatile triple camera configuration that impresses with its 50MP main camera, a 48MP ultra-wide-angle camera and another 48MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom. Samsung, on the other hand, relies on a quad camera for the S24 Ultra, led by a powerful 200MP main camera, complemented by a 50MP periscope camera, a 10MP telephoto camera and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera.
So much for the specs. But how do the cameras perform in everyday use? You get top performance with both cameras. But according to a survey by MKBHD on various smartphone cameras, the Google Pixel models, including the Google Pixel 8 Pro, often come out on top.
Large battery with versatile charging options
With a battery capacity of 5050 mAh, the Google Pixel 8 Pro is slightly ahead of the 5000 mAh battery of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. In terms of charging speed, the S24 Ultra with 45 watts with cable surpasses the Pixel 8 Pro, which supports 30 watts. When it comes to wireless charging, the Pixel is slightly ahead with 23 watts compared to the S24 Ultra's 15 watts. For the user, this means that the S24 Ultra is fully charged in just 65 minutes, while the Pixel 8 Pro needs up to 90 minutes. In a fast-paced everyday life, this can certainly make a difference.
Long update guarantee from Android
Both smartphones run on Android 14, meaning they offer the latest features and security updates from Google's operating system. While Samsung equips its device with its own user interface, OneUI 6.1, the Pixel 8 Pro comes with pure Android, which is free of additional customizations.
Both manufacturers promise an impressive 7 years of security and Android updates, which speaks for long-term use. Presumably, Android updates on the Google Pixel 8 Pro will be available faster than on Samsung because it's from the same company.
IP protection, S-Pen and headphone jack: These are the special features of both phones
Both the Google Pixel 8 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offer IP68 protection, which means that both devices are completely dustproof and can survive underwater for long periods of time – a reassuring feeling in everyday life.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra also offers some nice little features, such as a headphone jack or the Ultra-typical S-Pen. The S-Pen significantly expands the functionality of the smartphone, from precise control to taking notes and drawing. This makes the S24 Ultra particularly attractive for creative and productivity-conscious people.
Conclusion: Pixel 8 Pro vs. S24 Ultra – Which phone should I buy?
When comparing the Google Pixel 8 Pro directly with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, we are faced with the decision between two technological leaders. Both models shine with high-end specifications, such as impressive and large displays, powerful processors for demanding applications and versatile and very good camera systems for high-quality photography. In addition, both guarantee a long support period of 7 years with Android and security updates, which makes them reliable companions for years to come. Nevertheless, there are also a few differences between the two smartphones.
Differences between the two phones at a glance:
- Design & Display: The Pixel 8 Pro is a bit more portable and lighter at 6.7 inches and 213g, while the S24 Ultra has a slightly larger 6.8 inch display and weighs 232g.
- Storage options: Samsung offers a variant with up to 1TB, ideal for storage-intensive users, compared to the maximum 512GB of the Pixel 8 Pro.
- Camera: The Pixel 8 Pro has a triple camera configuration, the S24 Ultra has a quad camera with a 200MP main camera for even more detailed images. Both phones deliver very good photos in everyday life, According to some reviewers, the Google Pixel 8 Pro takes the best photos in all classes.
- Battery & Charging: The S24 Ultra charges faster with 45 watts of wired power, while the Pixel 8 Pro has the edge when it comes to wireless charging with 23 watts.
- Special feature: In addition, the S24 Ultra offers nice little features like the S-Pen and a headphone jack that are not a given these days.
buy recommendation
For users who need the largest possible storage of up to 1TB, expect top performance from the Snapdragon 8 Gen3 processor and value features such as the S-Pen and a headphone jack, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra proves to be the ideal choice.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro, on the other hand, offers an attractive alternative with a pure Android experience, faster updates and a much better price-performance ratio. It's also around €150 cheaper, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious buyers who still want one of the best smartphones on the market.
insider tip: With refurbished smartphones you not only save money compared to buying new, but you also do something good for the environment. Both the Google Pixel 8 Pro as well as the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra you can get refurbished from Janado – tested, cleaned and works like new!
