In the smartphone world, two manufacturers stand 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 the top of their brands and promise outstanding technology and innovation. But which model performs better in a direct comparison? In this article we compare both cell phones to help you make the difficult decision between Google and Samsung and find out which device best suits your needs.
If you're 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 when it comes to technology, but also when it comes to design. The Pixel 8 Pro is slightly handier and lighter with a weight of 213g and a 6.7-inch display, compared to the slightly larger and heavier S24 Ultra, which weighs 6.8 inches and 232g. Both shine with 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 a 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 framed in an elegant metal strip on the back and one on the table stable position without wobbling.
The S24 Ultra, on the other hand, remains true to the typical Samsung design, which does not visually stand out particularly from its predecessors. Samsung seems to be going for recognition in the designs of its newer phones, with similar designs across the S series line-up, 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 performance powerhouses. However, there are differences in memory sizes that could be crucial for users. The Pixel 8 Pro is available in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB variants, which should be more than enough for most applications. Samsung, on the other hand, goes one step further and, in addition to the 256 GB and 512 GB options, also offers a variant with a whopping 1 TB of storage for the S24 Ultra. This should make it particularly suitable for users who need a lot of memory and don't want to limit themselves.
Powerful processors: Snapdragon 8 Gen3 vs Google Tensor G3
At the heart of the two smartphones beat 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 is ahead 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 probably only becomes visible in particularly power-intensive applications.
Triple camera vs.Quad camera
The camera features of both smartphones are extensive, but here the paths of the Google Pixel 8 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra diverge a little. 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, uses a quad camera in the S24 Ultra, led by a strong 200MP main camera, supplemented 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 life? 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, are often ahead.
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 beats 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: The S24 Ultra is fully charged in just 65 minutes, while the Pixel 8 Pro takes up to 90 minutes. In a fast-paced everyday life, this can definitely make a difference.
Long update guarantee from Android
Both smartphones run Android 14, so they offer the latest features and security updates from Google's operating system. While Samsung equips its device with its own OneUI 6.1 user interface, the Pixel 8 Pro gets pure Android, which is free of additional adjustments.
Both manufacturers promise an impressive duration of 7 years for security and Android updates, which speaks for long-term use. Presumably, due to the same company, the Android updates on the Google Pixel 8 Pro will be available faster than on Samsung.
IP protection, S-Pen and headphone jack: These are the special features of both cell phones
Both the Google Pixel 8 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offer IP68 protection, meaning both devices are completely dustproof and can survive underwater for extended periods of time - peace of mind in everyday life.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra also offers small, nice 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 cell phone should I buy?
When directly comparing the Google Pixel 8 Pro with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, we are faced with a 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. Both also guarantee a long support period of 7 years with Android and security updates, making them reliable companions for years to come. However, there are also a few differences between the two smartphones.
Overview of the differences between the two cell phones:
- Design & Display: The Pixel 8 Pro is slightly handier 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 512 GB 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 cell phones deliver very good photos in everyday use, the Google Pixel 8 Pro, according to some reviewers, has the best photos in all classes.
- Battery & charging: The S24 Ultra charges faster wired with 45 watts, while the Pixel 8 Pro is ahead in wireless charging with 23 watts.
- Special feature: In addition, the S24 Ultra offers small, nice features with the S-Pen and a headphone jack that are not self-evident 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 one ideal choice.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro, on the other hand, offers an attractive alternative with a pure Android experience, faster updates and a significantly better price-performance ratio. It's also about $150 cheaper, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious buyers who still want one of the best smartphones on the market.
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