The debate between smartphone titans is relentless, and when you pit the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra against the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, you’re entering the realm of marginal gains and personal preference. While 95% of everyday tasks feel indistinguishable on both devices, the nuances become crucial when you’re investing around $1,300. Having spent a week immersed in both ecosystems, here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Review: A Reforged Contender
Improved All Around Performance and User Experience
Image: The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL showcased against a backdrop of clear glass blocks, emphasizing its sleek design.
For those who might have been disillusioned with the Pixel series in recent years, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is Google’s compelling argument for a second look. Acknowledging past shortcomings in software updates and hardware reliability, this phone feels like a sincere effort to win back trust and reward loyal users. Finally, everything you expect to work, simply does – a fundamental aspect that, while seemingly basic for a premium device, marks a significant improvement for the Pixel lineage.
Image: The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL displayed against a vibrant, multi-colored background, highlighting its display vibrancy and modern aesthetic.
The display is a standout improvement. The vibrant and easily readable panel, powered by Google’s Super Actua technology, addresses a key weakness of previous Pixels. Coupled with a snappy and accurate fingerprint reader and excellent face unlock, the Pixel 9 Pro XL demonstrates a clear focus on enhancing the user interface and overall experience. “Snappy,” “smooth,” and “responsive” are apt descriptors, qualities that were not consistently associated with earlier Pixel iterations.
While the Tensor G4 chipset may not match the raw power of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the Galaxy S24 Ultra, it capably handles most tasks without faltering. Concerns about 4K video recording limitations seem unfounded, as testing revealed smooth video capture without processing hiccups.
Image: Close-up of a hand holding the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, with water droplets on the phone’s surface, emphasizing its water resistance and premium build.
Google’s collaboration with Samsung extends to AI features, with Gemini Live functioning seamlessly on both the Pixel 9 Pro XL and S24 Ultra. The true advantage of the Pixel lies in its intuitive UI integration, particularly with Google services. While Samsung’s One UI also pulls information from Google Calendar, the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s integration feels more fluid and natural.
The Pixel camera, traditionally a strong selling point, now faces stiffer competition. While the famed Pixel point-and-shoot superiority might be diminished as Samsung and others catch up, the Pixel 9 Pro XL still offers a distinct photographic flavor. Notably, images lean towards warmer tones, a departure from the cooler aesthetics of previous Pixel generations. This isn’t a drawback, but a stylistic shift that might appeal to some while requiring adjustment for long-time Pixel enthusiasts.
However, Google retains an edge in shutter speed. Although Samsung has significantly reduced shutter lag in the Galaxy S24 Ultra, the Pixel 9 Pro XL remains the quicker option for capturing fast-moving subjects, making it ideal for parents and pet owners.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: Powerhouse Performance and Refined Software
Raw Power and Software Prowess
Image: A hand holding the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in use, with a rug subtly visible in the background, suggesting everyday usability and premium feel.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset in the Galaxy S24 Ultra delivers a palpable performance advantage over the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s Tensor G4. For demanding users, particularly gamers, this difference is immediately noticeable. Games like Genshin Impact run at higher settings and smoother frame rates on the S24 Ultra compared to the Pixel. While not a critical flaw for the average user, hardcore gamers will appreciate the raw power.
Despite sharing a 6.8-inch display size, the Galaxy S24 Ultra feels larger due to its squared-off edges and wider aspect ratio. While likely not a concern for those considering these phones, the difference in hand feel is present. Samsung’s display on the S24 Ultra, while opting for a more natural color temperature, remains among the best in the market.
A significant advantage of the Galaxy S24 Ultra is its anti-reflective coating. In outdoor conditions, the Pixel 9 Pro XL can suffer from mirror-like reflections, while the S24 Ultra effectively minimizes glare, providing a superior viewing experience.
Image: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra resting on top of two Blu-ray discs, with the S Pen stylus extended, showcasing its entertainment capabilities and S Pen feature.
Battery life is comparable between the two devices, both consistently delivering over eight hours of screen-on time. Charging speeds, while not class-leading for either, have improved, with both supporting 45W wired charging.
Samsung’s One UI is a major strength. Known for its fast and reliable updates, One UI, despite being a heavily skinned Android experience compared to the Pixel’s Material You, is exceptionally well-optimized and performs smoothly on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Concerns about UI bloat are largely absent, as the phone remains responsive and fluid.
Image: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with the S Pen stylus partially slid out, set against a soft pink background, highlighting the iconic S Pen functionality.
The S Pen remains a distinctive feature of the Galaxy S24 Ultra. While its utility is subjective – either essential or rarely used – it offers valuable functionality for document annotation and quick note-taking, expanding the phone’s versatility.
Conclusion: A Tight Race with Distinct Strengths
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra maintains a slight lead over the Pixel 9 Pro XL, primarily due to its superior performance and refined software ecosystem. However, the gap has narrowed significantly. The $200 price difference becomes the key question: is the performance edge and software experience worth the extra investment?
For performance enthusiasts and power users, the Galaxy S24 Ultra remains the top choice. However, for those prioritizing camera shutter speed, a refreshed user experience, and a sleek design, the Pixel 9 Pro XL presents a compelling alternative. Both phones represent the pinnacle of Android technology, and the “better” choice ultimately depends on individual priorities and preferences. If you are a shutterbug, the Pixel 9 Pro XL might be more appealing, but for overall enthusiast experience, the Galaxy S24 Ultra still holds a slight edge.
