Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Which should you buy?

After years of being the underdog in the smartphone race, Google is signaling that it’s ready to position its Pixel lineup as a serious and premium contender. The Pixel Pro 9 XL delivers high-end specifications with nary a hardware compromise in sight. On top of that, we also get a brand new set of AI features. But does it have what it takes to challenge Samsung’s dominance with its Galaxy S24 Ultra flagship? It’s very much a tug-of-war, so in this Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra comparison, let’s answer the question of the year: which Android flagship smartphone should you buy?

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Specs

Not too long ago, Google seemed focused on making affordable flagship smartphones with clever compromises. However, the Pixel 9 Pro XL represents a shift in strategy as it offers top-of-the line hardware specifications with very few compromises. It still undercuts Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra on price, especially if you opt for the smaller Pixel 9 Pro model with its 6.3-inch display.

On that note, the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s display actually scores Google its first win vs the Galaxy S24 Ultra. While both phones pack high-end display specs like a QHD resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and LTPO tech, both Pixel 9 Pro models eke out a slight win with their 3,000 nits of peak brightness. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is just slightly behind, offering 2,600 nits instead. This is admittedly a very minor difference, however, as brightness is measured logarithmically with diminishing returns the higher you go.

Setting aside the numbers, the Galaxy S24 Ultra actually has a more tangible benefit on offer compared to the Pixel 9 Pro XL, namely an anti-reflective display. The Gorilla Glass Armor also delivers better scratch-resistance than the Pixel 9 Pro’s slightly older Gorilla Glass Victus 2. However, the lack of glare makes the S24 Ultra one of the best smartphones to use under direct sunlight and bright conditions.

Moving on to processing power, the Pixel 9 Pro series is the first to be powered by Google’s own Tensor G4 SoC. We’re still testing its real-world performance but prior Tensor chips have come up slightly short vs the industry’s best. If that holds true this generation again, the S24 Ultra will have a slight edge with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. Still, it’s worth noting that Google has added a vapor chamber to help boost sustained performance this generation. And unless you’re a heavy gamer, both phones will handle multitasking without breaking a sweat.

On the subject of multitasking, the Pixel 9 Pro packs 16GB of RAM, a big jump vs. the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 12GB. However, some of this memory is reserved for Google’s AI models such as Gemini Nano and Imagen 3. The Galaxy S24 Ultra also packs Samsung’s Galaxy AI suite but we’re not aware of any memory being carved out for the underlying models.

One major long-standing difference between Samsung and Google’s flagship smartphones is the S24 Ultra’s inclusion of an S Pen. The active stylus slots into the device, meaning you don’t have to worry about losing it. Google doesn’t include a stylus nor does it support one on the Pixel 9 Pro.

The final major difference between the Pixel 9 Pro and Galaxy S24 Ultra lies in their respective software implementations. Google’s Pixel UI remains lightweight even if it has gained nifty features over the years, including a new automatic call summary and dedicated Pixel Studio app for AI-generated images. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is much more maximalist with its One UI skin and boasts an equally wide array of AI-powered features, thanks to Galaxy AI.

Both phones will receive software updates for the next seven years, which is the best commitment you’ll find across the entire industry. Having said that, Samsung has a better track record of bringing new AI features to its older flagship phones — nearly the entire Galaxy AI suite made its way to the Galaxy S22 series, for instance. Google’s AI features typically don’t trickle down to older phones.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Design and size comparison

The Pixel 9 Pro and its XL counterpart have embraced the same flat-edge design philosophy that Samsung also adopted for the Galaxy S24 Ultra. You won’t find a curved display on either smartphone, even though their respective predecessors offered one. This is good news for users of screen protectors and should make screen replacements less of a hassle.

On the back, the Pixel 9 Pro retains Google’s signature camera bar with a slightly different design from prior generations. The S24 Ultra has a more minimalist camera arrangement on the rear. Which one you prefer will ultimately come down to personal preference.

However, you don’t have much of a choice if you prefer smaller phones. The Pixel 9 Pro in its 6.3-inch avatar gives the series’ fans what they have been clamoring for — a Pro-spec phone with a form factor that matches the base model. The Pixel 9 Pro doesn’t make any other hardware or feature compromises compared to its XL counterpart, with the sole exception of slightly slower charging speeds. This is likely due to the larger phone’s ability to handle the heat of higher power levels.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Camera

Google and Samsung have historically traded blows in the camera department. Remember, even if one smartphone offers on-paper advantages, the other can swing the pendulum back in its favor thanks to superior processing and software. That’s very much the case with the Pixel 9 Pro and Galaxy S24 Ultra.

We’re still testing the full capabilities of the Pixel 9 Pro’s camera system, but it retains most of its predecessor’s hardware. However, the selfie camera on the front has been upgraded significantly, going from a 10.5MP shooter to a 42MP sensor this generation.

By contrast, Samsung has a higher resolution 200MP primary sensor and an extra 3x telephoto lens on the rear. While these specs are impressive, Samsung uses pixel binning to output a 12.5MP shot at the end of the day. So while it can capture more detail, most people won’t switch modes to get 200MP shots. Samsung’s processing also leaves a lot to be desired — in our testing, the S24 Ultra still struggles with fast moving objects. Here are some samples from the phone:

The Pixel 9 Pro packs an upgraded selfie camera this generation, with 42MP of resolution on offer. While camera resolution offers diminishing returns the higher you go, it should still be significantly better than the aging 12MP shooter on the S24 Ultra.

Both smartphones pack a ton of AI features, allowing you to remove and manipulate subjects in the shot. The Pixel 9 Pro is also getting a few new Magic Editor features, but these might become available on all Android phones with a Google One subscription later.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Battery life and charging

The regular Pixel 9 Pro includes a 4,700mAh battery, which is respectable for the 6.3-inch display it needs to power. The Pixel 9 Pro XL, meanwhile, packs a larger 5,000mAh battery that Google says will last 20% longer than its predecessor. The Tensor G4 and new display are likely responsible for these battery gains, but we will evaluate both Google phones’ endurance in our full reviews within the coming weeks.

Even though Samsung has included an entire S Pen within the S24 Ultra, it manages to offer a matching 5,000mAh battery. Combine that with the excellent power characteristics of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and you have the recipe for a seriously long-lasting smartphone. In our Galaxy S24 Ultra review, we found that it comfortably outlasted its predecessor and offered well above a dozen hours of screen-on time in many common tasks like web browsing and video playback.

As for charging, Google has finally moved to recommending a 45W adapter with the Pixel 9 Pro XL. It relies on the same USB PD PPS standard as the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which takes a hair more than an hour to fully charge up. The Pixel 9 Pro XL goes from 0 to 70% within 30 minutes, which is a serious improvement over its predecessor that only reached 50% in the same time frame. However, one caveat is that the smaller Pixel 9 Pro is limited to fast charging at 27W, which is 10W lower than the XL model.

The Pixel 9 Pro supports slightly faster wireless charging, going up to 23W if you get the second-gen Pixel Stand. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, meanwhile, supports Qi wireless charging at 15W. Both smartphones support reverse wireless charging as well.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Price and availability

The Pixel 9 Pro series is now available to pre-order at $999 or $1,099 depending on the size you pick. You get a full year’s worth of Google One AI Premium with either Pixel 9 Pro, which equals a $240 value if you were going to subscribe for access to Gemini Advanced anyway. The Galaxy S24 Ultra launched at $1,299 and is available at all major retailers and carriers.

Google launched the Pixel 9 Pro just a few months after the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s release, which is earlier than prior generations. Still, you can already find Samsung’s flagship smartphone for a bit less than its launch price and it will certainly reach parity with the Pixel 9 Pro XL when it goes on sale. Not to mention, the S24 Ultra also offers double the amount of base storage. 256GB instead of the Pixel 9 Pro’s 128GB, to be exact. In other words, the price gap narrows considerably if you need the larger Google phone with enough storage to match the S24 Ultra.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Which should you buy?

The list of differences between Google and Samsung’s flagship smartphones has never been shorter. The Pixel 9 Pro XL doesn’t make as many hardware tradeoffs as its predecessors but it is also not as affordable anymore. However, the Galaxy S24 Ultra still has the obvious lead in a few areas — it’s the only smartphone with an integrated stylus, for instance.

Unless you’re a frequent mobile gamer or an avid note-taker, the Pixel 9 Pro will likely meet your needs and then some. The upgraded camera features, along with Google’s continued AI push, make it one of the best Android phones for your money. But if you’re after the most feature-rich Android experience with the least compromises of any smartphone on the market, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is likely your best bet. Which flagship phone would you rather buy?