Google Pixel 8 Pro ( left ) and Samsung Galaxy S24 UltraAndy Boxall / Digital Trends
This year , Samsung has broken new ground with its Galaxy S24 lineup , deliver not only the excellent year - over - year performance enhancements we ’ve come to expect from Qualcomm ’s flagship Snapdragon chips , buta whole Modern suite of Galaxy AI featuresthat rent you transform conversation , enhance your photos , sum up your line , and more .
In the causa of Samsung ’s premium flagship , theSamsung Galaxy S24 Ultra , those are get together by a new titanium frame and some camera enhancements that alter things up in interesting and exciting ways . Plus , the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy supply more than enough performance to part with .
On the other hand , those who have followed Google ’s Pixel series of phones probably already know that the search titan is no stranger to AI - power feature . Google has been building tradition Tensor series chips for a couple of years now , focusing on power the machine learning capabilities that appropriate its sound to punch well above their weightiness course when it comes to picture taking .
Although the first two Tensor genesis pitch on that promise , they often came up short in other sphere . However , the Tensor G3 in last year’sGoogle Pixel 8 Proimpressed us with enough unsanded power to make it a more serious rival for those looking for top - notch gaming and multitasking performance . Does it have enough to take on Samsung ’s utmost Galaxy S24 Ultra , especially now that Samsung is baking in similar AI to vie in Google ’s arena ? allow ’s dig in and regain out .
Galaxy S24 Ultravs. Pixel 8 Pro: specs
6.8 - inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display with Super Smooth 120Hz refresh charge per unit ( 1~120Hz )
Front : 12MP
Front : 10.5MP
Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. Pixel 8 Pro: design
It ’s fairish to say that Samsung and Google have both developed their own iconic conception languages over the preceding couple of years , with new models brag evolutionary changes rather than revolutionary ones .
For Samsung , the Galaxy Ultra lineup strike down the definitive photographic camera excrescence two years ago in favor of let the lenses stand up on their own . It clearly liked that artistic , as it ’s since brought it not only to the rest of the Galaxy S family , but even toits midrange and entry - grade A - serial publication earpiece . Hence , it ’s no surprise that Samsung ’s Galaxy S24 Ultra abide by in the same footsteps .
However , that does n’t think nothing ’s changed . This year , Samsung moved its flagship headphone from its classic Armor Aluminum alloy to a titanium frame . While that technically allows it to shed a few gram , that ’s not the real bonus here , as there ’s a minimal weight difference between aluminium and Ti . Rather , the Galaxy S24 Ultra now gets a boost in enduringness , added scratch resistance , and a more attractive look . It also feels warm to the tactual sensation and easier to keep a hold on . You may want to retrieve double about putting this one in a case .
likewise , Google ’s Pixel 8 Pro can be tricky to distinguish from its precursor at first glance unless you know what you ’re look for . It sports Google ’s signature tune camera taproom that serve prepare the Pixel family apart from other smartphones , but now combines the lense into a undivided cutout . However , once you pluck it up and look a bit closer , it ’s exonerated Google has made some courteous design refinements that tot up a touch of elegance and workmanship . The glass back is now matte , get it less of a fingerprint magnet , and it feels cracking in the hand , especially with the corner being more rounded .
While the Galaxy S24 Ultra technically comes in slightly larger and sinewy with its 6.8 - column inch screen , it ’s not importantly more so than the Pixel 8 Pro . We ’re talking about 2.5 mm in width and 20 grams in weight unit ; the extra tenth - of - an - inch for the presentation comes from narrower bezel on Samsung ’s part , and any difference when holding the new sound can be chalk up to the different materials and plan used in each . drinking glass and titanium feel very different , and Samsung and Google have also gone in paired direction with the edges , with the Pixel 8 Pro getting more curve while the Galaxy S24 Ultra gets less .
The Galaxy S24 Ultra does have an edge over the Pixel 8 Pro in terms of lastingness , with Samsung opting for Corning ’s latestGorilla Armor Glassthis year . It ’s more dinero - repellent and less reflective than last twelvemonth ’s Gorilla Glass Victus 2 , which is still used on the Pixel 8 Pro . It ’s unclear how much of a difference this progress to in impact trade protection , butthe trim back glare keep the cover noticeably more visiblewhen treat with bright overhead lights or direct sunlight . Both sound also feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistor . Samsung specify up to 1.5 meter of protection for 30 minutes on the Galaxy S24 Ultra . While Google has never say precisely what its IP68 paygrade means , we expect it ’s very similar , as IP68 has to pop the question more than one meter of water underground for at least 30 minutes .
The Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 8 Pro both boast sensational designs in their own way , and while Samsung ’s phone has some minor advantages with its new Armor Glass , we do n’t conceive those are enough to tilt the weighing machine over what at last fall down to a personal choice for buyers .
Winner : Tie
Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. Pixel 8 Pro: display
Samsung ’s telephone set have always had some of the upright AMOLED displays on the market , which is no surprisal considering that Samsung has its own display sectionalization that produces a expectant percentage of the displays used on every phone on the market — including the Pixel 8 Pro .
However , Samsung naturally reserve its best displays for its smartphones , and the best of the proficient naturally land in its top - of - the - line Galaxy S24 Ultra . What you ’re get here is n’t a significant change from last year ’s Galaxy S23 Ultra — it ’s still a 6.8 - in AMOLED 2X jury with a 1Hz to 120Hz adaptive refresh charge per unit and a paltry bump to a 3120 x 1440 resolution — but it ’s pay back much brighter , with a Modern peak outdoor brightness of 2,600 nits .
We found that to be a obtrusive increment from the 1,750 of the S23 Ultra , which , coalesce with the newfangled Gorilla Armor Glass , makes the screenland much easier to see on even the brightest day . The Adaptive Brightness also behaves well when work in shiny luminosity , avoiding the enticement to automatically dim your screen to make unnecessary a bit of stamp battery lifespan .
Google ’s Pixel 8 Pro has take over a dissimilar video display from its harbinger , which the caller has dubbed its fresh “ Super Actua ” display . It ’s an LTPO OLED screen with the same 120Hz variable refresh charge per unit and always - on capabilities , but it ’s push the out-of-door brightness up to 2,400 nits . That was the good we ’d seen on any smartphone when the Pixel 8 Pro was free ; it ’s by nature been leapfrog by Samsung and others since , but it ’s more of a composition Salmon P. Chase now as we ’re get to the stop of belittle returns . Anything above 2,000 nits seems to be good enough for most outside utilization , and it ’s unlikely you ’ll comment much deviation between Google ’s 2,400 nits and Samsung ’s 2,600 nit in raw luminosity . If anything , Samsung ’s new glass help with out-of-door visibleness far more than those extra 200 nits .
Like Samsung , the biggest modification in Google ’s display is the increase brightness . It offers a 2992 x 1344 resolution for a denseness of 489 pixels per inch ( ppi ) . That ’s slightly lower than the 505 ppi on the Galaxy S24 Ultra , but it ’s not a difference you ’ll notice with the raw eye . However , the Pixel 8 Pro has another magic trick up its sleeve that help oneself narrow the gap with the S24 Ultra : it can now dial the refresh rate down to the same 1Hz , lease it use less battery power in always - on show mode .
Both display deliver excellent timbre , with deep , rich colour and crisp text , and we do n’t think anyone will be let down with either . Still , Samsung gain a new edge with an improved always - on display that departs from the classical monochromatic face that ’s adorn most Android phones . or else , it seems to havetaken a page out of Apple ’s bookby allow a more colorful view that allows you to keep a dimmed version of your wallpaper and notifications in position .
Thatbecame a polarizing featurewhen Apple introduced it — people seemed to either do it it or detest it — andApple finally had to provide a fashion to turn it off . Samsung has learned from that , and it ’s wisely offering that option out of the gate . You do n’t have to employ it if you do n’t desire to , but it ’s hard to argue that it ’s a gracious pick to have and take a leak the Galaxy S24 Ultra stick out out from the pack .
succeeder : Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. Pixel 8 Pro: performance and battery
Samsung has once again worked with Qualcomm to bring its own bespoke version of the chipmaker ’s former flagship scheme - on - a - fleck ( SoC ) to the Galaxy S24 Ultra . TheSnapdragon 8 Gen 3is already a ridiculously knock-down chip , and Samsung’sSnapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxycoaxes even more out of it for Samsung ’s top - performing flagship and its One UI 6.1 flavor of Android . According to Qualcomm , that influence out to a boost of 20 % in the C.P.U. and 26 % in the GPU over last year ’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy , compare to a 30 % performance boost between the two non - Galaxy generations of the SoC.
compact in 12 GB of RAM across all of its storage configurations , the S24 Ultra not only had no problems handling the late demanding nomadic game , but also ran astonishingly cool , suggesting there ’s power here to save . For instance , we find that extended playtime of games likeAsphalt 9 : Legendsbarely warm up thing up ; it take demanding benchmarking tests to make a noticeable conflict , but the S24 Ultra never aim too hot to handle .
Unsurprisingly , Google ’s Pixel 8 Pro still packs in one of the company ’s own Tensor chips — a third - multiplication Tensor G3 in this case — but the good news is that Google has made some nice improvements to performance and thermal direction compared to the previous iteration of the chip . In denote the Tensor G3 , Google foretell that “ every major subsystem has been kick upstairs , ” which translates to a noticeable performance rise .
Can it hold its own against the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy?Although the Tensor G3 does n’t match the raw benchmarks on paper , in virtual terms , we do n’t intend most folks will notice any divergence deserving caring about . The Pixel 8 Pro could handle everything we threw at it , including the belated demanding mobile game and multitasking between multiple apps . There was no stuttering or lagging , nor any of the overheat problems that chevvy the Tensor G2 - fit Pixel 7 card . It seems Google has at long last decided to shift away from its somewhat myopic focal point on auto learning that hampered its previous Tensor chips .
We ’re long past the point where raw baron mean much to the user - facing experience on flagship smartphones . Instead , the supernumerary headway supply by both the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy and the Tensor G3 is there to power more sophisticated features like computational photography and AI . And this twelvemonth , Qualcomm has changed that equation , move onto Google ’s turf by adding some sophisticated machine learning capabilities to its tardy premium Snapdragon chip . We ’ll sing more about those subsequently .
If there area any orbit where the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a clear-cut winner , it ’s in its battery life and charging performance . While the Pixel 8 Pro should get you through a full day thanks to the Tensor G3 ’s improved power efficiency , that still does n’t keep a candle to the unbelievable toughness of the Galaxy S24 Ultra , which can end a busy day with 50 % remaining , even after five hours of screen metre used for gaming , video cyclosis , and call . That ’s despite both phones receive like - sized batteries ( 5,000mAh for the S24 Ultra and 5,050mAh for the Pixel 8 Pro ) , soit ’s a testament to Samsung and Qualcomm ’s force - management capabilities .
With its common 45 - W charging , the Galaxy S24 Ultra still is n’t the quickest - charging smartphone on the market — that honour still go to the OnePlus 12 — but it still nonplus out the Pixel 8 Pro ’s 30W hurrying . Practically , that works out to about a 20 - minute divergence in the metre it have to excite each phone from zero to full — 70 instant for the S24 Ultra versus 90 minutes for the Pixel 8 professional .
Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. Pixel 8 Pro: cameras
When it come to cameras , Samsung puts the most premium tv camera computer hardware available into its Galaxy Ultra phones , while Google run toward slightly above - average sensor labour by advanced computational photography algorithms .
The Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 8 Pro both follow that course , although each has been gradually entrench into the other ’s territory . This twelvemonth , Samsung is ask advantage of the new AI and persona - processing potentiality of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 to power raw picture and video experiences , while also take over a page from some of its competitors by using pixel - cropping techniques to extend more optical - quality focal lengths . For its part , Google has packed some gracious sensor upgrades into the Pixel 8 Pro to give the computational picture taking engine in its Tensor G3 more to sour with .
The Galaxy S24 Ultra come with a change that surprise many phratry at first blush : the voiding of its legendary 10x telephoto lensin favour of a 5x shot . However , there was a method to Samsung ’s seeming madness , as it also upped its safe telephoto television camera to a 50 - megapixel ( MP ) sensor , a huge jump from the 10MP one on the S23 Ultra that not only fork up better timbre look-alike , but also still let you capture 10x optical - quality shots with its Adaptive Pixel Sensor Technology . Of course , the digital rapid climb capability are all still here , with to a 100x “ Space Zoom . ”
Combined with the 3x telephotograph lens , which remains mostly unaltered from last year , this furnish Galaxy S24 Ultra owners with a new and arguably much more useful 5x zoom to bring with since it ’s entirely optical . As for the 10x zoom , technically you ’ll only be fool a 10MP picture in that mode , as Samsung is using a pixel - cropping technique to double up the 5x zoom by using the nerve center of the 50MP sensor , but that ’s the same resolution the Galaxy S23 Ultra ply with its 10MP 10x telephoto camera , and the results speak for themselves .
Google ’s Pixel 8 Pro has improved the detector of its predecessor in light capture , with the main 50MP shooter promised to roll up 21 % more brightness level and the two 48MP sensors in the telephoto and ultrawid , increase that by 56 % and 105 % , severally .
While those numbers may not look nearly as impressive as Samsung ’s 200MP chief sensor and twofold telephoto lenses , the computational photography features of Google ’s Tensor chip have always managed to produce exceptional results with relatively modest camera sensors . The Pixel 8 Pro effortlessly takes the variety of phenomenal photos we ’ve get along to expect from a Pixel phone . Colors are instinctive , balanced , and lively without being oversaturated , and there ’s plenty of point . For the company that pioneered night mode smartphone picture taking , it ’s also no surprisal that the Pixel 8 Pro still farm the best night fashion photo you ’ll find — and they ’ve only gotten better with the increase light predisposition of the cameras .
That ’s not to say the Galaxy S24 Ultra is lacking in any meaningful direction . If you desire the best telephotograph lens of the eye system you’re able to get on a smartphone , and prefer photos that are more punchy , vibrant , and colored , Samsung ’s flagship is the sound for you . The good news show is that Samsung also seems to have dialed the saturation down a bit compared to last yr ’s modeling , so while it ’s not quite as ideally balanced as the Pixel 8 Pro , semblance do look more natural .
The bottom line is that both sound take great pictures with unlike craft - offs . The Pixel 8 Pro will give you more natural hues and good lowlight and Nox shots , while the Galaxy S24 Ultra leave olympian zoom capableness with more vibrant semblance that may not appeal to everyone .
Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. Pixel 8 Pro: software and updates
The Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 8 Pro both ship with Android 14 , although Google provides its usual “ vestal Google ” experience while Samsung layers its One UI 6.1 on top . Each of these will invoke to a dissimilar audience , and despite the Pixel 8 Pro run just Android 14 sans any “ skins , ” it still packs in its own exercise set of unique features specific to Google ’s Pixel lineup .
However , Google raised the stakes last year when it promised a staggering seven years of Android updates and Pixel Feature Drops that will keep its latest flagship earpiece relevant until October 2030 , when Android 21 comes along .
Not to be outdo , Samsung has follow suit , pair Google ’s hope with its Galaxy S24 batting order , which should also take it to Android 21 and One UI 13 .
Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. Pixel 8 Pro: special features
While Google ’s Pixel card has been the undisputed king of AI features for the past few age , Samsung is befuddle its lid into the ring with the Galaxy S24 Ultra anda new suite of Galaxy AI capabilities .
These primarily do thanks to the improvement in Qualcomm ’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 microchip , which has hug machine acquisition in a enceinte way . Samsung is leveraging these new capability to work up new displacement , transcription , and photo - redaction features that could theoretically give Google a running for its money .
However , the key password here is “ theoretically . ” Google has a healthy head start in this surface area , both in software characteristic and in the neural engines in its Tensor poker chip . By comparison , Samsung is a baby in the woods , and it evince with Galaxy AI .
For exemplar , one of the most compelling AI feature on the Galaxy S24 Ultra isCircle to Search by Google , but that ’s not an exclusive lineament . As the name suggests , Google built it , so it wasinevitable that it would come to the Pixel 8 professional , along with some other coolheaded generative AI enhancements for composing messages and transforming photos into sticker .
The Galaxy S24 Ultra also includes new Interpreter and hot Translate feature that can read both live in - individual conversations and earpiece calls in literal time , plus AI - generated sum-up and transcriptions in Samsung Notes that can transcribe and translate voice transcription to text from multiple speaker system .
The Galaxy S24 Ultra also bring in some photo- and video - editing capabilities that can fill in backgrounds and evoke enhancements to images . An AI - assisted slow - motion mode can also turn a regular picture into a slow - motion one by interpolate the missing frame needed to slow it down . It work on well and let you create more impulsive experiences by slowing down only selected fate .
Beyond photographic feature , the Pixel 8 Pro also includes work up - in proofreading puppet in Gboard , object and pet recognition for the selfie camera , and the ability for Google Assistant to summarize a vane page for you . Suffice it to say that Google will belike remain in advance of the curved shape on the AI side for a while , although Galaxy AI will at least help Samsung fans count less longingly at what they ’re missing .
However , with all the ballyhoo around procreative AI these day , it may be operose to believe there ’s still more to a sound than just AI feature . But the Galaxy S24 Ultra has at least one thing that makes it support out from the face pack in the shape of its S Pen . It ’s hard to beat for those who would rather jot their persuasion down on the expansive 6.8 - inch screen than type them in .
Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. Pixel 8 Pro: price and availability
The Galaxy S24 Ultra comes in at $ 100 more this year , with the root word 256 GB model initiate at $ 1,300 . There are also higher 512 GB and 1 TB store capacity uncommitted . you’re able to see it at most major retailers and carriers in Titanium Gray , Titanium Black , Titanium Violet , and Titanium Yellow , with exclusive Titanium Blue , Titanium Green , and Titanium Orange colors available if you order directly from Samsung .
Google ’s Pixel 8 Pro get-go at a much more wallet - friendly $ 999 , although that will only get you a 128 GB model . However , you’re able to move up to a comparable 256 GB configuration for only $ 60 more . It ’s usable for purchase now from Google and other retailer and come in Obsidian , Porcelain , and Bay color .
Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. Pixel 8 Pro: verdict
Even at the same price , the pick between Samsung ’s Galaxy S24 Ultra and Google Pixel 8 Pro would be a elusive call , but Google ’s flagship has one essential matter going for it : It can be had for $ 300 less than Samsung ’s beastly powerhouse .
At this cost , we think the Pixel 8 Pro is the best flagship for most people . It takes splendid pictures under a wide mountain range of conditions , the novel Tensor G3 chip turn in the functioning require by everyone except the most hardcore fluid gamers , and Google also has a try runway phonograph record in delivering AI features that work well . The only significant knocks against the Pixel 8 Pro are its average battery life and slower charging ; however , there ’s still enough here to get most folks through a full day of use between charge .
None of that is to say that Samsung ’s Galaxy S24 Ultra does n’t have its own set of advantages . You get the good telephotograph cameras available on any smartphone today with considerably longer - range zoom capabilities while still being able to capture outstanding photos . There ’s also little doubt that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip can handle anything you fuddle at it without break a elbow grease — and it ’s probable to provide that top - tier up public presentation for another twosome of years , even as new Android and One UI updates demand more from it . While the jury is still out on the Galaxy AI features and where the line is drawn between “ useful ” and “ gimmick , ” if you entrust those aside , it ’s still an idealistic phone for those who want no - via media performance and are willing to pay the premium to get it .
