When it comes to flagship smartphones, the competition is always fierce. In 2024, two heavyweights are vying for the crown: Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra. Both devices bring significant upgrades, but the question remains—does the Pixel 9 Pro XL truly have what it takes to be the best smartphone of the year, or does the Galaxy S24 Ultra maintain its dominance? Let’s dive into the details.
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Galaxy S24 Ultra are strikingly similar in size. Both feature a 6.8-inch display, and the differences in their dimensions are almost negligible, with the Pixel being only 0.1mm thinner. The Pixel 9 Pro XL weighs 221 grams, just 12 grams lighter than the Galaxy S24 Ultra. In hand, you’d be hard-pressed to notice the difference in weight, making both phones equally comfortable to hold.
Also Read This: Exploring the Best Features of the Galaxy S24 Ultra: A Comprehensive Guide
Where the two diverge is in their build materials. Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL sticks with the reliable Victus 2 glass, a robust choice that’s served well in previous models. However, Samsung has taken a step forward with its Gorilla Glass Armor, which not only offers better protection against drops and scratches but also improves display clarity with an anti-reflective coating. Over time, these enhancements could be the deciding factor in keeping your phone’s screen pristine.
Display Quality
Both devices boast stunning displays, but Samsung edges out with a slightly higher pixel density. While this might not make a huge difference in daily use, the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s display is a tad sharper, offering a richer viewing experience, especially for those who consume a lot of visual content.
What really sets the Galaxy S24 Ultra apart, though, is its anti-reflective Gorilla Glass Armor. This innovation significantly reduces glare, making colors more vivid and blacks deeper. If you’ve ever tried to use your phone in bright sunlight, you’ll appreciate the difference. The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s Victus 2 glass, while still excellent, doesn’t quite match up in this regard.
Chipset and Performance
The heart of any smartphone is its chipset, and this is where the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S24 Ultra diverge most significantly. Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL is powered by the Tensor G4 chip, a modest upgrade from last year’s G3. While it shows about a 15% improvement in benchmark tests, it still lags behind Samsung’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 by a considerable margin.
In Geekbench tests, the Galaxy S24 Ultra outperforms the Pixel 9 Pro XL by 40% in CPU performance, and the gap widens to over 60% in the Antutu benchmarks, which assess both CPU and GPU power. For everyday tasks like social media, streaming, and light gaming, the difference might be minimal. However, for power users who engage in more demanding activities like intensive gaming or video editing, the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s performance may feel a step behind.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor for most users, and here, the Galaxy S24 Ultra once again takes the lead. Despite the Pixel 9 Pro XL sporting a slightly larger battery, the Galaxy S24 Ultra outlasts it in real-world tests. The reason? The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset is more power-efficient than Google’s Tensor G4.
In daily use, the Galaxy S24 Ultra easily lasts two full days, even surpassing the latest iPhone in longevity. On the other hand, the Pixel 9 Pro XL, while still delivering solid battery life, doesn’t quite reach the same endurance levels. This efficiency gap is largely due to the differences in chipset architecture, with Samsung’s TSMC-manufactured chip outpacing Google’s Samsung-made Tensor G4.
Memory and RAM
One area where the Pixel 9 Pro XL shines is in its RAM capacity. With 16GB of RAM, it offers 4GB more than the Galaxy S24 Ultra. While 12GB is more than enough for most users today, the extra RAM in the Pixel could provide some future-proofing, particularly as AI features become more sophisticated and demand more memory.
Samsung is expected to address this in future models, with rumors suggesting a bump to 16GB in the Galaxy S25 Ultra. But for now, the Pixel 9 Pro XL holds an edge in this department, potentially offering smoother performance in memory-intensive tasks.
Software and Updates
When it comes to software, Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL has a clear advantage. Google’s Pixel UI is lighter and more streamlined compared to Samsung’s One UI, allowing for faster and more frequent updates. Both brands promise seven years of OS updates, but if you’re keen on getting the latest features as soon as they’re released, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the better choice.
Samsung’s One UI, while feature-rich, is heavier and often delayed in receiving updates. For those who prioritize being on the cutting edge of Android developments, Google’s Pixel series has always been the go-to, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL continues this tradition.
Artificial Intelligence Features
AI has become a significant selling point for modern smartphones, and both the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S24 Ultra come packed with impressive AI capabilities. Google has introduced new features like Add Me, Auto Frame in Magic Editor, Reimagine, and Pixel Screenshots, which leverage AI to enhance user experience in various ways.
Samsung, not to be outdone, has its own set of AI tools, including live translation, slo-mo video editing, and features like Sketch to Image and Portrait Studio introduced with the Z Fold 6. Interestingly, Google and Samsung collaborate on some of these AI features, making the competition between them even more nuanced.
In terms of AI, it’s a draw. Both companies are pushing the boundaries of what AI can do in a smartphone, and the differences come down to personal preference and specific use cases.
Unique Features
One unique feature that the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers is Satellite SOS, making it the first Android phone to launch with this capability. This feature allows users to connect to emergency services via satellite when cellular service is unavailable. It’s a significant safety net, especially for those who frequently find themselves in remote areas. However, it’s worth noting that this service is only free for the first two years, and its usefulness depends largely on individual circumstances.
While this feature is groundbreaking, it’s not something most users will need regularly. But for those who do, it could be a lifesaver.
Charging Speeds and Battery Efficiency
Samsung edges out slightly in charging speeds, but in real-world use, this difference is minimal. Both phones charge quickly enough to get you through the day with a short top-up. However, the efficiency of the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset also plays a role in maintaining better battery health over time.
Price Comparison
Price is always a significant factor in choosing a smartphone, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL is slightly more affordable at launch, starting at $1,100 for the 128GB model, compared to the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s $1,200. However, when you compare the 256GB versions, the prices are nearly identical. This narrows the price advantage that Google once held, making the decision come down to other factors like performance and features.
Trade-In Deals and Promotions
Google is offering aggressive trade-in deals for the Pixel 9 Pro XL, with some promotions allowing customers to get the phone for free, along with a $200 Best Buy gift card, depending on their trade-in. This could make the Pixel 9 Pro XL an enticing option for those looking to upgrade without spending a fortune.
These deals make the Pixel 9 Pro XL more accessible, potentially swaying customers who might otherwise opt for Samsung.
Final Verdict: Which Phone Reigns Supreme?
So, has Google done enough to make the Pixel 9 Pro XL the new king of smartphones? Unfortunately, the answer is no. While the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a solid upgrade and offers some unique advantages like more RAM, faster updates, and the Satellite SOS feature, it falls short in the fundamentals that most users prioritize: performance, battery life, and display quality.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra excels in these critical areas, making it the superior choice for those who want the best smartphone experience in 2024. Google has made significant strides, but the Pixel 9 Pro XL still has a ways to go before it can dethrone Samsung as the king of Android devices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a formidable contender in the flagship smartphone market. It offers excellent features, particularly for those who value fast software updates and additional RAM. However, when it comes to the overall package—performance, battery life, and display quality—the Galaxy S24 Ultra remains the top choice in 2024.
For those on the fence, Google’s trade-in deals might tip the scales in favor of the Pixel 9 Pro XL. But if you’re looking for the absolute best Android experience this year, the Galaxy S24 Ultra still reigns supreme.
FAQs
What are the main differences between the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The main differences lie in the chipset performance, battery life, and display quality, with the Galaxy S24 Ultra outperforming the Pixel 9 Pro XL in these areas.
How does the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s battery life compare to the Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Galaxy S24 Ultra offers better battery life due to its more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, lasting up to two days in real-world use.
Is the Tensor G4 chip in the Pixel 9 Pro XL powerful enough for gaming?
While the Tensor G4 is capable of handling most tasks, it lags behind the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in gaming performance, making the Galaxy S24 Ultra a better choice for gamers.
Can the Pixel 9 Pro XL keep up with future software updates?
Yes, the Pixel 9 Pro XL will receive faster software updates compared to the Galaxy S24 Ultra, thanks to Google’s streamlined Pixel UI.
Is the Satellite SOS feature on the Pixel 9 Pro XL worth considering?
The Satellite SOS feature is a unique safety net, particularly useful for those who frequently find themselves in remote areas without cell service. However, it’s not a necessity for most users.
