Galaxy S24 Ultra Vs Google Pixel 8 Pro

Galaxy S24 Ultra
Galaxy S24 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:€542.00

Versus €1,141.93 new

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Google Pixel 8 Pro
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:€293.00

Versus €1,099.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, released in January 2024, and the Google Pixel 8 Pro, launched in October 2023, represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' Android smartphone offerings. While both devices deliver a premium Android experience, they diverge significantly in their approach to camera technology, software philosophy, and unique features, catering to different user preferences.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S24 Ultra was released in January 2024, making it slightly newer than the Pixel 8 Pro, which launched in October 2023. This difference of a few months can impact the overall support window.
  • OS Support Duration: Both Samsung and Google have committed to an impressive seven years of OS updates and security updates for their respective flagship devices. This means both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Pixel 8 Pro are designed for extended software longevity, receiving updates well into 2030.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a titanium frame and Gorilla Armor for its display, offering robust protection. The Pixel 8 Pro utilizes an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2. Both devices carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a high level of protection against environmental elements.

Year of Release

2024

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both smartphones are equipped with powerful internal components designed to handle demanding tasks and ensure smooth operation.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S24 Ultra is powered by a current-generation processor, enabling it to manage intensive applications and multitasking with ease. The Pixel 8 Pro features Google's Tensor G3 chip, which is optimized for AI-driven tasks and provides a responsive user experience.
  • Multitasking and Storage: Both devices come with 12GB of RAM, facilitating seamless switching between multiple applications. Storage options for the S24 Ultra include 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, while the Pixel 8 Pro offers 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, though the 1TB option for the Pixel 8 Pro may have regional availability.
  • Battery Performance: The Galaxy S24 Ultra houses a 5000 mAh battery, and users often report it lasting through a full day of heavy use. The Pixel 8 Pro has a slightly larger 5050 mAh battery, also designed to provide ample power for daily activities.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both devices is a highlight, with each offering a high-quality display.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Pixel 8 Pro comes with a 6.7-inch Super Actua OLED display, known for its clarity and color accuracy.
  • Resolution and Brightness: Both phones offer QHD+ resolutions, ensuring sharp and detailed visuals. The S24 Ultra boasts a peak brightness of up to 2600 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions. The Pixel 8 Pro reaches a peak brightness of 2400 nits, also providing excellent outdoor visibility.
  • Refresh Rate: Both devices feature an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 1Hz to 120Hz, contributing to smooth scrolling and a responsive interface while optimizing power consumption.

Resolution

1440 x 3120

1344 x 2992

Screen type

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X

LTPO OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones are recognized for their advanced camera systems, though they approach photography with different strengths.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a versatile quad-camera setup, including a 200MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, a 10MP 3x telephoto, and a 50MP 5x telephoto lens, offering extensive zoom capabilities. The Pixel 8 Pro has a triple-camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide with autofocus, and a 48MP 5x telephoto lens, excelling in computational photography.
  • Photography Performance: The S24 Ultra is praised for its clarity, vibrant colors, and impressive zoom, particularly with its 5x optical and enhanced digital zoom. The Pixel 8 Pro is known for its consistent image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions, and its AI-driven editing features.
  • Video and Front Camera: Both devices offer high-quality video recording, with the S24 Ultra capable of 8K video. The S24 Ultra has a 12MP front camera, while the Pixel 8 Pro features a 10.5MP front camera, both capable of capturing detailed selfies and video calls.

Main camera

200 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

10.5 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several other features contribute to the overall user experience of these devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 8 Pro support 5G and Wi-Fi 7, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connectivity. They both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
  • Biometrics and Sensors: The S24 Ultra features an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor and face recognition. The Pixel 8 Pro includes an optical in-screen fingerprint sensor, face unlock, and a unique temperature sensor.
  • Design and Handling: The S24 Ultra has dimensions of 162.3 x 79.0 x 8.6 mm and weighs 232g or 233g, offering a substantial feel. The Pixel 8 Pro is slightly smaller and lighter at 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm and 213g. The S24 Ultra also integrates the S Pen, providing additional functionality for note-taking and navigation.

Weight

232 g

213 g

Screen size (in)

6.8

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra often highlights its exceptional battery life, vibrant display, and versatile camera system, particularly its zoom capabilities. Many users appreciate the integrated S Pen for productivity and creative tasks. Criticisms sometimes point to its large size, which can be challenging for one-handed use, and some users express a desire for more open software customization.

The Google Pixel 8 Pro receives praise for its outstanding computational photography, delivering consistent and high-quality images, especially in low light. Users also value its clean Android experience and the innovative AI features that enhance daily tasks. Some common feedback includes observations about its processing power, which, while capable, may not always match the raw benchmark scores of some competitors, and occasional reports of the display's peak brightness being inconsistent in real-world scenarios compared to advertised figures.

For users prioritizing a comprehensive feature set, including a stylus for productivity and a highly versatile camera with extensive zoom, the Galaxy S24 Ultra may be a suitable choice. Those who value a streamlined Android experience, cutting-edge computational photography, and advanced AI capabilities might find the Pixel 8 Pro more aligned with their needs. Both devices offer long-term software support, making them sustainable choices for extended use. Exploring quality-assured refurbished options for either model can provide an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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