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Pixel 8 Pro vs Galaxy S24 Ultra: Best Phones of 2025?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, launched in 2024, is hailed as one of the best smartphones, offering cutting-edge features and top-tier performance. Meanwhile, Google’s Pixel 8 Pro takes a unique approach with distinct strengths that make it a strong contender in the Android world.
Though these flagship devices prioritize different aspects of hardware, the Pixel 8 Pro holds its own notable advantages. Wondering which is the better choice? Dive into this detailed comparison of the Google Pixel 8 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra to find the best smartphone for you.
Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Samsung S24 Ultra: Release Date and Price
The Samsung Galaxy S24 was launched on January 17, 2024, and became available on January 24, with an S24 price starting at A$2,199. Known for its advanced features, it’s a popular choice among tech enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Google Pixel 8 Pro was released on October 4, 2023, and is available from October 12, with a starting price of A$1,699. With its exceptional camera and smooth performance, it’s a standout for those who appreciate Google’s unique design and functionality.
If these prices feel steep, Samsung refurbished and Google refurbished options provide a budget-friendly alternative. For instance, the Google Pixel 8 Pro 5G (128GB) [Grade B] is available at Phonebot for just A$749, offering incredible value without compromising on quality
Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Samsung S24 Ultra: Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra, part of Samsung’s S series, features a sleek, standalone lens design, ditching the traditional camera bump for a refined, modern look. It also introduces a durable titanium frame, replacing Armor Aluminum, offering better scratch resistance and a premium touch.
The Pixel 8 Pro retains Google’s signature camera bar and adds a matte glass back, which reduces fingerprints and enhances grip. Size-wise, the S24 Ultra has a 6.8-inch display with narrower bezels compared to the Pixel 8 Pro’s 6.7 inches. While the S24 Ultra has sharper edges, the Pixel embraces softer curves, creating a distinct feel for each.
Durability is a highlight for the S24 Ultra, which uses Corning Gorilla Armor Glass for improved scratch resistance and reduced glare. Both phones include IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance.
Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Samsung S24 Ultra: Display
If there's one area where Samsung hits a home run, it's arguably in its display technology. The Galaxy S24 Ultra packs a stellar 6.8-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display that's simply hard to beat. With an adaptive refresh rate that starts at 1Hz and ramps up to 120Hz, this display delivers fluid motion while scrolling through social media and gaming. Its peak brightness of 2,600 nits ensures your content remains vibrant and clear even in the most stringent sunlight. This level of brightness, coupled with Samsung's advanced color accuracy, makes colors pop and brings images to life, turning media consumption into a joy.
The Google Pixel 8 Series sports a slightly smaller 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display, peaking up to 2,400 nits of peak brightness. While it isn't as bright as Samsung's offering, it still fares well in bright conditions. The Pixel display also supports a refresh rate of 120Hz for similarly smooth scrolling and fluid touches. The camera view is sharp and clear on the Pixel 8 Pro, with a 2992 x 1344 pixels resolution.
Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Samsung S24 Ultra: Performance and Battery
The Galaxy S24 Ultra, powered by a customized Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, offers a 20% CPU boost and 30% GPU improvement over its predecessor. Combined with 12GB RAM across all variants, it handles gaming and multitasking effortlessly.
The Pixel 8 Pro is equipped with Google’s Tensor G3 chip. While not as powerful as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, it delivers smooth app performance, faster load times, and improved multitasking. Google also resolved the overheating issues seen in earlier Tensor chips, ensuring greater stability. With plenty of Google Pixel deals available, the Pixel 8 Pro stands out as a value-packed option.
Battery-wise, the S24 Ultra features a 5,000mAh battery that easily lasts all day, while the Pixel 8 Pro’s 5,050mAh battery provides solid performance but may require a mid-day charge for heavy users. The S24 Ultra’s 45W fast charging also outpaces the Pixel 8 Pro’s 30W, making it a top pick for those prioritizing performance and charging speed.
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Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Samsung S24 Ultra: Camera
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra features a 5x periscope telephoto lens with a 50MP sensor, replacing the previous 10x zoom. This upgrade allows for sharp 10x optical-quality shots using pixel-cropping techniques. Combined with the 3x telephoto lens and the impressive 100x digital "Space Zoom," it’s ideal for capturing distant details with clarity.
The Pixel 8 Pro, on the other hand, enhances its cameras with a 50MP main sensor and improved light sensitivity across all lenses. The ultrawide and periscope telephoto sensors see gains of 56% and 105% in light intake, making it one of the best Google Pixel phones for natural, detailed photography.
Samsung's images are vivid and punchy, while the Pixel 8 Pro focuses on realistic colors and exceptional low-light performance. Google's night mode, backed by its computational photography expertise, delivers unmatched detail and lifelike tones in dark environments.
Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Samsung S24 Ultra: Software and User Experience
The Pixel 8 Pro runs Google’s stock Android 14, offering a clean and intuitive interface, now upgradable to Android 15. It’s ideal for users who prefer simplicity and direct access to features without unnecessary layers.
In contrast, the Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with Samsung’s One UI 6.1.1, built on Android 14. It provides extensive customization options, allowing users to personalize themes, layouts, and more. Features like DeX mode for a desktop-like experience and S-Pen support for precision input add to its appeal.
Both devices offer seven years of software updates, ensuring long-term usability. The choice ultimately depends on your preference: a minimal, streamlined experience with the Pixel or a feature-packed interface with Samsung’s One UI.
Verdict
Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or Google Pixel 8 Pro is difficult. After all, both devices excel in their way. However, Google's flagship has one very important factor working in its favor: it's far friendlier on the pocket. You can snag some S24 deals to save yourself, but the Pixel 8 Pro is still an affordable flagship phone for most people. It offers a seamless user experience, great cameras, and long-term software support, making it an intelligent investment.
This is not to say the Samsung Galaxy S24 ultra isn't worth considering. Performance enthusiasts are unlikely to find another phone that offers so much power and versatility in one package. Thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the S24 ultra runs at blazing speeds perfect for gaming, multitasking, or resource-intensive applications. Similarly, the device does an excellent job in graphics performance and easily sits among the best options for mobile gamers and content creators. If you feel this is the phone for you but can't splurge on a new one, you can always opt for a Second-hand Samsung S24. These devices offer all the fantastic features we love but at much lower prices.
Posted by Liam Harris
Liam Harris
I’m Liam Harris, a tech writer at Phonebot with a passion for technology. I provide trusted insights on refurbished phones, tablets, and accessories, focusing on quality, sustainability, and affordability. With a solid understanding of the refurbished market, I offer practical tips, product comparisons, and the latest tech updates to help you make informed decisions. My goal is to connect you with high-quality devices that fit your budget and lifestyle. Stay tuned for more on the best in refurbished tech here at Phonebot.
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