Google's base Pixel models, including the Pixel 7 and Pixel 8, have always offered excellent overall performance at a more approachable price than their Pixel Pro counterparts. The new Pixel 9 looks to be no exception, with many of the key features -- including its Tensor G4 processor and new AI skills -- being shared with the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL. But what about the competition?Â
Samsung's Galaxy S24 is the Pixel 9's biggest threat, with a solid lineup of specs that similarly undercuts its sibling -- the S24 Ultra -- on price. Let's see how Google and Samsung's phones stack up.
Read more:Â Google Pixel 9 Review: Chock-Full of AI. But That's Not What Makes It Great
With a 6.3-inch display on the Pixel 9 and a 6.2-inch one on the S24, both phones are roughly in line in terms of size. The displays have an almost identical pixel density and both offer a maximum 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Both phones have an under-display fingerprint scanner and neither phone offers expandable storage or a headphone jack.Â
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The cameras are one of the key ways the two phones differ. While the Pixel 9 has just two cameras -- a 50-megapixel main camera and a 48-megapixel ultrawide -- the S24 adds a 10-megapixel telephoto camera into the mix. We'll have to see how the camera quality actually compares out there in the real world, but keen photographers wanting a more well-rounded 'kit bag' of lens options look like they may be better served by Samsung's phone.
As both phones offer 128GB storage as standard, both offer seven years of software updates, both offer IP68 water resistance and both offer a variety of AI features, it's very difficult to tell at this point which may offer the better overall experience. Especially as they cost the same at $800. Needless to say, we're keen to get them both in our hands to see how they stack up.Â
Google Pixel 9 specs vs. Samsung Galaxy S24
| Google Pixel 9 | Samsung Galaxy S24 | |
|---|---|---|
| Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate, brightness | 6.3-inch OLED; 2,424x1,080 pixels; 60-120 Hz variable refresh rate | 6.2-inch AMOLED; 2,340x1,080 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate |
| Pixel density | 422 ppi | 416 ppi |
| Dimensions (inches) | 6x2.8x0.3 inches | 5.79x2.78x0.3 inches |
| Dimensions (millimeters) | 152.8x72x8.5 mm | 147x71x7.6 mm |
| Weight (grams, ounces) | 198g (7 oz.) | 168g (5.93 oz.) |
| Mobile software | Android 14 | Android 14 |
| Camera | 50-megapixel (wide), 48-megapixel (ultrawide) | 50-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto) |
| Front-facing camera | 10.5-megapixel | 12-megapixel |
| Video capture | 4K | 8K |
| Processor | Google Tensor G4 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| RAM/storage | 12GB RAM + 128GB, 256GB | 8GB RAM + 128GB, 256GB |
| Expandable storage | None | None |
| Battery/charging speeds | 4,700 mAh | 4,000 mAh |
| Fingerprint sensor | Under display | Under display |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C |
| Headphone jack | None | None |
| Special features | Satellite SOS; 7 years of OS, security and Pixel feature drops; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass; IP68 dust and water resistance; 2,700-nit peak brightness; 45W fast charging (charger not included); 15W wireless charging with Google Pixel Stand (second gen); 12W wireless Qi-charging; Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7; NFC; Bluetooth 5.3; dual SIM (eSIM + nano SIM); Add Me; Best Take; Magic Eraser; Magic Editor | 2,600-nit peak brightness; 7 years of OS and security updates; 5G (mmWave); IP68 water and dust resistance; wireless PowerShare to charge other devices; 25W wired charging (charger not included); Galaxy AI; Wi-Fi 6E |
| US price off-contract | $799 (128GB) | $800 (128GB) |
| UK price | Converts to £640 (128GB) | £799 (128GB) |
| Australia price | Converts to AU$1,210 (128GB) | AU$1,399 (256GB) |