With much fanfare, Google unveiled the new Pixel 9 series on August 13, 2024, and along came the tallest phone in the lineup – Pixel 9 Pro XL. While Google packs it with a bevy of AI features and all the top-tier hardware it offers, the challenge is yet to come. The Pixel 9 Pro XL gets to lock horns against the giant phones like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Large phones are unwieldy to hold, but they certainly have top-of-the-line features. Undoubtedly, anyone would be in a dilemma when picking between Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S24 Ultra with S-Pen. Before we look at the subjective differences, let’s quickly compare the head-to-head specs of these two giant Android phones.
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Specifications: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL against Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
| Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display with 2,992×1,344 pixel resolution, 120Hz variable refresh rate, 486PPI pixel density, and 3000 nits bright | 6.8-inch AMOLED 2x display with 1440×3120 pixel resolution, 120Hz variable refresh rate, 501PPI pixel density, and 2600 nits bright |
| Processor | Google Tensor G4 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| RAM | 16GB | 12GB |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| Software | Android 14 | Android 14 with One UI 6.1 |
| Primary Camera | 50-megapixel | 200-megapixel |
| Second Camera | 48-megapixel Ultra-Wide | 12-megapixel Ultra-Wide |
| Third Camera | 48-megapixel Telephoto | 10-megapixel Telephoto |
| Front Camera | 42-megapixel Selfie camera | 12-megapixel Selfie camera |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
| Battery | 5060mAh with 45W fast charging, 15W/12W wireless charging support | 5000mAh with 45W fast charging, 15W wireless charging |
| Weight | 221g | 233g |
| Colors | Obsidian, Rose Quartz, Hazel, and Porcelain | Titanium Yellow, Titanium Black, Titanium Violet, Titanium Grey |
| Price | Starts $1099 | Starts at $1299 |
Design and Build
Google continues to iterate the Pixel family design language with the candybar-style Pixel 9 Pro XL. Technically, it’s a larger cousin of the Pixel 9 Pro. The massive pill-shaped camera bump at the back doesn’t feel as obtuse compared to past Pixel phones. However, the rounded corners do make it more appealing than the boxy-styled Galaxy S24 Ultra. The aluminum body of the Pixel 9 Pro XL helps the phone to shed some grams against the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s titanium body. Also, the S-Pen adds value to the professionals for productivity and creativity purposes.
Both smartphones feel like a modern design specimen in hand. Only your personal preference can make you choose either of them. Of course, you may be impressed by the vapor chamber for better cooling in the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Only the real-world tests can shed more light on that. In physical aspects, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is slightly wider and taller though lighter than the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Display Magic
Google boasts of using a 6.8-inch Super Actua OLED in the Pixel 9 Pro XL models. We aren’t sure if it is the same M14 OLED panel as per rumors, but it’s certainly brighter with 3000 nits. On the other hand, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 6.8-inch Samsung AMOLED 2x display with a max 2600 nits brightness. However, Samsung does add support for the S-Penm, potentially making the S24 Ultra’s display relatively distinct (and costly).
Software and AI Goodies
Samsung introduced the Galaxy AI goodies powered by artificial intelligence for on-device processing to aid those AI tools. Similarly, Google also brought various Gemini AI-powered features and other tools in various aspects of the Pixel series phones.
While neither of the company plans to charge extra for the AI features, they are still in the teething stage. Of course, the improvements and gems in the One UI 6.1.1 and the upcoming One UI 7 keep showing up often. Samsung’s attempt to offer more customization with One UI is certain to win the hearts of Android fans who love those extra features.
That said, Google flavors the Pixel phones with special software love though it’s a vanilla version of Android. Though both phones will run the Android 14 update, the Pixel 9 Pro XL will get the Android 15 update first. And also future updates for the next seven years. Remember that Samsung also promised updates for seven years with the new Galaxy S24 series after accommodating the extra set of features for the S-Pen.
Camera
On paper, Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL nearly trumps the Galaxy S24 Ultra based on the hardware and the software features it packs. That said, Samsung won’t stay behind and has already offered plenty of Galaxy AI goodies to improve photography on the S24 Ultra. However, Google’s bevy of Add Me, Reimagine, Autoframe, and Zoom Enhance features will let you enhance your photography immensely. And you don’t even have to know those skills either.
That’s a mean punch towards other Android phones and even the iPhone. However, the fact remains that both phones pack features that scream computational photography rather than the actual one. Google always had the upper hand with the accuracy of skin tones in selfie photos. Both phones make photography and videography more fun and engaging than the past generation of Android phones.
Also Read: Best Camera Tips and Tricks for Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Battery
Samsung can easily walk away with all the brownie points regarding battery life. Samsung ensures that battery life doesn’t take a hit despite the delay of the One UI updates. On the other hand, Pixel phones still have to prove themselves and remove the ‘abysmal-battery life’ label from its users.
While both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, the software and usage will dictate the actual run time. With either phone, you can enjoy 45W fast charging support. But things get tricky with wireless charging. For instance, the Pixel 9 Pro XL supports 15W wireless charging with the Pixel Stand. With other Qi charging-powered accessories, it delivers 12W wireless charging speeds.
Also Read: You Can Improve Battery Life of Your Samsung Galaxy S24 Series Phones
Choose Your Weapon
Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL will certainly make you think twice against Galaxy S24 Ultra. It’s an easy choice between the AI features to try on Galaxy S24 Ultra or purely computational photography love on the Pixel 9 Pro XL. You can go for the slick Android performance of Pixel phones or extreme customization on Galaxy S24 Ultra. There are no wrong choices. With a difference of merely $100 appearing at the face value, you have to choose between a phone with 128GB storage and other with 256GB storage. The competition between Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro XL is tough. Only the real-world usage and benchmarks can help you make a quicker call.
