Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: I tested both and here are the key differences

Google last week launched the Pixel 9 series during its Made by Google event in Mountain View, California. If you're in the market for a flagship Android phone, your attention should go straight to the Pixel 9 Pro XL, which officially goes on sale August 22.

Also: I replaced my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with the Pixel 9 Pro XL for a week - and didn't regret it

At a starting price of $1,099, the large-sized Pixel model features a 6.8-inch display, the most RAM Google has ever put on a phone, a 5,060mAh battery, and a triple camera array that should fare well against the competition -- specifically, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Samsung's Ultra flagship has been my daily smartphone since it was released back in January, and it remains at the top of ZDNET's best phones list. So, if you're split between the industry's best and Google's late-summer bloomer like I am, I've broken down the key reasons to buy one handset over the other below. And, trust me, it's a close one.

Specifications

You should buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL if...

1. You prefer Google's cleaner approach to software

One of the biggest distinctions between the Google Pixel and just about every other Android model is the software experience. I wouldn't categorize the Pixel launcher as bare bones, but it's certainly less intrusive and feature-packed than Samsung's OneUI or OnePlus' OxygenOS. There's a handful of customization tools for the home and lock screens, but don't expect to be able to tweak every little aspect of what's in front of you.

Also: The best Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro cases of 2024

Naturally, the cleaner aesthetic of the Pixel launcher allows Google to more quickly and efficiently distribute the latest Android features, such as Gemini Live and Pixel Screenshots, to its Pixel 9 series. And the company promises up to seven years of operating system, Pixel Feature Drops, and security patches to keep the phone relevant for at least until 2031.

2. You want the most forgiving camera system on the market

While the Pixel 9 Pro XL doesn't have a 100x zoom capability like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, it does have a reliable triple-camera array that captures photos and videos in great detail, natural color, and high contrast. The new 42MP front-facing camera, with a 103-degree FOV, is arguably the best for capturing group selfies and scenic portraits.

Besides having one of the best point-and-shoot camera systems on any smartphone, the Pixel 9 Pro XL also features many AI tools that help users capture, edit, and reproduce photos to their liking. There's a whole "what is a picture" debate tied into the generative AI madness, but for customers who favor idealism over realism and convenience over labor, tools like Add Me, Auto Frame, and Reimagine in Magic Editor give the Pixel 9 Pro XL one of the most forgiving camera systems on the market.

The latest Pixel phone also includes several video enhancements, including 8K video upscaling and Super Res Zoom. Video Boost, from what I've tested, also removes the choppiness when switching between the main lens and 5x optical, which is awesome to see.

3. You want a phone that's less of a burden to hold

Yes, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is also $100 cheaper than the Galaxy S24 Ultra, but perhaps more importantly, it's actually comfortable to hold. Considering how often you'll be carrying your phone around, holding it up, and interacting with it on a daily basis, hand feel is one of the most overlooked but vital aspects. 

Compared to the boxy, sharp-cornered design of the Samsung, the Pixel 9 Pro XL has flat edges that let you grip the phone firmly and subtle curves that help reduce the overall footprint. Put on a case on both devices, and you'll notice the difference even more.

You should buy the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra if...

1. You prefer Samsung's kitchen sink approach to software

While Samsung's software experience has gotten less buggy and chaotic since the old TouchWiz days, OneUI remains one of the most feature-rich versions of Android on the market. On the native launcher alone, you can customize elements like the wallpaper shade, widget styles, swipe animations, and more. On a device like the Galaxy S24 Ultra, you'll get additional note-taking features to make the most out of the built-in S Pen stylus. 

Also: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra review: Still the flagship of Android flagships

Like Google, Samsung also promises at least seven years of software updates for its Galaxy S models. That's to say, you'll feel like you got your money's worth when splurging on Samsung's flagship phone.

2. You want the best smartphone display on the market

I've tested almost every major smartphone release in the past year, including the big-screen foldables, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra has the best display that I've seen. It's a 6.8-inch AMOLED LTPO panel that refreshes between 1Hz and 120Hz and gets plenty bright during the daytime. Those specs are basically identical to the Pixel 9 Pro XL, by the way, so here's what truly sets the Samsung apart: an anti-glare coating that significantly reduces light reflections.

Whether you're framing a photo under direct sunlight or reading the web in a well-lit environment, the anti-glare coating that Samsung has embedded in the Galaxy S24 Ultra makes its visual output more perceptible than that of an ordinary smartphone.

3. You want a performant smartphone that's been real-world tested

Until I spend more time with the Pixel 9 Pro XL and its in-house Tensor G4 chip, I won't truly know how much better (or worse) it is than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip in the Galaxy S24 Ultra. What's certain is that if you're looking to buy a smartphone today, the latter has been tested and reviewed by experts and has proven to be reliable, battery efficient, and capable of running the latest mobile AI tools without much hiccup. 

On the other hand, Google hasn't had the best track record with its Tensor chips, experiencing overheating and other long-term issues in the past, so I'd keep a close eye on what benchmarks and real-world testing suggest post-launch.

Alternatives to consider