The Android Battle of 2025: Google Pixel 9 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

The premium smartphone arena has a new heavyweight contender. The Google Pixel 9 Pro (and its larger sibling, the Pixel 9 Pro XL) challenges the long-standing king, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. While the Pixel focuses on AI-driven “smarts” and photography, the Galaxy remains a powerhouse for productivity and raw performance.

Deciding between them comes down to whether you prefer software brilliance or hardware brawn.

Quick Comparison Chart

1. Performance & Hardware

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers superior raw power. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset outperforms in benchmarks, which makes it better for gaming and video editing. The S24 Ultra also features a Titanium frame and exclusive Gorilla Armor glass. This glass has an anti-reflective coating that reduces glare compared to the Pixel.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro uses the Tensor G4, which focuses on AI and machine learning. However, it has 16GB of RAM, a higher capacity than the S24 Ultra’s 12GB. This is to power its intensive on-device AI models.

2. Camera Experience

• Google Pixel 9 Pro: Known for its “smarter” camera, it excels in point-and-shoot scenarios. Its AI-driven processing produces more natural skin tones and handles harsh shadows better than Samsung. New features like “Add Me” allow users to insert themselves into group photos after the fact.
• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: This is the “versatile” camera. With its 200MP sensor and two telephoto lenses (3x and 5x optical), it leads in long-range zoom and detailed landscape photography.

3. Battery and Charging

The Galaxy S24 Ultra generally offers better battery life, often lasting 1-2 hours longer in web browsing and gaming tests. It supports faster 45W wired charging, whereas the Pixel tops out at around 37W for the XL model. However, the Pixel 9 Pro XL charges to full slightly faster in some tests due to a charging curve.

4. Pros & Cons

Google Pixel 9 Pro

• Pros:
  • Best-in-class computational photography and natural skin tones.
  • Exclusive AI features like Pixel Studio and Call Notes.
  • Clean, bloat-ware free “Stock Android” experience.
  • Superior front-facing 42MP selfie camera.
• Cons:
  • Lower raw performance in heavy gaming.
  • No stylus support.
  • Slower charging speed compared to Samsung.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

• Pros:
  • Unmatched raw power for gaming and productivity.
  • Integrated S Pen for notes and remote camera control.
  • Incredible anti-reflective screen coating for outdoor use.
  • Best-in-class zoom capabilities (up to 100x Space Zoom).
• Cons:
  • Large, boxy design can be uncomfortable for some users.
  • Samsung’s One UI can feel “cluttered”.
  • Significantly more expensive than the Pixel.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Which phone has the better screen?
  Both are elite. The Pixel 9 Pro is brighter (3,000 nits), but the S24 Ultra’s anti-reflective coating makes it more usable in direct sunlight.
• Is the Pixel 9 Pro better for gaming?
  No. For high-end gaming, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is superior due to its faster processor and better thermal management.
• Does the Pixel 9 Pro come with a stylus?
  No. Stylus support is exclusive to the Galaxy S24 Ultra in this comparison.
• Which phone takes better videos?
  The Galaxy S24 Ultra captures native 8K video, while the Pixel uses AI upscaling to reach 8K.

Price & Availability

• Check Google Pixel 9 Pro on Amazon
• Check Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra on Amazon

Looking for a Third Flagship Contender

• iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S26 Ultra
• Nothing Phone (3) vs. Motorola Edge 2025