The smartphone market is constantly evolving, with new flagship devices being released every year. Samsung’s highly-anticipated release of the Samsung Galaxy S24 is sure to be a hit amongst smartphone enthusiasts. But how does it fare against similarly impressive products? More specifically, the Google Pixel 8 Pro. These devices are packed with cutting-edge features and powerful hardware that promise to deliver an exceptional user experience. In this Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8 Pro comparison guide, we delve into the specifications, features, and pricing of both smartphones; to ultimately decide which phone comes out on top.

Samsung has really pulled out all the stops with its latest release. The addition of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, facilitating new AI features, combined with the impressive changes to the camera system makes the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra a tough phone to beat. Let’s see how the widely-acclaimed Google Pixel 8 Pro compares!

Before we get started – if you fancy reading up on some more about the Galaxy Pixel 8 Pro, check out some of our other coverage on the product. Including our helpful guide on where to buy it and whether we think it’s worth the money.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8 Pro – specs

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8 Pro – key features

Now, let’s delve into the key features of these two flagship smartphones.

Design

Regarding design, the Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Google Pixel 8 Pro offer sleek and modern aesthetics. The S24 Ultra features a titanium frame and Gorilla Glass Victus, ensuring durability and a premium feel. On the other hand, the Pixel 8 Pro boasts a more traditional design with its single window housing the cameras.

Display and refresh rate

Both smartphones feature impressive displays with high resolutions and adaptive refresh rates. The Galaxy S24 Ultra sports a 6.8-inch Dynamix AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 3,120 x 1,440 pixels and an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate. It is also HDR10+ certified, ensuring vibrant and immersive visuals.

The Pixel 8 Pro, on the other hand, sports a 6.7-inch Super Actua OLED display with a resolution of 2,992 x 1,344 pixels. Similar to the S24 Ultra, it also features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ certification, delivering smooth and lifelike visuals.

Camera capabilities

The camera capabilities of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Google Pixel 8 Pro are truly impressive. The S24 Ultra boasts a rear camera setup that includes a 200MP wide-angle lens, a 50MP main telephoto lens, a secondary 10MP telephoto lens, and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. It also features a laser autofocus system and 100x Space Zoom capabilities. On the front, it offers a 12MP selfie camera.

The Pixel 8 Pro, on the other hand, features a rear camera setup with a 50MP main lens, a 48MP ultra-wide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. It also offers optical image stabilization (OIS) and electronic image stabilization (EIS) for steady shots. The front-facing camera is a 10.5MP shooter.

Performance and hardware

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, while the Google Pixel 8 Pro features the Google Tensor G3 processor. The S24 Ultra’s Snapdragon processor is overclocked, making it slightly faster than other Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 smartphones. However, both devices offer smooth and quick performance in everyday usage, thanks to their 12GB of RAM.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8 Pro – price

Regarding pricing, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra starts at $1,299 for the 12GB/256GB model, while the Pixel 8 Pro starts at $999 for the 12GB/128GB model. The S24 Ultra offers higher storage options, with 512GB and 1TB variants available. The Pixel 8 Pro, on the other hand, offers 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB options.

Is the Samsung S24 Ultra waterproof?

Similarly to many flagship phones released throughout the past year, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is IP68 water and dust-resistant. Meaning, no it is not completely waterproof – no phone is. However, it comes pretty close! The Galaxy S24 Ultra can be submerged underwater for a maximum of 30 minutes at a depth of 1.5 meters.

What is the main difference between the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra?

While the majority of the hardware between the two phones remains unchanged, there are a few differences that make the S24 Ultra have a slight upper hand. The main difference is that the S24 Ultra is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset which is significantly faster than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Making the overall speed of the phone faster, and ultimately being the main attraction in upgrading to the S24 Ultra.

Conclusion

Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Google Pixel 8 Pro ultimately depends on your priorities and budget. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Google Pixel 8 Pro are two powerhouse smartphones that offer exceptional performance, stunning cameras, and a range of innovative features. Whether you choose the S24 Ultra or the Pixel 8 Pro, you can be confident that you’ll have a flagship device that will deliver an outstanding user experience.

About the Author

Eve Hancock

Eve is a writer and copy editor at PC Guide, who focuses on a broad range of topics but main interest lies in the development of AI technology.