An image of multiple Samsung Galaxy S24 and Google Pixel 8 smartphones.

Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. Google Pixel 8: How these Androids compare

Updated on 18 June 2024

Trying to decide between the latest Android options? Look no further. The Samsung Galaxy S24 has a versatile camera system and vibrant display, while the Google Pixel 8 shines with its superior camera experience and longer battery life.

You know the drill: You need a phone that keeps up with your lifestyle. In the ever-changing world of smartphones, the fight for the top spot is fierce.

Two contenders competing for your attention are the Samsung Galaxy S24 and the Google Pixel 8. The Android smartphone market is a battleground of innovation, with Samsung and Google constantly pushing the boundaries.

Think of this guide as your compass, navigating you through the key differences to find your perfect phone. We'll compare everything from display size and design to camera and price.

Whether you prioritise a clear screen for entertainment or are looking for a good deal, keep reading to see which phone is right for you.

Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. Google Pixel 8: How do they stack up?

Both the Samsung Galaxy S24 and Google Pixel 8 boast impressive features but cater to different preferences.

Check out a side-by-side comparison of the phone's pros and cons below:

Samsung Galaxy S24

Google Pixel 8

Pros

Pros Higher storage tier (512GB)

Triple-lens camera system

Sleek design

Strong battery life

Clean software experience

Lower starting price

Cons

Standard wired charging speeds

Higher starting price

Complicated software

Design changes are minor compared to previous models

Lower storage options

Less versatile camera system

Specs

Here's a quick comparison of the core specs for the Samsung Galaxy S24 and Google Pixel 8:

Samsung Galaxy S24

Google Pixel 8

Dimensions

147 x 70.6 x 7.6mm

150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9mm

Display

6.2-inch 'Dynamic AMOLED 2X'

6.2-inch 'Actua' OLED

Battery

4,000 mAh with 25W wired fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging

4,575 mAh with 30W wired charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging

Weight

167g

187g

Operating System

One UI 6.1 based on Android 14

Android 14

Storage

128GB / 256GB / 512GB

128GB / 256GB

Price (New)

£799 to £859

£549 to £609

Price

The Google Pixel 8 is easier on your wallet, with a price range of £549 to £609.

The Galaxy S24, on the other hand, commands a premium price tag, ranging from £799 to £859. This price difference might be a deciding factor for budget-conscious buyers.

Bottom line: Price is a major deciding factor. If you're on a tight budget or hoping to leverage a student discount, the Pixel 8 is the clear winner here.

Design and display

The Galaxy S24 is lighter compared to the Pixel 8. It has sleek, flat sides built with a material Samsung calls Armor Aluminium 2.0 (sounds tough, right?). The back is Corning Gorilla Glass, and you can choose from various eye-catching colours. These colours include Cobalt Violet, Amber, Yellow Onyx Black, Jade Green, and Sapphire Blue.

Ditching the boxy look, the Pixel 8 embraces comfy curves that feel great in your hand. The camera on the back has a sleek makeover, and the whole phone is built with eco-friendly recycled aluminium.

Front and back, it's protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. When it comes to colour options, Google lets you pick between Hazel, Obsidian, Rose, or a refreshing Mint green.

Bottom line: Here we have a tie. Design and display all vary depending on personal preference.

Performance

The Galaxy S24 series is known for packing a punch. In some regions, you'll find the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip powering the phone, making it a real powerhouse for demanding tasks.

Google's Pixel phones have traditionally focused on AI features over raw processing power. This means they excel in areas like image processing and voice recognition. However, the gap is closing. The Pixel 8 Tensor chip is still strong, but the Galaxy S24 is also packed with AI features, so the Pixel's advantage here isn't as clear-cut.

Bottom line: For the most powerful phone, especially for gaming, choose the Galaxy S24.

Camera

The Galaxy S24 has a versatile camera system with a triple-lens system, capturing photos with sharp details and vibrant colors—it’s like having a mini photo studio in your pocket.

Its 50-megapixel main sensor and dedicated telephoto lens (up to 3x zoom) capture crisp close-ups and epic landscapes. However, the ultrawide lens lacks autofocus compared to the Pixel 8.

The Pixel 8 shines with its consistent, high-quality photos, especially in lowlight situations. This is thanks to Google's clever software processing that helps brighten and sharpen images.

The Pixel 8 has fewer megapixels than the S24 but prioritizes natural colour reproduction over supersaturated tones. Even without a dedicated zoom lens, the Pixel 8 offers good zoom quality up to 8x magnification. Plus, the 10.5-megapixel front camera ensures you capture detailed selfies for your social media feed.

Bottom Line: For capturing vibrant colours and sharp details in bright light, the S24 is your pick. But if low-light photography and natural-looking colours are your priorities, the Pixel 8 takes the winning shot.

Battery life

The Galaxy S24 is equipped with a 4,000 mAh battery, which should provide enough juice to last you through a full day of moderate use. While not the biggest battery on the market, the S24's power management is optimized to work efficiently with its processor, helping you stay connected when it matters most.

The Pixel 8 goes all-in on battery life with a larger 4,575 mAh battery. This bigger capacity, coupled with the Pixel's typically power-efficient software, suggests you might be able to squeeze out an extra hour or two of use compared to the S24. The Pixel 8 also offers faster charging at 30W, enabling you to go from empty to 50% in just 30 minutes.

Bottom line: The Pixel 8 offers a better battery life, especially when you frequently need a quick charge top-up.

A graphic highlighting how the Samsung Galaxy S24 and Google Pixel 8 compare.

Samsung Galaxy vs. Google Pixel FAQs

Still on the fence about the Samsung Galaxy 24 and the Google Pixel 8? Check out these commonly asked questions to help guide you through the decision process.

Which phone offers more storage?

Both the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 8 offer similar base storage options, ranging from 128GB to 256 GB. However, the S24 has an additional, higher storage tier, reaching 512GB. If you need a massive amount of space for photos, videos, or games, the S24 is the better choice.

Who should consider the Galaxy S24 over the Pixel 8?

The Galaxy S24 caters to those who crave extensive customization. Samsung's One UI software has a wide range of features and settings, allowing you to tailor your phone experience to your exact needs.

Photography enthusiasts will also appreciate the S24's versatile camera system. Compared to the Pixel 8, the triple-lens setup offers more zoom capability thanks to the dedicated telephoto lens.

Is there a big difference in charging speeds?

The Pixel 8 offers fast charging and battery size compared to the Galaxy S24. In real-world use, the difference in charging times might be minimal, especially if you charge your phone overnight.

How does customer service compare?

Both Samsung and Google offer robust customer service options. Here's a quick rundown: Samsung: Samsung provides customer support through its website, phone lines, and physical stores (depending on your location). They offer various resources like FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and live chat options.

Google: Google offers customer support primarily through its website and online chat. While they don't have physical stores dedicated to Pixel devices, depending on your region, they might be accessible through partner stores.

If you’re looking to trade in your current phone for something new, Back Market has you covered. Our refurbished phones are tested by experts, so you can have the best quality tech. Not to mention, buying Verified Refurbished is better for your pocket and the environment. We’re here to help you find the best deals on Samsung phones, Google phones, and more.

Haziq

Written by HaziqTech Expert for Back Market UK, Ireland & Australia

When not fighting the good fight for environmental sustainability, Haziq loves making reviews of everything and anything tech-related.

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