Galaxy S24+ Vs Google Pixel 8a

Galaxy S24+
Galaxy S24+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£335.00

Versus £949.36 new

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Google Pixel 8a
Google Pixel 8a
Starting at

Refurbished price:£216.00

Versus £467.97 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus and the Google Pixel 8A are contemporary smartphones, released in early 2024, offering distinct approaches to the Android experience. While the Galaxy S24 Plus positions itself as a premium device with advanced hardware, the Pixel 8A focuses on delivering a streamlined software experience with strong AI integration. Both devices run on the latest Android operating system, but they cater to different user priorities through their design, display, and camera capabilities.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S24 Plus was released in January 2024, while the Google Pixel 8A followed in May 2024. This difference means the Pixel 8A benefits from a slightly newer starting point for its software support cycle.
  • Software Longevity: The Google Pixel 8A is notable for its commitment to extended software support, promising seven years of operating system, security, and feature updates. This provides a long-term software experience for users. While Samsung also offers substantial software support for its flagship devices, the explicit seven-year commitment for the Pixel 8A is a key differentiator.
  • Durability and Repairability: The Galaxy S24 Plus features a robust Armor Aluminum frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on its display, contributing to its overall resilience. It also carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The Pixel 8A uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for its front, an aluminum frame, and a plastic back, with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. In terms of repairability, the Galaxy S24 Plus has received high scores, with components like the battery being relatively easy to replace.

Year of Release

2024

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is central to the user experience, influencing everything from app responsiveness to multitasking capabilities and gaming.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S24 Plus is equipped with a powerful current-generation processor, which allows it to handle demanding applications and intensive multitasking with ease. This results in a highly responsive and fluid user experience across various tasks. The Google Pixel 8A utilizes a processor designed by Google, which is optimized for its software and AI features, providing smooth performance for everyday use and many advanced functions.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S24 Plus typically comes with 12GB of RAM, facilitating seamless transitions between numerous open applications and robust multitasking. It offers storage options of 256GB and 512GB. The Pixel 8A includes 8GB of RAM, which supports efficient multitasking for most users, and is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S24 Plus houses a 4900 mAh battery, which in real-world usage, often provides enough power to last through a full day and into the next for many users. The Pixel 8A features a 4492 mAh battery, generally offering sufficient power for a full day of typical use.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer distinct visual experiences.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S24 Plus features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a QHD+ resolution (3120x1440 pixels), delivering sharp images and vibrant colors. The Pixel 8A comes with a 6.1-inch OLED display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080x2400 pixels), providing clear visuals suitable for daily content consumption.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S24 Plus boasts a peak brightness of 2600 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. Its display also features an adaptive refresh rate that can vary from 1Hz to 120Hz, contributing to smooth scrolling and power efficiency. The Pixel 8A offers a peak brightness of 2000 nits and an adaptive refresh rate that ranges from 60Hz to 120Hz, providing a responsive and bright viewing experience.
  • Viewing Experience: The larger screen of the Galaxy S24 Plus offers a more expansive canvas for media consumption and productivity. Both displays support HDR content, enhancing contrast and color depth for compatible videos and images.

Resolution

1440 x 3120

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X

OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, though with different hardware configurations and processing philosophies.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S24 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This configuration allows for a range of photographic styles, from wide landscapes to zoomed-in shots. The Google Pixel 8A is equipped with a dual-camera system, comprising a 64MP main sensor with OIS and a 13MP ultrawide lens.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S24 Plus utilizes a ProVisual AI Engine to enhance image quality, particularly in low-light conditions and when using zoom. Its main camera produces detailed 12MP images through pixel binning. The Pixel 8A is renowned for its computational photography, delivering vivid, detail-rich images with accurate colors and excellent dynamic range, even in challenging lighting. It also includes AI-powered editing features like Magic Editor and Best Take.
  • Video and Front Camera: The Galaxy S24 Plus supports video recording up to 8K at 30 frames per second and 4K at 60 frames per second, alongside a 12MP front-facing camera. The Pixel 8A records 4K video at 60 frames per second with its main camera and 4K at 30 frames per second with its ultrawide and 13MP front camera.

Main camera

50 megapixels

64 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

13 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core components, several other features contribute to the overall user experience and practical utility of these devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy S24 Plus supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6E (with some regions supporting Wi-Fi 7), Bluetooth 5.3, and includes a USB-C 3.2 port. It also features Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology. The Pixel 8A offers 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and a USB-C 3.2 port. Neither device includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: Both phones incorporate in-display fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. The Galaxy S24 Plus uses an ultrasonic sensor, while the Pixel 8A employs an optical sensor. The Pixel 8A also offers face unlock functionality.
  • Build and Handling: The Galaxy S24 Plus has a 6.7-inch display and an Armor Aluminum frame, offering a premium feel. The Pixel 8A, with its 6.1-inch display, aluminum frame, and matte plastic back, provides a more compact and potentially easier-to-handle form factor for some users.

Weight

196 g

188 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.1

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus often highlights its bright, high-resolution display and robust performance as significant advantages. Many users appreciate its extended battery life, which frequently lasts beyond a single day of heavy use. Criticisms sometimes point to the camera system, with some users finding the image processing less consistent compared to competitors, though it still delivers quality results in many situations.

For the Google Pixel 8A, common praise centers on its exceptional camera capabilities, particularly its computational photography features that produce impressive photos across various conditions. The promise of seven years of software updates is also a frequently lauded aspect, offering long-term value. Some users note that while performance is smooth for daily tasks, it may not match the raw power of more premium devices for intensive gaming or applications.

Users prioritizing a larger, brighter, and higher-resolution display with top-tier raw performance and a versatile camera system, including optical zoom, may find the Galaxy S24 Plus well-suited to their needs. Its premium build and higher water resistance also appeal to those seeking maximum durability. Conversely, users who prioritize an excellent point-and-shoot camera experience, a compact form factor, and an extended period of software support will likely lean towards the Google Pixel 8A. Its strong AI integration and streamlined software are also key attractions.

Both devices represent compelling options in the Android ecosystem. For those considering a more sustainable choice, both the Galaxy S24 Plus and the Google Pixel 8A are available as quality-assured refurbished options, offering an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

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