Galaxy S24+ Vs Google Pixel 9

Galaxy S24+
Galaxy S24+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£337.00

Versus £997.95 new

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Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel 9
Starting at

Refurbished price:£330.00

Versus £892.46 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, released in January 2024, and the Google Pixel 9, launched in August 2024, represent two distinct approaches to the premium Android smartphone experience. While both devices offer robust performance and advanced camera systems, they differentiate themselves through display size, design philosophy, and their respective software ecosystems. Both operate on the Android platform, but with unique interpretations from Samsung's One UI and Google's more streamlined Pixel experience.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of a smartphone, several factors come into play, including software support, physical durability, and the expected practical lifespan of its components.

  • Release Timeline and OS Support: The Galaxy S24 Plus was released in January 2024, while the Pixel 9 followed in August 2024. Both manufacturers have committed to extensive software support, with Samsung offering seven years of OS and security updates for the S24 Plus, and Google providing a similar seven-year commitment for the Pixel 9 series. This means both devices are designed to receive updates well into the future, ensuring access to new features and security patches for an extended period.
  • Physical Durability: Both the Galaxy S24 Plus and the Pixel 9 feature Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back, providing a good level of scratch and drop resistance. They also share an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, indicating protection against immersion in water. User experiences suggest that both phones are built to withstand typical daily use, though glass remains susceptible to damage from hard impacts.
  • Expected Practical Lifespan: With their long software support windows and durable builds, both devices are designed for extended practical use. The Pixel 9, being slightly newer, will have its software support window extend a few months longer than the S24 Plus. Users can expect several years of reliable performance from either device, making them suitable for those seeking a long-term smartphone solution.

Year of Release

2024

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from browsing and social media to demanding applications and gaming. Both the Galaxy S24 Plus and the Pixel 9 are equipped with current-generation processors designed to handle a wide range of activities efficiently.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S24 Plus is powered by a processor that delivers fast CPU and GPU speeds, enabling smooth multitasking and responsive application loading. The Pixel 9 features Google's custom processor, which is optimized for efficient everyday use cases, including quicker app launches and web browsing, with a strong emphasis on on-device artificial intelligence processing.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S24 Plus houses a 4900 mAh battery, which users report provides solid endurance, often lasting over a day with moderate use. The Pixel 9 comes with a 4700 mAh battery, and it is designed to offer over 24 hours of typical use, with an extreme battery saver mode extending this significantly. Both devices support fast wired charging, with the S24 Plus supporting up to 45W and the Pixel 9 supporting up to 27W, and both also offer wireless charging.
  • Storage and Responsiveness: The Galaxy S24 Plus is available with 12GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB or 512GB, contributing to its ability to keep multiple applications open in the background without slowdowns. The Pixel 9 offers 12GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, ensuring smooth operation and efficient handling of demanding tasks.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both the Galaxy S24 Plus and the Pixel 9 offer high-quality viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S24 Plus features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a QHD+ resolution (3120 x 1440 pixels), providing sharp and detailed visuals. The Pixel 9 has a 6.3-inch OLED Actua display with an FHD+ resolution (2424 x 1080 pixels), offering clear images on a slightly more compact screen.
  • Brightness and Clarity: Both phones offer impressive brightness levels for outdoor visibility. The Galaxy S24 Plus can reach a peak brightness of 2600 nits, ensuring content remains visible even in bright sunlight. The Pixel 9's display can achieve a peak brightness of 2700 nits, making it highly visible in various lighting conditions.
  • Refresh Rate and Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S24 Plus features an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 1Hz to 120Hz, providing smooth scrolling and animations while optimizing power consumption. The Pixel 9 also offers a smooth display with a refresh rate that adjusts between 60Hz and 120Hz, contributing to a fluid user experience.

Resolution

1440 x 3120

1080 x 2424

Screen type

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X

OLED

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many smartphone users, and both the Galaxy S24 Plus and the Pixel 9 are designed to deliver strong photographic results, albeit with different strengths.

  • Camera System Capabilities: The Galaxy S24 Plus features a versatile triple-camera system, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Pixel 9 is equipped with a dual-camera setup, featuring a 50MP wide camera and a 48MP ultrawide camera. The Pixel 9's ultrawide camera is a notable upgrade from its predecessor.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S24 Plus delivers detailed 12MP images through pixel binning from its main sensor and offers good overall photo and video quality. Users generally find its daylight pictures very good, though some note inconsistencies in post-processing. The Pixel 9, building on Google's reputation for computational photography, offers improved HDR processing, enhanced Real Tone, and better Night Sight, aiming for strong performance across various lighting conditions.
  • Video Recording and Audio: Both devices support 4K video recording, with the S24 Plus capable of 8K video at 30fps. The Pixel 9 also supports 4K video at 24, 30, or 60 FPS. While specific microphone and speaker quality details can vary, both are expected to provide clear audio for calls and media consumption, consistent with premium smartphone offerings.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

10.5 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of a smartphone.

  • Connectivity Options: Both the Galaxy S24 Plus and the Pixel 9 support 5G connectivity, ensuring access to fast mobile data networks. The S24 Plus includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, along with Ultra-Wideband (UWB) support. The Pixel 9 is equipped with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, and also features NFC for contactless payments.
  • Port Types and Sensors: Both smartphones utilize a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer. For security, both devices offer in-display fingerprint sensors. The Pixel 9 also includes a Titan M2 security chip for enhanced data protection.
  • Weight and Dimensions: The Galaxy S24 Plus measures 158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7 mm and weighs 195 grams, offering a substantial feel in hand. The Pixel 9 is more compact, measuring 152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm and weighing 198 grams, making it slightly thicker but potentially easier to handle for some users. Both devices feature a refined design with flat sides.

Weight

197 g

198 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.3

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus and the Google Pixel 9 each offer compelling features for different user preferences. The S24 Plus is often praised for its vibrant, high-resolution display and robust overall performance, with many users appreciating its long battery life and consistent camera capabilities. Some users have noted occasional inconsistencies in camera post-processing and modem performance in certain regions.

The Pixel 9, on the other hand, receives acclaim for its advanced AI features, streamlined Android experience, and strong computational photography, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. Its more compact form factor may appeal to those who prefer a smaller device. While specific user criticisms are still emerging due to its more recent release, typical Pixel concerns often revolve around raw performance compared to some competitors, though the Tensor G4 aims to address this with efficiency and AI focus.

Users prioritizing a larger, higher-resolution display and a versatile camera system with optical zoom may find the Galaxy S24 Plus well-suited to their needs. Those who value a more compact device, a pure Android experience with cutting-edge AI integration, and Google's renowned computational photography will likely lean towards the Pixel 9. Both devices offer extended software support and durable builds, making them excellent choices for long-term use. For those considering these devices, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative to experience premium technology.

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