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On Thu, 14 Nov, 12:03 AM UTC
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Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: I tested both and the winner is not so obvious
I've reviewed and tested the two best Android phones on the market. These are the main reasons to buy one over the other. While Google launched the Pixel 9 series during its Made by Google event in August, it's among the hottest Android phones going into the holiday season. If you're in the market for a flagship Android, your attention should go straight to the Pixel 9 Pro XL, which is currently selling for $1,099 over the tech giant's storefront. Also: I upgraded my Pixel 9 Pro to Android 15. Here are my 5 favorite features so far The large-sized Pixel model features a 6.8-inch display, 16GB of memory (the most RAM Google has ever put on a phone, by the way), a 5,060mAh battery, and a triple camera array that fares well against the competition -- namely, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Samsung's Ultra flagship has been my daily smartphone since it was released back in January 2024, and it remains at the top of ZDNET's best phones list. So, if you're split between the industry's best and Google's late-summer bloomer like I am, I've broken down the key reasons to buy one mobile device over the other below. And, trust me, it's a close one. One of the biggest distinctions between the Google Pixel and just about every other Android model is the software experience. I wouldn't categorize the Pixel launcher as bare bones, but it's certainly less intrusive and feature-packed than Samsung's OneUI or OnePlus' OxygenOS. There's a handful of customization tools for the home and lock screens, but don't expect to be able to tweak every little aspect of what's in front of you. Naturally, the cleaner aesthetic of the Pixel launcher allows Google to more quickly and efficiently distribute the latest Android features, such as Gemini Live and Pixel Screenshots, to its smartphone series. And the company promises up to seven years of operating system updates, Pixel Feature Drops, and security patches to keep the phone relevant until at least 2031. While the Pixel 9 Pro XL doesn't have a 100x zoom capability like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, it does have a reliable triple-camera array that captures photos and videos in great detail, natural color, and high contrast. The new 42MP front-facing camera, with its 103-degree FOV, is arguably the best for capturing group selfies and scenic portraits. Also: I replaced my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with the Pixel 9 Pro XL for a month - and can't go back Besides having one of the best point-and-shoot camera systems on any smartphone, the Pixel 9 Pro XL also features many AI tools that help users capture, edit, and reproduce photos to their liking. There's a whole "What is a Picture" debate tied into the generative AI madness. However, for customers who favor idealism over realism and convenience over labor, tools like Add Me, Auto Frame, and Reimagine in Magic Editor give the Pixel 9 Pro XL one of the most forgiving camera systems on the market. The latest Pixel phone includes several recording enhancements, including 8K video upscaling and Super Res Zoom. Video Boost, from what I've tested, also removes the choppiness when switching between the main lens and 5x optical, which is awesome to see. Yes, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is also $100 cheaper than the Galaxy S24 Ultra, but perhaps more importantly, it's actually comfortable to hold. Considering how often you'll be carrying your phone around, holding it up, and interacting with it on a daily basis, hand feel is one of the most overlooked but vital aspects of mobile devices. Compared to the boxy, sharp-cornered design of the Samsung, the Pixel 9 Pro XL has flat edges that let you grip the phone firmly and subtle curves that help reduce the overall footprint. Put on a case on both devices, and you'll notice the difference even more. While Samsung's software experience has become less buggy and chaotic since the old TouchWiz days, OneUI remains one of the most feature-rich versions of Android on the market. The native launcher allows you to customize elements like the wallpaper shade, widget styles, swipe animations, and more. On a device like the Galaxy S24 Ultra, you'll get additional note-taking features to make the most of the built-in S Pen stylus. Also: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra review: Still the flagship of Android flagships Like Google, Samsung also promises at least seven years of software updates for its Galaxy S models. That's to say, you'll feel like you got your money's worth when splurging on Samsung's flagship phone. I've tested almost every major smartphone release in the past year, including the big-screen foldables, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra has the best display that I've seen. It's a 6.8-inch AMOLED LTPO panel that refreshes between 1Hz and 120Hz and gets plenty bright during the daytime. Those specs are nearly identical to the Pixel 9 Pro XL, by the way. So what sets the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra apart is an anti-glare coating that significantly reduces light reflections. Whether you're framing a photo under direct sunlight or reading the web in a well-lit environment, the anti-glare coating that Samsung has given the Galaxy S24 Ultra makes the model's visual output more perceptible than that of an ordinary smartphone. The Tensor G4 chip inside the Pixel 9 Pro XL performs quite well, acting as the source for many of the smartphone's most engaging features. It enables all of the device's AI tools like Gemini, Magic Editor, Reimagine, as well as Pixel Screenshots just to name a few. However, when you look at the real-world tests performed by experts, the Galaxy S24 still comes out on top. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset has proven itself to be reliable, battery efficient, and capable of running the latest mobile AI tools without much hiccup. Google hasn't had the best track record with its Tensor chips, with users experiencing overheating and other long-term issues in the past. So we haven't heard of any major problems with the Tensor G4, although we have seen people complain about an overheating issue.
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5 phones you should buy instead of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | Digital Trends
If you're in the market for a new smartphone, you could be eyeing the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. And there's nothing wrong with that -- it's a great phone! It has Google's Tensor G4 chip inside, along with 16GB RAM, up to 1TB storage, plenty of Google Gemini AI goodies, ample storage, and a fantastic triple lens camera system. Plus, it even comes in a gorgeous pink Rose Quartz color. But as great as the Pixel 9 Pro XL is, there are also plenty of other excellent alternatives if you want to save some money or get even better features. Here are some phones to consider instead of the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Recommended Videos Google Pixel 9 Pro This year, Google brought back the XL size, but it also kept the regular Pro as a smaller model. If you don't think you can handle the XL, but still want all of the same features for slightly less money, then the Google Pixel 9 Pro is well worth considering. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 6.8-inch Super Actua LTPO OLED display, which is likely a bit too large for some people. Thankfully, the Pixel 9 Pro has the same exact display quality, just in a more manageable 6.3-inch size. The smaller display makes it much more compact and portable, and easier to use one-handed when you're juggling multiple tasks. It still gets up to 3000 nits peak brightness and has a variable refresh rate between 1Hz and 120Hz. It also has slightly better pixel per inch (ppi) resolution of 495 versus 486. For cameras, Google made the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL the same. You still get the triple lens camera system on the rear in the redesigned camera bar, and it has a 50-megapixel main camera, 48MP ultrawide camera with Macro Focus, and 48MP 5x telephoto lens. The selfie camera is also improved at 42MP. Inside, you'll have the Tensor G4 chip with 16GB RAM, which should be plenty for most people. And with storage options ranging from 128GB to 1TB, you can pick what you need. Though the Pixel 9 Pro has a slightly smaller battery at around 4700mAh compared to the 5060mAh of the XL, it should still last through the day. And when you do need to charge it up, it gets about 55% charge in 30 minutes, which isn't bad at all. Again, if you don't mind the smaller size (or even prefer it), you can definitely save some money by going with the Pixel 9 Pro instead of the XL version, as it only starts at $999 instead of $1,099. Google Pixel 9 If you still want the Pixel 9 experience, but want to save even more money, then consider the base model Google Pixel 9 instead of a Pro. Like the Pixel 9 Pro, the regular Pixel 9 also has a 6.3-inch screen, though it has a slightly lower resolution at 422 ppi and only has a variable refresh rate between 60Hz and 120Hz. The max brightness level is also just 2700 nits, but that's actually still very bright in most settings. On the camera front, the Pixel 9 only has a dual camera setup with a 50MP main camera and 48MP ultrawide lens, along with a 10.5MP selfie camera. If you don't necessarily need a telephoto camera, then the Pixel 9 will still take fantastic, high-resolution photos. The Pixel 9 also has the same Tensor G4 processor, so it's fast and efficient, especially since you get 12GB RAM. Storage only comes in either 128GB or 256GB, though, but for most people, that should be good enough. It also has all of the same Gemini AI tools too, so you're not missing out on anything there. And if you care about colors, the Pixel 9 also has some more fun and saturated color options than the Pro models, especially the Peony and Wintergreen options. With a price tag of just $799, the Pixel 9 is a fantastic option if you want to save some money while still getting the Pixel 9 experience. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Those who are set on a large and powerful phone, and who don't mind spending a little more, should consider the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Though the Galaxy S24 Ultra starts at $1,300, you do get plenty of great features that make it worth the price. For one, the 6.8-inch AMOLED display has an adaptive refresh rate of 1Hz to 120Hz and a peak brightness of 2500 nits. While that isn't quite as bright as the Pixel 9 Pro XL, the Galaxy S24 Ultra also has a special Gorilla Armor glass that helps lessen reflections, making it easier to see outside in direct sunlight. Inside the Galaxy S24 Ultra is Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chip, which offers better overall performance than the Tensor G4 inside Google's Pixel 9 phones. While the Galaxy S24 Ultra only has 12GB RAM compared to the 16GB of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, the performance is fantastic thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. It's also more power efficient. There's no doubt that the Galaxy S24 Ultra has one of the best camera setups you can get in the U.S. market. It's a quad camera system on the rear with a 200MP main shooter, 10MP 3x telephoto camera, 50MP 5x periscope telephoto camera, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. In our recent Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max camera test, Samsung handily beat the iPhone. The Galaxy S24 Ultra also has its own integrated S Pen stylus, allowing for precise navigation and pinpoint accuracy when you need to sketch or write something out. Additionally, the S Pen has a remote button on it that can be used for presentations or act as a standalone shutter button, adding more versatility to the device. Samsung offers several colors for the S24 Ultra, including an eye-catching Titanium Orange. Though the price is a couple hundred dollars more than the Pixel 9 Pro XL, the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers a ton of features and power that make it well worth the cost. OnePlus 12 Another fantastic alternative to the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the OnePlus 12. OnePlus makes some great phones that are often less than its competitors, and the OnePlus 12 is no exception. The OnePlus 12 has a large 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED display that has a 120Hz refresh rate, and can reach an eye-searing 4500 nits of peak brightness. Yes, almost double most of its competitors. The display does have curved edges, which may lead to some accidental touches and swipes if you're not used to it, but it's something that you'll get accustomed to over time. Powering the OnePlus 12 is Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, and you can get between 12GB and 16GB RAM, depending on your storage configuration (up to 512GB). It's blazing fast, and also quite power efficient with a 5,400mAh battery inside. Speaking of battery, it can get 80-watt wired charging in the U.S. (100W globally), and supports up to 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless. Impressive, right? The camera setup is also very good. It has a triple lens camera system with a 50MP main camera, 64MP periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, and a 48MP ultrawide lens. The selfie camera is 32MP. OnePlus continues its Hasselblad partnership with the OnePlus 12, so you get Hasselblad color-tuning for better pictures. The best part of the OnePlus 12? The price! It starts at $800, which is way less than a Pixel 9 Pro XL. And OnePlus has some great trade-in deals too, saving you even more money. It's one of the best values on the smartphone market, and an excellent alternative to the Pixel 9 Pro XL. iPhone 16 Pro Max Don't mind switching operating systems? If not, you should look into the iPhone 16 Pro Max instead. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is equivalent to the Pixel 9 Pro XL in cost, and it has a similar set of features. However, it runs iOS 18 instead of Android 15. With the iPhone 16 Pro Max, you get a massive 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a variable refresh rate of 1Hz to 120Hz, 2000 nits max brightness, and down to 1-nit minimum brightness. It's a quality display in every sense of the word, and one you're bound to like. Apple improved the camera setup this year with a triple lens system that has a 48MP main camera, 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 12MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom. The selfie camera is still 12MP, though. We tested the cameras between the Pixel 9 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro models, and found that while the Pixel doesn't take bad images, the iPhone 16 Pro beats it, so that's worth taking into consideration. Apple also has the new Camera Control button, allowing quick access to your camera and settings adjustment. It can also be used as a manual camera shutter, though it's not as perfect as it could be. Still, it's a fun and cool new hardware feature that breathes some new life into the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Inside the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the A18 Pro chip and 8GB RAM. While that may not sound quite as impressive compared to Android phones, the A18 Pro is an extremely powerful chip that offers fast performance and good power efficiency. This is also needed to power Apple Intelligence AI features, which were recently added in the iOS 18.1 update.
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A detailed comparison of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, highlighting their key features, strengths, and differences to help consumers make an informed decision.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, launched in August, has emerged as a strong competitor in the Android flagship market. Priced at $1,099, it boasts a 6.7" display, 16GB of RAM, and a 5,060mAh battery 1. The device features a triple camera array that competes well with other high-end smartphones.
Released in January 2024, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has maintained its position at the top of ZDNET's best phones list 1. It offers a feature-rich experience with the S Pen stylus integration and a powerful camera system.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a cleaner, less intrusive software experience compared to Samsung's OneUI. Google promises up to seven years of operating system updates, Pixel Feature Drops, and security patches, ensuring relevance until at least 2031 1. Samsung matches this commitment with seven years of software updates for its Galaxy S models 1.
While the Pixel 9 Pro XL lacks the 100x zoom of the S24 Ultra, it excels in capturing photos with great detail, natural color, and high contrast. The new 42MP front-facing camera with a 103-degree FOV is particularly noteworthy for group selfies and scenic portraits 1.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL leverages AI tools for photo capture, editing, and reproduction. Features like Add Me, Auto Frame, and Reimagine in Magic Editor enhance the user experience 1. The device also includes video enhancements such as 8K video upscaling and Super Res Zoom 1.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a more comfortable grip with its flat edges and subtle curves, contrasting with the boxy design of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 1.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out with its anti-glare coating, significantly reducing light reflections and improving visibility in bright environments 1. Both phones feature 6.7" AMOLED displays with variable refresh rates between 1Hz and 120Hz 12.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is powered by Google's Tensor G4 chip, which enables various AI features. However, the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset has proven to be more powerful and efficient in real-world tests 1.
For those considering alternatives, the standard Google Pixel 9 Pro offers similar features in a smaller 6.7" form factor at $999 2. The base model Google Pixel 9, priced at $799, provides a more affordable option with a 6.1" screen and dual camera setup 2.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is priced $100 lower than the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which starts at $1,300 12. This price difference may be a deciding factor for some consumers.
In conclusion, both the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offer compelling features for Android enthusiasts. The choice between them will depend on individual preferences for software experience, camera capabilities, design, and budget considerations.
