# Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. Google Pixel 8
If you’re considering a compact flagship smartphone in the first half of this year, chances are you’re looking at the Samsung Galaxy S24, Google Pixel 8, or Xiaomi 14. With the Xiaomi 14 being more expensive, the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 8 become the more practical choices.
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Both phones have similar hardware and dimensions, making it challenging for users to choose between them. Let’s delve into the details.
Before diving in, you can compare the full specifications or continue with our editor’s evaluation below.
Size Comparison
Even though the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 8 have some design differences, they are quite similar in size. The Pixel 8 is slightly taller and thicker but maintains the same screen size as the Galaxy S24.
In terms of feel, the Galaxy S24 may seem smaller but not necessarily more comfortable to hold. The flat edges and sharp angles of the Galaxy S24 may make it awkward to handle compared to the Pixel 8, which offers a more ergonomic grip with its curved edges.
Design preferences are subjective, with the Galaxy S24 sporting a more contemporary look, while the Pixel 8’s camera bump might not appeal to everyone. However, the unique design of the Pixel 8 sets it apart.
Both devices share almost identical build materials with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for the Galaxy S24 and Gorilla Glass Victus for the Pixel 8. Additionally, both phones come with IP68 certification for water and dust resistance.
Display Comparison
Both smartphones feature a 6.2-inch display with 1080p+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and impressive brightness levels of up to 1,400 nits for outdoor visibility.
The Galaxy S24 holds an advantage with its LTPO OLED panel, offering more precise refresh rate control, potentially leading to power savings. Its design also incorporates thinner bezels, providing a larger screen-to-body ratio compared to the Pixel 8.
In terms of biometrics, the Galaxy S24 boasts a superior ultrasonic fingerprint reader known for better reliability and performance in varying lighting conditions when compared to the Pixel 8’s optical scanner, which tends to be slightly slower.
Battery Life
While the Pixel 8 has a larger 4,575 mAh battery compared to the S24’s 4,000 mAh unit, the Galaxy S24 outperforms the Pixel 8 in battery life according to tests.
The Galaxy S24 showcases better call runtimes and video playback, resulting in a longer Active Use Score. The efficient combination of hardware and software components, including the Exynos 2400 and LTPO OLED display, likely contributes to the S24’s superior battery performance.
Charging Speed
Both phones offer relatively slow charging speeds, with the Galaxy S24 supporting up to 25W and the Pixel 8 up to 27W through Power Delivery 3.0. Despite the minor difference, both devices take around 1 hour and 15 minutes for a full charge.
Wireless charging is available on both devices, with the S24 supporting 15W and the Pixel 8 offering 18W.
Speakers Test
Based on loudspeaker tests, both smartphones deliver similar sound levels, with the Galaxy S24 being slightly louder. Both devices are rated as “Very Good,” with the S24 having a more refined sound profile, offering deeper bass and fuller sound. In contrast, the Pixel 8 excels in producing cleaner vocals, making it ideal for podcasts and movie playback through speakers.
Performance
The Galaxy S24 houses the Exynos 2400 chipset, while the Pixel 8 features the Tensor G3 SoC. Historically, Google Pixel devices have not matched competitors in raw performance or benchmark tests, a trend that continues with the Tensor G3 falling behind the Exynos 2400 in CPU and GPU performance.
Overall, the S24 demonstrates superior performance in both CPU and GPU tasks, with the Exynos 2400 outperforming the Tensor G3 by notable margins. The S24’s NPU and GPU capabilities make it a more compelling choice for AI-related tasks and gaming experiences.
During combined workloads, including GPU-intensive tasks, the S24 exhibits a 32% performance advantage over the Pixel 8.
Pixel 8
AnTuTu 10
1,158,631
Geekbench 6
1,668 single-core
Geekbench 6
4,404 multi-core
The significant performance difference between the two phones positions the Galaxy S24 as the more capable device, excelling in various tasks and delivering optimal performance levels.
Camera Comparison
The Galaxy S24 and Pixel 8 sport different main camera sensors, with the Pixel 8 featuring a larger sensor compared to the S24. While the S24’s 50MP camera comes with a 1/1.56″ sensor, the Pixel 8 boasts a sensor measuring 1/1.31″ and features laser autofocus and a wider aperture.
Both devices emphasize distinct approaches to image processing, with the S24 delivering vibrant colors and intense HDR processing, while the Pixel 8 focuses on accurate color reproduction, sharper images, and cleaner output. The Pixel 8 maintains consistency across various settings and exhibits minimal noise in indoor conditions, outperforming the S24 in certain aspects.
Video quality remains evenly matched between the two devices, with the Pixel 8 capturing videos with warmer tones, vivid colors, and enhanced detail, although the distinctions are subtle.
Verdict
Despite the Pixel 8’s lower price point in Europe and the US, the Galaxy S24 offers a more comprehensive package and superior performance. The S24’s advanced display, powerful chipset, durable build, versatile camera system, enhanced audio output, reliable fingerprint reader, and extended battery life make it a compelling choice, especially for users seeking a holistic smartphone experience.
While the Pixel 8 excels in camera performance, including stills and videos, users must weigh the price discrepancy against the Galaxy S24’s enhanced hardware and operational efficiency. Both phones promise long-term software support, ensuring a lasting user experience. Ultimately, regional pricing variations may influence the decision between the two devices.
