Samsung Galaxy S24 vs Google Pixel 8: Which do you have to purchase?

Samsung unveiled its first 2024 flagships, the Galaxy S24 collection, and in the event you have been undecided about choosing up a Pixel 8 collection gadget or ready for Samsung’s newest, now is a superb time to decide on. Whereas the Galaxy S24 Extremely and Pixel 8 Professional make all of the headlines, Samsung’s and Google’s smaller smartphones are much better worth propositions. They provide most of the high-end options of their respective bigger siblings whereas being considerably cheaper. However what’s the only option between the 2? Right here’s a take a look at the Samsung Galaxy S24 (and Galaxy S24 Plus) vs Google Pixel 8!

The Galaxy S24 and Plus could also be smaller and cheaper than its Extremely sibling, however they don’t compromise on energy. Each are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 within the US, with the “for Galaxy” suffix bringing an overclocked model of the 2024 flagship processor of selection, quicker than you’ll get with different Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-powered smartphones. Nonetheless, Samsung opted to go along with the Exynos 2400 for international markets, which seemingly received’t put up as spectacular numbers.

You’ll get higher efficiency from the Samsung smartphones in comparison with the Google Tensor G3-powered Pixel 8, so far as benchmarking exams go. You received’t discover as a lot of a distinction in on a regular basis efficiency, although, with the Pixel 8 as clean and fast as you’d count on from a high-end gadget. The Galaxy S24 and Pixel 8 include 8GB of RAM and as much as 256GB of storage, whereas the S24 Plus comes with 12GB of RAM and as much as 512GB of storage.

The Galaxy S24 and Pixel 8 have FHD+ decision AMOLED shows with 120Hz adaptive refresh charges. Nonetheless, whereas the Samsung smartphones can go from 1Hz to 120Hz, the Pixel 8 goes from 60Hz to 120Hz. The Galaxy S24 Plus earns its moniker with a bigger 6.7-inch display and a better QHD+ decision, whereas the S24 and Pixel 8 have 6.2-inch shows. Rounding out the {hardware} similarities, all three telephones function wi-fi charging and reverse wi-fi charging and include an IP68 score for mud and water resistance.

Samsung and Google have completely different takes on Android — One UI 6.1 for the Samsung and Pixel UI for the Google smartphone, each primarily based on Android 14. Google has embraced AI in a giant method over the previous few years, and extra just lately, that’s meant the arrival of the brand new Gemini assistant alternative, tons of digital camera options, real-time translation options, and a lot extra. You’ll be able to study much more about Google’s AI chops in our information to Pixel 8 AI options.

The excellent news is that Samsung additionally went all in with AI this yr. We’ll speak extra in regards to the camera-related AI options additional into this information, however that’s removed from all Samsung Galaxy AI brings. There are new dwell translate and interpreter options, a chat help, be aware summarization, the brand new Google-powered Circle to Search perform, and the record goes on. It’s clear that Samsung is lastly catching up with Google right here.

Additionally improbable is Samsung’s promise of seven years of main OS upgrades and safety updates, which ought to see the telephones supported by 2031. This matches Google’s software program dedication and is a superb addition as consumers maintain on to their telephones longer.

The truth that the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Plus are iterative updates turns into notably evident when their designs. There’s virtually no change within the design and construct; the one distinction is the marginally bigger dimensions due to the larger screens. The designs are industrial, if a little bit uninteresting, in comparison with the Pixel 8 and its raised camera-housing bar on the again.

The Galaxy S24 is smaller and thinner than the Pixel 8, although, with dimensions of 147.0 x 70.6 x 7.6mm in comparison with the latter’s 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9mm, regardless of having similar 6.2-inch shows. The Pixel 8 can also be heavier at 187 grams in comparison with the Galaxy S24’s 167 grams, providing a extra substantial really feel when holding the telephone. The Galaxy S24 Plus is unsurprisingly the largest and heaviest of the lot however remains to be fairly a bit thinner than the Pixel 8, with dimensions of 158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7mm and weighing 196 grams.

Samsung’s smartphones might not have essentially the most thrilling design, however the colorways assist spice issues up. The S24 and S24 Plus can be found in Cobalt Violet, Amber Yellow, Marble Grey, and Onyx Black. And in the event you’re in search of much more colour, Samsung.com exclusives like Jade Inexperienced, Sandstone Orange, and Sapphire Blue are the best way to go. In the meantime, the Pixel 8 is present in Obsidian and Hazel, together with a flashier Rose choice.

Not a lot has modified within the digital camera division, with the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus preserving the 50MP major shooter, 12MP ultra-wide, and 10MP telephoto lens from its predecessor. However, the Pixel 8 misses out on a telephoto lens, coming with a 50MP major digital camera and a 12MP ultra-wide unit. The Samsung units have a 12MP front-facing digital camera, whereas the Pixel 8 has a ten.5MP selfie shooter.

The {hardware} hasn’t modified, however massive issues are taking place on the software program facet with Galaxy AI. Samsung has its personal tackle Magic Editor now, with the flexibility to create generative edits, and also you even have the choice to make AI-powered slo-mo movies. Pixels are recognized for his or her AI-based software program enhancements, and it’ll be thrilling to see how Samsung’s cameras fare in a extra in-depth comparability.

Whereas their Professional and Extremely jockey for the highest spot among the many finest digital camera telephones round, the Pixel 8 and Galaxy S24 don’t fail to impress. The Pixel 8 has a wonderful major digital camera, and whereas we present in our evaluation that the 12MP ultra-wide wasn’t pretty much as good, it provided constant outcomes backed by Google’s computational pictures prowess.

We’ll have to check the Galaxy S24 additional earlier than drawing any definitive conclusions, however its predecessor featured among the finest cameras on this value vary, and there’s no purpose to imagine the Galaxy S24 received’t proceed that pattern. And with the addition of AI-based digital camera software program options, it ought to be even higher than earlier than.

The Pixel 8 has a bigger 4,575mAh battery in comparison with the Galaxy S24’s 4,000mAh unit and in addition provides barely quicker charging at 27W vs 25W. The Pixel 8 doesn’t supply the most effective battery life however comfortably gives a full day of use. The Galaxy S24 will get a bigger battery than its predecessor, which ought to give some positive factors over the Galaxy S23’s stable battery life.

The Galaxy S24 Plus is the best way to go for essentially the most longevity. Not solely do you get a a lot bigger 4,900mAh battery, however 45W wired charging ought to have you ever up and operating very quickly while you run out of juice. The Galaxy S23 Plus simply lasted a day and a half, and it ought to be higher with the newer telephone. We’ll be testing the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Plus’ battery and charging efficiency intimately within the coming days.

All three telephones function wi-fi charging, however the Pixel 8 takes the lead on paper right here. You get 18W wi-fi charging with the Pixel Stand (2nd Gen) and 12W with different Qi chargers. However, the Samsung telephones prime out at 15W with suitable quick chargers and 10W with others. In addition they function reverse wi-fi charging, which helps cost smartwatches and wi-fi earbuds when out and about.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus have been introduced on January 17, 2024, with beginning costs of $799 and $999 respectively. Each telephones went on common sale on January 31.

However, the Pixel 8 launched in October final yr and begins at $699. It hasn’t been that lengthy because the telephone was introduced, but it surely will get discounted continuously, serving to you save an extra $100 to $150 throughout these supply durations.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and Google Pixel 8 supply unbelievable worth at their respective value factors. When you don’t get all of the options of their bigger siblings, each telephones present unbelievable efficiency, stable cameras, and spectacular software program help. Samsung’s Galaxy AI software program and digital camera options are a useful addition that brings the struggle on to the Pixel lineup, and it’ll be fascinating to see how they fare in a hands-on comparability.

That stated, the Pixel 8 takes the sting right here in worth. It’s 100 {dollars} cheaper, even when not contemplating any reductions, and goes beat for beat with practically all the things the Galaxy S24 provides.

One of the best of the lot is the Galaxy S24 Plus, although. It provides a stable center floor between the inexpensive Galaxy S24 and the costly S24 Extremely. In comparison with the Pixel 8 and its smaller sibling, you get a bigger and better decision show, a much bigger battery, seemingly higher battery life, and far quicker charging. If you happen to’re in search of a smaller telephone and need to get monetary savings, the Pixel 8 is a good selection. Nonetheless, if the Galaxy S24 Extremely is out of attain however you need to get as shut as attainable, the Galaxy S24 Plus is the best way to go.