Pixel 8 vs Galaxy S24 FE
The Pixel 8 and the Galaxy S24 FE are direct rivals in the flagship smartphone class, one from Google and one from Samsung. Across 6 compared areas, the Pixel 8 takes 2. The widest gap shows up under display.
At a glance
- Display Pixel 8 wins
- Performance Tie
- Memory & Storage Tie
- Camera Galaxy S24 FE wins
- Battery & Charging Pixel 8 wins
- Software & Updates Tie
- Price Galaxy S24 FE wins
- Display5.6
- Performance1.9
- Camera1.6
- Battery & Charging1.7
- Display5.0
- Performance1.9
- Camera2.3
- Battery & Charging1.7
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Pixel 8 has a 0.92 oz lighter build
Big gap, real consequences. The Pixel 8’s 6.60 oz versus the Galaxy S24 FE’s 7.51 oz changes how the two compare in daily use. Weight shows up every time you hold the phone above your face in bed or type one-handed for a long stretch.
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The Galaxy S24 FE has an extra rear camera
The Pixel 8 is clearly behind on rear cameras (2 against 3), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. The count alone doesn’t guarantee quality, but the Galaxy S24 FE gives you more lenses to choose from.
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The Galaxy S24 FE has a 0.04 in slimmer body
On paper, the Galaxy S24 FE is a touch ahead here, listing 0.31 in against 0.35 in. Thickness sometimes buys battery or camera hardware, so the Pixel 8’s extra depth isn’t necessarily wasted.
-
The Galaxy S24 FE has
The Pixel 8 lists less (2.79 in) and the Galaxy S24 FE more (3.04 in). It’s a preference, not a verdict. A wider body gives the keyboard and videos a little more room, at the cost of a bigger handful.
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The Galaxy S24 FE has
We don’t score this one. The Galaxy S24 FE lists 6.38 in and the Pixel 8 5.93 in, and the better choice depends on your needs. Neither is better in general: taller suits media and reading, shorter suits one-handed use and small pockets.
Design & Size
- Pixel 8 5.93 in × 2.79 in × 0.35 in
- Galaxy S24 FE 6.38 in × 3.04 in × 0.31 in
Size is a trade-off, not a score: the Galaxy S24 FE is larger, the Pixel 8 more compact. The Galaxy S24 FE carries an extra 0.92 oz. The Galaxy S24 FE trims 0.04 in off the thickness of the Pixel 8.
Design & Build
| Spec | Pixel 8 | Galaxy S24 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5.93 in | 6.38 in |
| Width | 2.79 in | 3.04 in |
| Thickness | 0.35 in | 0.31 in (winner) |
| Weight | 6.60 oz (winner) | 7.51 oz |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Display
Pixel 8 leads
By a small margin, the Pixel 8 is the stronger of the two in this area. On the Pixel 8, you get 11% sharper pixel density. Higher pixel density keeps text and fine detail crisper, although the benefit shrinks once both panels are already sharp at normal viewing distance. That makes the Pixel 8 the natural choice for buyers focused on display.
Screen size
Pixel 8: 6.2 in Galaxy S24 FE: 6.7 in A larger display also means a larger phone overall, so this is as much about your hands and pockets as it is about the picture.
Pixel density
Pixel 8: 428 ppi Galaxy S24 FE: 385 ppi Pixel density matters most if you hold your phone close or read a lot of small type; for casual use, the gap is subtle.
Performance
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on performance; the numbers are close throughout. So performance is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
CPU cores
Pixel 8: 9 Galaxy S24 FE: 10 Phone chips mix large and small cores, so a different count mostly reflects a different design rather than a clear speed gap.
Memory & Storage
Too close to call
The memory & storage section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. Neither phone gives you a reason to choose it on memory & storage.
Camera
Galaxy S24 FE leads
In the camera category, the Galaxy S24 FE is a step ahead rather than a leap ahead. The Galaxy S24 FE scores with an extra rear camera. More cameras help most when each covers a different view, so check the table to see what the Galaxy S24 FE’s extra lens adds. If this section decides it for you, choose the Galaxy S24 FE.
Rear cameras
Pixel 8: 2 Galaxy S24 FE: 3 An extra rear camera usually means another focal length (ultra-wide, telephoto or macro) and more freedom in framing.
Battery & Charging
Pixel 8 leads
The battery & charging comparison is tighter than it first looks, with the Pixel 8 marginally ahead. The Pixel 8 brings faster 18 W wireless charging. If you rely on a wireless pad at your desk or bedside, the Pixel 8 refills quicker there. In short, the Pixel 8 is the better-equipped phone for battery & charging.
Wireless charging
Pixel 8: 18 W Galaxy S24 FE: 15 W Wireless charging is usually slower than a cable, so this edge matters mainly to people who value the convenience.
Software & Updates
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the software & updates section. In short, software & updates is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | Pixel 8 | Galaxy S24 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.2 in | 6.7 in |
| Panel type | OLED (Actua) | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Pixel density | 428 ppi (winner) | 385 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 2,000 nits | 1,900 nits |
| Always-on display | Yes | Yes |
Performance
| Spec | Pixel 8 | Galaxy S24 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Google Tensor G3 | Exynos 2400e |
| CPU cores | 9 | 10 |
| Process node | 4 nm | 4 nm |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
Memory & Storage
| Spec | Pixel 8 | Galaxy S24 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Base storage | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Max storage | 256 GB | N/A (not specified) |
| microSD slot | No | No |
Camera
| Spec | Pixel 8 | Galaxy S24 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera | 50 MP | 50 MP |
| Ultra-wide camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Telephoto camera | N/A (not specified) | 8 MP |
| Optical zoom | N/A (not specified) | 3× |
| Rear cameras | 2 | 3 (winner) |
| Front camera | 11 MP | 10 MP |
| Max video | 4K60 | 8K30 |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | Pixel 8 | Galaxy S24 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 4,575 mAh | 4,700 mAh |
| Wired charging | 27 W | 25 W |
| Wireless charging | 18 W (winner) | 15 W |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C |
Software & Updates
| Spec | Pixel 8 | Galaxy S24 FE |
|---|---|---|
| OS at launch | Android 14 | Android 14 (One UI 6.1) |
| Promised OS updatesManufacturer commitment | 7 years | 7 years |
Design & Build
| Spec | Pixel 8 | Galaxy S24 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5.93 in | 6.38 in |
| Width | 2.79 in | 3.04 in |
| Thickness | 0.35 in | 0.31 in (winner) |
| Weight | 6.60 oz (winner) | 7.51 oz |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Price
| Spec | Pixel 8 | Galaxy S24 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $699 | $650 (winner) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
The Pixel 8 asked only $49 more at launch. Is the Pixel 8 worth $49 extra? What you get for the money is a 0.92 oz lighter build and 11% sharper pixel density.
Launch prices in the US as of October 2024; street prices move, so check before you buy.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Pixel 8 if…
- you notice every gram in your pocket (6.60 oz vs 7.51 oz)
- you notice fine detail in text and photos (428 ppi vs 385 ppi pixel density)
- you use a wireless charging pad every day (18 W vs 15 W)
Choose the Galaxy S24 FE if…
- you like switching between focal lengths (3 vs 2 cameras)
- you care about a thin profile in your pocket (0.31 in vs 0.35 in)
- you want the lower price and can live with the trade-offs ($49 less)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Pixel 8 or the Galaxy S24 FE?
We’d point most buyers to the Pixel 8. The main exception is if you’d rather have an extra rear camera on the Galaxy S24 FE.
Which has better battery life, the Pixel 8 or the Galaxy S24 FE?
It’s effectively a tie. The battery figures for the Pixel 8 and the Galaxy S24 FE are too close to call.
Is the Pixel 8 bigger than the Galaxy S24 FE?
Going by the official dimensions, the Galaxy S24 FE is the larger one: 6.38 × 3.04 × 0.31 in against the Pixel 8’s 5.93 × 2.79 × 0.35 in.
Which has the better camera, the Pixel 8 or the Galaxy S24 FE?
On paper, the Galaxy S24 FE has the stronger camera setup, with an extra rear camera.
Is the Pixel 8’s display better than the Galaxy S24 FE’s?
The Pixel 8 has the stronger display on paper, with 11% sharper pixel density.
Is the Pixel 8 cheaper than the Galaxy S24 FE?
The Pixel 8 launched at $49 more than the Galaxy S24 FE, based on prices as of October 2024.
Executive Summary
The Pixel 8 and the Galaxy S24 FE are aimed at each other, and I think the gaps between them are more interesting than the headlines. I’d put a 0.92 oz lighter build at the top of the list, and it belongs to the Pixel 8. Secondary, but worth mentioning: the Pixel 8 has 11% sharper pixel density. The Galaxy S24 FE has a trump card of its own in an extra rear camera.
I’d match them like this: display to the Pixel 8, camera to the Galaxy S24 FE.
My pick: the Pixel 8, unless what you want most is an extra rear camera.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.