Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Galaxy S24 Ultra are aimed squarely at each other: same class, different badges. The numbers lean one way: the Pixel 9 Pro XL comes out ahead in 2 of the 6 areas we compared, with its clearest lead in the performance category.
At a glance
- Display Pixel 9 Pro XL wins
- Performance Pixel 9 Pro XL wins
- Memory & Storage Galaxy S24 Ultra wins
- Camera Trade-off
- Battery & Charging Trade-off
- Software & Updates Tie
- Price Pixel 9 Pro XL wins
- Display7.0
- Performance9.4
- Memory & Storage2.8
- Camera4.2
- Battery & Charging2.8
- Display7.0
- Performance5.6
- Memory & Storage4.5
- Camera4.5
- Battery & Charging2.8
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 9 Pro XL has 4 GB more RAM
The spread here is large: 16 GB on the Pixel 9 Pro XL versus 12 GB on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Expect to notice it. Extra memory also gives the Pixel 9 Pro XL more headroom for heavier apps and for software updates in the years ahead.
-
The Galaxy S24 Ultra has 256 GB of base storage instead of 128 GB
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the Galaxy S24 Ultra makes its strongest case: 256 GB against 128 GB. Base storage is what you get without paying extra. Photos, videos and apps add up quickly, so more space at the entry price is real value.
-
The Galaxy S24 Ultra has a higher-resolution 200 MP main camera
The Galaxy S24 Ultra clearly leads on main camera, and 200 MP versus 50 MP is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. More megapixels on the main camera allow bigger crops and more detail in good light, but sensor size and processing matter just as much.
-
The Galaxy S24 Ultra has an extra rear camera
On rear cameras, the Galaxy S24 Ultra posts 4 against 3 for the Pixel 9 Pro XL, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. The count alone doesn’t guarantee quality, but the Galaxy S24 Ultra gives you more lenses to choose from.
-
The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 0.39 oz lighter build
Small gaps can still matter over time, and here the Pixel 9 Pro XL leads 7.80 oz to 8.18 oz. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is easier on your wrist during long reading or gaming sessions.
Design & Size
- Pixel 9 Pro XL 6.41 in × 3.02 in × 0.33 in
- Galaxy S24 Ultra 6.39 in × 3.11 in × 0.34 in
Both come in at nearly the same overall dimensions, so pick on other grounds. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is 0.39 oz lighter, making the Galaxy S24 Ultra the heftier of the two.
Design & Build
| Spec | Pixel 9 Pro XL | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6.41 in | 6.39 in |
| Width | 3.02 in | 3.11 in |
| Thickness | 0.33 in | 0.34 in |
| Weight | 7.80 oz (winner) | 8.18 oz |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Titanium |
Display
Pixel 9 Pro XL leads
It’s a narrow one, but the display round goes to the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The Pixel 9 Pro XL makes its case with 15% higher peak brightness. If you use your phone outdoors a lot, the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s brighter panel is the one that holds up better at midday. Anyone shopping mainly on display should start with the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Peak brightness
Pixel 9 Pro XL: 3,000 nits Galaxy S24 Ultra: 2,600 nits Peak brightness decides how readable the screen stays in direct sunlight and how punchy HDR content looks.
Performance
Pixel 9 Pro XL leads
This section belongs to the Pixel 9 Pro XL. In performance, it leads the Galaxy S24 Ultra by a margin that’s hard to ignore. The Pixel 9 Pro XL steps ahead thanks to 4 GB more RAM. More RAM lets a phone keep more apps open in the background, so switching back to them is instant instead of a reload. Net result: the Pixel 9 Pro XL leads this part of the comparison.
RAM
Pixel 9 Pro XL: 16 GB Galaxy S24 Ultra: 12 GB Opening a single app, you won’t feel the difference. With lots of tabs, a game and the camera in rotation, the Pixel 9 Pro XL has more room to work with.
Memory & Storage
Galaxy S24 Ultra leads
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is the clear pick if memory & storage is what you care about most. The Galaxy S24 Ultra scores with 256 GB of base storage instead of 128 GB. The Galaxy S24 Ultra starts with more room, which means fewer “storage full” warnings and less time deleting old videos. So if memory & storage tops your list, lean toward the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Base storage
Pixel 9 Pro XL: 128 GB Galaxy S24 Ultra: 256 GB If you shoot a lot of video or keep music and maps offline, base storage is one of the specs you’ll feel most over the years.
Camera
Trade-off
The camera round is shared. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a sharper 48 MP ultra-wide, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra has a higher-resolution 200 MP main camera. If you’re torn on camera, the other sections may help break the tie.
Main camera
Pixel 9 Pro XL: 50 MP Galaxy S24 Ultra: 200 MP The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s higher-resolution main sensor gives you more room to crop, which helps when you can’t get closer.
Rear cameras
Pixel 9 Pro XL: 3 Galaxy S24 Ultra: 4 An extra rear camera usually means another focal length (ultra-wide, telephoto or macro) and more freedom in framing.
Battery & Charging
Trade-off
In the battery & charging category, the Pixel 9 Pro XL counts faster 23 W wireless charging in its favor, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra answers with faster 45 W wired charging. Bottom line for battery & charging: decide which advantage matters more to you.
Wireless charging
Pixel 9 Pro XL: 23 W Galaxy S24 Ultra: 15 W Faster wireless charging makes a pad or stand more practical as your main way to top up.
Wired charging
Pixel 9 Pro XL: 37 W Galaxy S24 Ultra: 45 W Peak charging speeds depend on a compatible charger, which may not come in the box.
Software & Updates
Too close to call
The differences on software & updates are small enough to ignore in daily use. Don’t let software & updates decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | Pixel 9 Pro XL | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.8 in | 6.8 in |
| Panel type | LTPO OLED (Super Actua) | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2992 x 1344 | 3120 x 1440 |
| Pixel density | 486 ppi | 505 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 3,000 nits (winner) | 2,600 nits |
| Always-on display | Yes | Yes |
Performance
| Spec | Pixel 9 Pro XL | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Google Tensor G4 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy |
| CPU cores | 8 | 8 |
| Process node | 4 nm | 4 nm |
| RAM | 16 GB (winner) | 12 GB |
Memory & Storage
| Spec | Pixel 9 Pro XL | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Base storage | 128 GB | 256 GB (winner) |
| Max storage | 1 TB | 1 TB |
| microSD slot | No | No |
Camera
| Spec | Pixel 9 Pro XL | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera | 50 MP | 200 MP (winner) |
| Ultra-wide camera | 48 MP (winner) | 12 MP |
| Telephoto camera | 48 MP | 50 MP |
| Optical zoom | 5× | 5× |
| Rear cameras | 3 | 4 (winner) |
| Front camera | 42 MP (winner) | 12 MP |
| Max video | 4K60 (8K via Video Boost) | 8K30 |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | Pixel 9 Pro XL | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 5,060 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Wired charging | 37 W | 45 W (winner) |
| Wireless charging | 23 W (winner) | 15 W |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C |
Software & Updates
| Spec | Pixel 9 Pro XL | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| OS at launch | Android 14 | Android 14 (One UI 6.1) |
| Promised OS updatesManufacturer commitment | 7 years | 7 years |
Design & Build
| Spec | Pixel 9 Pro XL | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6.41 in | 6.39 in |
| Width | 3.02 in | 3.11 in |
| Thickness | 0.33 in | 0.34 in |
| Weight | 7.80 oz (winner) | 8.18 oz |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Titanium |
Price
| Spec | Pixel 9 Pro XL | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $1,099 (winner) | $1,300 |
“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 launch prices are close, with the Pixel 9 Pro XL just $201 below the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Value is clear-cut: the Pixel 9 Pro XL saves $201 and leads in more areas.
These are US launch prices, recorded August 2024; what you pay today may be higher or lower.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Pixel 9 Pro XL if…
- you keep lots of apps open at once (16 GB vs 12 GB of RAM)
- you want the lighter phone (7.80 oz vs 8.18 oz)
- you often shoot landscapes, buildings or group photos (48 MP vs 12 MP ultra-wide)
- you take a lot of selfies or video calls (42 MP vs 12 MP front camera)
- you’d rather keep $201 in your pocket
Choose the Galaxy S24 Ultra if…
- you shoot a lot of photos and video (256 GB vs 128 GB base storage)
- you want the higher-resolution main camera (200 MP vs 50 MP)
- you want more lenses to choose from (4 vs 3 rear cameras)
- you want the faster cable charging (45 W vs 37 W)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Pixel 9 Pro XL or the Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Pixel 9 Pro XL makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if what you want most is 256 GB of base storage instead of 128 GB.
Which has better battery life, the Pixel 9 Pro XL or the Galaxy S24 Ultra?
Neither has a meaningful advantage. The Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Galaxy S24 Ultra are rated close enough that your usage will matter more than the spec sheet.
Which is larger, the Pixel 9 Pro XL or the Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Galaxy S24 Ultra are so close in size that you’d struggle to tell them apart on dimensions alone.
Does the Pixel 9 Pro XL perform better than the Galaxy S24 Ultra?
On paper, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the stronger performer, with 4 GB more RAM.
Is the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s display better than the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s?
On display specs, the Pixel 9 Pro XL leads thanks to 15% higher peak brightness.
Is the Pixel 9 Pro XL cheaper than the Galaxy S24 Ultra?
At launch, the Pixel 9 Pro XL undercut the Galaxy S24 Ultra by $201. These figures are as of August 2024, and street prices can change.
Executive Summary
Cross-brand comparisons are where I find the real differences in philosophy, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL versus the Galaxy S24 Ultra shows that nicely. I think the Pixel 9 Pro XL makes its strongest case with 4 GB more RAM. A second reason: the Pixel 9 Pro XL comes with a 0.39 oz lighter build. To be fair, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has 256 GB of base storage instead of 128 GB, and that’s not nothing.
If display is your thing, the Pixel 9 Pro XL fits. If memory & storage matters more, the Galaxy S24 Ultra makes more sense.
My pick: the Pixel 9 Pro XL, and I’d only look at the Galaxy S24 Ultra if you’d trade the rest for 256 GB of base storage instead of 128 GB.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.