Pixel 9 vs Galaxy S24 FE
Shopping across brands means comparing different philosophies. The Pixel 9 and the Galaxy S24 FE show how Google and Samsung each approach the flagship smartphone class. By our tally, the Pixel 9 leads 2 of 6 areas. The display section is where it pulls furthest ahead of the Galaxy S24 FE. And the price tags aren’t close: the Galaxy S24 FE came in $149 below the Pixel 9 at launch.
At a glance
- Display Pixel 9 wins
- Performance Pixel 9 wins
- Memory & Storage Tie
- Camera Trade-off
- Battery & Charging Tie
- Software & Updates Tie
- Price Galaxy S24 FE wins
- Display6.0
- Performance5.6
- Camera3.5
- Battery & Charging1.8
- 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
-
The Pixel 9 has 4 GB more RAM
On ram, the Pixel 9 posts 12 GB against 8 GB for the Galaxy S24 FE, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. Opening a single app, you won’t feel the difference. With lots of tabs, a game and the camera in rotation, the Pixel 9 has more room to work with.
-
The Pixel 9 has 42% higher peak brightness
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 2,700 nits for the Pixel 9 versus 1,900 nits for the Galaxy S24 FE. Peak brightness decides how readable the screen stays in direct sunlight and how punchy HDR content looks.
-
The Galaxy S24 FE has an extra rear camera
The Pixel 9 lists 2; the Galaxy S24 FE comes in at 3. That’s not a rounding error. An extra rear camera usually means another focal length (ultra-wide, telephoto or macro) and more freedom in framing.
-
The Pixel 9 has a 0.53 oz lighter build
Not a big gap, but a consistent one. The Pixel 9’s 6.98 oz beats the Galaxy S24 FE’s 7.51 oz. The Pixel 9 is easier on your wrist during long reading or gaming sessions.
-
The Pixel 9 has a sharper 48 MP ultra-wide
At 48 MP versus 12 MP, this is a decisive lead for the Pixel 9, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. If you rarely switch to the wide view, this won’t matter much; if you use it often, it will.
Design & Size
- Pixel 9 6.02 in × 2.83 in × 0.33 in
- Galaxy S24 FE 6.38 in × 3.04 in × 0.31 in
The Pixel 9 is the smaller phone here, which some buyers will see as a plus and others as a compromise. The Galaxy S24 FE weighs in 0.53 oz above the Pixel 9. On thickness, the Galaxy S24 FE leads by 0.02 in.
Design & Build
| Spec | Pixel 9 | Galaxy S24 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6.02 in | 6.38 in |
| Width | 2.83 in | 3.04 in |
| Thickness | 0.33 in | 0.31 in (winner) |
| Weight | 6.98 oz (winner) | 7.51 oz |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Display
Pixel 9 leads
The Pixel 9 clearly takes the display round. The Pixel 9 adds 42% higher peak brightness. If you use your phone outdoors a lot, the Pixel 9’s brighter panel is the one that holds up better at midday. The display verdict goes to the Pixel 9.
Peak brightness
Pixel 9: 2,700 nits Galaxy S24 FE: 1,900 nits Peak figures are usually reached only in short bursts or small areas of the screen, but a higher ceiling still helps outdoor visibility.
Screen size
Pixel 9: 6.3 in Galaxy S24 FE: 6.7 in Screen size is personal. If you watch a lot on your phone, the extra area pays off; if you text one-handed on the go, compact is kinder.
Performance
Pixel 9 leads
This section belongs to the Pixel 9. In performance, it leads the Galaxy S24 FE by a margin that’s hard to ignore. In its favor, the Pixel 9 has 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. If this section decides it for you, choose the Pixel 9.
RAM
Pixel 9: 12 GB Galaxy S24 FE: 8 GB Extra memory also gives the Pixel 9 more headroom for heavier apps and for software updates in the years ahead.
CPU cores
Pixel 9: 8 Galaxy S24 FE: 10 Core count on its own says little about speed; how the chip is designed and how fast each core runs matter more.
Memory & Storage
Too close to call
Call the memory & storage round a draw. Either phone will serve you equally well on memory & storage.
Camera
Trade-off
On camera, pick your advantage: a sharper 48 MP ultra-wide from the Pixel 9 or an extra rear camera from the Galaxy S24 FE. On camera, the better choice comes down to your own priorities.
Rear cameras
Pixel 9: 2 Galaxy S24 FE: 3 The count alone doesn’t guarantee quality, but the Galaxy S24 FE gives you more lenses to choose from.
Ultra-wide camera
Pixel 9: 48 MP Galaxy S24 FE: 12 MP A sharper ultra-wide keeps more detail at the edges of landscape, architecture and group shots.
Battery & Charging
Too close to call
The battery & charging specs are close enough that neither gets the point. Bottom line for battery & charging: it’s a wash.
Software & Updates
Too close to call
You can skip ahead if software & updates was your deciding factor: the two are evenly matched here. Both cover software & updates well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | Pixel 9 | Galaxy S24 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.3 in | 6.7 in |
| Panel type | OLED (Actua) | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2424 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Pixel density | 422 ppi (winner) | 385 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 2,700 nits (winner) | 1,900 nits |
| Always-on display | Yes | Yes |
Performance
| Spec | Pixel 9 | Galaxy S24 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Google Tensor G4 | Exynos 2400e |
| CPU cores | 8 | 10 |
| Process node | 4 nm | 4 nm |
| RAM | 12 GB (winner) | 8 GB |
Memory & Storage
| Spec | Pixel 9 | Galaxy S24 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Base storage | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Max storage | 256 GB | N/A (not specified) |
| microSD slot | No | No |
Camera
| Spec | Pixel 9 | Galaxy S24 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera | 50 MP | 50 MP |
| Ultra-wide camera | 48 MP (winner) | 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 9 | Galaxy S24 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 4,700 mAh | 4,700 mAh |
| Wired charging | 27 W | 25 W |
| Wireless charging | 15 W | 15 W |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C |
Software & Updates
| Spec | Pixel 9 | 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 9 | Galaxy S24 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6.02 in | 6.38 in |
| Width | 2.83 in | 3.04 in |
| Thickness | 0.33 in | 0.31 in (winner) |
| Weight | 6.98 oz (winner) | 7.51 oz |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Price
| Spec | Pixel 9 | Galaxy S24 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $799 | $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 price gap is wide: $149 at launch, which is 23% of difference between the Galaxy S24 FE and the Pixel 9. For $149 more, the Pixel 9 adds 4 GB more RAM and 42% higher peak brightness. Whether that’s good value depends on how much you need those upgrades.
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 9 if…
- you want more memory headroom for the years ahead (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you use your phone outdoors a lot (2,700 nits vs 1,900 nits peak brightness)
- you want the lighter phone (6.98 oz vs 7.51 oz)
- you want the sharper ultra-wide camera (48 MP vs 12 MP)
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 0.33 in)
- you want the lower price and can live with the trade-offs ($149 less)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Pixel 9 or the Galaxy S24 FE?
We’d point most buyers to the Pixel 9. The main exception is if what you want most is an extra rear camera.
Does the Pixel 9 last longer on a charge than the Galaxy S24 FE?
It’s effectively a tie. The battery figures for the Pixel 9 and the Galaxy S24 FE are too close to call.
Which is larger, the Pixel 9 or the Galaxy S24 FE?
It’s the Galaxy S24 FE that is larger: 6.38 × 3.04 × 0.31 in, versus 6.02 × 2.83 × 0.33 in for the Pixel 9.
Which is faster, the Pixel 9 or the Galaxy S24 FE?
The Pixel 9 should be the quicker of the two, with 4 GB more RAM on its side.
Which has the better screen, the Pixel 9 or the Galaxy S24 FE?
The Pixel 9 has the stronger display on paper, with 42% higher peak brightness and 9.6% sharper pixel density.
Which costs less, the Pixel 9 or the Galaxy S24 FE?
The Pixel 9 launched at $149 more than the Galaxy S24 FE, based on prices as of October 2024.
Executive Summary
Brand loyalty aside, I tried to judge the Pixel 9 and the Galaxy S24 FE purely on what they offer. What I like most about the Pixel 9 here is 4 GB more RAM. Less flashy, but still real: the Pixel 9 brings 42% higher peak brightness. Credit where it’s due: the Galaxy S24 FE offers an extra rear camera.
I’d steer display fans toward the Pixel 9 and camera flexibility fans toward the Galaxy S24 FE.
My pick: the Pixel 9 for most people, with the Galaxy S24 FE as the smarter choice if you’d trade the rest for an extra rear camera.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.