Head to head

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8a

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra leads 9 to 4 on the 13 rankable specs, but Google Pixel 8a costs $800 less.

Catalog as of September 1, 2026

Why, in numbers

Weight: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra lists 232 g (Samsung sheet, 2026-09-02); Google Pixel 8a lists 188 g (6.63 oz) (Google sheet, 2026-09-02).
Size: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra lists 6.8 inches (Samsung sheet, 2026-09-02); Google Pixel 8a lists 6.1 inches (Google sheet, 2026-09-02).
Chipset: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra lists Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (4 nm) (Samsung sheet, 2026-09-02); Google Pixel 8a lists Google Tensor G3 (Titan M2 security coprocessor) (Google sheet, 2026-09-02).
RAM: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra lists 12 GB (Samsung sheet, 2026-09-02); Google Pixel 8a lists 8 GB LPDDR5x (Google sheet, 2026-09-02).
Max optical zoom: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra lists 5x optical (10x lossless / 100x digital) (Samsung sheet, 2026-09-02); Google Pixel 8a lists None (2x lossless Super Res Zoom) (Google sheet, 2026-09-02).

Manufacturer list price, not a live offer. Confirm current pricing before you buy.

Buying for

Every rankable spec counts once. Pick a lens to score only what matters for your phone.

Your devices

Select your ecosystem to flag non-functional features or platform lock-in.

Straight answer

Overall: 9 to 4

Buy the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Leads 9 of 13 rankable overall specs; Google Pixel 8a takes 4.
Size: 6.8 inches vs 6.1 inches
RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB LPDDR5x
Google Pixel 8a is $800 cheaper. Pay the difference only if size matters to you.

9 Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra13 rankable of 48 specsGoogle Pixel 8a 4

Deal-breakers

tick what would make you walk away

No stylusrow
No pen input for handwritten notes or markup.
Clear:Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra · S Pen (integrated, IP68)Trips:Google Pixel 8a · No
No headphone jackrow
Wired headphones need a USB-C dongle.
Trips:Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra · NoTrips:Google Pixel 8a · No
No charger in the boxrow
Budget another $20 to $40 for a fast charger.
Trips:Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra · NoTrips:Google Pixel 8a · No
Not IP68row
Less dust and water protection than an IP68 rival.
Clear:Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra · IP68 (1.5 m / 30 min)Trips:Google Pixel 8a · IP67 dust/water resistant
No microSD slotrow
Storage is fixed at what you buy.
Trips:Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra · NoTrips:Google Pixel 8a · No

At a glance

The handful of numbers that decide most purchases in this category.

6 of 6 differ

Weight

Samsung

232 g

Google

188 g (6.63 oz)

Size

Samsung

6.8 inches

Google

6.1 inches

Chipset≠

Samsung

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (4 nm)

Google

Google Tensor G3 (Titan M2 security coprocessor)

RAM

Samsung

12 GB

Google

8 GB LPDDR5x

Max optical zoom

Samsung

5x optical (10x lossless / 100x digital)

Google

None (2x lossless Super Res Zoom)

Capacity

Samsung

5,000 mAh

Google

4,492 mAh

True 3-Year Cost of Ownership (TCO)

Upfront price + 3 years of consumables, fees & essential add-ons

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Upfront list price$1,299

Essential add-ons (45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 brick (no charger in box))+$35

3-Year Estimated Total$1,334

Google Pixel 8a

Upfront list price$499

3-Year Estimated Total$499

Pocket, Palm & Desk Usability Check

One-handed reachability, pocket weight, and table wobble when typing without a case.

Ergonomic & Spatial Check

One-Handed Palm Reach

Widths under 72mm allow thumb access to opposite screen edges without shifting grip.

Samsung

6.8" display with 79.0mm wide squared edges (stretches palms)

Google

Standard smartphone width

Desk Typing Table Wobble

Horizontal visor cameras sit flat on desks without annoying rocking while typing.

Samsung

Individual camera lens rings cause corner wobble on flat tables

Google

Corner camera bump causes minor wobble

Pocket Weight & Heft

Samsung

232g (substantial titanium brick)

Google

Standard phone weight

The 90-Day Owner Regret Check

Documented ergonomic quirks, hardware annoyances, and maintenance realities reported by real owners.

Post-Purchase Truths

Samsung: What to watch for

Ergonomics
Sharp 90-degree squared corners dig aggressively into palms.
One-handed typing causes the pointed lower corner to dig into your palm tissue unless cushioned by a rounded silicone case.
Hardware Quirk
Anti-reflective Gorilla Armor glass smudges easily with skin oils.
While outdoor glare reduction is class-leading, finger oils create noticeable rainbow sheen smudges in bright sunlight.

Google: What to watch for

Hidden Cost
No wall charging adapter included in the retail box.
Packaging contains only a Type-C cable; high-speed wall charging bricks must be purchased separately if you do not already own one.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra$1,2999 wins

Google Pixel 8a$4994 wins

Body Display Platform Memory Rear camera Front camera Battery & charging Audio Connectivity Features

44 of 48 attributes differ. Identical rows are dimmed.

Body

leads 1-0

Body specifications. Middle column is Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, right column is Google Pixel 8a.
Dimensions	162.3 × 79.0 × 8.6 mm	152.1 × 72.7 × 8.9 mm
Weight	232 g	188 g (6.63 oz) (wins this row: lower)
Build	Gorilla Armor front and back, titanium frame	Matte composite back with aluminum frame
Water / dust rating	IP68 (1.5 m / 30 min)	IP67 dust/water resistant
Colors	Titanium Black, Gray, Violet, Yellow (plus exclusives)	Bay, Aloe, Porcelain, Obsidian
Stylus	S Pen (integrated, IP68)	No

Display

leads 3-1

Display specifications. Middle column is Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, right column is Google Pixel 8a.
Type	Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, flat	Actua OLED
Size	6.8 inches (wins this row: higher)	6.1 inches
Resolution	1440 × 3120 (QHD+)	2400 × 1080 (FHD+) (wins this row: higher)
Pixel density	~505 ppi (wins this row: higher)	430 ppi
Refresh rate	1–120 Hz LTPO	120 Hz (Smooth Display 60–120Hz)
Peak brightness	2,600 nits peak (wins this row: higher)	2,000 nits peak / 1,400 nits HDR
HDR	HDR10+	HDR support (HDR10, HLG)
Protection	Corning Gorilla Armor, anti-reflective	Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Always-on display	Yes	Yes (Always-on with At a Glance)

Platform

5 differences

Platform specifications. Middle column is Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, right column is Google Pixel 8a.
Operating system	Android 14, One UI 6.1 (upgradable)	Android 14
Software support	7 major OS versions + 7 years security	7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates
Chipset	Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (4 nm)	Google Tensor G3 (Titan M2 security coprocessor)
CPU	8-core (1× Cortex-X4 + 5× A720 + 2× A520)	9-core (1× Cortex-X3 + 4× Cortex-A715 + 4× Cortex-A510)
GPU	Adreno 750	Immortalis-G715s MC10

Memory

leads 2-0

Memory specifications. Middle column is Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, right column is Google Pixel 8a.
RAM	12 GB (wins this row: higher)	8 GB LPDDR5x
Storage	256 GB UFS 4.0 (wins this row: higher)	128 GB
Storage options	256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB	128 GB, 256 GB (UFS 3.1)
microSD	No	No

Rear camera

leads 2-1

Rear camera specifications. Middle column is Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, right column is Google Pixel 8a.
Main	200 MP, f/1.7, 24 mm, 1/1.3", OIS, multi-direction PDAF (wins this row: higher)	64 MP Quad PD (f/1.89, 26mm, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8x)
Ultrawide	12 MP, f/2.2, 13 mm, 120°	13 MP (f/2.2, 120° FOV) (wins this row: higher)
Telephoto	10 MP 3x + 50 MP 5x periscope (both OIS)	None (Super Res Zoom 2x sensor crop / up to 8x digital)
Max optical zoom	5x optical (10x lossless / 100x digital) (wins this row: higher)	None (2x lossless Super Res Zoom)
Stabilization	OIS on main and both telephotos	Optical + electronic image stabilization on main
Video	8K 30 fps, 4K 120 fps, HDR10+	4K at 30/60 fps, 1080p at 30/60 fps

Front camera

leads 1-0

Front camera specifications. Middle column is Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, right column is Google Pixel 8a.
Selfie camera	12 MP, f/2.2, punch-hole	13 MP (f/2.2, 96.5° ultrawide FOV) (wins this row: higher)
Selfie video	4K 60 fps	4K at 30 fps, 1080p at 30 fps

Battery & charging

leads 2-0

Battery & charging specifications. Middle column is Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, right column is Google Pixel 8a.
Capacity	5,000 mAh (wins this row: higher)	4,492 mAh
Wired chargingNot on the official sheet	45 W (charger sold separately) (wins this row: higher)	18W wired fast charging (USB-PD 3.0)
Wireless charging	15 W Qi / Fast Wireless	7.5W Qi wireless charging
Reverse wireless	4.5 W Wireless PowerShare	No
Charger in box	No	No

Audio

1 differences

Audio specifications. Middle column is Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, right column is Google Pixel 8a.
Speakers	Stereo tuned by AKG	Stereo speakers
Headphone jack	No	No

Connectivity

5 differences

Connectivity specifications. Middle column is Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, right column is Google Pixel 8a.
Cellular	5G (sub-6 + mmWave, region-dependent)	5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave on carrier variants)
Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi 7	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax tri-band)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.3	Bluetooth 5.3
NFC	Yes (Samsung Pay / Google Wallet)	Yes (Google Wallet)
USB	USB-C 3.2	USB-C 3.2 Gen 1
SIM	Dual nano-SIM + eSIM (region-dependent)	Single Nano-SIM + eSIM

Features

3 differences

Features specifications. Middle column is Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, right column is Google Pixel 8a.
Biometrics	Ultrasonic in-display fingerprint + face unlock	Under-display fingerprint sensor + Face Unlock
Extra controls	S Pen button, programmable side key	None
Standout features	S Pen, Samsung DeX, Galaxy AI, Vision Booster	Google AI photography (Best Take, Magic Editor, Audio Magic Eraser), Call Screen, 7-year update guarantee

Most rows are from the official spec sheet. Marked rows are other published figures or our summary, not lab tests we ran.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra source Google Pixel 8a source

Which one should you buy

Pick this one if

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Android flagship with S Pen, 200MP camera, 6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED, and seven years of OS updates.

S Pen built in
200MP main + 5x periscope telephoto
7 years of OS and security updates

What you give up

Larger and heavier than iPhone 16 Pro
No charger in the box
Flat 6.8-inch body is harder one-handed

Full Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra specs →

Pick this one if

Google Pixel 8a

6.1-inch mid-range phone powered by Google Tensor G3, Actua 120Hz display, and 7 years of software support.

Exceptional photo quality for $499
7 full years of Android OS and security updates
Bright 120Hz Actua display with IP67 water resistance

What you give up

Thicker bezels than flagship phones
18W wired charging is slower than competitors

Full Google Pixel 8a specs →

Best for each use

Photos

Camera first: zoom reach, sensors, stabilisation and video

Tied on photos. Google Pixel 8a is cheaper.

The 4 rankable photos specs split 2 to 2.
Saves $800 at list price.

Battery & updates

All-day battery, fast top-ups and years of software support

For battery & updates, buy the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Leads 2 of 2 rankable battery & updates specs.
Capacity: 5,000 mAh vs 4,492 mAh
Wired charging: 45 W vs 18W wired fast charging
Google Pixel 8a is $800 cheaper. Pay the difference only if capacity matters to you.

Games & video

Games and streaming: chip, refresh rate, brightness, speakers

For games & video, buy the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Leads 3 of 3 rankable games & video specs.
RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB LPDDR5x
Size: 6.8 inches vs 6.1 inches
Google Pixel 8a is $800 cheaper. Pay the difference only if ram matters to you.

Every answer above is scored from published figures. A lens uses only the rows that matter for that use, including marked rows that are not on the official sheet. Switch lenses interactively in the panel above.

Done deciding?

Open the full standalone spec sheet for either device.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra spec sheet Google Pixel 8a spec sheet

Manufacturer pages: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra ↗ · Google Pixel 8a ↗

Common questions

Which is cheaper, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or the Google Pixel 8a?

Google Pixel 8a costs $800 less at list price.

What is the biggest catch with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or Google Pixel 8a?

Google Pixel 8a has this deal-breaker: no stylus. No pen input for handwritten notes or markup.

Which is better for photos, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or the Google Pixel 8a?

Tied on photos. Google Pixel 8a is cheaper. The 4 rankable photos specs split 2 to 2. Saves $800 at list price.

What cannot be compared from spec sheets?

Of the 48 specs tracked here, 35 are descriptive and cannot be ranked on numbers alone. Spec sheets also cannot measure subjective factors like build quality, real-world performance, or comfort.

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