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Head to head

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 Pro

They split the 12 rankable specs evenly, so cost decides it: Google Pixel 9 Pro costs $300 less.

Catalog as of September 1, 2026

Why, in numbers

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

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
$1,2996 spec wins
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Compare a different phone

Google Pixel 8a$499OnePlus 12$799iPhone 16$799Google Pixel 9$799Samsung Galaxy S24$799Samsung Galaxy S25$799iPhone 17$799ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra$899iPhone 16 Plus$899OnePlus 13$899iPhone 16 Pro$999Samsung Galaxy S24+$999Samsung Galaxy S25+$999iPhone 17 Pro$999iPhone Air$999Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6$1,099Google Pixel 9 Pro XL$1,099iPhone 16 Pro Max$1,199iPhone 17 Pro Max$1,199Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra$1,299Xiaomi 14 Ultra$1,399OnePlus Open$1,699Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold$1,799Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6$1,899
Google Pixel 9 Pro
$9996 spec wins
Swap

Compare a different phone

Google Pixel 8a$499OnePlus 12$799iPhone 16$799Google Pixel 9$799Samsung Galaxy S24$799Samsung Galaxy S25$799iPhone 17$799ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra$899iPhone 16 Plus$899OnePlus 13$899iPhone 16 Pro$999Samsung Galaxy S24+$999Samsung Galaxy S25+$999iPhone 17 Pro$999iPhone Air$999Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6$1,099Google Pixel 9 Pro XL$1,099iPhone 16 Pro Max$1,199iPhone 17 Pro Max$1,199Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra$1,299Xiaomi 14 Ultra$1,399OnePlus Open$1,699Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold$1,799Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6$1,899

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: 6 to 6

Tied overall. Google Pixel 9 Pro is cheaper.

  • The 12 rankable overall specs split 6 to 6.
  • Saves $300 at list price.

Check first: the Google Pixel 9 Pro has no stylus.

6 Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra12 rankable of 48 specsGoogle Pixel 9 Pro 6

Deal-breakers

tick what would make you walk away

  • row

    No pen input for handwritten notes or markup.

    Clear:Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra · S Pen (integrated, IP68)Trips:Google Pixel 9 Pro · No
  • row

    Wired headphones need a USB-C dongle.

    Trips:Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra · NoTrips:Google Pixel 9 Pro · No
  • row

    Budget another $20 to $40 for a fast charger.

    Trips:Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra · NoTrips:Google Pixel 9 Pro · No
  • row

    Storage is fixed at what you buy.

    Trips:Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra · NoTrips:Google Pixel 9 Pro · No

At a glance

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

6 of 6 differ

Weight

Samsung

232 g

Google

199 g

Size

Samsung

6.8 inches

Google

6.3 inches

Chipset≠

Samsung

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (4 nm)

Google

Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) + Titan M2 security

RAM

Samsung

12 GB

Google

16 GB

Max optical zoom≠

Samsung

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

Google

5x optical (up to 30x Super Res Zoom)

Capacity

Samsung

5,000 mAh

Google

4,700 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 9 Pro

Upfront list price$999
Essential add-ons (45W USB-C PPS charging brick (no charger in box))+$30
3-Year Estimated Total$1,029

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

6.3" display with 72.0mm width (compact pro flagship)

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

Horizontal camera visor spans full width: zero desk wobble!

Pocket Weight & Heft

Samsung

232g (substantial titanium brick)

Google

199g (sits completely flat and stable on tables)

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

  • Hardware Quirk

    Tensor G4 processor still throttles under sustained 3D mobile gaming.

    While exceptional for camera processing and Google AI features, continuous 45-minute sessions in heavy games like Genshin Impact lead to frame drops and chassis warming.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra$1,2996 wins
Google Pixel 9 Pro$9996 wins

Body

leads 1-0
Body specifications. Middle column is Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, right column is Google Pixel 9 Pro.
Dimensions162.3 × 79.0 × 8.6 mm152.8 × 72.0 × 8.5 mm
Weight232 g199 g (wins this row: lower)
BuildGorilla Armor front and back, titanium frameCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front/back, polished aluminum frame
Water / dust ratingIP68 (1.5 m / 30 min)IP68 (1.5 m / 30 min)
ColorsTitanium Black, Gray, Violet, Yellow (plus exclusives)Obsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, Rose Quartz
StylusS Pen (integrated, IP68)No

Display

leads 3-1
Display specifications. Middle column is Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, right column is Google Pixel 9 Pro.
TypeDynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, flatSuper Actua LTPO OLED
Size6.8 inches (wins this row: higher)6.3 inches
Resolution1440 × 3120 (QHD+) (wins this row: higher)1280 × 2856
Pixel density~505 ppi (wins this row: higher)~495 ppi
Refresh rate1–120 Hz LTPO1–120 Hz Smooth Display
Peak brightness2,600 nits peak3,000 nits peak / 2,000 nits High Brightness Mode (wins this row: higher)
HDRHDR10+HDR10, HDR10+, Ultra HDR
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Armor, anti-reflectiveCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Always-on displayYesYes

Platform

5 differences
Platform specifications. Middle column is Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, right column is Google Pixel 9 Pro.
Operating systemAndroid 14, One UI 6.1 (upgradable)Android 14 (upgradable)
Software support7 major OS versions + 7 years security7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drops
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (4 nm)Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) + Titan M2 security
CPU8-core (1× Cortex-X4 + 5× A720 + 2× A520)8-core (1× Cortex-X4 + 3× A720 + 4× A520)
GPUAdreno 750Mali-G715 MC7

Memory

leads 1-0
Memory specifications. Middle column is Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, right column is Google Pixel 9 Pro.
RAM12 GB16 GB (wins this row: higher)
Storage256 GB UFS 4.0256 GB UFS 3.1
Storage options256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
microSDNoNo

Rear camera

leads 2-1
Rear camera specifications. Middle column is Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, right column is Google Pixel 9 Pro.
Main200 MP, f/1.7, 24 mm, 1/1.3", OIS, multi-direction PDAF (wins this row: higher)50 MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 25 mm, 1/1.31", OIS
Ultrawide12 MP, f/2.2, 13 mm, 120°48 MP Quad PD with Macro Focus, f/1.7, 123° (wins this row: higher)
Telephoto10 MP 3x + 50 MP 5x periscope (both OIS)48 MP Quad PD, f/2.8, 113 mm, 5x optical zoom, OIS (wins this row: higher)
Max optical zoom5x optical (10x lossless / 100x digital)5x optical (up to 30x Super Res Zoom)
StabilizationOIS on main and both telephotosOIS on wide and telephoto lenses
Video8K 30 fps, 4K 120 fps, HDR10+8K 30 fps (via Video Boost), 4K 24/30/60 fps, 10-bit HDR

Front camera

leads 1-0
Front camera specifications. Middle column is Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, right column is Google Pixel 9 Pro.
Selfie camera12 MP, f/2.2, punch-hole42 MP Dual PD with autofocus, f/2.2, 103° ultrawide (wins this row: higher)
Selfie video4K 60 fps4K 60 fps

Battery & charging

leads 2-0
Battery & charging specifications. Middle column is Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, right column is Google Pixel 9 Pro.
Capacity5,000 mAh (wins this row: higher)4,700 mAh
Wired chargingNot on the official sheet45 W (charger sold separately) (wins this row: higher)27 W fast charging (50% in ~30 min)
Wireless charging15 W Qi / Fast Wireless21 W fast wireless with Pixel Stand / Qi
Reverse wireless4.5 W Wireless PowerShareYes (Battery Share)
Charger in boxNoNo

Audio

1 differences
Audio specifications. Middle column is Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, right column is Google Pixel 9 Pro.
SpeakersStereo tuned by AKGStereo speakers
Headphone jackNoNo

Connectivity

3 differences
Connectivity specifications. Middle column is Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, right column is Google Pixel 9 Pro.
Cellular5G (sub-6 + mmWave, region-dependent)5G (sub-6 + mmWave)
Wi-FiWi-Fi 7Wi-Fi 7
BluetoothBluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.3
NFCYes (Samsung Pay / Google Wallet)Yes (Google Pay)
USBUSB-C 3.2USB-C 3.2
SIMDual 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 9 Pro.
BiometricsUltrasonic in-display fingerprint + face unlockUltrasonic in-display fingerprint + Face Unlock (Class 3)
Extra controlsS Pen button, programmable side keyPower, Volume, Thermometer sensor
Standout featuresS Pen, Samsung DeX, Galaxy AI, Vision BoosterGemini Live AI, Best Take, Magic Editor, Add Me, Temperature sensor
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 (opens in a new tab)Google Pixel 9 Pro source (opens in a new tab)

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 9 Pro

Compact pro flagship with Google Tensor G4, Gemini Nano AI, and Super Res Zoom camera system.

  • Compact form factor with uncompromised triple-camera system
  • 7 years of Android OS, security, and Pixel Feature Drops
  • Class-leading computational photography and AI tools

What you give up

  • Tensor G4 benchmark scores trail Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in heavy games
  • Charging speeds capped at ~27W
Full Google Pixel 9 Pro specs →

Best for each use

Photos

Camera first: zoom reach, sensors, stabilisation and video

For photos, buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro.

  • Leads 3 of 4 rankable photos specs; Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra takes 1.
  • Ultrawide: 48 MP Quad PD with Macro Focus, f/1.7, 123° vs 12 MP, f/2.2, 13 mm, 120°
  • Telephoto: 48 MP Quad PD, f/2.8, 113 mm, 5x optical… vs 10 MP 3x + 50 MP 5x periscope
  • It is also $300 cheaper.

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 4,700 mAh
  • Wired charging: 45 W vs 27 W fast charging
  • Google Pixel 9 Pro is $300 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 Google Pixel 9 Pro.

  • Leads 2 of 3 rankable games & video specs; Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra takes 1.
  • RAM: 16 GB vs 12 GB
  • Peak brightness: 3,000 nits peak / 2,000 nits High Brightness… vs 2,600 nits peak
  • It is also $300 cheaper.

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 sheetGoogle Pixel 9 Pro spec sheet

Manufacturer pages: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra ↗ · Google Pixel 9 Pro ↗

Common questions

Which is cheaper, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or the Google Pixel 9 Pro?

Google Pixel 9 Pro costs $300 less at list price.

What is the biggest catch with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or Google Pixel 9 Pro?

Google Pixel 9 Pro 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 9 Pro?

For photos, buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro. Leads 3 of 4 rankable photos specs; Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra takes 1. Ultrawide: 48 MP Quad PD with Macro Focus, f/1.7, 123° vs 12 MP, f/2.2, 13 mm, 120°

What cannot be compared from spec sheets?

Of the 48 specs tracked here, 36 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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