Is there a competition between the two latest Android juggernauts: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
We covered a review on the Google Pixel 9 Series in a previous article but let us take an in-depth look at the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and see how it compares to the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
So the Pixel 9 Pro XL is Google’s big focus when it comes to devices, for 2024. However, we need to ask the question: is it the best Android smartphone and does it deserve the title, “King of Android”, and where else can that question be answered than here, at the council of the “Afọbajẹ(s)”; Mobility Nigeria.
Table of Contents
Overview
Most people are still giving their votes to the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and I mean why shouldn’t they? However, Google is finally stepping up and certainly, giving Samsung a run for their money but does the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL have what it take to dethrone what Samsung has to offer?
First let’s start by talking about the…
Size
These phones are relatively identical. Both have 6.8″ displays and their dimensions are very close. The Pixel is lighter with a weight of 221g, while the Samsung measures at 233g. At the same dimensions but different weight, the Pixel seems to be the more lean and alluringly one, however these differences are insignificant when both phones are held in hand.
Display
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra seems to have a slighter edge over the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL with a pixel density of 505 PPI as compared to the 496 PPI of that of Google. But, once again that difference might seem insignificant to the eyes. What is different though, is Samsung’s Gorilla Glass Armor, which is a new type of glass that is stronger against drops and scratches and boosts clarity with an anti-reflective design.
However, it is wise not to test out the strength of this glass because we all know that Samsung screens are worth a plot of land somewhere in Ekiti (no shades to Ekiti people)
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL still uses the Victus 2 glass, which is good, but Gorilla Glass Armor good.
Chipset
Now this might be the most significant difference. The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s Tensor G4 chip isn’t a huge upgrade over the previous versions G3 chip and when it is stacked up against the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, it’s David vs Goliath, only that this time, Goliath is the one holding the slingshot, sword, arrow and spear while David is left to fight with his bare hands and he doesn’t have the help of God.
It’s no competition. We already know the winner.
Google is definitely lagging behind almost a generation or two when it comes to chipset innovation. If you’re just scrolling through social media, watching Netflix or doing some light gaming, you probably won’t care but when you start doing more demanding tasks, you’ll notice the difference between the two Android phones.
Battery Life
In tests carried out by tech individuals, the battery life of the Samsung lasts about 2 days. However, the Pixel 9 Pro XL has a battery capacity of 5060 mAh as compared to S24 Ultra’s 5000 mAh, which is again another slight and somewhat insignificant difference. However, the chipset might make the S24 Ultra be the long lasting Android phone.
Now looking at all these qualities, it seems like we’ve set the Pixel 9 Pro XL up for failure right from the start. But let’s look at the advantages…
Memory
The Pixel 9 Pro XL has 4GB more of RAM which is reversed for the device’s AI feature, making everything run smoother. Right now, 12GB of RAM is a lot, but as AI features in phones get more advanced, that extra 4GB will definitely come in handy.
Software Updates
Another edge the Pixel has is quicker software updates. Google Pixel’s UI is lighter than Samsung’s OneUI allowing them to push out newer Android features quicker. Both brands seem to offer 7 years of OS updates, but if you want that the second they are available, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the way to go.
Charging speed on the S24 Ultra is slightly faster with a ratio of 45W to Pixel 9 Pro XL’s 37W but in real world use it’s not a huge deal.
Price
The Pixel 9 Pro XL starts at $1,100 which is $100 less than the S24 Ultra, but that’s for the 128GB model. When it comes to the 256GB model, they are the same price
Verdict
Has Google done enough to make the Pixel 9 Pro XL the King of Androids?
Well, the straight answer is no. Don’t get me wrong, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a great phone, but if it wasn’t for its somewhat outdated chipset, it would definitely be butting heads with the S24 Ultra and the final verdict might have been different.
The S24 Ultra excels in the fundamentals like better performance, superior battery life, and enhanced display and so on. In 2024, there can only be one King of Android and its the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
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