If you’re in the market for a compact flagship in the first half of this year, chances are you’re considering either the Samsung Galaxy S24, Google Pixel 8, or Xiaomi 14. With the Xiaomi 14 commanding a higher price, the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 8 emerge as the more practical choices.
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Both devices share similar hardware and dimensions, making it challenging for some users to decide between them. Let’s delve deeper into the comparison.
For a detailed comparison of specifications, you can view the complete specs sheets or continue reading our editor’s evaluation below.
Size comparison
Despite noticeable design variations, the two devices are relatively similar in size. The Pixel 8 is slightly taller and thicker but maintains the same screen size as the Galaxy S24.
The Galaxy S24 may feel a bit smaller in hand due to its design but might not be as comfortable to hold as the Pixel 8. The Pixel 8’s ergonomic curved edges provide a more comfortable grip compared to the Galaxy S24’s sharp angles and flat edges.
Design preferences are subjective. The Galaxy S24’s aesthetics are more contemporary, while the Pixel 8’s camera module design may not appeal to everyone. However, the Pixel 8’s distinct design is more easily recognizable.
Regarding materials and build quality, both devices are nearly identical, featuring Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for the Galaxy S24 and Gorilla Glass Victus for the Pixel 8. Additionally, both devices are IP68 certified for water and dust resistance.
Display comparison
Both handsets offer the same 6.2-inch display size, 1080p+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ support. Our tests indicate that both screens can reach up to 1,400 nits, making them suitable for outdoor use.
The Galaxy S24 holds a technological edge with its LTPO OLED panel, providing more precise refresh rate control for potential power savings. Moreover, the S24 boasts thinner bezels, resulting in a larger screen-to-body ratio compared to the Pixel 8.
Another notable feature is the Galaxy S24’s superior ultrasonic fingerprint reader, offering better reliability and performance than the Pixel 8’s fingerprint scanner, which is slightly slower.
Battery life
Despite the Pixel 8 having a larger 4,575 mAh battery compared to the S24’s 4,000 mAh, our tests reveal that the S24 offers longer battery life.
The S24 demonstrates better call runtimes and video playback compared to the Pixel 8. However, web browsing and gaming scores are relatively similar between the two devices. The Galaxy S24’s efficiency can be attributed to its newer Exynos 2400 chipset and LTPO OLED display.
Charging speed
Both the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 8 have relatively slow charging speeds. The S24 supports up to 25W charging over Power Delivery 3.0, while the Pixel 8 can reach 27W over PD 3.0. However, both devices take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete a full charging cycle.
Wireless charging is available for both devices, with the S24 supporting 15W and the Pixel 8 offering 18W wireless charging capabilities.
Speakers test
According to our loudspeaker test, both devices offer similar loudness levels, with the Galaxy S24 being slightly louder. However, both devices are rated as “Very Good” in terms of speaker performance.
The Galaxy S24 excels in audio quality, providing a better overall sound with deeper bass compared to the Pixel 8. On the other hand, the Pixel 8 delivers cleaner vocals, enhancing the experience for podcast and movie enthusiasts.
Performance
Equipped with this year’s Exynos 2400, the Galaxy S24 outperforms the Pixel 8, which runs on an older Tensor G3 SoC. Historically, Google Pixels have lagged behind in raw performance benchmarks, and this comparison is no exception. The Exynos 2400 showcases a 35% performance improvement in multi-core scenarios and a 23% boost in single-core tests compared to the Tensor G3.
In combined workloads involving GPU performance, the S24 demonstrates a 32% speed advantage.
A performance difference of over 30% indicates significantly better performance of the Galaxy S24. Additionally, the Exynos 2400 excels in AI-related tasks and gaming, surpassing the Tensor G3 in real-world performance as well.
Camera comparison
The Galaxy S24 and Pixel 8 feature different main camera sensors, with the Pixel 8 boasting a larger sensor. The S24’s 50MP camera sensor is 1/1.56″, while the Pixel 8’s sensor is 1/1.31″, enhancing its low-light performance with laser AF and wider aperture.
Image processing plays a crucial role in camera performance. Despite Samsung’s more neutral processing this year, the Pixel 8 impresses with its accurate color reproduction, sharpness, and cleaner images. The Pixel 8 excels in consistency across various shooting scenarios and minimizes noise in indoor settings, where the S24 struggles.
Samsung Galaxy S24: 0.6x • 1x • 3x
Google Pixel 8: 0.6x • 1x • 2x
The Pixel 8’s outstanding 2x zoom mode falls short of the S24’s 3x telephoto camera, offering better reach and overall image quality. The S24 emerges as the more versatile camera phone.
Ultrawide camera performance is similar between the devices, with the S24 showcasing sharper details in some scenarios and the Pixel 8 delivering cleaner overall images in others. The S24 maintains better quality in indoor settings, though.
Samsung Galaxy S24: 0.6x • 1x • 3x
Google Pixel 8: 0.6x • 1x • 2x
Video quality is comparable between the devices, with the Pixel 8 capturing videos with warmer tones and slightly more detail. However, the differences are minimal and might not be noticeable at first glance.
Verdict
Setting aside software UI preferences, the Galaxy S24 offers more value for its price compared to the Pixel 8. Despite being €150-250 more expensive than the Pixel 8, the S24 excels in several key areas.
The Galaxy S24 boasts a superior display, powerful chipset, durable build, versatile camera setup with a 3x telephoto lens, enhanced stereo speakers, efficient fingerprint reader, and longer battery life. Both devices receive long-term software support, guaranteeing a satisfying user experience for years to come.
The Pixel 8 shines in the main camera department, delivering exceptional stills and possibly superior video quality. In the US, opting for the Pixel 8 might be a more budget-friendly choice due to its lower price. In Europe, the decision between the Pixel 8 and Galaxy S24 would depend on whether the price difference justifies the S24’s superior hardware and performance.
- Flat design with thinner bezels
- Longer battery life
- Louder and nicer speakers
- 3x telephoto camera
- Faster chipset
- Feature-rich One UI
Get the Samsung Galaxy S24 for:
- Better main camera
- Considerably lower price
- C
Get the Pixel 8 for:
