Pixel 9 vs Galaxy S24

Summary

The Google Pixel 9 and Galaxy S24, both priced around $800, offer a sleek design with flat sides reminiscent of iPhones. The Pixel 9 features a divisive camera bar, while the S24 boasts a minimalist look with protruding rings. Both phones have 120Hz AMOLED screens, with the Pixel 9 being brighter and the S24 excelling in low-light visibility. Performance-wise, the S24's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 outperforms the Pixel 9's Tensor G4. The S24 includes a telephoto camera for better portrait shots, and both offer excellent photo quality. Despite the Pixel 9's strong AI features and software updates, the S24 is recommended for its value and performance.

Takeaways

• 📱 Both Google Pixel 9 and Galaxy S24 are premium mid-range smartphones priced around $800.
• 🔍 The Pixel 9 features a distinctive flat pill-shaped camera bar, while the S24 opts for a minimalist design with three protruding rings.
• 📲 The Pixel 9 has a slightly larger 6.3-inch screen compared to the S24's 6.2-inch display; both are 120Hz AMOLED panels.
• 🌞 The Pixel 9's screen can achieve higher brightness levels, whereas the S24 excels at lower brightness settings, which is beneficial for night-time use.
• 🏎️ The Galaxy S24, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, outperforms the Pixel 9's Tensor G4 in terms of raw processing power.
• 💾 Google positions the Tensor G4 as a specialized chip for AI tasks rather than raw performance, which may be a concern given the Pixel 9's premium price.
• 📸 The S24 offers a 3-camera setup with ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto lenses, supporting up to 30x digital zoom, while the Pixel 9 caps at 8x super zoom.
• 🤖 Google's computational photography and AI features are strong selling points for the Pixel 9, despite potential performance concerns with the Tensor G4.
• 📸 Both phones deliver excellent camera performance, with the S24 providing sharper telephoto shots and the Pixel 9 offering warmer, more realistic details.
• 🌟 The reviewer recommends the Galaxy S24 for its value, but acknowledges the Pixel 9's appeal to those who prefer vanilla Android or are interested in Google's AI features.

Q & A

What is the price range of the Google Pixel 9 and the Galaxy S24?

Both the Google Pixel 9 and the Galaxy S24 are priced in the $800 area.

How do the designs of the Google Pixel 9 and the Galaxy S24 compare?

The Google Pixel 9 has a flat pill-shaped camera bar on the back, while the Galaxy S24 has a minimalist design with three protruding rings for the cameras.

Which phone has a brighter screen, the Pixel 9 or the Galaxy S24?

The Pixel 9's screen can get noticeably brighter than the Galaxy S24.

What is the advantage of the Galaxy S24's screen in terms of brightness?

The Galaxy S24 can get darker, falling below one nit on the minimum brightness, which is appreciated by users with sensitivity to light.

How do the performance capabilities of the Pixel 9 and the Galaxy S24 differ?

The Galaxy S24, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, outperforms the Pixel 9 with its Tensor G4 chip in terms of raw processing power.

What is Google's marketing strategy for the Tensor G4 chip in the Pixel 9?

Google markets the Tensor G4 chip as one with special NPU cores to enhance AI tasks rather than focusing on raw processing power.

What is the main concern regarding the Pixel 9's performance for its price?

The concern is that the Pixel 9's Tensor G4 chip may not provide enough performance headroom to justify its $800 price and support the phone over the promised 7 years of software updates.

How does the camera setup of the Galaxy S24 compare to that of the Pixel 9?

The Galaxy S24 comes with three cameras: ultra-wide, wide, and a telephoto 3x zoom camera, capable of up to 30x digital zoom, whereas the Pixel 9 offers up to 8x super zoom.

What is the difference in the camera performance between the Pixel 9 and the Galaxy S24?

Both phones take excellent photos, but the Galaxy S24's telephoto lens provides slightly sharper and more realistic portrait shots compared to the Pixel 9's digital zoom.

What are the unique selling points of the Pixel 9 that might attract some users?

The Pixel 9 offers exclusive AI features, the promise of 7 years of software updates, and the appeal of vanilla Android for some users.

Which phone would the reviewer recommend and why?

The reviewer would recommend the Galaxy S24 for its value, but acknowledges that the Pixel 9 might appeal to users who prefer its design, vanilla Android, or its AI features.

Outlines

00:00

📱 Comparison of Google Pixel 9 and Galaxy S24

The Google Pixel 9 and Galaxy S24 are compared in terms of design, performance, and camera capabilities. Both phones are priced around $800 and feature a flat side style reminiscent of modern iPhones. The Pixel 9 retains a camera bar, while the S24 opts for a minimalist design with three protruding rings. The S24 is noted to be slightly thinner and lighter, with a grippier edge compared to the Pixel 9's beveled edge. Both phones have 120Hz AMOLED screens, but the Pixel 9's screen is brighter, while the S24's can get darker, beneficial for night use. The color calibration is similar, with slight differences in color cast. In terms of performance, the Galaxy S24, equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, outperforms the Pixel 9's Tensor G4 chip. Google justifies the Pixel 9's price with exclusive AI features and a promise of 7 years of software updates. The S24 offers a 3-camera setup with a telephoto lens, while the Pixel 9 relies on digital zoom for portrait shots. Both phones have excellent cameras, but concerns are raised about the Pixel 9's future performance due to its processor.

05:02

📸 Camera Quality and Value Proposition

Both the Google Pixel 9 and Galaxy S24 are praised for their camera quality, with sharpness, dynamic range, and vibrant colors. Samsung and Google have their own distinct approaches to image processing, with Samsung favoring more sharpening and exposure, while Google's Pixel photos have a warmer tone with more realistic detail. Despite different processing styles, both phones deliver excellent photos. The summary concludes with a recommendation of the Galaxy S24 for its value, acknowledging that some users might prefer the Pixel 9's design or exclusive AI features and the promise of future updates. The Pixel 9 is described as having a niche appeal, with its unique design and Android experience.

Keywords

💡Google Pixel 9

The Google Pixel 9 is a smartphone that has recently been released and is compared in the script to the Galaxy S24. It is positioned as a cut-down version of its flagship model, indicating it offers high-end features at a slightly lower price point. In the video, the Pixel 9 is discussed in terms of its design, camera capabilities, and performance, particularly in comparison to the Galaxy S24.

💡Galaxy S24

The Galaxy S24 is another smartphone model mentioned in the script, which is compared directly with the Google Pixel 9. It is also described as a cut-down version of its respective flagship, suggesting similar high-end features but at a more competitive price. The script discusses its design, performance, and camera system, often in direct comparison to the Pixel 9.

💡Flat side style

The term 'flat side style' refers to the design language of the smartphones discussed, which features flat edges and a more modern, minimalist look. This design is reminiscent of the iPhone's recent design trends. The script mentions that both the Pixel 9 and the Galaxy S24 have adopted this style, with the Pixel 9 having a camera bar that is more of a flat pill shape.

💡Beveled edge

A 'beveled edge' is a design feature where the edge of an object is cut at an angle, making it smoother and less sharp. In the context of the script, the Google Pixel 9's frame has a beveled edge, which makes it feel softer to the touch but potentially more slippery.

💡120Hz AMOLED panels

A '120Hz AMOLED panel' refers to the type of display technology used in the smartphones, which offers a high refresh rate of 120 times per second and uses Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diodes. This technology provides a smooth and vibrant visual experience. Both the Pixel 9 and the Galaxy S24 are said to have these panels, which are described as looking fantastic.

💡Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

The 'Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3' is a chipset used in the Galaxy S24, which is noted for its superior performance in the script. It is part of Qualcomm's line of high-end mobile processors known for their speed and efficiency. The script compares this chipset to the Tensor G4 inside the Pixel 9, suggesting the former offers better raw processing power.

💡Tensor G4

The 'Tensor G4' is Google's own chipset used in the Pixel 9. It is designed with special NPU cores to enhance AI tasks, rather than focusing on raw processing power. The script discusses concerns about its performance, especially considering the Pixel 9's premium price point.

💡AI features

AI features refer to the artificial intelligence capabilities of the smartphones, which can enhance various functions such as photography, voice assistance, and user interface interactions. The script mentions that Google is marketing the Tensor chip for its AI capabilities and that the Pixel 9 comes with new and exclusive AI features, which are part of its value proposition.

💡7 years of software updates

This phrase indicates the承诺 of long-term software support for the Pixel 9, suggesting that the phone will receive updates and new features for an extended period. This is a selling point for the Pixel 9, as it assures buyers of continued improvements and security patches over time.

💡Telephoto camera

A 'telephoto camera' is a type of camera lens that allows for magnification of distant objects. In the context of the script, the Galaxy S24 is noted to have a telephoto lens for portrait shots, which is considered superior to the digital zoom approach used by the Pixel 9 for similar purposes.

💡Computational photography

Computational photography refers to the use of digital image processing techniques to enhance the quality of photographs. The script mentions that Google has a history of impressive computational photography, which is evident in the quality of photos taken by Pixel devices, even though the script also praises the Galaxy S24's camera capabilities.

Highlights

Google Pixel 9 and Galaxy S24 are both priced around $800 and are cut-down versions of their flagship models.

Both the Pixel 9 and Galaxy S24 have adopted a flat side style reminiscent of modern iPhones.

Pixel 9 retains a camera bar, now in a flatter pill shape, which is divisive in terms of aesthetics.

Galaxy S24 has a minimalist design with three protruding rings, offering a cleaner look.

The S24 feels thinner and slightly lighter compared to the Pixel 9, which has a beveled edge for a softer touch but is more slippery.

Pixel 9 features a 6.3-inch screen, while S24 has a 6.2-inch screen; both are 120Hz AMOLED panels with excellent color calibration.

Pixel 9's screen can get noticeably brighter, while S24 can get darker, appealing to users with sensitivity to screen brightness.

In terms of performance, the Galaxy S24 with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 outperforms the Pixel 9's Tensor G4.

Google markets the Tensor chip for AI tasks rather than raw processing power, which was acceptable at a lower price point.

Google's new AI features and promise of 7 years of software updates are meant to justify the Pixel 9's premium pricing.

Galaxy S24 comes with three cameras: ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto with 3x zoom, capable of up to 30x digital zoom.

Pixel 9 offers 8x super zoom and uses digital zoom for portrait mode, which almost replaces the need for a telephoto camera.

Both phones take excellent photos with sharpness, dynamics, and vibrant colors, each with its own processing style.

The Tensor G4's performance raises concerns about the Pixel 9's longevity and ability to handle future AI feature updates.

The Galaxy S24 is recommended for its value, but the Pixel 9 may appeal to those who prefer vanilla Android or Google's AI features.

Transcripts

The Google Pixel 9 is still fresh off the

presses and it's very

much comparable to the

Galaxy S24.

They are in the $800 area and both are

cut down version of

their respective flagships.

So which one comes with

more bells and whistles?

Which one is the better phone to buy?

Or just for show, how do they

compare to each other at all?

Both the Galaxy S24 and the Pixel 9 have

adopted this flat side style.

With frames that kind of remind us of the

modern iPhone design.

Google still has the camera bar on the

back, but it's more like

a flat pill shape instead

of a visor-like structure.

Still it's kind of bulky and an eyesore,

or you may like it,

the community is divided

on that.

The Galaxy S24 on the other hand went

much more minimalist with the design.

And it has these three protruding rings,

which look cleaner to me.

Again though, if you like this, you like

this, I want King shame.

But in general, I like how the

Galaxy S24 feels in the hand.

Will have the specs down here, but it

feels thinner and it

feels slightly light.

Also the Pixel's frame has this beveled

edge, which makes it feel

softer to the touch, but

it's also a bit more slippery maybe.

The S24 has a sharp edge where the frame

ends, so it feels grippier.

On the front we have a 6.3 inch screen on

the Pixel 9, 6.2 inches on the S24.

They are 120Hz AMOLED

panels, they look fantastic.

When it comes down to it, the Pixel 9's

screen can get

brighter, noticeably brighter.

On the flip side, the Galaxy S24 can get

darker, it falls below one

nit on the minimum brightness,

which is something that sensitive users

will appreciate when

using it by the bad side.

Their color calibration is also very

similar, they both look excellent.

If you look at them side by side, the S24

has a bit more of a yellow greenish cast,

the Pixel 9 is slightly more magenta, but

that's only visible

when directly comparing

them.

And both will have at least a couple of

color calibration

options, so you can set it to

taste if you want punchy AMOLED colors or

more grounded and realistic colors.

The performance here, look, there's no

beating around this bush.

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 4 Galaxy

in the Galaxy S24 just smokes the Tensor

G4 inside the Pixel 9.

In RAW benchmarks, the Tensor feels like

a mid-range processor

or an older processor.

And Google is kind of fine with that.

To this day, it markets the Tensor chip

as one that has

special NPU cores to help the

Pixel with its AI tasks and not

specifically for RAW processing power.

And we were fine with that in the past,

because Pixel phones had a

lower price to begin with.

A $16 Google flagship with all the

exclusive Google Assistant

features, a great camera,

but slightly underpowered processor?

Cool, sign me up, it's $600.

But this year, Google is trading on

premium territory with a

Pixel 9 asking you to part

with $800.

That is the same asking

price as a Galaxy S24.

Google hopes that its new and exclusive

AI features and the

promise of 7 years of software

updates may justify the price.

But AI don't care when your phone doesn't

have the performance

of a 3-year-old iPhone.

If I am hoping that it will survive these

7 years with all the AI feature drops and

it will run fine, it had

better have some hardware headroom.

Also, Google didn't do itself many favors

when it presented the

new AI features with

a Pixel 9 on stage and then it said it

wants to bring Gemini to

all of Android and then

it used an S24 Ultra to show

off some of the other features.

Did I go off on a tangent?

I did!

But since we're talking about value, the

Galaxy S24 comes with 3 cameras.

It's the same setup as an S24 Plus and an

S24 Ultra, but the

Ultra has better sensors,

obviously.

The S24 is here, ultra wide, wide and

telephoto 3x zoom cameras.

The maximum zoom for the S24 can go up to

30x digital, the Pixel

caps at 8x super zoom.

It's fine, if you don't care about

maximum zoom, I don't either.

But I do like having that telephoto

camera for portrait

shots, it's just better.

And Google also knows this because when

you go into portrait mode

on the Pixel, it immediately

crops into a digital zoom with the main

camera for better portrait framing.

In fairness, the digital zoom of the

Pixel 9 almost does a

pretty good job at replacing

an actual telephoto camera.

But I still find snaps taken with the

Galaxy S24's 3x lens to

be slightly sharper and

more realistic.

And since we're talking

cameras, here are some samples.

Google has great computational

photography and its cameras

have wowed us since the Pixel

1 in 2016.

But Samsung also has a rich history of

making camera phones and

developing both software

and hardware for them.

Both phones shoot excellent photos with

sharpness, dynamics, colors and vibrancy.

They do things their own way.

Samsung sharpens more and exposes a bit

more, the Pixel photos

can have a warmer cast, but

more realistic detail.

It's all potato potato at this point.

Google will put a filter on it or use AI

to autotune the image anyway.

The bottom line is that both of these

phones have great cameras.

They both perform very well right now,

but the Tensor G4 has us

a bit worried about the

headroom and future of this phone.

They both look good and well put

together, but this one is

a bit of an acquired taste.

The S24 feels slightly more compact.

Out of the two, I'd recommend

the Galaxy S24 for its value.

But I can see how someone can like this

design or be a fan of

vanilla Android or maybe they

want all the new AI features and the

promised feature drops in

the future, so they might

go for this.

It's a pretty okay phone.

It just has its niche.

Let me know how wrong I am,

like sub all the things by.