Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. Google Pixel 8: How these Androids compare

You know the drill: You need a phone that keeps up with your lifestyle. In the ever-changing world of smartphones, the fight for the top spot is fierce.

Two contenders competing for your attention are the Samsung Galaxy S24 and the Google Pixel 8. The Android smartphone market is a battleground of innovation, with Samsung and Google constantly pushing the boundaries.

Think of this guide as your compass, navigating you through the key differences to find your perfect phone. We'll compare everything from display size and design to camera and price.

Whether you prioritize a clear screen for entertainment or are looking for a good deal, keep reading to see which phone is right for you.

Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. Google Pixel 8: How do they stack up?

Both the Samsung Galaxy S24 and Google Pixel 8 boast impressive features but cater to different preferences.

Check out a side-by-side comparison of the phone's pros and cons below:

Specs

Here's a quick comparison of the core specs for the Samsung Galaxy S24 and Google Pixel 8:

Price

The Google Pixel 8 is easier on your wallet, with a price range of $800 to $1,100.

The Galaxy S24, on the other hand, commands a premium price tag, ranging from $700 to $1,000. This price difference might be a deciding factor for budget-conscious buyers.

Bottom line: Price is a major deciding factor. If you're on a tight budget or hoping to leverage a student discount, the Pixel 8 is the clear winner here.

Design and display

The Galaxy S24 is lighter compared to the Pixel 8. It has sleek, flat sides built with a material Samsung calls Armor Aluminum 2.0 (sounds tough, right?). The back is Corning Gorilla Glass, and you can choose from various eye-catching colors. These colors include Cobalt Violet, Amber, Yellow Onyx Black, Jade Green, and Sapphire Blue.

Ditching the boxy look, the Pixel 8 embraces comfy curves that feel great in your hand. The camera on the back has a sleek makeover, and the whole phone is built with eco-friendly recycled aluminum.

Front and back, it's protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. When it comes to color options, Google lets you pick between Hazel, Obsidian, Rose, or a refreshing Mint green.

Bottom line: Here we have a tie. Design and display all vary depending on personal preference.

Performance

The Galaxy S24 series is known for packing a punch. In some regions, you'll find the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip powering the phone, making it a real powerhouse for demanding tasks.

Google's Pixel phones have traditionally focused on AI features over raw processing power. This means they excel in areas like image processing and voice recognition. However, the gap is closing. The Pixel 8 Tensor chip is still strong, but the Galaxy S24 is also packed with AI features, so the Pixel's advantage here isn't as clear-cut.

Bottom line: For the most powerful phone, especially for gaming, choose the Galaxy S24.

Camera

The Galaxy S24 has a versatile camera system with a triple-lens system, capturing photos with sharp details and vibrant colors—it’s like having a mini photo studio in your pocket.

Its 50-megapixel main sensor and dedicated telephoto lens (up to 3x zoom) capture crisp close-ups and epic landscapes. However, the ultrawide lens lacks autofocus compared to the Pixel 8.

The Pixel 8 shines with its consistent, high-quality photos, especially in lowlight situations. This is thanks to Google's clever software processing that helps brighten and sharpen images.

The Pixel 8 has fewer megapixels than the S24 but prioritizes natural color reproduction over supersaturated tones. Even without a dedicated zoom lens, the Pixel 8 offers good zoom quality up to 8x magnification. Plus, the 10.5-megapixel front camera ensures you capture detailed selfies for your social media feed.

Bottom Line: For capturing vibrant colors and sharp details in bright light, the S24 is your pick. But if low-light photography and natural-looking colors are your priorities, the Pixel 8 takes the winning shot.

Battery life

The Galaxy S24 is equipped with a 4,000 mAh battery, which should provide enough juice to last you through a full day of moderate use. While not the biggest battery on the market, the S24's power management is optimized to work efficiently with its processor, helping you stay connected when it matters most.

The Pixel 8 goes all-in on battery life with a larger 4,575 mAh battery. This bigger capacity, coupled with the Pixel's typically power-efficient software, suggests you might be able to squeeze out an extra hour or two of use compared to the S24. The Pixel 8 also offers faster charging at 30W, enabling you to go from empty to 50% in just 30 minutes.

Bottom line: The Pixel 8 offers a better battery life, especially when you frequently need a quick charge top-up.

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