Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. Google Pixel 9 series: Spec-for-Spec, Feature-for-Feature

TL; DR

✨Both the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 9 series remain highly relevant and offer excellent value 2 generations after their launches. While newer Galaxy and Pixel phones bring incremental upgrades, the S24 and Pixel 9 hold up remarkably well in everyday use. The S24 leans on raw power, versatile cameras, and a slightly more premium, feature-rich experience, while the Pixel 9 emphasizes clean software, AI-driven features, and consistent camera performance. Both deliver solid displays, all-day battery life, and long-term software support, making them reliable choices for anyone who wants flagship-level phones without paying for the absolute newest models.

Why you can trust this Galaxy S24 vs. Google Pixel 9 series comparison 

At Back Market, we have a single goal: to make tech affordable, reliable, and sustainable. As that's our only goal, we don't play favorites; we call it how we see it. This comparison is based on an objective analysis of both series, focusing on real-world performance, long-term value, user experience, and the stuff that matters day to day. We've considered key factors like design and build, display quality, camera quality, performance, AI features, battery life, and long-term usability to help you make an informed decision. No favoritism, no sales talk. Just a transparent and honest look at which phone is right for you.  

Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. Google Pixel 9 

Winner: Tie  

Both the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 9 remain excellent compact Android flagships. With newer generations now on the market, they've become even more compelling as value options. By just looking at the specs, they are evenly matched, and choosing the best of the two phones is tricky; it boils down to your priorities. Their designs are closely matched, aside from the camera bar on the Pixel 9's rear, and both phones are compact and sleek. The Pixel 9 has a brighter display, but the S24 features an LTPO panel. The S24 offers a dedicated telephoto camera, while the Pixel 9 relies on software tricks for high-quality results. Performance-wise, the Galaxy S24 is a powerhouse, but the Pixel 9 is built for AI. Both phones have built-in AI features and are supported with up to seven years of software updates. As mentioned, these two phones are neck and neck, and you won't be disappointed whichever you choose.

Specifications 

✨The Pixel 9 feels like the better all-around pick for everyday ease and longevity, while the Galaxy S24 is the smarter choice if you want more power, flexibility, and features for the price.

How do the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 9 designs compare?

The Galaxy S24 and the Pixel 9 are very similar. Both are compact and among the easiest phones to use with one hand. The devices boast premium materials, including an aluminum frame with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protecting the front and rear. Both the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 9 look premium, and thanks to their Gorilla Glass Victus 2 construction, they should survive a few falls without cracking. They share the same buttons and cutouts and boast an IP68 rating, meaning they're water- and dust-resistant.

They are not identical, though; the main difference is on the back, where the Pixel 9 features a striking camera bar while the S24 uses a triple camera setup in a vertical line. Both phones have the selfie camera at the same location (top center in a punch-hole cutout), but the sensors differ. In terms of size, the Galaxy S24 is slightly shorter, narrower, and slimmer than the Pixel 9, and, consequently, weighs considerably less at 5.93 oz compared to the Pixel 9's 6.98 oz. The S24 also offers more color options, with seven choices, compared to the Pixel 9's four.

✨The Galaxy S24 and Pixel 9 are both compact, premium-feeling phones with durable builds and one-handed usability. However, the S24 stands out for being slightly smaller, lighter, and more colorful, while the Pixel 9 is distinguished by its bold rear camera bar.

How do the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 9 displays hold up today?

Both the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 9 feature bright and colorful displays that continue to impress. In the current smartphone landscape, they offer great visual performance at a much better value than the latest models. The Pixel 9's display is slightly larger than the Galaxy S24's, but not by much. At 6.3 inches, the Pixel 9's AMOLED display is just larger than the 6.2-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED display on the Galaxy S24 (the S24's LTPO panel means it can freely adjust between 1Hz and 120Hz). Both displays support a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+, but the Pixel 9's display is slightly brighter at 2,700 nits, compared to the Galaxy S24's peak brightness of 2,600 nits.

The S24 and Pixel 9 feature similar resolutions, at 2340 x 1080 pixels and 2400 x 1080 pixels, respectively. Color quality is excellent on both displays, and you should enjoy watching videos and gaming without any jitter or ghosting effects. The high refresh rate means both phones offer smooth performance and quick touch responses, and you should be satisfied with either screen, but the Pixel 9 just ever so slightly edges the S24.

✨Both the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 9 offer bright, smooth, and vibrant displays that still perform exceptionally today, with the Pixel 9 slightly edging out the S24 in size and brightness.

How do the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 9 compare performance-wise?

When the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 9 launched, performance was a notable point of difference, and that remains true today. Whether it's the international Exynos 2400 or the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the Pixel 9's Tensor G4 doesn't come close. That said, both remain very capable when it comes to typical tasks like browsing, social media, streaming, and light gaming.

Google stresses that its phones are built for AI performance, and sure enough, the Pixel 9 comes with 12GB of RAM to ensure it can handle AI tasks better (the Galaxy S24 comes with 8GB of RAM). However, when it comes to multitasking and high-end gaming, the Pixel 9 is clearly more hesitant than the S24. Both manufacturers promise 7 years of software updates, which means you won't feel "left behind"quickly, but the Galaxy S24 looks to be the more future-proof device despite the RAM deficit.

The age of AI is here, and both phones offer several AI features. The S24 has Galaxy AI, while the Pixel 9 has Google's Gemini AI. Most Galaxy AI features are exclusive to Samsung Galaxy phones, but thanks to the close partnership between the two companies, some Gemini AI features are available on Galaxy devices. That said, many Gemini AI features remain limited to the latest Pixel devices, including the Pixel 9.

Neither phone offers expandable storage, and entry-level devices come with 128GB of space, with the S24 offering 256GB and 512GB options, but the Pixel 9 only offers a 256GB option.

✨The Galaxy S24 and Pixel 9 still perform well today for most users, offering excellent value without feeling outdated.

How do the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 9 cameras compare?

So far, the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 9 share many similarities. Regarding camera quality, however, the two companies take very different approaches. With the Pixel 9, you get two-thirds of the Pixel 9 Pro XL experience, with Google providing the same wide and ultrawide sensors but leaving out the telephoto camera altogether. Contrarily, the Galaxy S24 is a scaled-down version of the S24 Ultra, with the phone including three camera types (one less than the S24 Ultra), wide, ultrawide, and telephoto, but with lower-grade components.

The Pixel 9 has a 50MP main sensor and a 48MP ultrawide sensor with dual-pixel autofocus and a 123-degree field of view. The Galaxy S24 has a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide sensor with a 120-degree field of view. The S24 also includes a dedicated 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, providing better reach for distant shots.

In practice today, both setups still produce excellent photos. The Pixel 9 excels in point-and-shoot clarity and consistency thanks to Google's image processing, while the S24's telephoto lens gives real optical range that computational zoom can't fully replicate.

Despite lacking in zoom capabilities, the Pixel 9 produces sharper and more detailed images, especially in low-light conditions. It might not have the flexibility of the Galaxy S24, but its image quality rivals that of the Pixel 9 Pro, while the Galaxy S24 confirms its place as a mid-tier option in Samsung's lineup. So which device has the better camera? It boils down to the Pixel 9's better overall quality versus the Galaxy S24's greater flexibility.

✨The Pixel 9 shines with consistently sharp, detailed photos, while the Galaxy S24 stands out for its versatility, making it a choice between polish and flexibility.

How do the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 9 compare regarding battery life and charging?

The Pixel 9 packs a much larger battery than the Galaxy S24. It features a 4,700mAh battery, while the Galaxy S24 has a 4,000mAh battery. Despite the Pixel 9's larger battery, it still doesn't offer a significant advantage over the S24, as Samsung is extremely good at optimizing energy use. As a result, both devices should easily get you through the day. Regarding charging, the Pixel 9 supports 27W wired charging, which gets you from 0% to 55% in 30 minutes, while the S24's 25W wired charging gets you to 50% in the same time. Both phones support wireless charging, too.

✨Despite the Pixel 9's larger battery, both it and the Galaxy S24 deliver reliable all-day battery life with similar charging speeds, making either a solid choice for daily use.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro 

Winner: Google Pixel 9 Pro 

The Galaxy S24 Ultra and Google Pixel 9 Pro were among the best Android phones when they launched. Even now with the Galaxy S26 and Pixel 10 lineup in the spotlight, both older flagships still deliver premium performance and features that make them compelling buys. Both devices have excellent builds, superb displays, and top-notch camera systems. Out of 5, both phones easily score 4.5, suggesting they are pretty even. However, upon closer inspection, we must give the Google Pixel 9 Pro the win. All thanks to its comfortable build, impressive battery life, cleaner software, and excellent point-and-shoot camera experience. There are reasons to prefer the S24 Ultra, too. It offers a beefier processor, a larger and brighter display, impeccable battery life, and excellent camera zoom capabilities. However, its large size, angular design, and higher price tag may limit its appeal to some users, giving the Pixel 9 Pro an edge.

Specifications 

✨Performance vs. portability: The Galaxy S24 Ultra leans toward power and endurance, while the Pixel 9 Pro favors a lighter, more nimble experience.

How do the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro designs compare?

Unlike the Galaxy S24 and the Pixel 9, which share many physical similarities, there isn't much similarity between the Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Pixel 9 Pro. Starting with size, the S24 Ultra is much bigger and heavier than the Pixel 9 Pro. The S24 Ultra's hulking 6.39 x 3.11 x 0.34-inch footprint towers over the 6.02 x 2.83 x 0.33-inch Pixel 9 Pro. The S24 Ultra is also much heavier, weighing 8.22 oz, compared to the Pixel 9 Pro's modest 7.02 oz, with the S24 Ultra's titanium build making it tougher than Google's phone.

As aforementioned, the two phones look very different from one another. The Google Pixel 9 Pro borrows heavily from Apple's design playbook, making it look more like the Galaxy S24 than the S24 Ultra does. It features a flat metal rim and gently curved corners, visible in the body and the display. Contrarily, the S24 Ultra has almost completely flattened its left and right edges—they're still slightly curved—and with its pointed corners, this results in a perfectly rectangular display.

The Pixel 9 Pro has Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protecting the front and rear, while the S24 Ultra has the tougher Corning Gorilla Armor doing the same job. Both phones have an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. For the camera array, the Pixel 9 Pro has a striking camera bar that spans nearly the entire phone width, while the S24 Ultra separates its sensors in two neat columns on the back. Generally, theS24 Ultra is big and built like a tank, while the Pixel 9 Pro is more compact and pocketable.

✨The Galaxy S24 Ultra feels like a rugged powerhouse device, while the Pixel 9 Pro offers a more compact, pocketable design.

How do the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro displays compare?  

The size difference between the two phones is emphasized when analyzing the display offerings for each phone. The Pixel 9 Pro has a 6.3-inch AMOLED display, while the S24 Ultra has a whopping 6.9-inch AMOLED panel. Samsung has increased the pixel count to better utilize the extra screen space, with a 3088 x 1440 resolution. The Pixel 9 Pro has a lesser 2856 x 1280 resolution, though it works out to a similar pixel density—505 ppi for the S24 Ultra and 495 ppi for the Pixel 9 Pro.

Surprisingly, the Pixel 9 Pro is much brighter, reaching a peak of 3,000 nits in HDR content, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra can only manage 2,600 nits. Still, both displays are brilliant and very visible outdoors on a bright day. Both phones use LTPO panels, meaning the displays can freely adjust between 1Hz and 120Hz refresh rates depending on the task, helping with energy efficiency.

Putting the size difference aside, these are 2 of the best displays on the market, delivering excellent screens that hold up well even as newer phones like the Galaxy S26 Ultra come into play. There isn't an obvious winner between the two: the Pixel 9 Pro offers excellent brightness, while the S24 Ultra provides more than enough screen real estate for watching videos and gaming.

✨The Galaxy S24 Ultra impresses with its massive, high-resolution display, while the Pixel 9 Pro stands out for its brightness, so the choice between them comes down to whether you prefer size or visibility.

How do the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro compare performance-wise?

The Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Pixel 9 Pro have their strengths, but when it comes to performance, the S24 Ultra wipes the floor with the Pixel 9 Pro. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor is much faster than the Tensor G4, beating it in CPU and GPU benchmarks. No matter the test, the S24 Ultra comes out on top. Both companies promise 7 years of software updates, meaning that despite newer chipsets in the latest Galaxy and Pixel series, these older models won't be abandoned anytime soon.

That said, in everyday use, the difference isn't as noticeable, but you will notice the Pixel 9 Pro struggling with heavy multitasking while the S24 Ultra breezes through smoothly. Google's phone also tends to overheat on hot sunny days, especially during extended photo sessions, suggesting it might be inefficient. However, when it comes to AI performance, the Pixel 9 Pro shines. Google has insisted that its Tensor chips are built for AI, and the Pixel 9 Pro is packed with 16GB of RAM (the Galaxy S24 Ultra has 12GB of RAM) to help run those advanced AI tasks.

Regarding gaming, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the better choice. It breezes through demanding titles at silky smooth frame rates, barely getting warm. Both phones offer AI features—Galaxy AI for the S24 Ultra and Gemini AI for the Pixel 9 Pro—with some of the Galaxy AI features also available on the Pixel 9 Pro, but not vice versa.

✨Both the S24 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro still perform well today. The S24 Ultra remains a powerhouse for heavy workloads and gaming, while the Pixel 9 Pro delivers polished everyday performance and AI-centric responsiveness.

How do the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro cameras compare?

Both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Pixel 9 Pro have excellent cameras. There isn't much between the two systems, with both taking clear, crisp, vivid shots in all conditions. Both phones pack capable rear setups that are still competitive today. The Pixel 9 Pro uses a 50MP main sensor, while the S24 Ultra opts for a 200MP sensor. The latter doubles down on pixel-binning techniques, but the Pixel 9 Pro generally takes better shots with its main sensor, including in low-light conditions. Additionally, Google's image processing is more advanced than Samsung's, resulting in more pleasing shots.

Moving to the ultrawide sensors, Google's phone introduces a 48MP sensor, while the S24 Ultra comes with a 12MP sensor. When you factor in Google's superior image processing, the S24 Ultra doesn't stand a chance, but there still isn't much in it. The differences get greater when it comes to zoom provision. Google's single 48MP 5x periscope camera is countered by Samsung's 10MP 3x telephoto and 50MP 5x periscope sensors. The S24 Ultra is the clear winner in this case, thanks to the sheer variety of zoom levels that it provides.

Both devices capture excellent videos, but only the S24 Ultra can shoot 8K videos natively. Both devices offer fancy AI features, allowing you to add or edit background elements. Still, the Pixel 9 Pro takes it further with the Add Me and Magic Editor tools. Overall, both phones offer great cameras, but the Pixel 9 Pro gets the nod, thanks to its all-around excellence.

✨The S24 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro continue to deliver excellent photography and videography, offering premium camera performance at a great value for buyers in 2026.

How do battery life and charging compare in the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro?

It shouldn't come as a surprise that the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers better battery life. After all, the bigger the phone, the bigger the battery. The S24 Ultra has a 5,000mAh cell, much bigger than the 4,700mAh cell on the Pixel 9 Pro. With Samsung devices being so efficient, there isn't any competition, as the S24 Ultra has some of the best stamina in the business. In practice today, both phones will comfortably get you through a full day.

Regarding charging, the S24 Ultra supports 45W wired charging, while the Pixel 9 Pro supports 27W wired charging. Both will get you past the 50% mark within 30 minutes, but only the S24 Ultra can get you to 100% within an hour. Both phones support wireless charging.

✨The Galaxy S24 Ultra outlasts the Pixel 9 Pro thanks to its larger battery and faster wired charging, though both phones easily provide full-day use.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL 

Winner: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL  

The Galaxy S24 Ultra and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL still hold up impressively, even as newer flagships hit the market. Both continue to impress with their strong performance, premium displays, and versatile cameras. And with long-term support, they should remain relevant well into the next several years. Between the 2 devices, though, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL comes out on top over the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Both are excellent Android superphones, but the Pixel 9 Pro XL's bright display, outstanding cameras, sleek design, and cleaner software give it the edge over the S24 Ultra. Both phones have built-in AI features, but Google continues to provide the best AI experiences in the Pixel 9 Pro XL phone. Still, this battle is very close. For the Galaxy S24 Ultra, it's a stinging loss, as there's a lot to love about Samsung's superphone. Its Snapdragon Gen 3 processor outmatches its rival, and it offers more camera flexibility, but unfortunately, that's not enough to beat the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Specifications 

✨The Galaxy S24 Ultra feels like a powerhouse built for versatility and endurance, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL prioritizes speed, cameras, and a lighter, more manageable design.

How do the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro XL designs compare?

There's no getting around it; the Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Pixel 9 Pro XL are massive phones, but they are well-crafted devices that still hold up against newer models. The Pixel 9 Pro XL features an aluminum frame with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 covering the front and the rear. It measures a whopping 6.41 x 3.02 x 0.33 inches and weighs 7.80 oz. On the other hand, the Galaxy S24 Ultra sports a more premium titanium frame with the tougher Corning Gorilla Armor covering the front and back. It's just as large, measuring 6.39 x 3.11 x 0.34 inches and weighing 8.22 oz. The S24 Ultra is a bit wider than the Pixel 9 Pro XL, but you will struggle using either phone one-handedly unless you have very large hands. Both phones boast an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

Visually, the two devices display very different design philosophies. The Pixel 9 Pro XL features thin bezels and rounded corners, while the S24 Ultra offers a much boxier design with squared-off edges. Some find the Pixel 9 Pro XL much easier to grip thanks to its rounded edges. Flipping the phone over, you'll immediately notice the difference in the camera array. Google maintained the visor on the Pixel 9 Pro XL, but it doesn't stretch from edge to edge, while the S24 Ultra features a four-lens setup, with each lens raised independently over the back cover. The S24 Ultra also has a built-in stylus housed along the bottom edge.

✨In 2026, the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro XL remain durable, capable, and feature-rich, offering strong value as alternatives to the newest flagships.

How well do the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro XL displays hold up today?

The Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Pixel 9 Pro XL continue to deliver excellent display quality comparable to recent releases. With premium devices, expect premium displays. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz dynamic refresh rate and a 2992 x 1344 resolution. The display is fluid and crisp, and with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, the Pixel 9 Pro XL's screen is easily visible, even in the brightest conditions. Samsung chose the 6.8-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED display for the Galaxy S24 Ultra. It also offers a variable 120Hz refresh rate, but with a 3088 x 1440 resolution, it is slightly sharper than its competitor. However, with a peak brightness of 2,600 nits, the S24 Ultra's brightness does not match Google's phone. Overall, both screens remain bright, fluid, and lovely to look at, and most users won't notice much practical difference from the newer flagships.

✨The Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro XL still offer bright, smooth, and high-quality displays, holding up well against newer flagships.

How do the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro XL compare performance-wise?

Regarding performance, the Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Pixel 9 Pro XL take different approaches. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is powered by Google's Tensor G4 processor and gets 16GB of RAM. Google's Tensor chips aren't built for raw power, but AI performance, hence the 16 gigs of RAM for running all the AI features baked into the software. The processor provides a fluid experience running the AI software and the latest games, but it is lacking compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor.

The S24 Ultra is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, an absolute powerhouse. This chip performs significantly better than the Tensor G4. In gaming, it smoothly runs demanding titles at full graphical settings, providing silky smooth frame rates. In terms of overall experience, both chips perform well. Despite it being an easy win for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the Pixel 9 Pro XL's day-to-day performance doesn't differ much from that of the S24 Ultra. While it might struggle with heavy multitasking, it still performs well.

Both phones continue to receive OS updates and support, keeping them relevant and secure long after launch, while their performance still holds up well compared to newer models.

✨The Galaxy S24 Ultra delivers raw power with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL focuses on AI-driven performance. Still, both remain smooth, capable, and relevant even compared to newer models.

How do the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro XL cameras compare?  

The Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Pixel 9 Pro XL offer excellent cameras. Like the Pixel 9 Pro, the Pixel 9 Pro XL has a triple rear camera setup. The setup includes a 50MP main shooter, a 48MP ultrawide lens for wide-angle photography, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom for capturing distant subjects. The Pixel 9 Pro XL can shoot 8K footage at 30fps or 4K at 60fps. Up front, you get a 42MP forward-facing camera that can manage 4K video at 60fps.

On the S24 Ultra, you will get more flexibility. Samsung equips the S24 Ultra with a quad-lens setup. The setup includes a 200MP main shooter, a 12MP ultrawide lens for wide-angle shots, a 50MP periscope telephoto 5x optical zoom for capturing distant subjects, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom for closer, detailed shots. This camera array can shoot 8K video natively at 30fps or 4K at 120fps. You'll get a 12MP selfie camera that can shoot 4K at 60fps.

Depending on your needs, both devices can deliver excellent shots in all lighting conditions. However, like most Samsungs, the S24 Ultra struggles once any motion is introduced, resulting in blurry images. With Google's superior image processing, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers the best images if subjects are on the move. While the S24 Ultra offers a variety of zoom levels, it just doesn't match the Pixel 9 Pro XL's consistency, which is why the Pixel gets the win. Compared to the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the S24 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro XL lag slightly in camera hardware, but for everyday use, the difference is minor.

✨Both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro XL have excellent cameras, with the S24 offering more zoom options and the Pixel 9 Pro XL delivering more consistent shots, especially for moving subjects.

How is battery life and charging in the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro XL?

The Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Galaxy S24 Ultra are solid performers, offering excellent battery life, even by today's standards. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 5,060mAh cell that comfortably survives a full day of heavy use. The phone supports 37W wired charging, reaching over 50% in 30 minutes. On the other hand, the Galaxy S24 Ultra ships with a 5,000mAh cell, and with Samsung devices being so efficient, the S24 Ultra gets through a full day comfortably. It supports 45W wired charging, reaching the 50% mark in less than 30 minutes and the 100% mark within an hour. Both the S24 Ultra and the Pixel 9 Pro XL support wireless charging.

✨Both the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S24 Ultra deliver excellent all-day battery life with fast wired and wireless charging, keeping them highly practical even today.

Samsung S24 vs Google Pixel 9 series: Honorable mentions 

​​​While the main focus has been on the Galaxy S24, S24 Ultra, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL, a few other devices in each series are worth an honorable mention. Starting with the budget options for each series, Samsung offers the Galaxy S24 FE, while Google counters the Pixel 9a. Both devices showcase impressive specs, but they cater to different user preferences. 

Starting with the display quality, the Galaxy S24 FE features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, while the Pixel 9a has a more compact 6.3-inch OLED screen with a dynamic 120Hz refresh rate. The Pixel 9a's screen is 800 nits brighter at 2,700 peak brightness. Unlike its siblings, the S24 FE is powered by the Exynos 2400e chip, which still outperforms the Tensor G4 chip on the Pixel 9a, which is better at AI. Both devices' base memory configurations start at 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, but the Pixel 9a has a larger 5,100mAh battery.

On the camera front, the S24 FE features a triple-camera system that includes a telephoto lens, making it more versatile for photography. At the same time, the Pixel 9a relies on software tricks for high-quality results. As mentioned, these devices cater to different user preferences. If you prioritize premium build quality, raw performance, and camera flexibility, the Galaxy S24 FE is the better choice. However, if AI-driven photography, longer battery life, and a more pocketable design are what you prefer, the Pixel 9a offers excellent value.

The other device that deserves an honorable mention is the Galaxy S24+—the middle child of the Samsung series. Like in the Google series with the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL, the S24+ shares much of its hardware and features with the Galaxy S24 Ultra, but it comes in a smaller package and costs much less. They share the same bright and colorful display, class-leading processor, AI features, and solid battery life. The build quality is just as good, but the Galaxy S24+ utilizes aluminum instead of titanium. On the camera front, it retains the Galaxy S24's triple-camera setup, losing the extra zoom capabilities.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is another device that deserves a mention. It looks like a regular phone but opens up into a tablet. We want to say it builds on the previous Google Pixel Fold, but no, it doesn't. It'sa completely rethought and redesigned device. The new device improves on the shortcomings of the original Pixel Fold, and Google has given its notebook-style foldable a new name and an extreme makeover to better align with the other Pixel 9 phones in the lineup. It offers the largest and brightest display among foldables, new AI features, and several camera upgrades. Here's how these three devices' specs compare side by side:

Pros and cons  

The Galaxy S24 and Pixel 9 series have a lot of similarities at a glance, but they take very different paths to the smartphone experience. Samsung leans into raw power, display tech, and feature-packed hardware, while Google focuses on intelligent software, clean design, and practical AI tools. Whether you're after cutting-edge tech or a streamlined user experience, weighing the pros and cons of each series can help you decide which phone best aligns with how you use your device day to day.

✨Both the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 9 series offer excellent performance, cameras, displays, and value. Samsung focuses on versatility and raw power, while Google emphasizes clean software and an AI-driven user experience.

How to buy an affordable Galaxy S24 and Google Pixel 9

Looking for a budget-friendly Google Pixel 9 or Galaxy S24? There are plenty of ways to snag a discount. The first is patiently waiting for sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday to take advantage of the lower prices. Bundle deals are another option; you can pair your device with an accessory from the same ecosystem to enjoy a small discount on the package. A third option is to wait for a newer series to launch, which often brings down prices on the previous generation.

The best way to buy an affordable Galaxy S24 or Pixel 9? Shop on Back Market. At Back Market, you can buy a refurbished Galaxy S24 or Pixel 9 at a discount every day of the year. Our deals are available year-round, including right now. And it doesn't stop there: with every purchase, you get free standard shipping, a 1-year warranty, and a 30-day return period. But don't just take it from us, here's what a satisfied customer had to say about us:

"My experience using Back Market for buying my Google Pixel 8 Pro was smooth without any hiccups. The phone was unlocked as described, and the condition was as ordered, excellent. I highly recommend Back Market if you're looking for a refurbished phone that arrives looking like brand new and in perfect working order. ☺️" - Matthew S. Reviewed 2/3/26.

✨The Galaxy S24 and Pixel 9 can be found at a great value by monitoring sales events, utilizing bundle deals, or opting for refurbished models from Back Market, with Back Market offering year-round discounts, warranties, and returns.

Why buy refurbished  

Buying a refurbished smartphone is a smart choice for two reasons. First, it saves you money. Refurbished devices can cost anywhere between 20-50% less than new models, even if they're just a few months old. You get like-new quality without the hefty price tag. At Back Market, we sell refurbished devices. These devices are professionally restored to full working condition by industry experts. Before we sell you any device, it is inspected, repaired, cleaned, and thoroughly tested to ensure it's in perfect working condition. Some parts may be replaced to ensure optimal functionality, and all our devices come with a minimum 80% battery health and a 100% charging capacity. This is the Back Market Promise.

The other reason to choose refurbished devices is that they are better for the planet. Choosing refurbished devices reduces the demand for raw materials and new manufacturing, and it helps reduce e-waste. In simple terms, it lowers your carbon footprint, helping the planet by extending the life of tech rather than adding to electronic waste. When you choose Back Market, you're not just saving money; you'remaking a smarter, more sustainable choice backed by quality guarantees. Still not sure? Here's what people are saying about us on Reddit:

"I've bought several things from Back Market and have only had good experiences. Bought a JBL speaker that works great and a Samsung Galaxy Watch that was $200 cheaper than anywhere else and works very well." Reddit User.

Trade in your old tech for cash 

Got any old tech cluttering your home? Back Market's Trade-in program makes it easy to give your old tech a second life and get paid for it. You can earn cash for devices you no longer use in just three simple steps. Start by answering a few questions about your device's condition, get an instant quote, and ship it for free. Once it is received and verified, you get paid. It's an easy way to clear your drawers, earn cash, and help save the planet at the same time.

Price and availability  

The Samsung Galaxy S24 series launched in January 2024, and the Pixel 9 series debuted in August. The Galaxy S24 lineup features four devices: the Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, and the S24 FE. The Google Pixel 9 lineup features four main models: the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold. You can grab a refurbished Pixel 9 or Galaxy S24 from Back Market, and here are some of our top picks:

*Back Market prices taken at the date of publication — these are subject to change.

Final thoughts: A narrow win for the Google Pixel 9 series 

Smartphones have continued to improve over the years, and with the Galaxy S26 and Pixel 10 series now available, the bar has only risen higher. But that doesn't mean previous-gen flagships are obsolete; in many ways, they still deliver excellent performance and user experiences, being a much better value than newer devices. Both the Pixel 9 and Galaxy S24 series have their fans and detractors, but in 2026,they remain worthy contenders in the Android flagship space. However, the Google Pixel 9 series sneaks in the win here, but just by a slim margin.

The Pixel 9 series is the complete package, offering stunning displays, decent performance, reliable battery life, superb cameras, and seven years of software updates. While subjective, we find that its rounded corners and overall design are better (the S24 Ultra's boxy shape doesn't help Samsung's case), and the more compact phones are easier to grip one-handed. Google's software and AI features are also better than Samsung's, and with the Pixel 9 phones being slightly cheaper than the S24 series, the Pixel 9 series comes out on top.

The Galaxy S24 series put up a fierce fight but fell just short of victory. The lineup features excellent devices offering some of the best performance available. If you are a gamer or routinely push your device to the max, you may want that extra power from Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. Samsung also promises seven years of software updates, meaning these devices are future-proof. Featuring stunning displays, flexible cameras, and unique features like the built-in stylus and DeX support, the Galaxy S24 series remains a compelling choice.