Galaxy S24 FE • Unlocked vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, released in October 2024, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, launched in August 2024, are both advanced smartphones offering a blend of powerful features and intelligent software. While the Galaxy S24 FE aims to deliver a flagship-like experience with Samsung's ecosystem, the Pixel 9 Pro XL emphasizes Google's cutting-edge AI capabilities and a pure Android experience. Both devices run on the latest Android versions and promise extended software support, but they cater to slightly different user priorities through their display technology, camera systems, and performance optimizations.

When considering the long-term usability of a smartphone, both the Galaxy S24 FE and the Pixel 9 Pro XL offer substantial software support, ensuring they remain current for an extended period.

• Software Longevity: Both devices are committed to providing seven years of operating system and security updates. The Galaxy S24 FE launched with Android 14 and One UI 6.1, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL debuted with Android 15. This means both phones will receive updates well into the future, with the Pixel 9 Pro XL potentially receiving one more major Android version update due to its newer base OS.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy S24 FE features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front and Gorilla Glass 5 on the back, encased in an aluminum frame. The Pixel 9 Pro XL utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for its screen and boasts a stronger aluminum construction. Both devices carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating they can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: With extensive software support and robust build materials, both smartphones are designed for a practical lifespan of several years. The Pixel's slightly newer Android version at launch and its focus on AI-driven longevity could offer a marginal edge for users prioritizing the absolute latest software features over the longest possible period.

The performance of these two devices is driven by their respective processors, each optimized for different aspects of user experience, alongside varying RAM and storage configurations.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S24 FE is powered by the Exynos 2400e processor, a 4nm 10-core chip designed for efficient multitasking and demanding applications. The Pixel 9 Pro XL features Google's Tensor G4, also a 4nm chip, specifically engineered to excel in on-device artificial intelligence and machine learning tasks. Both processors handle everyday operations, app loading, and general system responsiveness smoothly.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The Pixel 9 Pro XL comes with a substantial 16GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for extensive multitasking and keeping numerous applications open in the background without slowdowns. The Galaxy S24 FE offers 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most users' daily needs, including gaming and heavy app usage. Users who frequently switch between many demanding applications or engage in intensive mobile gaming might notice the additional headroom provided by the Pixel's larger RAM.
• Storage Options: Both phones offer various internal storage configurations, typically starting from 128GB and going up to 256GB for the S24 FE, and up to 1TB for the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Neither device supports expandable storage via a microSD card, so users should consider their storage needs carefully at the time of purchase.

The visual experience on both smartphones is delivered through high-quality displays, though they differ in resolution, brightness, and adaptive refresh rate capabilities.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S24 FE features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080x2340 pixels), offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Pixel 9 Pro XL sports a slightly larger 6.8-inch Super Actua LTPO OLED display with a higher QHD+ resolution (2992x1344 pixels), resulting in a sharper image with more detailed visuals.
• Brightness and Smoothness: The Pixel 9 Pro XL's display can reach a peak brightness of 3000 nits, making it exceptionally visible even in direct sunlight, while its LTPO technology allows for an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, optimizing battery life and ensuring smooth scrolling. The Galaxy S24 FE offers a peak brightness of 1900 nits and a consistent 120Hz refresh rate, providing a fluid viewing experience in most lighting conditions.
• Viewing Experience: Both displays support HDR10+, enhancing contrast and color for compatible content. The Pixel's higher resolution and greater peak brightness contribute to a more immersive and detailed viewing experience, particularly for high-resolution media and outdoor use. The Galaxy S24 FE offers a large, vibrant display suitable for everyday media consumption and browsing.

Both the Galaxy S24 FE and the Pixel 9 Pro XL are equipped with versatile camera systems, each with its own strengths in photography and videography.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S24 FE features a triple camera setup: a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. The Pixel 9 Pro XL also has a triple camera system, but with higher megapixel counts across the board: a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 48MP ultrawide lens capable of macro shots, and a 48MP telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom and OIS.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S24 FE delivers sharp, detailed photos with vibrant colors, performing well in both well-lit and low-light environments. Its 3x optical zoom is effective for capturing distant subjects. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is praised for its consistent image quality across all lenses, with natural color reproduction and strong low-light performance, a hallmark of Pixel cameras. Its advanced AI processing enhances detail and dynamic range.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both phones are capable of recording 8K video at 30 frames per second. The Galaxy S24 FE also supports 4K video at up to 120fps, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers 4K at 60fps with features like Video Boost, which can upscale 4K to 8K and works across all lenses. For selfies, the S24 FE has a 10MP front camera, whereas the Pixel 9 Pro XL features a higher-resolution 42MP front camera, providing more detail for self-portraits and video calls.