If you’re looking for a new Android phone, the Galaxy S24 and the Pixel 8 are likely among your top contenders. Here’s how to decide between them.
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 lineup predictably shakes up the Android phone market and brings fresh competition to Google’s leading Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. But which phone should you buy?
We can’t deliver a definitive judgment on the Galaxy S24, S24+, or S24 Ultra until we’ve had a chance to fully test them. We’re in the process of doing that right now, so make sure to check back soon for our full reviews. In the meantime, we’re here to see how the phones stack up on paper to help you decide if you want to pick up a Pixel or preorder a Galaxy.Galaxy S24 vs. Pixel 8: Price
Samsung sells three S24 devices, while Google has two Pixel 8s. The Galaxy S24 starts at $799.99, the S24+ retails for $999.99, and the S24 Ultra goes for $1,299.99. The Pixel 8 starts at just $699, while the 8 Pro comes in at $999. These base prices increase if you opt for more storage.
If you’re looking at price alone, the Pixel 8 costs $100 less than the S24 while delivering similar specs. And at the top end of both lineups, the Pixel 8 Pro sells for $300 less than the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Of course, the higher price of the S24 Ultra might be worth it if you like to draw or handwrite notes, as it is the only phone in the group that includes a stylus. Galaxy S24 vs. Pixel 8: Design
The Galaxy S24 and S24+ have a rounded rectangular shape, as do the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. Whereas the two Samsung models have flat sides, however, the Pixel phones have curved edges. Meanwhile, the squared-off Galaxy S24 Ultra has flat edges on the top and bottom, but gentler curves on its sides.
All of these phones integrate a front-facing camera and fingerprint sensor into their screens, but their rear designs differ significantly. Samsung places its cameras directly on the back of the device with several circular protrusions for the lenses, while Google goes for a raised camera bar that spans the width of the phone and seamlessly blends into the sides.
As for dimensions, the Galaxy S24 measures 5.79 by 2.78 by 0.30 inches (HWD) and weighs 5.93 ounces. Overall, it’s smaller and lighter than the Google Pixel 8 (5.93 by 2.75 by 0.35 inches, 6.6 ounces). Moving up in size, the S24+ comes in at 6.24 by 3.0 by 0.30 inches and 6.95 ounces, while the S24 Ultra is 6.40 by 3.11 by 0.34 inches and 8.22 ounces. The Pixel 8 Pro (6.40 by 3.01 by 0.35 inches, 7.51 ounces) falls closer to the latter.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra sports a titanium frame, Corning Armor Glass on the front, and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back. Gorilla Glass Victus 2 panels also cover the front and back of the S24 and S24+, which have aluminum frames. On the Google side, the Pixel 8 Pro also uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2, while the Pixel 8 has first-generation Victus glass. All have an IP68 rating, meaning they are fully dustproof and waterproof. Corning claims that the Gorilla Armor is its toughest, most scratch-resistant glass, so the S24 Ultra is likely the most durable of the bunch.
None of the phones have a headphone jack or a microSD card for additional storage.
