I’ve reviewed and tested the two best Android phones on the market. These are the main reasons to buy one over the other.
Google just launched the Pixel 9 series during its Made by Google event in Mountain View, California. If you’re in the market for a flagship Android phone, your attention should go straight to the Pixel 9 Pro XL, which is finally on sale.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Display
6.8-inch AMOLED with 120Hz (LTPO)
6.8-inch AMOLED with 120Hz (LTPO)
Weight
221g
232g
Processor
Google Tensor G4
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
RAM/Storage 16GB with 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB 12GB with 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB
Battery 5,060mAh with 45W charging 5,000mAh with 45W charging
Camera 50MP wide, 48MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto (5x), 42MP front
200MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto (10x), 50MP telephoto (5x), 12MP front
Connectivity 5G (mmWave and sub-6 GHz) 5G (mmWave and sub-6 GHz)
Price Starting at $1,099
Starting at $1,199
One of the biggest distinctions between the Google Pixel and just about every other Android model is the software experience. I wouldn’t categorize the Pixel launcher as bare bones, but it’s certainly less intrusive and feature-packed than Samsung’s OneUI or OnePlus’ OxygenOS. There’s a handful of customization tools for the home and lock screens, but don’t expect to be able to tweak every little aspect of what’s in front of you.
Naturally, the cleaner aesthetic of the Pixel launcher allows Google to more quickly and efficiently distribute the latest Android features, such as Gemini Live and Pixel Screenshots, to its Pixel 9 series. And the company promises up to seven years of operating system, Pixel Feature Drops, and security patches to keep the phone relevant for at least until 2031.
