In case you are out there for a compact flagship within the first half of this yr, you might be in all probability eyeing the Samsung Galaxy S24, Google Pixel 8 or Xiaomi 14. However with the Xiaomi 14 asking a value premium, this leaves the Galaxy S24 and the Pixel 8 because the extra wise duo.
Desk of Contents:
The 2 handsets have related {hardware} and dimensions, so we are able to see why some customers would discover it arduous to choose, so let’s dive in.
For starters, you may evaluate the entire specs sheets or immediately proceed with our editor’s evaluation within the textual content additional down beneath.
Dimension comparability
Apart from the obtrusive design variations, the 2 units are fairly related size-wise. The Pixel 8 is ever so barely taller and a tad thicker however retains the identical display diagonal.
In consequence, the Galaxy S24 feels a bit smaller within the hand, however not essentially nicer to deal with. The flat edges and sharp angles are stylish, however some could discover it extra awkward to carry, in comparison with the Pixel 8. The latter has a curved facet body and oval edges for a extra comfy grip.
As at all times, design is basically subjective. The Galaxy S24’s seems are extra stylish, and the Pixel 8’s digicam bump is probably not everybody’s cup of tea. Alternatively, the unorthodox design of the Pixel 8 is extra recognizable.
In the case of supplies and construct, the 2 units are nearly equivalent – Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for the Galaxy and Gorilla Glass Victus for the Pixel 8. IP68 certification towards water and dirt is current for each units.
Show comparability
The 2 handsets supply the identical 6.2-inch show measurement, the identical 1080p+ decision, 120Hz refresh price, HDR10+ help, and in line with our assessments, the 2 can enhance as much as 1,400 nits, which is greater than sufficient for comfy outside use.
Nonetheless, the Galaxy S24 has the technological benefit because it makes use of an LTPO OLED panel, which suggests extra granular refresh price management, which in flip means potential energy financial savings.
The S24’s frontal design is considerably nicer too. The bezels are thinner, permitting for an even bigger screen-to-body ratio.
One other factor to notice is that the Galaxy S24 has arguably a superior fingerprint reader. We are likely to want the ultrasonic fingerprint reader because it has higher reliability and is much less affected by ambient gentle and soiled fingertips in comparison with optical ones. Additionally, the Pixel 8’s fingerprint scanner remains to be a tad slower than the competitors.
Battery life
Simply by trying on the specs sheet, one would assume the Pixel 8 has longer battery life because it’s packing an even bigger cell – 4,575 mAh vs. the S24’s 4,000 mAh unit. Nonetheless, the latter has the higher hand, as evident from our assessments.
As you may see, the S24 has an extended Energetic Use Rating by posting barely higher name runtimes and higher video playback. Net looking and gaming scores are fairly related, although.
On the finish of the day, the Galaxy S24 has a extra environment friendly {hardware} + software program combo. We do not know which issue contributes probably the most, however the newer Exynos 2400 and the LTPO OLED in all probability have the largest contribution.
Charging pace
The Galaxy S24 and the Pixel 8 are each fairly gradual in relation to charging. The S24 helps as much as 25W over the Energy Supply 3.0 commonplace, whereas the Pixel 8 can do 27W over PD 3.0. The distinction is negligible, although, as each handsets take about 1 hour and quarter-hour to finish a full charging cycle.
Wi-fi charging is accessible for each units – 15W for the S24 and 18W for the Pixel 8.
Audio system check
In line with our loudspeaker check, the 2 rivals supply related loudness, with the Galaxy S24 being only a tad louder. Nonetheless, each speaker setups are rated as “Very Good”.
The Galaxy S24 is the clear winner right here, because of its higher tuning. The Pixel 8 sounds shallow in comparison with the S24, because the latter demonstrates deeper bass and fuller total sound. Alternatively, the Pixel 8 has cleaner vocals, so listening to podcasts and watching motion pictures on the loudspeakers may very well be higher on Google’s cellphone.
Efficiency
Whereas the Galaxy S24 is powered by this yr’s Exynos 2400, the Pixel 8 is operating on nearly a year-old Tensor G3 SoC. Moreover, Google Pixels have by no means been significantly aggressive in uncooked efficiency and have at all times dragged behind the competitors in benchmarks.
This comparability isn’t any exception. With pure CPU masses, the Tensor G3 falls wanting the Exynos 2400 in multi and single-core situations. The newer Exynos 2400 is 35% quicker within the multi-core situation and about 23% quicker within the single-core check.
In a mixed workload, which takes under consideration the GPU’s efficiency as effectively, the S24 is 32% quicker.
Greater than 30% distinction in these assessments signifies sensibly higher efficiency, however the Exynos 2400 can be touted to be higher in AI-related duties because of its highly effective NPU and even edges out the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in video games the place ray-tracing is accessible, so it is in all probability secure to imagine that the Tensor G3 will drag behind in real-world gaming as effectively.
Digicam comparability
The Galaxy S24 and Pixel 8 function supply completely different primary digicam sensors, with the Pixel 8 having the larger of the 2. The S24’s 50MP snapper is 1/1.56″, whereas the Pixel 8’s sensor measures 1/1.31″. It additionally has bigger pixels and is aided by laser AF and a wider f/1.7 aperture.
However {hardware} is half the story. Processing is the opposite half. Regardless of Samsung’s efforts for a extra toned-down and natural-looking processing for its flagships this yr, it outputs pictures with extra vivid colours and extra aggressive HDR processing.
The Pixel 8, alternatively, goes for deeper shadows, extra correct shade copy and pulls forward with total sharper and cleaner pictures. Furthermore, the Pixel 8 is extra constant in numerous situations and retains the noise to a minimal in indoor situations. The identical can’t be mentioned concerning the S24.
Samsung Galaxy S24: 0.6x • 1x • 3x
Google Pixel 8: 0.6x • 1x • 2x
And regardless that the Pixel 8 gives glorious 2x zoom mode, it is simply not sufficient to beat the Galaxy S24’s 3x telephoto digicam when it comes to attain and total high quality. The S24 is the extra versatile cameraphone.
In the case of ultrawide digicam efficiency, it is arduous to inform which is best. Total high quality could be very related. In some instances, the S24’s digicam is sharper (particularly with foliage from afar), however in others, the ultrawide on the Pixel 8 outputs cleaner total pictures. The S24 maintains higher high quality indoors, although.
Samsung Galaxy S24: 0.6x • 1x • 3x
Google Pixel 8: 0.6x • 1x • 2x
Video high quality could be very related as effectively. The Pixel 8 tends to document movies with hotter shade temperature, punchier colours and barely extra element. Nonetheless, the variations are arduous to identify.
Verdict
Software program UI preferences apart, the Galaxy S24 may very well supply extra for its asking value. Certain, the Pixel 8 is greater than €150 cheaper in Europe and $250 within the US, nevertheless it struggles to maintain up with the Galaxy in key areas.
The S24 has a extra superior show, extra highly effective chipset, possible a harder construct, extra versatile digicam expertise (has a 3x telephoto digicam), nicer stereo audio system, higher fingerprint reader and longer battery life. Additionally, each firms decide to long-term software program help for his or her flagship telephones, so you’ll get pleasure from both of them for years to come back.
The one actual benefit of the Pixel 8 is the principle digicam, which delivers higher stills and possibly even higher movies too.
In case you are within the US, going for the Pixel 8 could also be a bit extra wise in case you are on a funds, as the worth distinction is not negligible. In Europe, you’d need to determine for your self whether or not the worth hole is justified for the Galaxy S24’s higher {hardware} and efficiency.
- The flatter design, thinner bezels.
- The longer battery life.
- The marginally louder and nicer audio system.
- The devoted 3x telephoto digicam.
- The quicker chipset.
- The feature-rich One UI.
Get the Samsung Galaxy S24 for:
- The higher primary digicam.
- The significantly cheaper price.
- The clear Android expertise.
Get the Pixel 8 for: