Both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 8 Pro target premium users but take different approaches: Samsung leans on raw hardware power and versatility, while Google focuses on AI-driven software and computational photography.
Design & Build
- Galaxy S24 Ultra: Titanium frame, flat display, squared edges, S Pen slot. Feels more industrial and professional. Heavier at 232g but very durable.
- Pixel 8 Pro: Rounded edges, matte glass back, softer design language. Lighter at 213g. Camera bar is distinctive but polarizing.
Verdict: S24 Ultra feels more premium and rugged, Pixel 8 Pro is more comfortable in hand.
Display
- Galaxy S24 Ultra: 6.8″ QHD+ AMOLED, 1–120Hz LTPO, 2,600 nits peak brightness. Excellent for outdoor visibility and HDR.
- Pixel 8 Pro: 6.7″ QHD+ OLED, 1–120Hz LTPO, 2,400 nits peak brightness. Slightly dimmer but still excellent.
Verdict: Both are stunning, but Samsung’s higher brightness and sharper corners give it the edge.
Performance
- Galaxy S24 Ultra: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (custom overclocked). Faster GPU, better for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Pixel 8 Pro: Google Tensor G3. Optimized for AI tasks and efficiency, but weaker in raw performance and gaming.
Verdict: S24 Ultra dominates in speed and gaming, Pixel 8 Pro is tuned for AI and smart features.
Cameras
- Galaxy S24 Ultra: Quad setup: 200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto, 50MP 5x telephoto. Versatile zoom (up to 100x digital).
- Pixel 8 Pro: Triple setup: 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP 5x telephoto. Computational photography shines, especially in low light and portraits.
Verdict:
- S24 Ultra → Best versatility & zoom range.
- Pixel 8 Pro → Best point-and-shoot AI photography.
Software & Updates
- Galaxy S24 Ultra: One UI 6.1 with Galaxy AI features (Circle to Search, Live Translate, Note Assist). 7 years of updates.
- Pixel 8 Pro: Stock Android with Google AI features (Best Take, Magic Editor, Call Screen). Also 7 years of updates.
Verdict: Pixel has cleaner Android, Samsung has more customization. Both are future-proof.
Battery & Charging
- Galaxy S24 Ultra: 5,000mAh, ~45W wired charging, excellent endurance (~2 days moderate use).
- Pixel 8 Pro: 5,050mAh, ~30W wired charging, good endurance but not as efficient as Samsung.
Verdict: S24 Ultra lasts longer and charges faster.
Price (2025)
- Galaxy S24 Ultra: ~$1,299 (base model).
- Pixel 8 Pro: ~$999 (base model).
Verdict: Pixel is more affordable, Samsung is more premium.
Ratings Table
| Category | Galaxy S24 Ultra | Pixel 8 Pro | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design & Build | 5/5 | 4/5 | Ultra is more durable, Pixel is lighter & comfy |
| Display | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Samsung brighter & sharper |
| Performance | 5/5 | 3.5/5 | Snapdragon beats Tensor in raw power |
| Cameras | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Pixel wins with AI, Samsung wins in zoom |
| Software/AI | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Pixel has cleaner Android & smarter AI |
| Battery & Charging | 5/5 | 4/5 | Samsung more efficient & faster charging |
| Value for Money | 4/5 | 5/5 | Pixel is $300 cheaper |
| Overall Score | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 | Samsung is ultimate all-rounder, Pixel is smarter & cheaper |
Verdict
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra → Best for power users, gamers, and productivity seekers. Superior display, performance, battery, and versatility.
- Google Pixel 8 Pro → Best for photography lovers and AI enthusiasts. Smarter software, cleaner Android, and better value.
👉 If you want the most powerful and feature-packed phone, go for the S24 Ultra.
👉 If you want the best Android experience with AI smarts at a lower price, the Pixel 8 Pro is the winner.
Camera Showdown
In the competitive landscape of smartphone photography, nighttime capabilities are a critical battlefield where the latest devices are tested to their limits. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Google Pixel 8 Pro are at the forefront of this competition, both boasting advanced camera systems designed to perform in low-light conditions. Their performance in snapping night-time photos is of considerable interest to both tech enthusiasts and the average consumer looking for a phone that can capture life’s moments after dark.
Nighttime photography is a challenging environment where sensors, lenses, and software algorithms must work in harmony to produce clear, vibrant images. The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s camera array is complemented by powerful AI features that aim to optimize night shots. On the other side, the Google Pixel 8 Pro is reputed for its color balance and ability to render natural hues even in the most challenging lighting, leveraging Google’s computational photography prowess.
Key Takeaways
- Night photos from the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 8 Pro show competitive performance with distinct strengths.
- The Galaxy S24 Ultra leverages advanced AI to improve photo clarity and detail in dark environments.
- The Google Pixel 8 Pro is known for its color accuracy and natural results in night mode.
Design and Build Quality
When comparing the Galaxy S24 Ultra with the Pixel 8 Pro, the design and build quality are pivotal factors. These elements contribute to the overall user experience.
Materials and Durability
Both smartphones boast strong build qualities, using premium materials in their designs. The Galaxy S24 Ultra utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for its front and back, providing enhanced drop and scratch resistance. The frame is composed of durable aluminum, ensuring sturdiness. Similarly, the Pixel 8 Pro employs Gorilla Glass for protection, although the specific version isn’t specified, and pairs it with a robust aluminum frame, safeguarding the device from daily wear and tear.
Aesthetic and Color Options
In terms of aesthetics, Samsung and Google offer different color palettes to suit diverse tastes. The Galaxy S24 Ultra comes in colors like Phantom Black and Burgundy, which present a sleek and modern look. The Pixel 8 Pro is available in colors such as Obsidian and Sorta Seafoam, giving users a range of attractive options. Both models showcase a premium finish that resonates with a contemporary style.
Display Characteristics
Display technology is a standout feature where both brands excel. The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for vibrant color reproduction and deep blacks. It has a high refresh rate of 120Hz, which can adapt to the content on the screen to save battery life. The Pixel 8 Pro uses an OLED display which also offers vivid colors and pure blacks with high efficiency. Both screens provide clarity and fluidity, with the ability to adapt the refresh rate to up to 120Hz and hit brightness levels around 400 nits, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience in various lighting conditions.
Camera System and Performance
When comparing night photos taken by the Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Pixel 8 Pro, a few differences are clear. These include how each phone captures colors, noise levels in low light, and overall detail retention.
Night Photography Comparison
The Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a sophisticated camera system with a 200MP main sensor. This pairs with advanced AI to reduce noise and maintain detail in low light. In contrast, the Pixel 8 Pro’s 50MP camera utilizes Google’s software expertise to optimize night shots. This results in vivid colors and good contrast, but sometimes at the expense of finer details which can appear softer compared to the Galaxy’s shots.
Main Camera Capabilities
The main camera of the Galaxy S24 Ultra captures photos with high levels of texture and detail. With a large sensor size, it also handles dynamic range with finesse, balancing shadows and highlights effectively. The Pixel 8 Pro’s main camera has a knack for producing images with accurate colors and exposure due to Google’s computational photography edge.
Video and Additional Features
Both devices record video with high precision, offering features like Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for steady footage. The Galaxy S24 Ultra steps up the game with Space Zoom capabilities, allowing users to get clearer images from afar. Video shot on the Pixel 8 Pro is known for its true-to-life colors and smooth motion.
Software and AI Enhancements
Running Android 14 with One UI 6.1, the Galaxy S24 Ultra leverages Galaxy AI features and tools like Magic Editor for a strong post-capture game. Pixel 8 Pro’s software optimizes camera output through machine learning, ensuring that low-light photos are bright and clear with minimal noise. Both systems aim for a seamless user experience when taking and editing photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, readers will find direct answers regarding night photography with the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 8 Pro.
How does the low-light photo quality of the Galaxy S24 Ultra compare to the Pixel 8 Pro?
The Galaxy S24 Ultra tends to capture photos with less noise and more detail at night. The Pixel 8 Pro, while delivering good quality, does not consistently match the Ultra’s performance in low-light conditions.
What advanced night photography features are offered by the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 8 Pro?
Both the S24 Ultra and Pixel 8 Pro offer night modes that enhance photo quality in low-light situations. They use AI to improve image clarity and color accuracy when the light is poor.
Do professional reviews rate the Galaxy S24 Ultra or Pixel 8 Pro higher for night photography?
Most reviews suggest that the Galaxy S24 Ultra has a slight edge over the Pixel 8 Pro in terms of night photography. It offers improved details and manages lighting conditions better.
Which device exhibits less noise and better detail in night photos: the S24 Ultra or the Pixel 8 Pro?
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is often noted for having less noise and capturing finer details in low-light photos compared to the Pixel 8 Pro.
How do the camera specifications for night mode differ between the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 8 Pro?
The Galaxy S24 Ultra frequently sports a larger sensor that can capture more light, which is crucial for night photography. Both devices boast similar telephoto capabilities, but the S24 Ultra generally outperforms in capturing clear zoomed-in night images.
Are there any specific settings or modes to enhance night photography on the Galaxy S24 Ultra or Pixel 8 Pro?
Yes, both phones have dedicated night modes that users can activate to improve photo quality in the dark. They adjust settings like exposure and ISO to capture better pictures in challenging light situations.
