What to know
- For the specs and features offered, surprisingly, very little distinguishes the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE from the Google Pixel 9.
- The handful of differences include a telephoto camera on the S24 FE, extra memory on Pixel 9, the larger display on the S24 FE, different AI features, and better PC connectivity for the Galaxy device.
- Design and aesthetics is where they differ big time.
- Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is priced at $649 while the Pixel 9 goes for $799.
The mid-to-high end smartphone segment just got intensely competitive. The recently launched Samsung Galaxy S24 FE looks suspiciously similar to the Google Pixel 9, not in terms of form, but features and capabilities.
Because the two devices can hardly be told apart, the little differences become pronounced, be it in terms of camera, AI integration, or overall build, and can make a big impact when choosing one over the other. Google Pixel 9 has had largely positive reviews and Samsung’s mid-ranger packs quite the punch too. But does it punch all the way to the latest Pixel? Let’s find out.
If you’ve been comparing specs, you won’t find much to distinguish the S24 FE from the Pixel 9. But there are several little differences that can have a huge impact in daily usage, as well as a few areas where one clearly triumphs over the other, albeit in a small way.
Camera
Pixel cameras are known for their crisp, software-optimized photos that are quintessentially, well… Pixel. But no matter what post-processing can manage, the standard Pixel 9 can never get past the glaring hole that is the telephoto camera. Don’t get us wrong: The 50MP primary and the 48MP ultra-wide cameras with an 8X zoom are among the best in the business. But not having a telephoto camera can be a huge issue that is resolved only if you upgrade to the Pixel 9 Pros.
On the other hand, the Galaxy S24 FE has a triple camera setup, 50MP primary and 12MP ultra-wide, along with a 8MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom so you can take clear photos of objects from far away. The S24 FE is also studded with Samsung’s flagship feature ‘ProVision Engine’ to take picture quality up a few notches.
The front cameras are not too dissimilar, with a 10.5MP selfie camera on the Pixel and 10MP on the S24 FE. Both phones also record videos up to 8K at 30FPS, do pretty good night photography, as well as night recording.
For the added telephoto camera alone, the Galaxy S24 FE pips the Pixel 9 in our estimation. But the Galaxy S24 FE has a few other tricks up its sleeve, such as recording videos at 8K at 30FPS while the Pixel 9 maxes out at 4K at 60FPS, although both end up with high-res super slow-mo recordings.
AI features
Both Google and Samsung are industry leaders when it comes to AI integration into smartphones. Each of them has the run-of-the-mill AI features – generative text, images, Circle to Search, photo edits , etc. – that the other in some way, shape, or form also has.
But things change when you get past the basic AI features and into experimental territory. Then it’s stiff competition.
Where the Pixel 9 has a dedicated ‘Weather app’, the Galaxy S24 FE has its Photo Ambient Wallpaper. Where the Pixel 9 has Call Notes for transcribing calls and taking notes, the Galaxy S24 FE has its Calls assist that transcribe calls but also live translates them for both parties.
The Gemini Live voice mode feature, once available only via the Gemini Advanced subscription (free for Pixel 9 users for a year) has stopped being a benefit since Gemini Live went live for all Android users for free.
The Pixel 9 does have the ‘Add me’ feature that sets it apart from the rest. But the Galaxy S24 FE is decked with exclusive AI features like Live translation, Browsing assist, and Interpreter which, depending on what you prefer, may be more appealing.
Build and design
Although neither device looks anything like the other, they’re both well built with aluminum frames for long-term durability. The Galaxy S24 FE’s front and back are shielded by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ while the Pixel 9 is covered with Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which is an upgrade over the Victus+. However, they do prove similar in terms of scratch resistance.
The design of the two couldn’t be further apart, and that’s a good thing. For being such similar devices in function, the form can be a big factor that sways users one way or another.
Say what you will about the Pixel 9’s pill-shaped rear camera bar, it does make the Pixel 9 stand out from the crowd. The Galaxy S24 FE isn’t that bad either. But the vertically aligned triple camera design may have gotten old. The color palette of the Pixel 9 is also less muted and more stylish, at least in the writer’s humble opinion.
But if you’re particularly smitten by the S24 FE, there are several reasons why it’s a better pick.
Everything else in specs (Display, Size, RAM, Storage, Battery, Chip)
The Galaxy S24 FE has a significantly bigger 6.7 inch FHD+ screen, than the modest 6.3-inch FHD+ screen on the Pixel 9. If you want a large Pixel, consider the Pixel 9 Pro XL or go foldable. Conversely, if you want a small Galaxy S device, go for the S24 or last year’s S23 FE.
The Galaxy S24 FE is slightly weightier than the Pixel 9 (213 grams vs 198 grams). But having a larger device doesn’t translate to more juice. Both devices have a 4700mAh battery that support fast charging (27W for Pixel 9, 25W for the S24 FE) so they end up delivering similar performances, but the S24 FE has to contend with a larger display too, which may drain the battery faster in the long run.
The Pixel 9 also pips the Galaxy S24 FE in terms of memory. Google’s tilt towards a 12GB RAM in their base device is indicative of their AI push. It will ensure that the device remains relevant for the duration of its OS updates while the Galaxy S24 FE’s standard 8GB RAM may become insufficient in a few years, though it too gets 7 years of OS support.
Pixel 9 is only available with 256GB of storage, while the Galaxy S24 FE has three variants – 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB (in select markets), which is a huge plus for storing more content locally (and ditching your cloud storage subscription).
At their heart are two different chips. Samsung’s Exynos 2400e chip has a significant edge in terms of CPU and gaming performance (with Ray Tracing!) compared to the Pixel 9’s Tensor G4 chip. However, the latter is a slightly more efficient chip so you might eke out a few more hours worth of use from the Pixel 9.
App stores support, ecosystem and PC connectivity
The two devices also leverage their respective ecosystems heavily. In fact, it’s well worth considering which ecosystem suits you best or which you’re a part of already. If you have other devices from the same company, like earbuds, tablets, smartwatches, etc., you may be better of sticking with it. But the considerations don’t end there.
The Google Play Store is Pixel 9’s only app store. But having a Galaxy device also opens up the world of Galaxy Store whose apps are exclusively optimized for Galaxy devices.
As far as wireless PC connectivity is concerned, Samsung’s Galaxy devices have had better support than any other Android device, especially when it comes to multitasking using the Phone Link app. Things like screen mirroring, seamless file transfers, and managing apps are exclusive to Galaxy devices. The Pixel 9 enjoys no such privileges and gets the same wireless PC connectivity features as the rest. Although the Phone Link app on Windows PC has added a few useful features in recent times, Galaxy devices still occupy a special rung.
Resale value
Samsung devices are known for their reliable hardware and continued performance over the long run. It’s one of the reasons why Galaxy devices in particular have had a higher resale value. But we seriously doubt if 8GB of memory on a device with AI features will stand the test of time.
The Pixel, though not historically prized for its hardware, has become better with each iteration. The Pixel 9 is easily one of the best Pixel devices and with extra memory and years of OS updates, it can fetch you a good lump sum even after years of use.
All specifications comparison
Here are all the specs of the Google Pixel 9 and the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE compared:
| Google Pixel 9 | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | |
| Release Date | August 13, 2024 | September 26, 2024 |
| Display | 6.3-inches, FHD+ | 6.7-inches, FHD+ |
| Rear Camera |
|
|
| Front Camera | 10.5 MP | 10 MP |
| RAM | 12 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage | 256 GB |
|
| Chip | Tensor G4 | Exynos 2400e |
| Battery | 4700mAh | 4700mAh |
| OS | Android 14 (7 years of OS updates) | Android 14 (7 years of OS updates) |
| New AI Features |
|
|
| Weight | 198 grams | 213 grams |
| Dimensions (mm) | 152.80 x 71.00 x 8.50 | 162.00 x 77.30 x 8.00 |
| IP Rating | IP58 | IP58 |
| Colors | Porcelain, Wintergreen, Obsidian, Peony | Blue, Graphite, Yellow, Mint, Grey |
| Price | $799 | $649 |
Verdict
If you’re not constrained by price, you’ll not only find the Google Pixel 9 and the Galaxy S24 FE comparable, but virtually indistinguishable. Of course, design and aesthetics are major influencing factors. But as per on-paper specs and features, there is no clear winner here.
Depending on your needs, you could find yourself being tipped in either direction by such things as the camera, memory, storage options, resale value, ecosystem, AI, and even the color options. But whichever way you lean, both the Pixel 9 and the Galaxy S24 FE are great standalone devices. Nevertheless, because the Galaxy S24 FE is priced much better than Pixel 9, it edges in front by the barest of margins. But you could just as well go in the other direction too.
