Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra Camera Comparison: A High-End Head-to-Head

In our previous comparisons, we deeply investigated how the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL stacked up against other flagship contenders like the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The results showed us how Google’s latest camera powerhouse holds its own in the fiercely competitive smartphone market. But today, we're switching gears to explore a new rivalry that pits the Pixel 9 Pro XL against the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra Camera Comparison

These devices are known for their exceptional camera systems, but this head-to-head promises to be a bit different. While the Pixel 9 Pro XL has impressed us with its computational photography and low-light performance, the Galaxy S24 Ultra brings some unique strengths to the table, particularly in the zoom department. Let's see how these two high-end smartphones compare when it comes to capturing the perfect shot.

Camera Hardware: A Look Under the Hood

Starting with the hardware, both the Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Galaxy S24 Ultra are equipped with impressive camera systems designed to excel in various photography scenarios.

• Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Google has long been praised for its computational photography, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL is no exception. It features a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. The focus here is on delivering sharp, detailed images with Google's signature color science.
• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Samsung, on the other hand, has pushed the envelope with its 200MP main sensor. This is paired with a 12MP ultra-wide lens, a 10MP telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom, and a 10MP periscope lens that can zoom up to 100x digitally. Samsung’s approach offers incredible versatility, especially when it comes to zoom and capturing distant subjects.

Daylight Photography: Crisp and Clear

In daylight conditions, both phones excel, but they take slightly different approaches to image processing.

• Pixel 9 Pro XL: The Pixel’s images are known for their natural color reproduction and excellent dynamic range. In bright daylight, the Pixel 9 Pro XL captures crisp, detailed shots with true-to-life colors. Google’s HDR+ algorithm works wonders in balancing highlights and shadows, ensuring that photos have a balanced, professional look straight out of the camera.
• Galaxy S24 Ultra: The Galaxy S24 Ultra, with its high-resolution sensor, delivers images that are packed with detail. Samsung tends to boost colors slightly, making them more vibrant, which some users prefer for social media. The Ultra’s dynamic range is also impressive, but it leans towards a more contrast-heavy look, which can make certain scenes appear more dramatic.

Low-Light Performance: Who Reigns Supreme?

Low-light photography is where things get particularly interesting, as both devices have strong reputations in this area.

• Pixel 9 Pro XL: Google’s Night Sight mode has set the standard for low-light photography, and it continues to impress with the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The phone captures bright, clear images even in challenging lighting conditions, with minimal noise and accurate colors. The Pixel’s ability to retain detail in shadows and highlights makes it a top performer in low-light scenarios.
• Galaxy S24 Ultra: Samsung’s Night Mode has come a long way, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra delivers stunning low-light images as well. Thanks to its larger sensor and advanced image processing, the Ultra captures bright, detailed photos with good color accuracy. However, Samsung’s approach tends to produce slightly warmer tones in low light, which may appeal to some users but feel less natural compared to the Pixel.

Zoom Capabilities: Getting Up Close and Personal

When it comes to zoom, the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s camera system shines.

• Pixel 9 Pro XL: The Pixel offers up to 5x optical zoom, which is more than sufficient for most users. The images at 5x are sharp and retain the Pixel’s excellent color accuracy. For zooming beyond that, Google relies on its Super Res Zoom, which uses AI to enhance digital zoom. While this works well, it doesn’t quite match the clarity of optical zoom at higher levels.
• Galaxy S24 Ultra: Samsung’s 10x optical zoom lens sets it apart in this category. The S24 Ultra allows you to get incredibly close to your subject without losing detail, making it ideal for wildlife photography or capturing distant objects. Even at 30x or 100x digital zoom, the Ultra manages to deliver usable images, though some detail is inevitably lost at extreme levels.

Portrait Mode: Capturing the Perfect Shot

Both phones offer portrait modes that can produce stunning results, but they differ in their approach to background blur and edge detection.

• Pixel 9 Pro XL: Google’s portrait mode has always been praised for its natural-looking bokeh and excellent edge detection. The Pixel 9 Pro XL continues this trend, producing portraits with a realistic depth of field and beautifully blurred backgrounds. The phone’s AI does a great job of separating the subject from the background, resulting in professional-quality portraits.
• Galaxy S24 Ultra: Samsung’s portrait mode offers more control over the background blur, allowing users to adjust the bokeh effect to their liking. The S24 Ultra’s edge detection is also impressive, though it can sometimes struggle with complex backgrounds. The Ultra’s higher resolution sensors, however, do capture more detail in the subject’s face and clothing, making it a strong contender for portrait photography.

Final Verdict: Which Phone Takes the Crown?

Choosing between the Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Galaxy S24 Ultra comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a smartphone camera.

• Pixel 9 Pro XL: If you prioritize natural color reproduction, excellent low-light performance, and a straightforward camera experience that delivers great results with minimal effort, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the phone for you. It’s the perfect choice for those who want their photos to look true to life, with a focus on realism and subtlety.
• Galaxy S24 Ultra: On the other hand, if you’re looking for versatility, especially in zoom capabilities, and you enjoy vibrant, punchy colors with the option to tweak and adjust your photos, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is likely the better fit. Its extensive zoom range and feature-rich camera app provide more tools for creative photography.

Both devices are at the top of their game, and no matter which you choose, you’re getting a smartphone that can handle just about any photography challenge you throw at it.