Google Pixel 8 vs Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: Which Flagship Killer Reigns Supreme?

The Google Pixel 8 and Samsung Galaxy S24 FE represent compelling options in a crowded mid-to-high-end smartphone market. The Pixel 8 brings Google’s AI prowess and refined software experience, while the S24 FE aims to deliver a feature-rich Samsung experience at a more accessible price point. This comparison dives deep into the hardware and software differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing computational photography and a streamlined software experience, the Google Pixel 8 emerges as the winner. While the S24 FE boasts a slightly longer active use battery life and a more powerful core CPU clock speed, the Pixel 8’s Tensor G3 excels in AI-driven tasks and offers a more cohesive user experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Google Pixel 8 Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 - GKWS6, G9BQD1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - GKWS61, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2023, October 042024, September 26
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, October 12Available. Released 2024, October 03
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus+), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus+), aluminum frame
Dimensions150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm (5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in)162 x 77.3 x 8 mm (6.38 x 3.04 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· eSIM + eSIM
Weight187 g (6.60 oz)213 g (7.51 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning Gorilla Glass Victus+, Mohs level 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~428 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
Size6.2 inches, 91.1 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~88.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1400 nits (HBM), 2000 nits (peak)Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1900 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUNona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510)10-core (1x3.1 GHz + 2x2.9 GHz + 3x2.6 GHz + 4x1.95 GHz)
ChipsetGoogle Tensor G3 (4 nm)Exynos 2400e (4 nm)
GPUImmortalis-G715s MC10Xclipse 940
OSAndroid 14, upgradable to Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgradesAndroid 14, up to 7 major Android upgrades, One UI 8.0
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP (12 MP eff.), f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 126˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.9", 1.25µm, AF-
FeaturesLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra HDR, panorama, Best TakeLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple-50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.57", 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, 75mm (telephoto), 1/4.4", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm
Video4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panorama-
Single10.5 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm10 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.22µm
Video4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 3.2USB Type-C 3.2, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band or tri-band (market/region dependent), Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass
Battery
Charging27W wired, PD3.0, PPS, 50% in 30 min 18W wireless Reverse wireless Bypass charging25W wired, PD, QC2, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless Reverse wireless
TypeLi-Ion 4575 mAh4700 mAh
Misc
ColorsObsidian, Hazel, Rose, MintBlue, Graphite, Gray, Mint, Yellow
ModelsGKWS6, G9BQD, GA04851-US, GZPFO, GPJ41SM-S721B, SM-S721B/DS, SM-S721U1, SM-S721U, SM-S721W, SM-S7210, SM-S721N
Price€ 296.00 / $ 268.93 / £ 260.00 / ₹ 38,999$ 249.74 / C$ 498.99 / £ 335.00 / € 387.00 / ₹ 34,180
SAR-0.94 W/kg (head)     0.71 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.86 W/kg (head)     1.29 W/kg (body)
EU LABEL
Battery-42:00h endurance, 2000 cycles
Energy-Class B
Free fall-Class A (270 falls)
Repairability-Class C

Google Pixel 8

  • Exceptional camera with AI-powered features
  • Clean and intuitive software experience
  • Faster wireless charging (18W vs 15W)

  • Slightly lower peak CPU clock speed
  • No LTPO display for variable refresh rate

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE

  • Longer battery endurance and 2000 charge cycles
  • More powerful CPU core clock speed
  • Customizable One UI software

  • Lower peak display brightness
  • Less refined camera image processing

Display Comparison

Both the Pixel 8 and S24 FE feature vibrant displays, but the Pixel 8 edges out the competition with a measured peak brightness of 1446 nits compared to the S24 FE’s 1372 nits. This translates to better visibility in direct sunlight. While both lack LTPO technology for variable refresh rates, the Pixel 8’s color accuracy is generally considered superior, offering more natural-looking images. The S24 FE’s display, while still excellent, leans towards Samsung’s signature saturated color profile.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 8’s camera system is renowned for its computational photography prowess, leveraging Google’s AI algorithms to produce stunning images, even in challenging lighting conditions. While specific sensor details are not provided, the Pixel 8’s image processing excels in dynamic range and detail preservation. The S24 FE’s camera, while capable, relies more on hardware specifications. The absence of detailed sensor information makes a direct comparison difficult, but Samsung’s history suggests a focus on vibrant colors and sharp details. The Pixel 8’s video capabilities are also highly regarded, offering excellent stabilization and dynamic range.

Performance

The chipset battle pits Google’s Tensor G3 (4nm) against Samsung’s Exynos 2400e (4nm). The S24 FE’s 10-core CPU, with a peak clock speed of 3.1 GHz, appears more potent on paper than the Pixel 8’s 9-core Tensor G3 at 3.0 GHz. However, the Tensor G3’s strength lies in its dedicated AI processing unit, enabling features like Magic Eraser and real-time translation. The Exynos 2400e focuses on raw CPU and GPU power, potentially benefiting users engaged in intensive gaming or video editing. Both utilize a 4nm process, suggesting comparable thermal efficiency, though real-world testing would be needed to confirm sustained performance under load.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE boasts an impressive endurance rating of 42:00h and a claimed 2000 charge cycles, suggesting long-term battery health. However, the Pixel 8 holds its own with an active use score of 11:17h, only slightly behind the S24 FE’s 11:48h. Both phones support 50% charging in 30 minutes, with the S24 FE offering 25W wired charging and the Pixel 8 at 27W. The S24 FE’s 15W wireless charging is slower than the Pixel 8’s 18W, but both offer reverse wireless charging for topping up accessories.

Buying Guide

Buy the Google Pixel 8 if you need a smartphone with exceptional camera capabilities, particularly in computational photography and video processing, and value a clean, AI-powered software experience with guaranteed updates. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE if you prefer a more customizable Android experience, prioritize raw processing power for demanding tasks, and appreciate the longevity offered by Samsung’s 2000-cycle battery promise.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 2400e chip in the S24 FE overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the 4nm process helps with thermal efficiency, the Exynos 2400e has been known to exhibit some throttling under sustained heavy load. The Pixel 8’s Tensor G3, while not as raw-power focused, is designed for efficient AI processing and may maintain more consistent performance during extended gaming, though it won't match the peak performance of the Exynos.
❓ How does the Pixel 8's 'Magic Eraser' feature compare to Samsung's photo editing tools?
Google’s Magic Eraser, powered by the Tensor G3’s AI capabilities, is widely regarded as one of the best object removal tools available on a smartphone. It excels at seamlessly removing unwanted elements from photos. Samsung’s photo editor offers similar tools, but generally doesn’t achieve the same level of natural-looking results as Magic Eraser.
❓ What is the real-world difference in charging time between the 25W and 27W charging speeds?
The difference between 25W and 27W charging is relatively minor. Both phones achieve 50% charge in 30 minutes. The 27W on the Pixel 8 might shave off a few minutes for a full charge, but the difference is unlikely to be significant in everyday use.
❓ Is the 2000 charge cycle claim for the S24 FE realistic, and what does it mean for battery longevity?
Samsung's claim of 2000 charge cycles is a significant advantage. It suggests the battery will retain a substantial portion of its capacity even after extensive use over several years. However, battery degradation is also affected by charging habits and environmental factors, so 2000 cycles is a best-case scenario.