The Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S24 Ultra are two of the top contenders in the premium smartphone market, especially when it comes to their camera capabilities. This in-depth comparison evaluates the photo quality, usability, and unique features of each device.
In this article, we look at how these flagship models perform in various scenarios, including outdoor shots, portrait mode, low-light conditions, and more. By examining these aspects, we aim to help you determine which smartphone offers the superior camera experience.
Outdoor Photography
Under natural light, both the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S24 Ultra excel. A side-by-side comparison of a baseball game revealed subtle differences. The Galaxy S24 Ultra produced a vivid blue sky and better color variation in the field. Meanwhile, the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s colors were more saturated, slightly losing detail in the grass.
Selfie Cameras
The upgraded 42-megapixel selfie camera on the Pixel 9 Pro XL brings remarkable improvements in handling shadows and highlights. The Pixel provides a smoother image overall. On the other hand, the 12-megapixel camera on the Galaxy S24 Ultra delivers more vibrant colors but with harsher shadows.
Portrait Mode
Using Portrait mode at a baseball game, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers 1.5x or 2x optical zoom, enhancing focus. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, with 1x, 2x, 3x, and 5x zoom, plays up warmer colors. However, the Pixel keeps more of the image in sharp focus, while the S24 Ultra sometimes blurs parts of the foreground.
A clear example is a shot of crab sandwiches. The Pixel maintains focus on the wrapping paper even at the back of the image. Conversely, the S24 Ultra blurs some foreground details, although the colors are warmer overall.
Low-Light Performance
Night mode shows key differences. The Pixel 9 Pro XL brightens the shot, softening shadows and enhancing colors. The S24 Ultra sharpens images significantly but with harsher contrasts, losing some of the softness and color vibrancy.
Both phones produce excellent results, but the Pixel 9 Pro XL edges out in delivering a balanced, colorful image in poor lighting conditions.
Zoom Capabilities
Zoom capabilities of both phones are impressive. The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers optical zoom modes at .5x, 1x, 2x, and 5x, and up to 30x digital zoom. The Galaxy S24 Ultra offers .6x, 1x, 3x, 5x, and 10x optical, and up to 100x digital zoom.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 10x and 100x zooms provide exceptional detail but can sometimes be unnecessary. Pixel’s 5x optical and 30x digital zooms are more than adequate for most scenarios.
Indoor Photography
Indoor shots with Portrait mode reveal the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s edge in sharpness. Leaves, petals, and delicate vertical lines in a vase were more defined compared to the S24 Ultra. The Galaxy S24 Ultra offered richer colors but struggled with harsh shadows and focus at the edges.
In terms of overall sharpness and focus on detailed subjects, the Pixel 9 Pro XL outperforms the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Video Recording
When it comes to video, both smartphones excel. The Galaxy S24 Ultra can shoot 8K video, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL tops out at 4K but can upscale to 8K using Google’s Video Boost.
Both phones capture smooth, crisp video footage, but the Pixel’s auto-adjustment to varying lighting gives it a slight edge in overall video quality.
Additional Features
The Pixel 9 lineup introduces a new feature called Add Me, using AI to merge two photos. This can create a group shot from two separate images, adding flexibility. Meanwhile, the S24 Ultra’s richer default color palette and various zoom options offer their own appeal.
Choosing between these devices largely depends on your preference for either vibrant color or sharper detail.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S24 Ultra each bring strong camera game to the table. Your choice boils down to what you value more: vibrant colors and extensive zoom, or sharper, more balanced images.
Both phones excel in different areas, making either a worthwhile investment for photography enthusiasts. With unique features and high-end performance, both devices set the bar high for smartphone cameras.
Source: Cnet