Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (Renewed): Which Flagship Is Right for You?

When it comes to flagship Android smartphones, two names dominate the conversation: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Both offer cutting-edge hardware, powerful AI features, and premium designs that appeal to enthusiasts and everyday users alike. But there’s a catch—while the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a brand-new release straight from Google, the Galaxy S24 Ultra you’ll often find on Amazon at a bargain price comes in a renewed (refurbished) condition.

If you’re struggling to decide between these two powerhouses, this in-depth comparison will walk you through design, performance, camera systems, AI features, price, and more. By the end, you’ll know which phone is the best fit for your lifestyle and budget.

Design and Display

Both devices feature a 6.8-inch display, offering plenty of real estate for gaming, streaming, and multitasking. However, the technology and sharpness differ slightly:

Pixel 9 Pro XL: Super Actual Display, 1344 × 2992 resolution, and a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate. Google emphasizes brightness and clarity, ensuring excellent outdoor visibility.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (Renewed):
AMOLED display, 1440 × 2960 resolution, also at 6.8 inches. Samsung is famous for its AMOLED technology, which produces deeper blacks and vibrant colors.

Verdict: Both are stunning screens, but Samsung’s AMOLED tends to win in contrast and color saturation, while Pixel offers an ultra-bright panel optimized for sunlight readability.

Performance and Hardware

Performance is often a deciding factor, especially for heavy multitaskers and gamers. Here’s how they compare:

Pixel 9 Pro XL: Equipped with 16 GB of RAM and a custom Google Tensor G3 chip optimized for AI performance. Clock speeds range from 1.92 GHz to 3.1 GHz, making it plenty fast for daily use and heavy apps.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Features 12 GB of RAM but includes the more advanced Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processor running at 2.9 GHz. This chip is currently one of the fastest in the smartphone world, especially in graphics-heavy tasks.

Verdict: If you want more RAM for multitasking, the Pixel edges ahead. If you want raw CPU/GPU speed, the Galaxy S24 Ultra takes the crown.

Storage Options

Pixel 9 Pro XL starts at 128 GB with options up to 1 TB.
Galaxy S24 Ultra (Renewed) model available at $610.99 offers 256 GB storage.

If you take tons of photos or videos, the Pixel’s higher storage options may be appealing, but Samsung gives you more storage upfront at a lower cost.

Camera Showdown

Cameras are one of the most hotly contested features in modern smartphones. Both devices push boundaries but in slightly different ways.

Pixel 9 Pro XL Camera

Triple rear camera system.
Super Res Zoom up to 20x.
8K Video Boost for enhanced detail.
Night Sight Video for crisp low-light captures.
Google AI features: Best Take, Add Me, and Magic Editor for reframing and background edits.

Galaxy S24 Ultra Camera

200 MP main camera, one of the highest megapixel counts on the market.
Nightography for bright and sharp nighttime shots.
Advanced zoom even in low light.
AI tools: Generative Edit for removing/moving objects, enhanced photo filling, and ultra-detailed landscape captures.

Verdict: Pixel shines in AI-powered photography, making editing effortless. Samsung wins in raw detail and versatility, especially with its 200 MP sensor.

Battery and Charging

Pixel 9 Pro XL: Advertised 24-hour battery life with adaptive AI management.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: While exact capacity isn’t highlighted in this renewed listing, the S24 Ultra is known for a 5,000 mAh battery, which delivers all-day use and fast charging support.

In real-world use, both last a day comfortably, though Samsung may have the edge in battery capacity and charging speed.

Software and AI Features

Pixel 9 Pro XL

Ships with Android 14.
Exclusive Google Gemini AI integration for smarter assistance.
Gemini Live enables conversational help across topics.
Pixel Screenshots to save and organize information seamlessly.

Galaxy S24 Ultra

Runs Samsung’s One UI on top of Android.
AI features include Circle to Search, Live Translate, and Note Assist.
Generative AI tools for photo editing.

Verdict: If you’re all-in on Google AI, Pixel feels more natural. If you want real-time translations, advanced note-taking, and Google Search integration Samsung shines.

Price and Value

Pixel 9 Pro XL (New): Around $934.95 (discounted from $1,099).
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (Renewed): Around $610.99.

The price difference is significant. Samsung’s renewed model costs nearly $300 less, and you get 256 GB of storage. However, keep in mind that renewed phones may have subtle cosmetic wear and shorter lifespans compared to brand-new devices with full warranty.

Pros and Cons

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Pros

Brand new device with full warranty.
16 GB RAM for excellent multitasking.
Exclusive Gemini AI features.
Versatile triple camera with AI-powered editing.
Bright and sharp Super Actua display.

Cons

Higher price.
Starts at only 128 GB storage unless you upgrade.
The processor may not match Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in raw power.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (Renewed)

Pros

Lower price point (~$610).
256 GB storage in base model.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is among the fastest mobile chips.
200 MP camera with stunning detail.
Strong ecosystem with Samsung apps and One UI.

Cons

Renewed condition (not brand new).
Slightly less RAM (12 GB).
May not receive updates as quickly as Pixel devices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra renewed version worth buying?
Yes, if you’re comfortable with a refurbished phone. Renewed devices are tested for quality, but they may show light cosmetic wear and usually come with a limited warranty rather than full coverage.

Q2: Does the Pixel 9 Pro XL support all carriers?
Yes. It’s an unlocked device that works with major carriers such as Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Google Fi.

Q3: Which phone has better AI features?
Both are strong. Pixel integrates deeply with Google Gemini AI, while Samsung emphasizes Circle to Search, Live Translate, and Note Assist. The better option depends on whether you prioritize AI photo editing or productivity/translation tools.

Q4: Which is better for gaming?
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, generally performs better in gaming benchmarks. However, the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s 16 GB RAM helps with long gaming sessions and multitasking.

Q5: What about long-term software updates?
Google Pixels typically receive faster and longer updates directly from Google. Samsung has also improved its update policy but usually lags slightly behind Google in speed.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

If you want the latest Google technology, guaranteed software updates, and a brand-new device, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the safer bet. Its AI-driven camera features, stunning display, and high RAM make it ideal for content creators and Google ecosystem fans.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for maximum performance at a lower price, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (Renewed) delivers incredible value. With its 200 MP camera, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and ample storage, it’s a powerhouse that competes head-to-head with the latest flagships. The main trade-off is buying it in a refurbished condition.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your budget and whether you prefer a brand-new Pixel with exclusive AI features or a renewed Galaxy with unmatched raw performance and value.