Google Pixel 9a vs Samsung Galaxy S24

Our Verdict: Comparing Samsung Galaxy S24 and Google Pixel 9a, the choice mostly comes down to display quality versus portability. The Pixel gives you its P-OLED panel and a larger 5,100 mAh battery, while the Samsung is more appealing for its Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel and a lighter 167g body. A bigger mAh figure is useful context, but real battery life still depends on software and chipset efficiency. Choose the Pixel for display quality; choose the Samsung if portability matters more.

The Pixel 9a is the cheaper one to own: around £415 over a typical contract, £101 less than the S24.

Expert Rating
4.4
13 reviews
4.2
10 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.2"
Display
P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2424 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
421 416
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
13 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
Battery
5,100 mAh 4,000 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB
OS
Android 15 Android 14
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 tri-band 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm 147.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm
Weight
186 grams 167 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts
£14.99/mo (£29.00 upfront) £19.00/mo (£10.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£259.99 £279.00
Google Pixel 9a Google Pixel 9a Samsung Galaxy S24 Samsung Galaxy S24
Expert Rating 4.4
13 reviews
4.2
10 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.2"
Display P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2424 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 421 416
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 13 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
Battery 5,100 mAh 4,000 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB
OS Android 15 Android 14
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 tri-band 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm 147.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm
Weight 186 grams 167 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts £14.99/mo
£29.00 upfront
£19.00/mo
£10.00 upfront
SIM-free £259.99 £279.00
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Google Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 9a

24 Months

128GB

Obsidian

25GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£14.99 per month, £29 upfront.

Use code: SUMMER10 (£10 off)

Samsung Galaxy S24
Samsung Galaxy S24

24 Months

128GB

Amber Yellow

Refurbished

1GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£19 per month, £10 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy S24 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 9a is cheaper on contract at £414.76 over the life of the deal from £14.99 per month with £29.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy S24?

Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.3", both screens are similarly sharp at around 421 pixels per inch, and the Google Pixel 9a uses a P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits panel while the Samsung Galaxy S24 has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy S24?

The Google Pixel 9a features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy S24?

The Google Pixel 9a is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £259.99.

What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 9a and Samsung Galaxy S24?

The Google Pixel 9a is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 comes in 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Google Pixel 9a and Samsung Galaxy S24 use?

The Google Pixel 9a is powered by the Google Tensor G4 (4nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S24 uses the Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy S24?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 is the more portable of the two: it's 19g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 147.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm, and is slimmer at 7.6mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy S24?

The Google Pixel 9a is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min), while the Samsung Galaxy S24 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.

What operating system do the Google Pixel 9a and Samsung Galaxy S24 run?

The Google Pixel 9a runs Android 15 and the Samsung Galaxy S24 runs Android 14. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.