Google Pixel 9a vs Samsung Galaxy S24+

Our Verdict: The Google Pixel 9a came out in 2025, after the Samsung Galaxy S24+ in 2024, so it's the more recent phone. The S24+ has the better camera on paper, 50MP versus 48MP, and the S24+ has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.7" against 6.3" and sharper at 509 PPI. The S24+ offers up to 512GB of storage versus 256GB on the Pixel 9a, and the Pixel 9a is the lighter phone at 186g against 196g. Get the S24+ if those extras are worth it to you; otherwise the Pixel 9a covers the basics for less.

The Pixel 9a is the cheaper one to own: around £802 over a typical contract, £101 less than the S24+.

Release Date
10 April 2025 31 January 2024
Expert Rating
4.4
15 reviews
4.2
14 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.7"
Display
P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2424 1440 x 3088
Pixels Per Inch
421 509
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 4,900 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB
OS
Android 15 Android
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/7
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE 5.3 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions
154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm 158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7 mm
Weight
186 grams 196 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) Not rated
Contracts
£63.08/mo (£30.00 upfront) £71.50/mo (£30.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£269.99 £394.99
Google Pixel 9a Google Pixel 9a Samsung Galaxy S24+ Samsung Galaxy S24+
Release Date 10 April 2025 31 January 2024
Expert Rating 4.4
15 reviews
4.2
14 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.7"
Display P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2424 1440 x 3088
Pixels Per Inch 421 509
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 4,900 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB
OS Android 15 Android
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/7
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE 5.3 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm 158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7 mm
Weight 186 grams 196 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) Not rated
Contracts £63.08/mo
£30.00 upfront
£71.50/mo
£30.00 upfront
SIM-free £269.99 £394.99
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Google Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 9a

128GB

Obsidian

Refurbished

From £269.99

Samsung Galaxy S24+
Samsung Galaxy S24+

256GB

Onyx Black

Refurbished

From £394.99

Related Comparisons

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 £801.96 over the life of the deal from £63.08 per month with £30.00 upfront.

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

The Samsung Galaxy S24+ has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Google Pixel 9a's 6.3", the Samsung Galaxy S24+ has the sharper display at 509 pixels per inch versus 421, 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 £269.99.

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 256GB, 512GB.

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 Google Pixel 9a is the more portable of the two: it's 10g lighter at 186 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S24+ is slimmer at 7.7mm 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 Not rated.

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. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.