Google Pixel 9a vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has the better camera on paper, 200MP versus 48MP, and the S24 Ultra has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.8" against 6.3" and sharper at 501 PPI. Storage goes higher on the S24 Ultra, up to 1TB against 256GB, and the Google Pixel 9a is the lighter phone at 186g against 232g. The S24 Ultra is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the Pixel 9a is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.

Over a full contract, the Pixel 9a works out around £415 all-in, about £460 less than the S24 Ultra.

Expert Rating
4.4
13 reviews
4.6
11 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.8"
Display
P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2424 1440 x 3088
Pixels Per Inch
421 501
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 200 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 5,000 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS
Android 15 Android 14
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-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 162.3 x 79 x 8.6 mm
Weight
186 grams 232 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) £29.00/mo (£129.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£259.99 £459.99
Google Pixel 9a Google Pixel 9a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Expert Rating 4.4
13 reviews
4.6
11 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.8"
Display P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2424 1440 x 3088
Pixels Per Inch 421 501
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 200 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 5,000 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS Android 15 Android 14
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-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 162.3 x 79 x 8.6 mm
Weight 186 grams 232 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
£29.00/mo
£129.00 upfront
SIM-free £259.99 £459.99
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 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

24 Months

256GB

Titanium Black

200GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£29 per month, £129 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 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 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Google Pixel 9a's 6.3", the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has the sharper display at 501 pixels per inch versus 421, and the Google Pixel 9a uses a P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits panel while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

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

The Google Pixel 9a features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 200 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 Ultra?

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 Ultra?

The Google Pixel 9a is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.

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

The Google Pixel 9a is powered by the Google Tensor G4 (4nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 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 Ultra?

The Google Pixel 9a is the more portable of the two: it's 46g 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 Ultra is slimmer at 8.6mm thick.

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

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 Ultra 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 Ultra run?

The Google Pixel 9a runs Android 15 and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 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.