Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro: A Photography Showdown
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Google Pixel 8 Pro are two flagship smartphones that excel in photography. With their 5x telephoto cameras, these devices stand out among their lower-priced counterparts. However, with a significant price difference between the two, it’s essential to examine their capabilities and compare their performance.
Outdoor Photography: Capturing Colors and Contrast
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Google Pixel 8 Pro exhibit clear differences in outdoor photography. Both devices capture impressive color and contrast, but their individual characteristics shine through in various scenarios.
When taking photos in bright sunlight, Samsung tends to dial up the color and brightness, resulting in livelier images. On the other hand, Google’s photos have a more natural look, sometimes appearing drab in comparison.
Comparing photos of a mural on a fence, Samsung’s image appears brighter, but Google’s photo showcases sharper lines and a more defined border between each piece of the mural.
When photographing people, the Galaxy S24 Ultra captures more detail, highlighting intricate features such as strands of hair. This advantage becomes apparent when comparing a photo of the author’s husband on both devices.
Photos of produce from a local fruit stand demonstrate how Samsung’s tendency to emphasize color can work in its favor, creating lively and vibrant images. However, Google’s photo reveals more realistic colors, as seen in the light brown spots on the green apples.
Zooming In: Capturing Details Near and Far
Zoom capabilities play a crucial role in smartphone photography, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 8 Pro offer different experiences when it comes to close-up shots.
Both phones perform similarly at shorter zoom lengths, but the differences become more apparent when zooming in closer. Samsung’s photos tend to be sharper and display less bleeding of light, as seen in a comparison of photos of a sign outside a restaurant at 10x zoom.
Samsung’s zoom capabilities shine indoors as well, capturing clearer images at both short and long distances. Comparing photos of a vase of flowers in CNET’s New York office, Samsung’s photo exhibits more clarity.
A photo of a bouquet of preserved flowers in dim lighting further supports Samsung’s superiority in zooming capabilities. The Galaxy S24 Ultra captured more detail compared to the Pixel 8 Pro.
Night Mode: Illuminating the Dark
Night mode allows for capturing photos in low-light conditions, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 8 Pro present distinct approaches in producing impressive nighttime shots.
Google’s night mode produces brighter photos, although it requires more time to snap the shot. Samsung’s photos, on the other hand, offer more detail. Comparing a photo of the author’s cat, Samsung’s photo reveals clearer details in the fur, while Google’s image appears brighter overall.
Another example showcases Google’s brighter photo against Samsung’s capture of a deeper shade of green. Each approach has its merits, allowing users to choose between brighter photos or more minute details.
Dim Indoor Lighting: A Challenge for Smartphone Cameras
Capturing photos in dim indoor lighting provides a unique challenge to smartphone cameras, and Samsung and Google tackle it in different ways.
Samsung and Google handle dim indoor lighting differently. While Samsung tends to offer brighter photos, it sometimes causes bleeding of light. Comparing photos taken inside a bar, Samsung’s photo is brighter but exhibits light bleeding.
In contrast, Google’s photo of a bookshelf with minimal light showcases a yellowish tint but preserves more detail in certain areas, such as the shelf itself.
Ultrawide Perspectives: Expanding the View
The ultrawide capabilities of the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 8 Pro offer users the opportunity to capture wider perspectives. While they may appear similar, differences can be found in color reproduction.
Ultrawide shots from both phones appear similar, but Google’s surprising advantage lies in more vibrant colors. Comparing photos taken with the ultrawide camera, Google’s image showcases more colorful buildings and background.
Overall, both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 8 Pro perform exceptionally well in photography. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences, with Samsung offering colorful shots and versatile zoom options, while Google presents more natural hues and brighter night mode photos, offering excellent value for the price.
Analyst comment
Neutral news. The market for flagship smartphones is expected to remain competitive as Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Google Pixel 8 Pro both excel in photography. Consumers will have to consider individual preferences and budget before making a decision. Sales for both devices are likely to be strong, but competition may intensify in the high-end smartphone market.
