What is THE BEST small Android phone?

If you’re in the market for a big Android, then sweet! There are heaps of those to choose from. However, if what you’re after is something more petite, then Samsung and Google have two of your best options on the Android side. Which is best, though? Find out in this Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro comparison!

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These two phones are much closer than you might think. Google’s newly released Pixel 9 Pro and Samsung’s established Galaxy S24 are going head-to-head, competing for your attention with their compact designs and flagship features. So, which one should you go for? Let’s dive in and explore these two heavyweights.

I’m Ryan Thomas, and as a lover of compact flagship smartphones, I enjoy having all the bells and whistles in a device that isn’t so large it risks falling out of your hand. Both of these phones embody that spirit: compact yet feature-packed. Starting with the build and feel, the Pixel 9 Pro is currently my favorite. Its slightly curved, glossy flat sides provide a solid grip, which is a plus given its slippery matte back. Though slightly bigger than the base S24, with marginally larger bezels and a bigger punch hole, I find its design more appealing. The harsher, flat sides of the S24 make it feel less comfortable to hold, though if you’re planning to use a case, this becomes a non-issue. Both phones are IP68-rated and feature Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back, so durability is comparable—just don’t expect them to be bulletproof!

Weight-wise, the Pixel 9 Pro is about 15-20% heavier than the Galaxy, something you’ll definitely feel in hand. The Pixel’s taller camera visor, while iconic, makes it more prone to scratches and getting caught in pockets, especially if you’re not using a case. On the flip side, the S24’s more subdued camera rings feel a bit boring in comparison, but opinions on aesthetics will vary. When it comes to screen brightness, I found something odd: in SDR content like social media or general apps, the Pixel 9 Pro’s screen is noticeably brighter, but when I switched to HDR content on YouTube, the Galaxy S24 stole the show with a much brighter display. Despite this anomaly, I’d say for day-to-day use, the Pixel’s screen is superior due to its overall brightness.

Both phones have reliable ultrasonic fingerprint scanners under the display, and while the S24’s speakers are clearer, the Pixel’s offer deeper, fuller sound. The haptics are similarly crisp on both phones, though the Pixel’s feel a tad tighter, enhancing the overall package at this price point. When it comes to raw performance, however, the Galaxy S24 (Exynos 2400 version) significantly outperforms the Pixel 9 Pro in GPU and multicore CPU performance, especially if you’re into high-end gaming or video editing. That said, the Pixel does have double the RAM, which helps with multitasking, though the S24’s 256GB model offers faster storage.

Battery life is another area where the Pixel 9 Pro shines, thanks to its 4,700mAh battery, which is about 20% larger than the S24’s 4,000mAh. In my tests, the Pixel consistently ended the day with 30–35% battery left, whereas the S24 hovered around 10-15%. Neither phone includes a charger in the box (a disappointing trend), but the Pixel does charge slightly faster. If battery life is a concern, the Pixel is the better choice.

Now for the cameras. Google clearly has the upper hand here. The Pixel 9 Pro not only excels in software processing but also in hardware, delivering superior image quality across various focal lengths. The 5x optical zoom on the Pixel provides far more detail than the S24’s 3x zoom, and this gap widens as you zoom further. Both phones offer solid cameras, but the Pixel’s setup is in a league of its own.

Both phones run Android 14 and come with extended software support, with both companies promising updates until 2031. This makes them great options for those who want to hold onto their phones for many years or resell them down the line.

When it comes to AI, both phones offer robust features. Samsung provides tools like interpretive browsing assistance, voice note transcription, and object removal. Meanwhile, Google’s Pixel 9 Pro brings its own AI arsenal, including Magic Editor and Gemini Live. Though I’m not personally sold on AI tools, the Pixel’s suite seems more complete for those interested in this growing trend.

In terms of price, the Galaxy S24 starts at $800 for the 128GB version, while the Pixel 9 Pro comes in at $1,100 for the same storage amount, making the Pixel the more expensive option. However, given its better battery life, display, and camera quality, I actually think the Pixel 9 Pro provides better value, especially if you’re a power user.

Ultimately, both of these phones are excellent choices. If you’re looking to save some money and prioritize performance, go for the S24. But if you want the most well-rounded compact flagship on the Android market, the Pixel 9 Pro is hard to beat. Let me know which one you’d choose in the comments, and don’t forget to like and subscribe for more content. Cheers!