Galaxy S9 vs Google Pixel 4 XL
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S9
Starting at
£116.50£449.00 new
Google Pixel 4 XL
Starting at
£149.99What's the difference between the Galaxy S9 and Google Pixel 4 XL?
Galaxy S9 vs Google Pixel 4 XL comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy S9 starts at £116.50, £33.49 less than the Google Pixel 4 XL. The Google Pixel 4 XL is the newer model, released in 2019.
Refurbished from
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- The Google Pixel 4 XL has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Google Pixel 4 XL has a bigger battery: 3700 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
- The Google Pixel 4 XL has a bigger screen: 6.3 inch vs 5.8 inch.
Galaxy S9 vs Google Pixel 4 XL specs
The Galaxy S9 and Google Pixel 4 XL both offer unlocked Android experiences but differ in size, battery, memory, and some other features. The Pixel 4 XL has a larger 6.3 inch screen with a slightly higher resolution, more RAM at 6 GB, and a bigger 3700 mAh battery, making it suitable for users who want more screen space and longer battery life. The Galaxy S9 has a smaller 5.8 inch Super AMOLED screen and 4 GB of RAM, with a 3000 mAh battery, suited for those who prefer a more compact device with a headphone jack and expandable storage via microSDXC. Pixel 4 XL supports eSIM and offers one storage size, while the Galaxy S9 has two storage options and a microSD slot. Both phones have similar camera resolution and are unlocked for 4G networks.
Galaxy S9 vs Google Pixel 4 XL price
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- 64GBSold out
Galaxy S9 vs Google Pixel 4 XL battery life and software updates
Battery size and software updates influence how long each phone might last in daily use. These factors can affect your experience depending on how you use your phone.
Battery Capacity
The Google Pixel 4 XL has a 3700 mAh battery, which is larger than the Galaxy S9's 3000 mAh. This means the Pixel 4 XL is better suited for users who need longer battery life between charges, such as heavy media viewers or those often away from charging points. The Galaxy S9's battery size suits lighter daily use where frequent top-ups are manageable.
Software Updates
This is important for buyers who prioritise having the most current software experience.
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Galaxy S9 vs Google Pixel 4 XL performance
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Galaxy S9 vs Google Pixel 4 XL screen
Screen size and resolution affect how much you see and the sharpness of images. The two devices differ in both size and screen type, which influences their display quality and the viewing experience.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Google Pixel 4 XL has a larger 6.3 inch screen with a resolution of 1440 x 3040 pixels, offering more space for watching videos, browsing, and multitasking. The Galaxy S9's 5.8 inch screen with 1440 x 2960 resolution provides a more compact display, which may suit users who prefer a smaller phone that fits easily in one hand.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy S9 uses a Super AMOLED screen, known for its deep blacks and vibrant colours, making it appealing for users who value rich image quality. The Google Pixel 4 XL features a P-OLED screen, which also delivers good colour and contrast but with a different technology that some users may prefer for its colour accuracy and viewing angles.
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Galaxy S9 vs Google Pixel 4 XL camera
Camera and front camera resolution give an idea of photo and video quality. Both phones offer similar camera specs, so your choice may depend on other features or preferences.
Main Camera
The Google Pixel 4 XL has a 12.2 megapixel main camera while the Galaxy S9 has a 12 megapixel main camera. Both provide detailed pictures, suitable for everyday photography needs. The slight difference in megapixels is unlikely to affect most users significantly.
Front Camera
Both devices have an 8 megapixel front camera. This allows for clear selfies and video calls without a difference in resolution between the two phones.
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Galaxy S9 vs Google Pixel 4 XL size and design
Other features such as connectivity, physical size, and storage options can influence how comfortable the phone feels and how it fits your needs.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S9 is available with 64GB or 128GB of storage, giving you more flexibility if you need extra space for apps, photos, or media. The Google Pixel 4 XL comes with 64GB of storage, which suits users with moderate storage needs or those who use cloud services.
Expandable Storage
The Galaxy S9 supports microSDXC cards, allowing you to increase storage with a memory card. This is useful if you want to carry a large media library or many files without relying on internal storage. The Google Pixel 4 XL does not have this feature.
Headphone Connector
The Galaxy S9 includes a 3.5mm headphone jack alongside USB-C, making it convenient for users who prefer wired headphones without needing adapters. The Google Pixel 4 XL has only a USB-C connector, so wired headphones require a compatible adapter.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S9 uses a physical SIM card, which suits users with standard SIM requirements. The Google Pixel 4 XL supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, which offers flexibility for those who want to switch carriers or use multiple numbers without changing SIM cards.
Size and Weight
The Google Pixel 4 XL is larger and heavier at 160.4 mm tall, 75.1 mm wide, and 193 g, offering a bigger screen but less pocket-friendly dimensions. The Galaxy S9 is more compact and lighter at 147.7 mm tall, 68.7 mm wide, 8.5 mm deep, and 163 g, which may appeal to users looking for an easier one-handed phone.
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Galaxy S9 or Google Pixel 4 XL: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S9 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £116.50, £33.49 less than the Google Pixel 4 XL
- you want a lighter build (163 g vs 193 g)
- you want a headphone jack
Buy the Google Pixel 4 XL if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3700 mAh vs 3000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 5.8 inch)
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy S9 looks very good for a used phone, with many noting it appears nearly new or better than expected. Several mention smooth performance and sufficient storage, especially the 128GB option. Battery life requires a top-up by evening for some users. The screen condition is generally praised, though there are occasional mentions of overheating or minor marks. Overall, the Galaxy S9 suits those who want a compact, reliable phone with a headphone jack and expandable storage.
Reviews for the Google Pixel 4 XL highlight its attractive condition and clean software. Users appreciate the larger screen and feel it offers good value, especially compared to repair costs. However, some report issues with battery life and screen faults, while others find the phone works well even after more than a year of use. The Pixel 4 XL appeals to buyers wanting a larger display, more RAM, and the flexibility of eSIM alongside physical SIM.
Both phones meet different needs. The Galaxy S9 fits buyers wanting a smaller, lighter device with headphone jack and expandable storage, while the Pixel 4 XL suits those who prioritise screen size, memory, and flexible SIM options.
Galaxy S9 vs Google Pixel 4 XL FAQs
Galaxy S9 vs Google Pixel 4 XL comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The Google Pixel 4 XL has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB. The Google Pixel 4 XL has a bigger battery: 3700 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
The Galaxy S9 is cheaper refurbished, from £116.50 compared with £149.99 for the Google Pixel 4 XL.
The Google Pixel 4 XL has a bigger battery: 3700 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
The Galaxy S9 has 12 megapixels and the Google Pixel 4 XL has 12.2 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S9 ended in Apr 2022. Updates for the Google Pixel 4 XL ended in Oct 2022. Its last version is Android 13.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S9 comes in 64GB and 128GB, and the Google Pixel 4 XL in 64GB.
