Every year, there’s one moment when a Pixel phone suddenly becomes irresistible—and this year, it’s the Pixel 9. Thanks to a massive festive sale, the Pixel 9 is now available for around ₹36,000, down from nearly ₹80,000, making it one of the biggest smartphone discounts we’ve seen in recent times. Naturally, this puts it head-to-head with the Galaxy S24 Snapdragon, which is also hovering close to the ₹40,000 mark.
So, which one actually makes sense for your money?
Why the Pixel 9 Feels Special at This Price
The first thing you notice about the Pixel 9 is its design and in-hand feel. It looks premium, feels solid, and has that unmistakable Pixel identity with the bold camera bar. At 198 grams, it strikes a good balance—not too heavy, not too light. While it’s not as compact as the Galaxy S24, it’s still comfortable for one-handed use.
You also get features that are rare under ₹40K: IP68 rating, wireless charging, USB 3 support, ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, and a gorgeous 6.3-inch 120Hz OLED display. The screen is bright, color-accurate, and excellent for media consumption. Add to that some of the best stereo speakers in this price range, and the Pixel 9 clearly feels flagship-grade.
Software & Cameras: Pixel’s Strongest Weapons
The real magic begins when you use the phone. Clean Pixel UI, zero bloatware, smooth animations, excellent haptics, and timely updates make the experience feel polished. Google’s feature drops and fast Android updates are a big plus for long-term users.
Camera performance is another highlight. The Pixel 9’s main and ultra-wide cameras deliver sharper details and better dynamic range compared to the Galaxy S24 in most situations. Samsung does win in portraits, zoom shots, and selfies thanks to its telephoto lens, but for everyday photography, the Pixel still holds a slight edge.
The Downsides You Should Know
Performance is good for daily use, but this is not a gaming phone. The Tensor chipset handles normal tasks smoothly but struggles in heavy games. Battery life is decent—slightly better than the S24—but charging remains slow. Connectivity has improved compared to older Pixels, though network speeds can be inconsistent in weaker areas.
Final Verdict
If you want raw performance, reliability, and versatility, the Galaxy S24 Snapdragon is the safer pick. But if you value design, clean software, excellent cameras, more storage, and a unique personality, the Pixel 9 at ₹36K is an absolute steal.
At this price, it’s easily the most interesting Pixel Google has made in years.
FAQs – Pixel 9 vs Galaxy S24 (Snapdragon)
Q1. Is the Pixel 9 worth buying at ₹36,000?
Yes, at ₹36,000 the Pixel 9 offers flagship-level design, a clean Android experience, excellent cameras, and premium features that are rarely available in this price range.
Q2. Which phone is better for daily use, Pixel 9 or Galaxy S24?
For smooth daily usage like social media, calls, browsing, and content consumption, both phones perform well. The Pixel 9 feels smoother due to its clean software, while the Galaxy S24 is more powerful under heavy tasks.
Q3. Is the Pixel 9 good for gaming?
The Pixel 9 is not designed for heavy gaming. Casual games run fine, but demanding titles perform better on the Galaxy S24 Snapdragon.
Q4. How is the camera performance of Pixel 9 compared to Galaxy S24?
The Pixel 9 delivers better results from its main and ultra-wide cameras, especially in daylight. The Galaxy S24 has an advantage in portraits, zoom photography, and selfie quality.
Q5. Does the Pixel 9 have heating or network issues in India?
Compared to older Pixel models, the Pixel 9 has improved thermals and connectivity. Heating is minimal during normal use, though network speeds may vary in low-signal areas.
