Pixel 6 Vs S24 Three Years Later Is The Upgrade Worth It

When the Google Pixel 6 launched in 2021, it redefined what a software-first Android phone could achieve. Fast updates, clean design, and best-in-class computational photography made it a standout. Now, three years later, Samsung’s Galaxy S24 has arrived with AI-powered features, refined hardware, and long-term platform promises. For users still on a Pixel 6 wondering whether to upgrade, the question isn’t just about specs—it’s about real-world relevance, longevity, and actual improvements in daily use.

This isn’t a race between new versus old. It’s about evaluating whether the tangible benefits of the S24 justify the cost for someone whose Pixel 6 may still be functional, supported, and familiar.

Performance: From Tensor G1 to Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

The heart of any smartphone experience lies in its processor. The Pixel 6 was powered by Google’s first-generation Tensor chip, built on a 5nm process and designed to prioritize AI and machine learning tasks over raw speed. At launch, it delivered smooth performance for most tasks but struggled under sustained loads and fell behind flagship competitors in gaming and multitasking.

In contrast, the Galaxy S24 runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (or Exynos 2400 in some regions), one of the most powerful mobile platforms available in 2024. Built for efficiency and high performance, it handles everything from 4K video editing to AI-driven photo enhancements with ease.

Tip: If you frequently edit videos, run multiple apps, or play graphics-intensive games, the S24’s processor will feel noticeably faster.

Benchmarks tell part of the story. In Geekbench 6, the Pixel 6 scores around 700 (single-core) and 2,000 (multi-core). The S24 exceeds 2,200 and 7,000 respectively—more than triple the multi-core performance. Real-world usage reflects this: app launches are snappier, background app retention is better, and system animations are smoother.

However, for basic tasks—messaging, browsing, email, social media—the Pixel 6 remains usable. Google’s aggressive software optimization keeps the experience fluid, even if it lacks the headroom of newer chips.

Camera Comparison: Computational Magic vs. Hardware Refinement

The Pixel 6 set a new standard for computational photography. Its 50MP main sensor, combined with Google’s HDR+ and Night Sight algorithms, produced stunning photos in varied lighting. Even today, many users praise its consistency in dynamic range and color accuracy.

The Galaxy S24 improves on both hardware and software. It features a 50MP main sensor with larger pixels, a 12MP ultrawide with reduced distortion, and a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. But the bigger leap is in AI integration. Features like “AI Portrait Mode,” “Enhance Dialogue” in videos, and real-time photo upscaling add layers of convenience and quality that weren’t possible in 2021.

“Smartphone cameras are no longer just about sensors—they’re about context-aware intelligence. The S24 understands scenes in ways older Pixels can’t.” — Rajiv Mehta, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechLens

In direct comparisons, the S24 excels in zoom clarity, low-light detail retention, and video stabilization. Its ability to apply post-shot enhancements using generative AI (e.g., removing unwanted objects) gives it a creative edge. However, the Pixel 6 still holds up well in natural daylight photography, often producing more balanced skin tones and less oversharpened textures.

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency Gains Over Time

The Pixel 6 came with a 4,614mAh battery and 21W wired charging. While adequate at launch, heavy users often found themselves reaching for a charger by late afternoon. Software inefficiencies in early Tensor builds also contributed to inconsistent battery drain.

The S24 packs a 4,000mAh battery—smaller on paper—but achieves better endurance thanks to the power-efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and a 120Hz adaptive display that dims intelligently. In real-world testing, the S24 consistently lasts a full day, even with mixed usage including GPS navigation and streaming.

Feature	Pixel 6	Galaxy S24
Battery Capacity	4,614 mAh	4,000 mAh
Charging Speed	21W Wired, 20W Wireless	25W Wired, 15W Wireless
Average Screen-On Time	6–7 hours	8–9 hours
Standby Drain (72 hrs)	Moderate	Low

After three years, battery degradation on a Pixel 6 is likely noticeable. Many units now struggle to make it through a full workday without a top-up. Replacing the battery is possible but adds cost. The S24 offers not just better longevity out of the box but also improved standby efficiency due to deeper OS-level optimizations.

Software, Updates, and Longevity

One of the Pixel 6’s strongest selling points was its update promise: three years of OS upgrades and five years of security patches. As of 2024, it has received its final major Android version (Android 14) and will stop receiving security updates by late 2025.

Samsung, meanwhile, now guarantees seven years of OS and security updates for the Galaxy S24. This means support until 2031—a significant advantage for users who want to keep their phones longer and avoid e-waste.

Tip: If you plan to keep your phone beyond 2026, the S24’s extended support window makes it a smarter long-term investment.

Additionally, the S24 integrates more deeply with AI through Samsung Gauss, offering features like live call translation, note summarization, and AI-powered search. These tools enhance productivity in ways the Pixel 6 simply cannot match, even with Google’s AI focus.

Real-World Example: A Pixel 6 User Considers the Switch

Consider Mark, a freelance photographer who bought a Pixel 6 at launch. He loved the camera, timely updates, and clean interface. By 2024, his phone still works—but slowly. Apps take longer to open, the battery dies by 4 PM, and he’s stopped receiving feature drops.

He tested an S24 during a client meeting and was struck by how quickly it processed RAW files in Lightroom, how clearly it handled Zoom calls with noise suppression, and how crisp the display looked outdoors. The AI eraser tool helped him remove photobombers from event shots in seconds—a task that used to require desktop software.

For Mark, the upgrade wasn’t just about speed. It was about regaining workflow efficiency. The S24 paid for itself in time saved and reliability regained.

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Decision Checklist

Before making the switch, consider these factors:

• Current Phone Condition: Does your Pixel 6 have battery issues, slow performance, or physical damage?
• Daily Usage: Do you rely on your phone for productivity, content creation, or multitasking?
• Camera Needs: Are you shooting in low light, using zoom, or editing photos on-device?
• Update Horizon: Do you want guaranteed updates beyond 2025?
• Budget: Can you justify $800+ for a new device, or would a refurbished model or mid-tier alternative suffice?

If you answer “yes” to the first four, the upgrade is likely worthwhile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my Pixel 6 stop working after 2025?

No. It will continue to function, but without official security updates, it becomes more vulnerable to exploits over time. App compatibility may also degrade as developers target newer Android versions.

Can the S24 replace a laptop for light work?

In many cases, yes—especially with DeX mode, AI tools, and cloud integration. Tasks like document editing, email management, and video conferencing are seamless. However, heavy multitasking or professional-grade editing still favors traditional computers.

Is the AI in the S24 just marketing, or does it add real value?

It goes beyond gimmicks. Features like real-time language translation during calls, automatic summarization of long articles, and AI-enhanced photo editing provide measurable time savings and usability improvements.

Final Verdict: When the Upgrade Makes Sense

For users still satisfied with their Pixel 6 and using it lightly, holding on a bit longer is reasonable—especially if the battery is healthy and performance meets basic needs. But for those experiencing slowdowns, battery anxiety, or wanting access to modern AI tools and long-term support, the Galaxy S24 represents a meaningful leap forward.

The upgrade isn’t just about having the latest gadget. It’s about gaining back responsiveness, reliability, and future-proofing your device investment. Three years in tech is a lifetime. The S24 doesn’t merely iterate—it redefines what a smartphone can do in 2024.

💬 Still on your Pixel 6? Share your experience and whether you’re considering the jump to the S24. Your insights could help others decide!