Galaxy S4 vs Pixel XL: Which One Should You Buy?

Pixel XL edges ahead with a BeastScore of 63.8/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Samsung · 2013

Galaxy S4

Galaxy S4
64/ 100
Launch price$579
Google · 2016

Pixel XL

Pixel XL
64/ 100
Launch price$769
Head-to-head

Pixel XL wins 2 of 7 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Galaxy S4
Galaxy S4
1 win
Pixel XL
Pixel XL
2 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivityValue
Galaxy S4Pixel XL
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedPixel XL
    60
    64
  • CameraTie
    68
    68
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    40
    40
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityPixel XL
    45
    57
  • SecurityNot enough data
  • ValueGalaxy S4
    80
    68
Key differences
  • Pixel XL has the bigger battery3,450 mAh vs 2,600 mAh
  • Pixel XL charges faster18W vs 5W
  • Galaxy S4 has a sharper main camera13 MP vs 12.3 MP
  • Pixel XL has the bigger screen5.5" vs 5"
  • Galaxy S4 is lighter130 g vs 168 g
  • Galaxy S4 launched cheaper$579 vs $769
  • Pixel XL has a sharper selfie camera8 MP vs 2 MP
  • Pixel XL has newer Bluetooth4.2 vs 4
  • Pixel XL has more RAM4 GB vs 2 GB
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Galaxy S4
  • ✓38 g lighter (130 g vs 168 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$190 cheaper at launch ($579 vs $769)
  • ✓13 MP main camera
Reasons to buy Pixel XL
  • ✓Bigger 3,450 mAh battery (+850 mAh)
  • ✓12.3 MP main camera
  • ✓5.5" display at 60 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationGalaxy S4Pixel XL
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeFull HD Super AMOLEDAMOLED
Screen Size5"5.5"
Resolution & Density1920x1080 (441 ppi)2560x1440 (534 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness475 nits peak400 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance🏆 Pixel XL Wins Performance
Chipset / ProcessorNot listed Not listed
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedNot listed
Operating SystemAndroid 4.2Android 7.1
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory2 GB LPDDR4 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage16GB / 32GB / 64GB32GB / 128GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics
Primary Camera13 MP, f/2.212.3 MP, f/2
Telephoto ZoomNone (digital zoom only)None (digital zoom only)
Ultrawide CameraN/AN/A
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens2 MP, f/2.58 MP, f/2.4
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Galaxy S4 Lightest Chassis
Dimensions136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9 mm154.7 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm
Weight130 g168 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceNot listedIP53
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity2,600 mAh3,450 mAh
Wired Fast Charging5W wired fast charging18W wired fast charging
Wireless Charging5W wireless chargingNot listed
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 5
Bluetooth4.04.2
USB Port & SpeedMicro-USB 2.0USB-C 3.1
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$579$769
Our verdict

Pixel XL wins — BeastScore 63.8/100

The Pixel XL is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (3,450 mAh vs 2,600 mAh) and faster charging (18W vs 5W). The Galaxy S4 is worth a look if you prefer its sharper main camera (13 MP vs 12.3 MP).

Buy Galaxy S4 if you want

Lighter: 130 g vs 168 g (38 g less) · Lower launch price: $579 vs $769

Buy Pixel XL if you want

Larger battery: 3,450 mAh vs 2,600 mAh · Faster wired charging: 18W vs 5W

Common questions

Which is better: Galaxy S4 or Pixel XL?

The Pixel XL is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (3,450 mAh vs 2,600 mAh) and faster charging (18W vs 5W). The Galaxy S4 is worth a look if you prefer its sharper main camera (13 MP vs 12.3 MP). BeastScore: Galaxy S4 64.0/100, Pixel XL 63.8/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Galaxy S4 and Pixel XL?

Galaxy S4 has a 5-inch display and 2600 mAh battery. Pixel XL has a 5.5-inch display and 3450 mAh battery.

How do Galaxy S4 and Pixel XL compare for speed?

Galaxy S4 scores 60/100 for performance; Pixel XL scores 64/100.

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