Pixel 9 Pro vs. Galaxy S24 FE vs. OnePlus 12: Best Android Flagship Under $800

June 19, 2025 Sophia Grant 0 Comments 5 min read

The sub-$800 Android flagship space in 2025 is surprisingly competitive — and refreshing. While the ultra-premium tier continues to soar past $1,000, brands like Google, Samsung, and OnePlus are making high-end features more accessible.

If you’re looking for premium performance, excellent cameras, and long-term value without paying flagship premiums, this comparison between the Pixel 9 Pro, Galaxy S24 FE, and OnePlus 12 is for you.

Design & Build

The Pixel 9 Pro maintains Google’s minimalist aesthetic but with a slimmer camera bar and slightly curved edges. The matte glass finish and aluminum frame feel premium — and it’s IP68-rated for water and dust resistance.

Samsung’s S24 FE inherits a lot of design DNA from its pricier sibling, the S24, but uses a flatter back and composite materials to save on cost. Still, it’s solid, with Gorilla Glass Victus and IP68 durability.

The OnePlus 12 leans toward a more aggressive look, especially with its large circular camera bump and curved display. It’s visually striking — though some may find it less refined. Build quality is top-tier, and it includes full IP65 protection.

💡 Insight: The Pixel is sleek and understated, Samsung goes safe and familiar, and OnePlus aims for bold and premium. Your preference may boil down to personal aesthetic and grip comfort.

Display Technology

Pixel 9 Pro: 6.7” LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz adaptive refresh, peak brightness 2000+ nits.
Galaxy S24 FE: 6.4” AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, slightly lower brightness (~1600 nits).
OnePlus 12: 6.8” LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, peak brightness over 3000 nits.

If you’re after the most immersive display, the OnePlus 12 takes the crown. It’s incredibly bright, ultra-responsive, and nearly bezelless. Pixel 9 Pro, however, wins for color accuracy and adaptive eye comfort. Samsung’s panel is solid but slightly behind in sheer spec terms.

💡 Use Case Tip: Mobile gamers and outdoor users may prefer the OnePlus display. For photography editing and color precision, Pixel remains the favorite.

Performance & Speed

Pixel 9 Pro: Powered by Google’s Tensor G4, with AI-optimized processing, but slightly behind in raw speed.
Galaxy S24 FE: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 — last year’s flagship chip, still a beast in 2025.
OnePlus 12: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 — fastest of the trio, excellent for power users.

While the Pixel focuses on AI and photography efficiency (and does it well), OnePlus 12 leads in sheer performance. The S24 FE balances thermal control and efficiency — ideal for everyday users and casual gaming.

Camera Systems

Pixel 9 Pro: 50MP main, 48MP telephoto (5x), 12MP ultrawide – Google’s best computational photography yet.
Galaxy S24 FE: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 8MP telephoto (3x) – dependable, but less refined.
OnePlus 12: 50MP main (Sony IMX890), 64MP 3x periscope telephoto, 48MP ultrawide – very versatile.

Pixel remains the smartest shooter. It nails low light, portrait mode, and HDR thanks to AI. OnePlus comes very close in hardware and outshines in zoom and versatility. Samsung performs reliably, but lacks the pixel-level precision of the other two.

📸 Real World Tip: Pixel 9 Pro is best for social-ready, “shoot and share” photography. OnePlus is better for enthusiasts who like to edit. Samsung is for users who want good-enough results without thinking much.

Software & Updates

Pixel: Clean Android 15, exclusive AI features, direct from Google. 7 years of updates.
Samsung: One UI 6.1 on Android 14. Very feature-rich. 4 OS + 5 years of security updates.
OnePlus: OxygenOS 15, closer to stock Android than before. Promises 4 OS + 5 years security.

Pixel wins if you want a smooth, bloat-free experience and longest support lifecycle. Samsung’s One UI adds polish and convenience features. OnePlus strikes a balance, with a faster feel but less consistency in long-term updates.

Battery & Charging

Pixel 9 Pro: 5050mAh, 30W wired, 23W wireless.
Galaxy S24 FE: 4500mAh, 25W wired, 15W wireless.
OnePlus 12: 5400mAh, 100W fast charging, 50W wireless.

No contest — OnePlus 12 charges like a rocket. Pixel has improved battery efficiency with Tensor G4, while Samsung lags slightly in both battery size and charging speed.

🏁 So, Which One Should You Use?

Go for Pixel 9 Pro if photography, AI features, and long-term software support matter most.
Choose OnePlus 12 if you want raw performance, insanely fast charging, and a beautiful display at a great price.
Pick Galaxy S24 FE if you want a reliable all-rounder with Samsung’s software ecosystem and don’t need cutting-edge specs.

All three offer excellent value — but for different types of users. Choose based on your priorities, not just the spec sheet.