Samsung Galaxy S24 vs iPhone 16 vs Nothing Phone (2a) vs Google Pixel 9: The Ultimate UK Buyer's Guide 2025

Choosing your next smartphone shouldn't feel like solving a puzzle. With four standout devices dominating the UK market, this comparison breaks down everything you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy S24, iPhone 16, Nothing Phone (2a), and Google Pixel 9.

UK Pricing Breakdown

Understanding the cost helps you make a smart decision. Here's how these devices stack up in the UK market:

The Nothing Phone (2a) stands out as the clear winner for budget-conscious buyers, while the iPhone 16 commands the highest premium.

Display Quality: Visual Performance Compared

Screen quality can make or break your daily experience. Each phone offers distinct advantages:

Samsung Galaxy S24

• 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X display

• 2340 x 1080 resolution

• 120Hz adaptive refresh rate

• Peak brightness: 2,600 nits

iPhone 16

• 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED

• 2556 x 1179 resolution

• 60Hz refresh rate

• Peak brightness: 2,000 nits

Nothing Phone (2a)

• 6.7" AMOLED display

• 2412 x 1080 resolution

• 120Hz refresh rate

• Peak brightness: 1,300 nits

Google Pixel 9

• 6.3" OLED Actua display

• 2424 x 1080 resolution

• 120Hz adaptive refresh rate

• Peak brightness: 2,700 nits

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and Google Pixel 9 tie for the brightest displays, making them ideal for outdoor use. However, the iPhone 16's lower refresh rate might disappoint users coming from high-refresh displays.

Camera Systems: Photography Powerhouses

Camera performance often drives smartphone purchasing decisions. Here's how each device handles photography:

Samsung Galaxy S24

• Main: 50MP f/1.8 with OIS

• Ultra-wide: 12MP f/2.2

• Telephoto: 10MP f/2.4 (3x zoom)

• Front: 12MP f/2.2

Strengths: Versatile zoom range, excellent night mode, professional video features Weaknesses: Aggressive processing can oversaturate colours

iPhone 16

• Main: 48MP f/1.6 with OIS

• Ultra-wide: 12MP f/2.4

• Front: 12MP f/1.9

Strengths: Outstanding video quality, natural colour reproduction, reliable performance Weaknesses: No telephoto lens, limited zoom capabilities

Nothing Phone (2a)

• Main: 50MP f/1.88 with OIS

• Ultra-wide: 50MP f/2.2

• Front: 32MP f/2.4

Strengths: Impressive main camera for the price, high-resolution front camera Weaknesses: No telephoto, average low-light performance

Google Pixel 9

• Main: 50MP f/1.68 with OIS

• Ultra-wide: 48MP f/1.7

• Front: 10.5MP f/2.2

Strengths: Best-in-class computational photography, Magic Eraser, outstanding low-light shots Weaknesses: No telephoto on base model, smaller front camera

Performance Benchmarks

Raw performance matters for gaming, multitasking, and future-proofing your investment:

Processing Power Rankings:

1. iPhone 16 - A18 chip delivers unmatched performance

2. Samsung Galaxy S24 - Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 handles everything smoothly

3. Google Pixel 9 - Tensor G4 optimised for AI tasks

4. Nothing Phone (2a) - MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro provides solid mid-range performance

RAM Configuration:

• Samsung Galaxy S24: 8GB

• iPhone 16: 8GB

• Nothing Phone (2a): 8GB/12GB

• Google Pixel 9: 12GB

The iPhone 16 leads in benchmark scores, but real-world differences between the top three are minimal for most users.

Battery Life: All-Day Performance

Battery capacity and optimisation determine whether your phone lasts through busy days:

The Nothing Phone (2a) wins on capacity and charging speed, while the iPhone 16's efficient iOS makes the most of its smaller battery.

Software Experience: Android vs iOS

Your software preference significantly impacts daily usability:

Android Advantages (Samsung, Nothing, Google):

• Customisation freedom

• Multiple app store options

• File system access

• Default app selection

iOS Advantages (iPhone 16):

• Seamless ecosystem integration

• Longer software support

• Enhanced privacy controls

• Optimised app performance

Update Commitments:

• iPhone 16: 6+ years of updates

• Samsung Galaxy S24: 7 years of updates

• Google Pixel 9: 7 years of updates

• Nothing Phone (2a): 3 years of updates

Special Features That Matter

Each phone brings unique capabilities to the table:

Samsung Galaxy S24

• S Pen compatibility (with cases)

• DeX desktop mode

• Advanced multitasking

iPhone 16

• Action Button customisation

• AirDrop and Handoff

• Face ID security

Nothing Phone (2a)

• Glyph Interface lighting

• Clean Android experience

• Transparent design

Google Pixel 9

• Call Screen and Hold for Me

• Live Translate

• Car Crash Detection

Value for Money Analysis

Breaking down cost per feature helps identify the best deal:

Best Overall Value: Nothing Phone (2a) - Flagship features at mid-range pricing Best Premium Value: Google Pixel 9 - Top-tier cameras and AI for less than competitors Best Ecosystem Value: iPhone 16 - Unmatched integration if you own other Apple devices Best Feature Density: Samsung Galaxy S24 - Most comprehensive feature set

Which Phone Should You Choose?

Your decision depends on priorities and budget:

Choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 if:

• You want the most versatile camera system

• Multitasking and productivity matter

• You prefer Android customisation

Choose the iPhone 16 if:

• You own other Apple devices

• Video recording is priority

• You value long-term software support

Choose the Nothing Phone (2a) if:

• Budget is your main concern

• You want flagship features without premium pricing

• Unique design appeals to you

Choose the Google Pixel 9 if:

• Photography is your passion

• AI features enhance your workflow

• You want pure Android with guaranteed updates

Final Recommendations

Each device excels in different areas. The Nothing Phone (2a) delivers exceptional value, the iPhone 16 provides premium ecosystem benefits, the Samsung Galaxy S24 offers versatility, and the Google Pixel 9 leads in computational photography.

Consider your budget, existing devices, and primary use cases when making your decision. All four phones will serve you well, but the right choice aligns with your specific needs and preferences.