Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. Google Pixel 9: Entry-level flagship throwdown

Samsung has recently launched its latest smartphone lineup, the Galaxy S25 series, which includes three models: the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra.

If you’re considering buying the entry-level model, the Galaxy S25, you might wonder how it compares to the Google Pixel 9. Although both devices are similarly priced, they feature different specifications that distinguish them. Let’s look at two of the best smartphones on the market.

Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. Google Pixel 9: specs

Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. Google Pixel 9: design and display

The Samsung Galaxy S25 and Google Pixel 9 represent advancements in modern smartphone technology at the entry-level. They showcase unique design philosophies that cater to different aesthetic preferences.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 features a glass body with rounded corners, reflecting a minimalist approach. The camera module is vertical, which makes sense for a Samsung device. The variety of color options allows for personalization while maintaining a premium appearance.

In contrast, the Google Pixel 9 adopts a more geometric design with a boxier silhouette. The prominent camera bar across the back serves functional and aesthetic purposes, adding a distinctive element to its overall look. Although it is slightly larger and heavier than the S25, it appeals to users who prefer a more substantial device.

Both smartphones showcase impressive display technologies. The Galaxy S25 features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, renowned for its vibrant colors and deep blacks. A 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and responsive touch interactions, making it ideal for gaming and media consumption. Additionally, the display offers excellent brightness levels for use outdoors.

On the other hand, the Pixel 9 comes equipped with a 6.3-inch OLED display that also supports a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+. This combination provides a vibrant viewing experience, great for high-definition video streaming. However, as noted in our review, the brightness levels in certain conditions can be inadequate and occasionally not bright enough.

The issue is that the Galaxy S25 looks almost identical to the Galaxy S24 and the Galaxy S23 that came before it. While it is a well-built phone, its design is unexciting, especially when compared to the Pixel 9. For this reason, Google’s phone takes the lead in terms of aesthetics.

Winner: Pixel 9

Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. Google Pixel 9: performance

When comparing the Samsung Galaxy S25 and the Google Pixel 9, both emerge as formidable contenders in the performance arena. Still, the Galaxy S25, at least on paper, takes the lead if for no other reason than its chip is newer.

At the heart of the Galaxy S25 is the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor. Benchmarks consistently show this chip outpacing the Google Tensor G4 found in the Pixel 9. This should result in smoother performance during resource-intensive gaming, video editing, and multitasking tasks. While the Pixel 9 easily manages everyday tasks, users who regularly engage in demanding applications might find the Galaxy S25’s performance more adept.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset is one of the best on the market and one that continues to impress us. It has the edge vs. the Tensor G4.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S25

Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. Google Pixel 9: battery and charging

The Google Pixel 9 has a distinct advantage over the Samsung Galaxy S25 when it comes to battery capacity and charging capabilities. The Pixel 9 features a larger 4,700mAh battery compared to the S25’s 4,000mAh, which results in noticeably longer usage time.

Both phones support fast charging, but the Pixel 9 offers slightly quicker 27W wired charging, while the S25 is limited to 25W. In terms of wireless charging, the Pixel 9 supports faster 15W charging with the Pixel Stand (12W with standard Qi chargers), and the S25 also supports 15W charging. Additionally, both devices offer reverse wireless charging.

If battery life and charging speed are your main priorities, the Pixel 9 is the superior choice.

Winner: Google Pixel 9

Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. Google Pixel 9: cameras

When evaluating the camera capabilities of the Galaxy S25 and Google Pixel 9, it becomes clear that both smartphones have their unique advantages, catering to different photographic preferences.

The Google Pixel 9 features a dual camera system consisting of a 50MP primary sensor and a 48MP ultrawide lens. This combination benefits from Google’s advanced image processing, which generates high-quality images with accurate color reproduction and a wide dynamic range. This is particularly noticeable in challenging lighting conditions, where the Pixel 9 often excels. Additionally, the Pixel 9 includes a Super Res Zoom feature that allows for digital zoom up to 8x, producing reasonably good results; however, it does not include a dedicated telephoto lens, which may limit its performance in capturing distant subjects with clarity.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 boasts a more versatile triple camera system, incorporating a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens. This setup provides true optical zoom capabilities of up to 3x and offers digital zoom options extending up to 30x. This feature can be advantageous for users looking to capture details at a distance, making the Galaxy S25 suitable for various photographic scenarios.

The Galaxy S25 carries the imaging hardware from the Galaxy S24, which itself is lifted from the Galaxy S23. That’s both good and bad news. You get a 50-megapixel primary sensor, alongside a 12-megapixel sensor for ultra-wide capture, and a 10-megapixel telephoto snapper with 3x optical zoom range.

Our review notes that it’s “criminally underpowered” compared to other Android devices. Although we liked the phone’s camera for portrait and close-up shots in testing, weaknesses were found elsewhere. Overall, the Pixel 9 offers a better camera experience.

Winner: Pixel 9

Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. Google Pixel 9: software and updates

Regarding software and updates, the Samsung Galaxy S25 and Google Pixel 9 offer a similar experience with some key differences. Both phones run Android 15, but the S25 uses Samsung’s One UI 7 skin, while the Pixel 9 offers a cleaner, stock Android experience. One UI 7 has more customization options and features, including Samsung’s Galaxy AI, which provides faster photo editing, note summarization, and translations. The Pixel 9, while offering similar AI features through Google services, has a more streamlined interface that some users may prefer.

Both manufacturers promise seven years of OS and security updates, ensuring long-term support. However, historically, Pixel phones have received updates faster and more consistently than Samsung phones, which can sometimes experience delays. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your preference for customization and features versus a clean and quick update experience.

Winner: Tie

Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. Google Pixel 9: price and availability

Both phones start at $800 for the entry-level models. They are available with 128GB or 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM.

Samsung’s phone is available in Icyblue, Navy, Mint, and Silver Shadow, while the Pixel 9 is available in Peony, Wintergreen, Obsidian, and Porcelain.

Both phones are discounted, but the Pixel 9 is older and might be available at more significant discounts.

Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. Google Pixel 9: which should you buy?

Both the Galaxy S25 and Pixel 9 have unique strengths. The Galaxy S25 boasts the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, outperforming the Google Tensor G4 in the Pixel 9, which should benefit demanding tasks. The S25 is also lighter and more compact, making it easier to handle. Its Dynamic AMOLED 2X display reaches higher peak brightness, enhancing visibility in sunlight. Samsung’s One UI provides extensive features and customization compared to the Pixel’s cleaner Android experience, which is bloatware-free and offers timely updates.

Meanwhile, the Pixel 9 has a larger battery and, due to Google’s image processing, excels in low-light photography and with photo-taking overall.

Ultimately, your choice should depend on your priorities, like camera quality, battery life, and software experience. While we lean towards the Samsung Galaxy S25 for its newer features and support, the Google Pixel 9 remains a strong option.

Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25:

Buy the Google Pixel 9: