Google Pixel 9 or Galaxy S25: Which is Better?

Summary: Let's compare the Google Pixel 9 with the newly launched Galaxy S25.

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S25 series on January 22, the newest flagship that will be part of the new Android devices in 2025. It has a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy CPU, a massive 6.2-inch screen, a triple camera setup, and a more appealing design.

The Pixel 9, however, is best for people who are fans of AI and cameras. Even while Google's most recent Pixel series phone fixes many issues that plagued its predecessor, it still falls short of Samsung's most recent small flagship. There is a thorough comparison between the Pixel 9 and the Galaxy S25 that will help you decide if you are having trouble deciding between the two.

Design and Display:

When it comes to design, Google and Samsung lack creativity; and the latest models only resemble versions of old versions. The curved corners and metal frames of the Galaxy S25, along with the Pixel 9's look and feel similar to iPhone, makes it easy to carry in one hand for extended periods of time.

The Pixel 9's 6.3-inch screen is somewhat bigger than the Galaxy S25's 6.2-inch AMOLED screen with a refresh rate of 120 Hz. Fortunately, both screens have the same quality and refresh rate. Further protecting the face of both devices is Corning's Gorilla Glass Victus 2. 

Camera Quality: 

The new Galaxy S25 from Samsung showcases a sleek, minimalistic look with three vertically arranged camera slots, while Google sticks with its signature pill-shaped camera layout, featuring a horizontally aligned main and ultrawide sensor.

If you like zoomed in pictures then the Galaxy S25's telephoto lens makes it a good option if you want close-up photos. However, with its higher-resolution ultrawide sensor, the Pixel 9 might be the best option if you rely more on the primary and ultrawide cameras.

When it comes to image processing, Google and Pixel go their separate ways. If you prefer images that look more natural, the Pixel 9 could suit you better, while Samsung generally gives photos a bit more saturation.

Although the Pixel 9 has a stronger ultrawide sensor (48MP versus 12MP), the Galaxy S25 appears to have an edge with its telephoto capabilities, making it seem like the top choice overall.

Performance:

While both offer smooth multitasking, the Galaxy S25's performance is significantly better in terms of gaming, processing speed, and energy economy thanks to Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, which powers the Galaxy S25, as opposed to the Pixel 9's Tensor G4 processor.

In contrast to the Pixel 9, which comes with Android 14, the Galaxy S25 is promised seven years of OS and security updates. However, both devices have the same update strategy, thus the Galaxy S25 will get one more OS upgrade than Google's most recent small handset. 

Software:

The Galaxy S25 runs on One UI 7, Samsung's most heavily customized and AI-packed version of Android to date, while the Pixel 9 also has a number of AI tricks up its sleeve bundled with stock Android that many find easier to use. 

The Galaxy S25 comes with Android 15 out of the box and will receive seven years of OS and security updates, while the Pixel 9 comes with Android 14. Nevertheless, the software update policy is the same, meaning the Galaxy S25 will receive one more OS update than Google's latest small phone.

Battery: 

The Samsung Galaxy S25's 4,000mAh battery could last a day if used moderately, but users who are all time on the phone might need to charge the phone in the early evening to get through the day.

The Google Pixel 9, on the other hand, boasts a 4,700mAh battery that lasts for a whole day. Even if you are a heavy user, the Pixel 0 should last a day. However, Google occasionally releases bug fixes that may or may not impact battery life.