Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL: The Ultimate Flagship Showdown

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Side-by-side comparison of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, showcasing camera, performance, display, AI features, and battery life.

If you’re in the market for a high-end smartphone, chances are you’ve got your eyes on two of the biggest names in the game: Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra and Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL. These are the heavyweights of the Android world, boasting top-tier cameras, powerful performance, and price tags that might make your wallet shed a tear.

But which one truly delivers the best experience? Is the S25 Ultra’s cutting-edge hardware and S Pen enough to justify its premium cost, or does the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s AI smarts and camera wizardry give it the edge? After putting both devices through their paces—from photography to gaming and everyday usability—I’m here to break it all down for you.

So, if you’re torn between these two flagship giants, sit tight. This isn’t just another spec sheet comparison—this is a deep dive into real-world performance to help you decide which one is actually worth your hard-earned cash. Let’s get into it!

Design & Build Quality:

If you thought the 6.8-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL was massive, wait until you get your hands on the 6.9-inch Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. These are two of the biggest flagship phones you can buy, and both pack a serious presence in your palm. However, Samsung’s Ultra model is slightly taller and a bit wider than Google’s contender. The bezels on the S25 Ultra are marginally slimmer, making it feel a tad more modern, though both phones still embrace the “flat edge” design that has become standard in recent years.

A Tale of Two Designs

Samsung has softened the edges of the S25 Ultra slightly compared to its predecessor, but it still feels sharper and boxier than the Pixel. If you’re not a fan of angular designs, neither of these phones will be a dream to hold. Meanwhile, Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL has a more rounded shape but is still a hefty device. Up front, one noticeable difference is the S25 Ultra’s smaller, more subtle selfie camera punch-hole, making for a slightly cleaner look compared to the larger cutout on the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Matte vs. Matte: Back Panel & Camera Layout

Both phones feature a frosted glass back that does an excellent job of repelling fingerprints and smudges, but their camera layouts are completely different. Google sticks with its signature camera visor, a horizontal bar that keeps the phone steady on a flat surface, preventing the annoying wobbling that plagues many other devices. Samsung, on the other hand, opts for individual floating lenses, which cause the phone to rock when placed on a desk—a minor but sometimes frustrating design quirk.

Durability & Materials

Both the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S25 Ultra feature Gorilla Glass protection, but Samsung takes it a step further with Corning’s new Gorilla Armor 2. According to Samsung and Corning, this new glass is more scratch- and drop-resistant than Gorilla Victus 2, which is used on the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Whether or not this holds up in real-world use, durability experts like JerryRigEverything will likely put it to the test.

The S25 Ultra also boasts a titanium frame, making it tougher than the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s aluminum chassis. Google’s glossy finish on the frame attracts fingerprints like a magnet, while Samsung’s matte titanium resists smudges better, making it look cleaner for longer.

Visibility & Water Resistance

One of the biggest advantages of the S25 Ultra’s Gorilla Armor 2 is its anti-reflective properties, meaning the display remains highly visible even under bright sunlight—a noticeable edge over the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Both phones come with IP68 water and dust resistance, so accidental spills, rain, and even a quick dip in water won’t be an issue.

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Biometric Security: Fingerprint & Face Unlock

Both the Pixel 9 Pro XL and S25 Ultra feature ultrasonic fingerprint sensors embedded in their displays. These sensors use 3D scanning, making them more reliable than optical fingerprint scanners, even when your fingers are damp or dirty. Face unlock is also supported on both devices, and they work quickly—even in low-light conditions.



Display & Audio: Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra

When it comes to display technology, both the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S25 Ultra feature gorgeous OLED panels that deliver vibrant colors, deep blacks, and crisp details. However, there are some notable differences between the two.

Display Size & Resolution

  • Pixel 9 Pro XL: 6.8-inch Quad HD+ OLED panel
  • Galaxy S25 Ultra: Slightly larger 6.9-inch Quad HD+ OLED display
  • Both offer incredibly sharp visuals, with excellent pixel density for crisp text and images

If you’re looking for maximum screen real estate, the S25 Ultra’s display is slightly bigger, but the Pixel 9 Pro XL is nearly identical in size.

Color Calibration & Brightness

  • By default, the S25 Ultra has warmer and more vivid colors compared to the Pixel 9 Pro XL, though both displays can be customized in the settings.
  • Peak Brightness: The Pixel 9 Pro XL is noticeably brighter when both displays are manually maxed out.
  • The S25 Ultra’s screen is less reflective, making it easier to see in bright conditions, even if its max brightness is slightly lower than the Pixel’s.
  • Both displays support 120Hz refresh rates, ensuring smooth scrolling and animations.

While the S25 Ultra has a slightly dimmer display, its anti-reflective technology compensates for this outdoors. The Pixel 9 Pro XL, on the other hand, is the better choice if you need maximum brightness.

PWM Dimming Sensitivity

If you’re sensitive to OLED flicker (PWM dimming), both phones might not be ideal, as they don’t offer DC dimming. If PWM flickering gives you headaches, you may need to look for alternatives with better eye comfort settings.


Audio Performance: Stereo Speaker Comparison

Both the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S25 Ultra feature stereo speaker setups, ensuring clear and immersive audio when watching videos or playing games.

Speaker Test Observations:

  • Galaxy S25 Ultra: Slightly louder and bassier than the Pixel.
  • Pixel 9 Pro XL: Clear and balanced sound, but lacks the punchy bass of the S25 Ultra.

Neither phone has huge differences in speaker quality, but if you want slightly more bass and volume, the S25 Ultra edges ahead. However, both phones provide a solid audio experience, whether you’re streaming YouTube, watching Netflix, or listening to music.

Additional Audio Features:

  • No issues with Bluetooth streaming on either device.
  • Both offer haptic feedback, which feels precise and premium.

Final Verdict on Display & Audio

✔️ Pixel 9 Pro XL wins on brightness, making it easier to view outdoors.
✔️ S25 Ultra wins on anti-reflective tech, helping in bright light situations.
✔️ Both phones deliver great stereo sound, but the S25 Ultra is slightly louder.
✔️ If you need more bass, the S25 Ultra is the better pick.

Ultimately, both phones offer excellent display and audio experiences, and the choice comes down to your preference for color accuracy, brightness, and speaker strength.


Performance & Gaming: Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra

When it comes to raw power and performance, the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S25 Ultra take very different approaches. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is powered by Google’s custom Tensor G4 chipset, developed in collaboration with Samsung, while the S25 Ultra goes all-in with Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite—and not just any version, but the overclocked “For Galaxy” edition that promises even better performance.

Unsurprisingly, Samsung’s flagship smokes the competition in gaming. Whether it’s Wuthering Waves, Genshin Impact, or other graphically demanding Android titles, the S25 Ultra consistently delivers a rock-solid 60 FPS at max settings. Even when the screen is filled with chaotic combat effects, explosions, and massive bosses, the Snapdragon 8 Elite doesn’t break a sweat.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL, on the other hand, struggles to keep pace with Samsung’s beastly chipset. While it can handle most high-end games, there are noticeable frame rate dips when pushing titles like Wuthering Waves to their highest settings. It’s still playable, but it lacks the smooth, unwavering experience that the S25 Ultra provides. If gaming is a major priority, Samsung’s phone is the clear winner.

Thankfully, neither phone suffers from serious overheating issues. The Pixel 9 Pro XL does run warmer, but not to the point where it becomes uncomfortable to hold. The S25 Ultra, however, remains impressively cool, thanks to its enlarged vapor chamber cooling system. This helps maintain peak performance even during extended gaming sessions.

Both phones also come with gaming tools to enhance the experience. However, Samsung’s Game Booster mode is far more advanced. On the Pixel 9 Pro XL, you get a basic game mode with features like Do Not Disturb, FPS monitoring, screen recording, and live streaming to YouTube. It’s functional but lacks deeper optimizations.

Meanwhile, Samsung’s Game Booster goes all out, offering:

  • Performance modes that let you prioritize speed, balance, or battery life.
  • Frame Booster (though the difference is minimal in actual gameplay).
  • App pop-up windows, so you can watch game walkthroughs or guides while playing.
  • Blocking features to prevent annoying interruptions from Bixby or auto-brightness changes.

For casual gaming, both phones will get the job done, but if you’re after high-performance, console-like gaming on a phone, the Galaxy S25 Ultra easily outclasses the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The Snapdragon 8 Elite, superior thermal management, and advanced gaming tools make it the better choice for serious gamers.

 

Android & Features: Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra

Both of these flagship smartphones run Android 15, now that the Pixel 9 Pro XL has received its update. However, the software experience differs significantly between the two, thanks to Samsung’s One UI 7 overlay. While Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL sticks with a clean, stock Android experience, Samsung adds its own twist with One UI 7, offering extra customization and exclusive features.

Stock Android vs. One UI 7

  • Pixel 9 Pro XL: Stock Android is fast, fluid, and bloat-free, delivering a seamless experience with no unnecessary pre-installed apps. The UI is simple and easy to navigate, making it a favorite for Android purists.
  • Galaxy S25 Ultra: One UI 7 offers tons of customization and extra features, but it does add a layer of Samsung-specific apps and services. While One UI has improved in speed and efficiency over the years, it still isn’t as lightweight as stock Android.

If you prefer a minimalistic, no-frills experience, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the way to go. However, if you love customization and extra tools, Samsung’s One UI 7 provides a lot of added value—even if it comes with some duplicated apps and services.

Storage & Long-Term Support

Both Google and Samsung offer an impressive 7 years of OS updates and security patches, meaning these phones will last well into the 2030s. But there’s a storage issue—both base models start at just 128GB, which is pretty disappointing considering their premium price tags. Many mid-range phones now come with at least 256GB as standard, making the storage limitations of these flagships frustrating.

  • No microSD card support on either phone, so you’re stuck with what you buy.
  • If you plan to keep your phone for several years, it’s highly recommended to upgrade to at least 256GB or 512GB storage, especially if you shoot a lot of photos or videos.

AI Integration: Who Does It Better?

Both Google and Samsung are heavily leaning into AI, integrating smart features across their devices.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL AI Features:

  • Gemini AI assistant: Replaces Google Assistant with a smarter, more interactive AI.
  • Circle to Search: Allows you to circle any image or text to instantly search Google for more information.
  • Call Screening & Summarization: Transcribes and summarizes phone calls, meetings, and lectures, making it easier to find important details.
  • AI Photo Editing: Magic Editor, Best Take, and AI-powered enhancements make it easier to tweak images seamlessly.

Galaxy S25 Ultra AI Features:

  • AI Features Submenu: Samsung packs a dedicated AI section into One UI 7, allowing users to manage all AI features in one place.
  • On-Device AI Processing: Unlike Google, Samsung allows AI tasks to be processed locally, rather than through the cloud, enhancing privacy.
  • AI Select & GIF Creation: Quickly create GIFs from videos, useful for social media and messaging.
  • Live Transcription & Audio Eraser: Similar to Google’s AI-powered call summarization, but Samsung adds the ability to remove background noise from conversations.

Is AI a Game Changer or Just a Gimmick?

Samsung is pushing AI features aggressively, even dedicating an entire settings menu to them, while Google incorporates AI more subtly into its Pixel experience. However, the usefulness of AI features largely depends on your needs.

  • If you love AI tools for photography, video editing, and smart search, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is an excellent choice.
  • If you prefer having AI-assisted tools for everyday tasks and on-device processing, the Galaxy S25 Ultra may be a better fit.

That said, many users remain skeptical about AI, seeing it as a marketing gimmick rather than a must-have feature. If you don’t care much for AI, both phones still deliver excellent Android experiences without forcing AI on you.

Final Thoughts on Software & Features

  • Pixel 9 Pro XL delivers the cleanest Android experience with Google’s AI smarts.
  • Galaxy S25 Ultra adds more customization and AI tools, but comes with extra Samsung apps.
  • Both phones offer 7 years of updates, but the 128GB base storage is underwhelming.
  • AI integration varies—Pixel’s AI enhances search and photos, while Samsung’s AI offers on-device privacy and unique video tools.

Choosing between them comes down to whether you prefer a clean, stock Android or an AI-packed Samsung experience. Either way, you’re getting some of the best software support available on an Android phone today.

 


Battery & Charging Speed: Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra

When it comes to battery capacity, there isn’t a massive difference between these two powerhouses. The Pixel 9 Pro XL packs a 5,050 mAh battery, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra comes with a slightly smaller 5,000 mAh cell. Despite this minor difference, both phones are endurance champs, capable of lasting a full day of intense use.

After putting them through real-world testing, I found that both phones could handle hours of screen-on time, including video streaming, gaming, social media, and camera usage, without the need for a midday top-up. Even on a night out, neither phone required an emergency charge.

That being said, gaming does take a heavier toll on the S25 Ultra. With Quad HD+ resolution enabled and performance mode maxed out, I got around four hours of gameplay on Wuthering Waves before the S25 Ultra needed a recharge. The Pixel 9 Pro XL, on the other hand, lasted closer to 4.5 – 5 hours on the same game, suggesting slightly better efficiency when handling demanding tasks.

For those who are obsessed with battery benchmarks, I ran a looped video playback test on both phones to see how long they’d last playing a downloaded movie. The results? Roughly 24 hours of video playback on both devices, which is solid but not groundbreaking.

Now, when it comes to charging speeds, both phones support 45W wired charging—so you’ll get a full charge in roughly the same amount of time. Samsung and Google both continue to exclude a charger in the box, so you’ll need to buy a compatible fast charger if you don’t already own one.

For wireless charging, both support 15W wireless charging speeds, meaning they’re evenly matched there as well. However, Samsung takes a slight edge by supporting the newer Qi2 wireless charging standard, which means better compatibility with magnetic charging accessories in the future. Expect MagSafe-style chargers and stands to become more common for the S25 Ultra.

In the end, both phones deliver great battery life and solid charging speeds, but the Pixel 9 Pro XL edges out the S25 Ultra slightly in gaming endurance. However, Samsung’s Qi2 support gives it a bit more future-proofing when it comes to wireless charging accessories.


Camera Specs & Performance: Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra

When it comes to camera technology, both the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S25 Ultra pack some serious hardware. The S25 Ultra boasts a 200MP primary shooter, a 50MP ultra-wide, and a dual telephoto system with a 50MP 3x zoom and 10MP periscope lens for 5x optical zoom. On the other hand, the Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 50MP primary sensor, a 48MP ultra-wide, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom.

Photo Quality & Color Science

In auto mode—which is how most users will shoot—the Pixel 9 Pro XL produces more natural-looking photos, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra tends to boost colors, resulting in warmer and more vibrant images. While this can make shots look more visually striking, some users might prefer the Pixel’s more accurate color reproduction.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL also excels in HDR photography, handling high-contrast scenes better without oversaturating or blowing out highlights. By contrast, the S25 Ultra occasionally overexposes bright areas, making it less reliable for tricky lighting conditions.

When shooting moving subjects like kids or pets, the Pixel 9 Pro XL consistently delivers sharper images, thanks to its faster processing and better motion handling. The S25 Ultra, on the other hand, sometimes struggles with blur when subjects won’t stay still.

For portrait photography, the Pixel remains the king with more realistic skin tones and better subject separation, while Samsung tends to apply more aggressive processing, which some users may or may not prefer.

Zoom Capabilities

At 3x and 5x optical zoom, both phones perform well, delivering sharp and detailed shots. However, Samsung’s advantage comes at extreme zoom levels, where the S25 Ultra can push up to 100x digital zoom, compared to the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s 30x max zoom. At these higher zoom levels, however, image quality begins to degrade significantly on both phones.

AI Photo Editing Features

Both phones come loaded with AI-powered photo editing tools. The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers powerful tools like:

  • Magic Eraser (removes unwanted objects and people from shots)
  • Sky Editor (adjusts sky colors for that perfect golden-hour effect)
  • Auto Frame (keeps subjects centered in video mode)

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra has its own AI editing suite, including:

  • Object Eraser (similar to Google’s Magic Eraser)
  • AI Auto Enhance (improves colors and contrast automatically)
  • Best Face (helps select the best expressions from multiple shots)

While both phones provide advanced photo-editing tools, Google’s options feel more refined and polished, thanks to years of development in computational photography.

Video Recording & Stabilization

For video lovers, both phones support 4K recording at 30 or 60 FPS, but Samsung offers native 8K recording, while Google only upscales 4K footage to 8K via the cloud.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s “Video Boost” feature helps clean up grainy low-light footage, while Samsung’s night-time video recording is noticeably darker and more murky. However, Samsung’s zoom transitions during video recording are incredibly smooth, making it better for cinematic shots.

Both phones also come with audio-enhancing tools:

  • Pixel’s Audio Eraser is particularly effective at reducing background noise from wind and crowds.
  • Samsung’s AI-powered noise reduction is a newer feature, and while effective, it’s not quite as polished as Google’s implementation yet.

Selfie Cameras

The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 42MP selfie camera, compared to Samsung’s 12MP shooter. However, both support 4K recording at 30 or 60 FPS. If you want HDR10 video recording, Google requires you to drop to 30 FPS, while Samsung handles HDR10 at 60 FPS just fine.

Ultimately, if you prioritize photography, go for the Pixel 9 Pro XL, and if video and zoom are more important, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the better pick.

Pros & Cons of the Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra

✅ Pros:

  • Better Performance (S25 Ultra)With the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, the S25 Ultra handles gaming and heavy tasks better than the Pixel 9 Pro XL with its Tensor G4.
  • Superior Photography (Pixel 9 Pro XL) – Pixel’s AI-driven camera processing produces more natural colors, better HDR, and excellent portrait shots compared to Samsung’s more saturated images.
  • AI Features (Both) – Both phones are loaded with AI tools for photo editing, call summarization, background noise removal, and more. Pixel’s AI tools feel more refined, but Samsung has wider implementation.
  • Long-Term Software Support (Both) – Both Google and Samsung promise 7 years of OS and security updates, ensuring longevity.
  • Better Zoom & Video Capabilities (S25 Ultra) – The dual telephoto setup on the S25 Ultra (3x & 5x) outperforms the Pixel’s single 5x zoom lens, and native 8K video recording gives it an edge.
  • Build Quality & Display (S25 Ultra) – The S25 Ultra’s anti-reflective Gorilla Armor 2 makes outdoor visibility much better, and Samsung’s LTPO OLED is more power-efficient than Pixel’s panel.

❌ Cons:

  • Performance Issues (Pixel 9 Pro XL) – The Tensor G4 isn’t as powerful or efficient as the Snapdragon 8 Elite, leading to occasional lags, especially in gaming.
  • Samsung’s Over-Processing in Photos (S25 Ultra) – Samsung’s aggressive color saturation and oversharpening make some photos look unnatural compared to Pixel’s more balanced approach.
  • Battery Drain in Gaming (S25 Ultra) – While S25 Ultra performs well in gaming, it drains battery faster, offering less playtime than the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Verdict:

And there you have it! The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra are two powerhouse smartphones, each excelling in different areas.

If gaming and performance are your priority, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is hands down the better choice. With its Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, better thermal management, and gaming optimizations, it delivers smooth gameplay even on demanding titles like Wuthering Waves and Genshin Impact. Samsung also takes the crown for video recording, offering native 8K support, smooth zoom transitions, and better stabilization.

On the other hand, if photography is your focus, the Pixel 9 Pro XL wins with more natural image processing, better HDR, and superior portrait photography. It also has better AI-powered editing tools, making post-processing seamless and intuitive.

Both phones pack tons of AI features, 7 years of software updates, and premium build quality, so it really depends on your personal preferences.

So, which one are you leaning towards? The AI-packed, camera-focused Pixel 9 Pro XL or the powerhouse, gaming-ready Galaxy S25 Ultra? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!


Common Questions:

1. Which phone has the better camera: Pixel 9 Pro XL or Galaxy S25 Ultra?

The Pixel 9 Pro XL produces more natural-looking photos, better HDR, and sharper portraits, while the S25 Ultra offers better zoom capabilities and 8K video recording. If you prioritize photography, go for Pixel 9 Pro XL; for versatile video and zoom features, the S25 Ultra is better.

2. Is the Galaxy S25 Ultra better for gaming than the Pixel 9 Pro XL?

Yes, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is significantly better for gaming. It has the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, which offers higher frame rates, better thermals, and improved battery efficiency compared to Pixel’s Tensor G4.

3. Does the Pixel 9 Pro XL or S25 Ultra have better battery life?

Both phones last a full day, but the Pixel 9 Pro XL has a slightly larger battery (5,060 mAh vs. 5,000 mAh) and lasts longer during gaming. However, Samsung has faster charging speeds and supports the latest Qi2 wireless charging.

4. Which phone has the better display: Pixel 9 Pro XL or S25 Ultra?

The S25 Ultra has a better display due to LTPO OLED technology (which dynamically adjusts refresh rate to save battery), higher brightness, and anti-reflective Gorilla Armor 2. The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s display is still excellent, but Samsung wins this category.

5. Is the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s AI better than the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s AI?

Pixel’s AI is more refined, with features like Best Take, Call Screening, and Magic Editor. Samsung’s AI is newer but has more implementation across the UI, such as AI-powered translation, text generation, and automatic trimming for videos.

6. ”Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL” Which phone is more durable?

The S25 Ultra is more durable due to Gorilla Armor 2 glass and a titanium frame, whereas the Pixel 9 Pro XL uses Gorilla Victus 2 glass with an aluminum frame. Both have IP68 water and dust resistance.

7. Does the Pixel 9 Pro XL or Galaxy S25 Ultra have better software support?

Both phones offer 7 years of Android updates, making them future-proof.

8. Which phone is the better buy for most people?

  • If you want a better camera and AI features → Get the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
  • If you want better performance, display, and video features → Get the S25 Ultra.

BUY Google Pixel 9 XL here

BUY Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra here

Daven Klarsen
Daven Klarsen is a technology writer and researcher. He's also an avid sports fan, especially when it comes to the LAL. When not working, you can usually find him tweaking his Android devices or watching soccer news.

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