The Pixel 9 used to be my number-one pick for the best-value smartphone you could buy. Priced at $649 USD, it offers an incredible design and loads of great features and has been my go-to recommendation since its release. But then Samsung dropped the Galaxy S25, and everything I thought I knew about value-packed smartphones got shaken up. Now, the Pixel 9 vs. Galaxy S25 debate has me rethinking which device truly delivers the ultimate bang for your buck.
I’ve spent a few hours with the S25, and let me tell you—things are no longer so clear-cut. With its upgraded features and sleek design, the S25 has me rethinking whether the Pixel 9 can still hold its crown.
So, is the Pixel 9 still the reigning champion of affordable flagships? Or has Samsung delivered a game-changer with the S25? Let’s dive in and find out in our Google Pixel 9 Vs. Galaxy S25 Comparison.
Design & Build Quality
When comparing the Galaxy S25 and Pixel 9, both offer clean, uncontroversial designs that prioritize functionality. Their flat displays and square frames give them a modern, minimalistic appeal, but there are distinct differences that set these two apart.
Starting with the Galaxy S25, Samsung has taken a noticeable step towards lightness and compactness this year. Weighing just 162 grams, it’s significantly lighter than the Pixel 9, which tips the scales at 198 grams. Combined with its slim profile and impressive 90% screen-to-body ratio, the S25 feels sleek and easy to handle, especially for those who prefer smaller, lightweight phones.
On the other hand, Google’s Pixel 9 leans towards a sturdier feel. While slightly heavier, it’s well-balanced, and even with its larger camera bump, the phone remains stable when placed on a flat surface. However, Google’s choice of a glossy finish on the back may divide opinions. While the Pixel 9’s back shimmers attractively, it’s prone to fingerprint smudges, making it harder to keep looking pristine. The S25 counters this with a full matte finish, which is much easier to maintain and arguably looks more premium.
Build quality is a strong point for both phones, with aluminum frames, Wi-Fi 7 support, and USB-C ports. However, when it comes to durability, there’s a slight edge for Samsung. While the Pixel 9 and the base S25 both use Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, Samsung has reserved more robust glass upgrades for its Ultra models. That said, the lightweight and compact design of the S25 doesn’t compromise its sturdy build.
Ultimately, the Galaxy S25’s lighter and sleeker design feels like a step forward for portability, while the Pixel 9’s glossy elegance appeals to those who prefer a slightly heftier, premium aesthetic. Each has its own appeal, depending on your preferences for weight, finishes, and day-to-day practicality.
Display Specs & Features
When it comes to displays, both the Galaxy S25 and Pixel 9 offer impressive screens, but the details make all the difference.
The Pixel 9 comes with a 6.3-inch display sporting a 20:9 aspect ratio, making it slightly larger than the Galaxy S25’s 6.2-inch screen with its 19.5:9 ratio. Both phones deliver full HD resolution and support a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring buttery-smooth scrolling and animations. However, Samsung takes it a step further by equipping the S25 with LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) display technology.
The LTPO panel allows the S25 to dynamically adjust its refresh rate based on the type of content being viewed, potentially conserving battery life. This is a notable advantage, as the Pixel 9 lacks this technology, making it less efficient when handling varying refresh rate demands.
In terms of brightness, the Pixel 9 boasts an impressive 2700 nits of peak brightness, narrowly edging out the S25’s 2600 nits. While both displays are bright enough for outdoor use in sunny conditions, the slight edge goes to the Pixel 9. That said, Samsung’s thinner bezels on the S25 create a more immersive and modern viewing experience, giving it a cleaner aesthetic overall.
One area where the S25 lags is its lack of anti-glare technology, which has yet to make its way to the base model. Despite this, the presence of the LTPO display technology on the S25 makes it the winner in this category. In the Android market, where brands like Samsung and OnePlus are leading the way with LTPO panels, it’s becoming an essential feature for any flagship phone.
Ultimately, the S25’s combination of LTPO technology, thinner bezels, and its highly efficient display design puts it ahead of the Pixel 9. While both screens deliver excellent performance, Samsung’s innovations give it the edge for those who value premium display features.
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Performance and Chipsets
When it comes to performance, both the Galaxy S25 and the Pixel 9 make compelling cases with their hardware and software configurations. The Pixel 9, released five months ago, brought a significant upgrade to the table by introducing 12GB of RAM—a remarkable feat for a base model. Samsung has now followed suit with the S25, upgrading its base model from 8GB (on the S24) to 12GB of RAM. This ensures both devices are well-equipped for multitasking and handling intensive applications.
Storage-wise, both phones offer 128GB in their base models, which should suffice for most users. They also promise long-term support with 7 years of software updates, keeping them relevant and secure for years to come.
The real differentiator lies in the chipsets. The Galaxy S25 features the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, custom-made for Galaxy devices. This chip has already proven its prowess in the OnePlus 13 and continues to position the Galaxy S series as one of the best-performing smartphones on the market.
The Pixel 9, on the other hand, is powered by Google’s Tensor G4 chip, which, while an improvement over its predecessors, has historically been associated with inconsistent performance. The Pixel 9 did manage to shed some of that reputation, delivering good day-to-day performance. However, early issues such as call connectivity and microphone glitches marred its release and required software updates to fix—something that shouldn’t happen with a premium device.
With the Galaxy S25’s advanced Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and increased RAM, users can expect smoother and more consistent day-to-day performance compared to the Pixel 9. While both phones are capable, the S25’s chipset gives it a performance edge, particularly for users seeking reliability and top-tier gaming or multitasking experiences.
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AI Features
When it comes to AI capabilities, the Galaxy S25 and Pixel 9 each bring an array of features aimed at simplifying daily tasks, but they approach it differently. Samsung’s S25 comes loaded with new AI features; however, it’s clear that Samsung is playing catch-up to Google, especially in this space.
Take, for example, the S25’s new call notes feature, which can record, translate, and summarize phone calls. While it’s a welcome addition, it mirrors the functionality Google introduced with the Pixel 9. Similarly, Samsung’s “Best Face” feature is comparable to the Pixel 9’s “Best Take.” This tool analyzes multiple pictures and selects the best facial expressions for each subject in a group photo. It’s an undeniably handy and creative feature, though its practical use may be limited depending on how often you need perfect group shots.
The S25 also debuts features like Audio Eraser, which removes background noise from conversations and video content, and Draw Assist, which generates images based on prompts. These are valuable tools for creators or users working with multimedia content. However, Samsung does take a unique step forward with Auto Trim, a feature designed to identify and remove redundant footage from video clips. While I haven’t personally tested it yet, this could be a game-changer for anyone who edits videos on their phone.
That said, Google still leads in certain areas. Features like the Pixel Screenshot app bring a broader set of functionalities to managing and editing screenshots, which can be surprisingly useful. Although it may seem like a niche feature, it’s one that those who use it find indispensable for enhancing productivity.
Ultimately, the S25 is catching up with its AI offerings and may provide better day-to-day performance overall, thanks to its hardware. However, Google’s Pixel 9 delivers a broader range of established AI tools that many users already rely on to simplify their daily lives. For AI enthusiasts or those who enjoy advanced productivity features, the Pixel 9 might feel more comprehensive, while the S25 still offers a solid suite of creative and functional tools.
Battery and Charging Speed
When it comes to battery capacity, the Pixel 9 holds a clear advantage over the Galaxy S25. The Pixel 9 packs a 4700mAh battery compared to the S25’s 4000mAh, the same capacity as last year’s S24. This difference in capacity gives the Pixel 9 a better starting point for longer battery life.
Although the S25 is equipped with a new and more efficient processor compared to the S24, which could improve battery performance, the Pixel 9’s battery life has improved over time, lasting longer now than it did in its initial release months. Considering the similar Full HD resolution and 120Hz refresh rates on both devices, it’s reasonable to expect the Pixel 9 to outperform the S25 in real-world battery endurance tests.
Charging speeds, however, remain comparable between the two phones. Both devices support fast charging, though neither offers industry-leading speeds. The Pixel 9 and the Galaxy S25 cater to moderate charging needs, so you can expect decent recharge times, but neither is likely to blow you away with their speed.
While the S25 benefits from Samsung’s energy-efficient optimizations, its smaller battery may hold it back when compared to the Pixel 9’s larger capacity. Ultimately, for those prioritizing longer battery life, the Pixel 9 stands out as the more reliable choice in this category. However, if you’re leaning towards the S25 for its other strengths, the battery life should still be satisfactory for most users.
Camera Specs and Features
When comparing the camera systems of the Samsung Galaxy S25 and Google Pixel 9, it’s clear that both phones cater to different types of users. Google, often criticized for leaning too heavily on software to compensate for hardware limitations, takes a different approach with the Pixel 9. This time, Google has made significant hardware improvements, upgrading its ultra-wide camera lens from 12 megapixels to a whopping 48 megapixels. Additionally, the Pixel 9 features a larger aperture than its predecessor, allowing for better low-light performance.
In contrast, the Galaxy S25 retains the same camera specs as the S24, which is a disappointment for those hoping for meaningful upgrades. The S25 offers a 50-megapixel wide-angle lens, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x zoom. On the front, there’s a 12-megapixel selfie camera. While these specs are solid, they don’t introduce any major advancements, like a larger aperture, which Samsung reserved for the S25 Ultra model.
The Pixel 9’s larger aperture and significantly improved ultra-wide lens give it an edge in daytime and low-light photography. Photos taken with the Pixel 9 appear more detailed, natural, and vibrant compared to the S25, which tends to over-saturate colors—a preference that may not suit everyone. However, the Pixel 9 lacks a telephoto lens, which is a notable omission for users who enjoy zoom photography.
The S25’s telephoto lens, capable of 3x optical zoom, excels at capturing distant subjects. Additionally, the S25 supports 8K video recording, a feature the Pixel 9 lacks, as it maxes out at 4K resolution. While 8K video provides a higher level of detail, most users may not notice a significant difference when viewing footage on their phones. In many scenarios, the Pixel 9’s 4K video quality is comparable, with smooth performance and natural color reproduction.
For video enthusiasts, the S25 is the obvious choice, thanks to its 8K capabilities and telephoto lens, which makes capturing distant subjects a breeze. On the other hand, if photography is your priority, the Pixel 9’s improved ultra-wide camera and better low-light performance make it the superior option for still images.
Ultimately, the choice between the S25 and Pixel 9 boils down to your preferences. The S25 shines in video recording and zoom capabilities, while the Pixel 9 offers a more versatile and hardware-driven photography experience.
Verdict
As you can see, the competition between these two phones is tight. It’s hard to pick a clear winner, as both have their strengths. I’m a fan of the matte finish on the S25, and its display is better overall. Day-to-day performance also feels more reliable on the S25 compared to the Pixel 9. However, the Pixel 9 shines when it comes to camera quality, with its photos outshining the S25, and the larger battery gives it a notable edge. The Pixel 9’s design also stands out in my opinion, and it’s leading AI development ahead of Samsung.
While the S25 offers solid features, the price tag is the real issue. At $799, it feels like Samsung has repackaged the S24 in a new body, which doesn’t justify the cost. If you’re looking for value, you’re better off picking up the S24, which is now cheaper. But what do you think? Would you still go for the S25 despite the price? Let me know in the comments!
Pixel 9 vs. Galaxy S25 ”Pros And Cons”:
Galaxy S25
Pros
- Lighter, Compact Design
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite Chip
- LTPO Display
- 8K Video Recording
- Improved RAM in Base Model
- Telephoto Camera Lens
Cons
- Same Camera Hardware as S24
- Smaller Battery Capacity
- Charger Not Included
Pixel 9
Pros
- Larger Battery Capacity
- Upgraded Ultra-Wide Camera
- 12GB of RAM in Base Model
- Consistent Software Experience
- AI & Software Features
- Larger Aperture on Wide Lens
Cons
- No Telephoto Lens
- Inconsistent Performance History
- No 8K Video Recording
Common Questions:
- Which phone has the better camera—Galaxy S25 or Pixel 9?
Answer: It depends on your needs. The Galaxy S25 offers 8K video recording and a telephoto lens for better zoom, while the Pixel 9 excels at still photography thanks to its upgraded ultra-wide lens and refined software processing. - Does the Galaxy S25 come with a charger in the box?
Answer: No. Like other recent Samsung flagships, the S25 does not include a charging adapter, so you’ll need to purchase one separately if you don’t already have a compatible charger. - Which phone lasts longer on a single charge—Galaxy S25 or Pixel 9?
Answer: Generally, the Pixel 9 has an advantage with its 4,700mAh battery, which is larger than the S25’s 4,000mAh cell. However, the S25’s newer, more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite chip may help balance things out. - Do both Pixel 9 and Galaxy S25 support 5G?
Answer: Yes. The Galaxy S25 and Pixel 9 both support 5G connectivity. They’re compatible with most major 5G networks, though available bands may vary by region. - Can the Pixel 9 record 8K video like the Galaxy S25?
Answer: No. The Pixel 9 is limited to 4K resolution, while the Galaxy S25 supports 8K video recording. If high-resolution video capture is a priority, the S25 might be a better fit. - Which phone has better software features for AI, the Pixel 9 or Galaxy S25?
Answer: The Pixel 9 offers a more established suite of Google AI tools, such as advanced call screening, Best Take, and screenshot utilities. Samsung’s S25 has caught up in some areas but still trails Google when it comes to AI-driven software features. - How much RAM do Pixel 9 and Galaxy S25 have?
Answer: Both phones start at 12GB of RAM, which ensures smooth multitasking and performance. This is a notable improvement from previous models, which often began at 8GB or less.