Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra versus Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Battle of the flagships
If you’re wondering which Android flagship phone to get, here’s a comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The post Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra versus Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Battle of the flagships appeared first on Phandroid.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the latest and most powerful smartphone the company has to offer. However, there are other flagship phones in the market high-up on the list, such as the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. Here’s a comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Both are flagship phones with high-end specs, but they offer different experiences in terms of performance, design, camera, and more.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | Pixel 9 Pro XL |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Tensor G4 |
| Display | 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 1440 x 3120, 120Hz | 6.8″ OLED 1440 x 3120, 120Hz |
| RAM | 12GB (up to 16GB in select regions) | 16GB |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Rear Cameras | 200MP (wide), 50MP (ultra-wide), 50MP (telephoto), 10MP (telephoto) | 50MP (wide), 48MP (ultra-wide), 48MP (telephoto) |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 42MP |
| Battery | 5000mAh, 45W wired, Qi2 wireless | 5000mAh, 30W wired, Qi2 wireless |
| Dimensions | 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2mm | 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm |
| Weight | 218g | 221g |
| OS | Android 15 with One UI 7 | Android 15 with Pixel UI |
| Other Features | IP68, Gorilla Glass Victus 2, WiFi 7, 5G, UWB | IP68, Gorilla Glass Victus 2, WiFi 6, 5G |
Chipset and Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Elite powering the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a significant performance upgrade compared to its predecessor, delivering better CPU, GPU, and AI capabilities. It provides up to a 37% faster processing speed and 40% improved AI performance.
On the other hand, Google’s Tensor G4 chipset, while not quite as focused on raw power, is optimized for AI and machine learning tasks, offering a unique integration with Google’s services. It excels in tasks like real-time translation and optimized camera features but generally lags behind the Snapdragon 8 Elite in terms of raw processing and graphics performance.
If you’re someone that games a lot, the Galaxy S25 Ultra could be a better choice. However, for most day-to-day tasks, the Tensor G4 is more than capable.
Design, Weight, and Dimensions
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is slightly lighter weighing in at 218g with dimensions of 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2mm. It has a refined design with rounded corners and uses Gorilla Glass Armor for extra durability.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL, at 220g and 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5mm, is heavier and slightly larger. Both have IP68 ratings, ensuring they are water and dust-resistant, but the S25 Ultra has a more premium feel due to its enhanced glass.
Camera Comparison
Samsung’s 200MP main sensor on the S25 Ultra is a major highlight, complemented by two telephoto lenses offering 3x and 5x optical zoom.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL, however, focuses on computational photography, with its 50MP main camera and advanced image processing powered by the Tensor G4. While the S25 Ultra has more zoom versatility, the Pixel excels in color accuracy, low-light performance, and AI-driven enhancements for everyday shots.
Samsung’s camera hardware might be “better” on paper, but it’s hard to deny Google excels at computational software for photography. Remember, the company was achieving similar, if not better, results with a single camera lens back in the day when other companies were stuffing their phones with dual lenses.
Battery and Charging
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra comes with a 5,000mAh battery supports faster 45W wired charging, along with Qi2 wireless charging, which provides a smoother and faster wireless experience.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL, on the other hand, has a marginally larger 5,060mAh battery and supports 30W wired charging but offers similar wireless capabilities. Both should easily get through a full day of use, but the S25 Ultra has a slight edge in charging speed.
The difference of 60mAh is honestly very negligible, but in terms of pure numbers it has a slight edge.
Other Features
The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers Wi-Fi 7, UWB, and an advanced vapor chamber for cooling, which makes it better for more intensive tasks that could generate a lot of heat, like gaming. It also has the added benefit of coming with the S Pen stylus.
Granted, it isn’t the same Bluetooth version we saw in the Galaxy S24 Ultra, but it is still packed with features and could be useful for those who like to write or draw by hand.
On the other hand, the Pixel 9 Pro XL focuses more on Google-centric features like deeper integration with Google Assistant, call screening, and more intuitive AI functions. If you’re after a more optimized Android/Google experience, the Pixel 9 Pro XL could be a better choice.
Price
As of now, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is priced starting at approximately $1,299.99, whereas the Pixel 9 Pro XL tends to be slightly more affordable, typically starting around $1,099. Neither phones are in the “affordable” range, but the price difference can make the Pixel a more attractive option if you’re looking for a slightly more budget-friendly flagship.
Both phones represent the top tier of Android smartphones, but your choice will depend on what you prioritize: raw performance and camera versatility from the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, or AI-driven features and Google integration from the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
That being said, Samsung is running some promotions for the Galaxy S25 Ultra. This involves instant Samsung Credit and enhanced trade-in values, so you could end up getting it for much cheaper. Click here if you’d like to learn more or to place your order.
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