The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra are two of the most powerful Android flagships of 2025, each bringing unique strengths to the table. From design and display to cameras, processors, battery life, and pricing, this blog dives deep into how these titans stack up.
Below, we compare their key features with detailed side-by-side tables to help you decide which phone suits your needs best.
Design Specs
Both the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S25 Ultra boast premium designs, but they cater to slightly different aesthetics and priorities. Let’s break down their dimensions, weight, IP rating, and shape.
Dimensions, Weight, IP Rating, and Shape
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a slightly larger footprint with a more boxy design, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL opts for a sleeker, more rounded aesthetic.
Samsung’s use of titanium and Gorilla Armor 2 gives it a durability edge, but the Pixel’s aluminum frame and glossy finish add a touch of elegance. Both phones are IP68-rated, ensuring resistance to dust and water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
| Feature | Pixel 9 Pro XL | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm | 163.1 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm |
| Weight | 221 g | 219 g |
| IP Rating | IP68 (dust and water resistant) | IP68 (dust and water resistant) |
| Shape | Flat sides, rounded corners, glossy aluminum frame | Flat sides, slightly rounded corners, matte titanium frame |
| Materials | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back), aluminum frame | Gorilla Armor 2 (front/back), titanium frame |
Analysis: The S25 Ultra is marginally slimmer and lighter, with more durable materials.
The Pixel’s polished frame and pronounced camera bar give it a distinctive look, but the Galaxy’s titanium frame and S Pen stylus (unique to Samsung) make it feel more premium and functional for productivity.
Display Comparison
The display is a critical component for any flagship phone, and both devices deliver stunning visuals. However, there are subtle differences in size, brightness, and technology.
Screen Size, Resolution, and Features
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a slightly larger 6.9-inch AMOLED display compared to the Pixel’s 6.8-inch OLED.
Both support a 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smooth scrolling, but the Pixel edges out in peak brightness, making it better for outdoor visibility.
The S25 Ultra’s anti-reflective coating and better color gamut coverage enhance its viewing experience.
| Feature | Pixel 9 Pro XL | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.8-inch OLED Super Actua | 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2992 x 1344 (486 ppi) | 3088 x 1440 (501 ppi) |
| Refresh Rate | 1-120Hz (LTPO) | 1-120Hz (LTPO) |
| Peak Brightness | 3000 nits | 2600 nits |
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Gorilla Armor 2 |
| Additional Features | HDR10+, excellent color accuracy | HDR10+, anti-reflective coating, mDNIe for efficiency |
Analysis: The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s brighter display is ideal for HDR content and outdoor use, while the S25 Ultra’s slightly higher resolution and anti-reflective coating make it a better choice for vivid colors and reduced glare.
Both displays are top-tier, but your preference may depend on whether brightness or color accuracy matters more.
Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Galaxy S25 Ultra Camera Comparison
Photography is a cornerstone of both phones, with each excelling in different scenarios. The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers more lenses, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL leverages Google’s superior image processing.
Main Camera
The S25 Ultra’s 200MP main sensor delivers high-resolution shots with excellent detail, especially in daylight.
The Pixel’s 50MP main camera, while lower in resolution, produces cleaner images with better shadow detail in low light, thanks to Google’s computational photography.
| Feature | Pixel 9 Pro XL | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.7, OIS, 1/1.31″ sensor | 200MP ISOCELL HP2, f/1.7, OIS |
| Ultrawide | 48MP, f/1.7, 123° FOV | 50MP, f/1.9, 120° FOV |
| Telephoto | 48MP, f/2.8, 5x optical zoom | 10MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom; 50MP, f/3.4, 5x optical zoom |
| Key Features | Add Me, Magic Editor, Panorama mode | Virtual Aperture, Audio Eraser, ProScaler |
Analysis: The S25 Ultra’s quad-camera setup, including dual telephoto lenses, offers more versatility for zoom and portraits.
However, the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s AI-driven features like “Add Me” and superior low-light performance make it a strong contender for point-and-shoot photography.
Selfie Camera
The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s 42MP selfie camera is a standout, offering sharper and more detailed selfies, especially in group shots due to its wider 17mm lens.
The S25 Ultra’s 12MP selfie camera is solid but less impressive in resolution and field of view.
| Feature | Pixel 9 Pro XL | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Selfie Camera | 42MP, f/2.2, 17mm (wide), autofocus | 12MP, f/2.2, 26mm, autofocus |
| Key Features | Portrait mode, ultrawide selfies | Portrait mode, slightly warmer tones |
Analysis: The Pixel 9 Pro XL takes the lead for selfies, especially for group shots and creative photography, while the S25 Ultra’s warmer tones may appeal to those who prefer a vibrant aesthetic.
Video Shooting Capabilities
Both phones excel in video recording, but they cater to different needs.
The Pixel’s Video Boost mode enhances sharpness and stability, while the S25 Ultra’s Audio Eraser and 10-bit HDR recording improve audio and color quality.
| Feature | Pixel 9 Pro XL | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Max Resolution | 8K at 30fps, 4K at 60fps | 8K at 30fps, 4K at 120fps |
| Stabilization | Optical + electronic, Video Boost | Optical + electronic, improved low-light |
| Key Features | High contrast, good stabilization | Audio Eraser, Virtual Aperture, 10-bit HDR |
| Performance | Strong in daylight, overly contrasty | Better at 2x, 3x, 5x zoom, cleaner night shots |
Analysis: The Galaxy S25 Ultra has an edge in zoom video quality (especially at 3x and 5x) and low-light performance, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s Video Boost makes it ideal for stabilized, high-quality daylight videos.
Pixel 9 pro XL vs Galaxy S25 ultra Processors
Performance is a key differentiator, with the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Elite outpacing the Pixel’s Tensor G4 in raw power and efficiency.
| Feature | Pixel 9 Pro XL | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Google Tensor G4, Titan M2 security | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (for Galaxy) |
| CPU | Octa-core, up to 3.1 GHz | Octa-core, up to 4.47 GHz |
| RAM | 16GB | 12GB/16GB (depending on storage) |
| Performance | Smooth for daily tasks, weaker in gaming | Superior for gaming, AI, multitasking |
| Benchmarks | Lags behind Snapdragon in CPU/GPU scores | Outperforms most 2025 flagships |
Analysis: The Snapdragon 8 Elite in the S25 Ultra is significantly faster, making it better for gaming, AI tasks, and future-proofing.
The Pixel’s Tensor G4 is adequate for most users but struggles with high-end gaming and intensive workloads.
Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Galaxy S25 Ultra Battery Life
Battery life is a close race, with both phones offering robust performance but differing in capacity and charging speeds.
| Feature | Pixel 9 Pro XL | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 5060 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Wired Charging | 37W (0-55% in 30 min) | 45W (0-70% in 30 min) |
| Wireless Charging | 23W (with Pixel Stand) | 15W |
| Battery Life | ~1.5 days with moderate use | ~2 days with light use, better efficiency |
| Efficiency | Good, but less efficient than Snapdragon | Excellent due to Snapdragon 8 Elite |
Analysis: The S25 Ultra’s superior processor efficiency and faster wired charging give it a slight edge, especially for light users who can stretch it to two days.
The Pixel’s larger battery and faster wireless charging are advantages, but it lags slightly in real-world efficiency.
Prices
Price is a significant factor, with the Pixel 9 Pro XL offering better value due to its lower starting price and frequent discounts.
| Feature | Pixel 9 Pro XL | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Base Model (128GB) | $1099 (often discounted to ~$950) | N/A (no 128GB option) |
| 256GB | $1199 | $1299 |
| 512GB | $1319 | $1419 |
| 1TB | $1549 | $1659 |
Analysis: The Pixel 9 Pro XL is $200 cheaper at the base level and benefits from frequent discounts, making it more accessible. The S25 Ultra’s higher price reflects its superior hardware and S Pen, but it’s less budget-friendly.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the ultimate Android powerhouse, excelling in performance, battery efficiency, and camera versatility, especially for zoom and video.
Its premium materials, S Pen, and robust build make it ideal for power users and productivity enthusiasts. However, its $1299 starting price is steep.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL shines with its cleaner software, superior selfie camera, and AI-driven photography features. At $1099 (and often less with discounts), it’s a better value for most users who prioritize photography and a streamlined Android experience.
Choose the Galaxy S25 Ultra if you need top-tier performance, a stylus, or the best zoom capabilities. Choose the Pixel 9 Pro XL if you want a more affordable flagship with excellent cameras and Google’s AI smarts.
Both are exceptional, but your choice depends on budget and priorities.
