Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Which to Buy?

Samsung and Google have released their flagship smartphones: the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Both devices offer cutting-edge performance, stunning displays, and powerful AI features. But which one is the better choice for you?

Let’s compare their key features and differences to see how they stack up.

Design & Display

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra maintains a similar design to its predecessor but includes subtle improvements like rounded corners for better comfort and a slimmer, lighter build.

With a 6.9-inch AMOLED screen, 2600 nits peak brightness, improved anti-reflective coating, and slimmer bezels, the S25 Ultra provides an excellent user experience.

The device’s flat edges, titanium frame, and Corning Gorilla Armor 2 offer a premium feel and exceptional durability.

On the other hand, the Pixel 9 Pro XL features a design reminiscent of the latest iPhones. While the matte back and camera visor add character, the flat edges and shiny frame make it less distinctive.

However, with a 6.8-inch OLED Super Actua display offering stunning color accuracy, 3000 nits peak brightness, and exceptional HDR performance, the Pixel 9 Pro XL competes well in terms of visual quality.

Jon Mundy / Foundry

In summary, the S25 Ultra offers a larger display and refined design with better durability, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL excels in display brightness and color accuracy.

Performance

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy with 12GB of RAM, the Galaxy S25 Ultra delivers exceptional performance in gaming and multitasking.

The One UI 7 software provides a fluid experience, and the integration of Galaxy AI features enhances user interactions.

Additionally, the AI-powered ProScaler feature improves image quality, although the impact may be subtle.

Luke Baker

On the other hand, the Pixel 9 Pro XL focuses on AI capabilities rather than raw performance. Despite the Tensor G4 chip being slower than the Snapdragon 8 Elite, the device’s 16GB of RAM enhances AI-driven tasks and future-proofs the phone.

Features like Add Me in group selfies and Pixel Screenshots with AI summaries showcase Google’s software innovation. Google’s Gemini assistant outperforms Samsung’s AI offering due to deeper integration with apps and services.

However, users have the option to switch from Bixby to Gemini as well.

Jon Mundy / Foundry

In our Geekbench 6 multi-core test, the S25 Ultra scored 9413 points, surpassing the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s 4554 points. Based on this, the S25 Ultra excels in raw speed and gaming performance.

Cameras

The S25 Ultra maintains the camera setup of the Galaxy S24 Ultra, with only the ultrawide sensor upgraded to 50Mp.

Despite the older 10Mp 3x telephoto sensor, Samsung’s software enhancements result in more natural skin tones and improved detail.

The addition of 8K Log recording may appeal to videographers but lacks the quality of ProRes.

Luke Baker

On the other hand, the Pixel 9 Pro XL introduces a new 42Mp selfie camera and advanced AI features like Zoom Enhance, which enhances low-resolution zoom shots.

Despite a rear camera system nearly identical to the Pixel 8 Pro, Google’s superior image processing produces stunning results in various lighting conditions.

Additional features like Add Me and Reimagine bring creativity to photography, although they may be considered gimmicky by some.

Jon Mundy / Foundry

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Ultimately,