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Samsung and Google have released their flagships: the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Both promise advanced performance, stunning displays and powerful AI functions, but which is the better buy for you?
Let us investigate their most important characteristics – and their biggest differences – to see how they stack.
Design and display
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is closely kept in the design of its predecessor, but introduces subtle improvements, such as rounded corners for better comfort, and a slimmer, lighter build.
The 6.9-inch Amoled screen with 2600 Nits peak clearance, improved anti-reflecting coating and slimmer Bezel make it a pleasure to use.
The flat edges and titanium frame give it a premium feeling, while the exclusive Cornilla Armor 2 offers exceptional durability.
Luke Baker
The Pixel 9 Pro XL, on the other hand, takes on a more derived design, with comparisons with the latest iPhones. While the Matt add back and camera bizier character, the flat edges and the shiny frame feel less different.
The 6.8-inch OLED Super Actua display, however, provides a stunning color accuracy, 3000 nits peak clearance and exceptional HDR performance, making it a worthy visual quality competitor.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
The S25 Ultra offers a larger display and more refined design with better durability, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL excels in the brightness of the display and color accuracy.
Performance
The Galaxy S25 Ultra, powered by the Snapdragon 8 -Elite for Galaxy with 12 GB RAM, offers sizzling performance in gaming and multitasking.
The One UI 7 software feels fluent and the integration of Galaxy AI offers functions such as Now letter, which regularly offers updated summaries and improved circle for searching.
Moreover, the AI-driven proscaler function increases image quality, although its impact is subtle.
Luke Baker
In the meantime, the Pixel 9 Pro XL uses a different approach, aimed at AI instead of raw performance. Although the Tensor G4 chip is slower than the Snapdragon 8-Elite, it has 16 GB of RAM, which improves AI-driven tasks and the device is future-confirmed.
Functions such as ADD Me in Group Selfies, and Pixel screenshots with AI-entertainment emphasize the software-centric innovation of Google. Although the software experience is comparable, the Gemini assistant from Google performs better than Samsung’s range thanks to deeper integration with apps and services.
However, you can always exchange Bixby for Gemini.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
In our Geekbench 6 Multi-Core test, the S25 Ultra 9413 points scored, leaving the Pixel 9 Pro XL with just 4554 points. Based on that, the S25 ultra wins in raw speed and gaming performance.
Cameras
The S25 Ultra retains the camera setup of the Galaxy S24 Ultra, with only the ultrawide sensor upgraded to 50MP.
Despite its aging 10MP 3x telephoto sensor, the Samsung software improvements provide more natural skin tones and better details.
The addition of 8K logs can rely on videoographers, but is lacking in prores-equivalent quality.
Luke Baker
The Pixel 9 Pro XL, however, pushes boundaries with a new 42MP selfie camera and advanced AI functions such as Zoom Enhance, which sharpen those zoom shots with low resolution.
Despite an almost identical camera system for the rear of the Pixel 8 Pro, the superior image processing of Google results in stunning results in both daylight and little light.
Add me and re -imagine functions bring extra creativity for photography, but can feel Gimmicky for purists.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Ultimately, the Pixel 9 Pro XL leads with better selfie performance and AI-improved photography, while the S25 Ultra remains strong for video recording and color accuracy.
Other differences
While the Galaxy S25 Ultra has a battery of 5000 mAh, the Pixel 9 Pro XL opts for a slightly larger 5,060 mAh cell.
However, the latter can only charge a maximum of 37W, compared to the 45W wired charging of the S25 Ultra. On the other hand, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers wireless charging a little faster at 23W, compared to the 15W of the S25 Ultra.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL charges from 0 to 55% in 30 minutes, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra can go from flat to around 70% in just half an hour.
The battery life is comparable, with both phones that last for at least a day of moderate use, although the S25 Ultra benefits from a larger vapor room for better thermal management.
Software Longevity is tuned evenly, with both brands that promise seven years of updates.
Price and availability
The Galaxy S25 Ultra starts at £ 1249/$ 1299 for the 256 GB model and rises to £ 1349/$ 1419 for the 512 GB version. In addition, the 1TB model costs £ 1549/$ 1659.
It is available on the Samsung UK and Samsung US sites, and there are also some attractive offers available on Amazon UK and Amazon US.
View our guide for the best Samsung Galaxy S25 series Deals to ensure that you get the best price.
The 128 GB model starts things from £ 1,099/$ 1.099, while the 256 GB model £ 1,199/$ 1,199 costs, the 512 GB unit costs £ 1,319/$ 1.319, and the range topping 1TB model will return you £ 1.549/$ 149.
The phone is fully available at Google and Amazon in the UK and Google and Amazon in the US.
See more options in our pixel 9 -deal article.
Pronunciation
The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers top view, gaming performance and sustainability, but the camera upgrades disappoint.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL, on the other hand, shines with AI functions, smart software and great cameras, especially for selfies, while they are more affordable.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your needs, but you must opt for the S25 Ultra for power and hardware and the Pixel 9 Pro XL for AI, photography and value.