Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. Google Pixel 9: A speculative comparison

We will’t see the longer term. As a lot as we’d prefer to say that the Samsung Galaxy S25 is a fantastic phone the bests anything the company and others have launched to date in the Android space, we don’t know this for sure just yet. The phone isn’t actually launching until the first half of 2025. If launch follows suit with the last two generations, it should he announced before the end of January. With that said, that’s only a few months away.

Knowing the Samsung Galaxy S25 will be the newest entry-level model in the line, likely accompanied by Plus and Ultra variants, that means it will go head-to-head with the Google Pixel 9, that brand’s newest entry-level model as well. So, we thought we’d take a speculative look with this Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. Google Pixel 9 comparison, based on the unconfirmed rumors so far about the Samsung Galaxy S25. Seeing how these two phones could compare may help you start prepping for a decision.

Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. Google Pixel 9: Looks and basics

We haven’t but seen the Samsung Galaxy S25, however there have been leaked renders that suggest the phone will increase in size from the 6.2 inches of the Samsung Galaxy S24 to about 6.36 inches, which is more akin to the size of the new Apple iPhone 16 Pro, while also being lighter.

It seems all three variants of the phone will also employ a similar shape with rounded edges, flat sides, and a flat front. The expectation is that the phone will have the same armor aluminum frame (titanium option for the Ultra variant) with Gorilla Glass Victus 2. It’s additionally anticipated that there shall be a built-in S Pen, although the leaked render pictures don’t present one.

The Galaxy S25 will doubtless include the identical M13 OLED show. Brightness should hover round 2,600 nits. Primarily based on the leaked renders, the digital camera set-up could also be just like the Galaxy Z Fold 6, which resembles a traditional DSLR camera lens with ribbed edges and thick borders.

Regarding other specs, these have not been confirmed, but assuming this phone would at least match the Samsung Galaxy S24, we can say at the very least that the display will be FHD+ with 120Hz refresh (or better), and storage options may include 128GB and 256GB. Since the Galaxy S24 has an IP68 rating, it’s safe to assume the Galaxy S25 will have at least that as well.

When it comes to the battery, it should be at minimum 4,000mAh with support for both wired and wireless charging. Some leaks, however, indicate that the battery could be as large as 5,000mAh. One area that we hope is improved upon is wireless charging speeds: the Galaxy S24 still taps out at 15W and considering so many other phones support much faster wireless charging, it’s time Samsung caught up in this department.

As for finishes, sources claim these may include Moon Night Blue, Silver Shadow, Sparkling Blue, and Sparkling Green for the standard Galaxy S25 variant.

How does this compare to the look and feel of the Google Pixel 9? Already available now, it comes in Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, and Peony. It has a 6.3-inch screen which, if rumors are correct, would make it about the same size as the Samsung Galaxy S25. Its Actua display boasts 2,424 x 1,080 resolution with a refresh rate from 60-120Hz and 2,700 nits peak brightness.

With rounded corners and square design that Derrek Lee says in his review of the Pixel 9 that the polished back with a satin metal frame is “surprisingly comfortable to hold.” The screen is made of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and it boasts an IP68 water and dust resistant rating with a fingerprint-resistant coating.

It comes with 128GB or 256GB storage and a large 4,700mAh battery that’s a big step-up from the Samsung Galaxy S24 and could be the same if Samsung doesn’t improve on this with the Galaxy S25. There’s also an Extreme Battery Saver mode that can extend battery life to up to four days. The Google Pixel 9 supports both fast and wireless charging as well, along with Battery Share for using it to refuel other devices like Google Pixel Buds Pro 2. Lee is impressed with the battery life, saying the phone easily lasts through an entire day with up to eight hours of screen time. But he does find the 27W charging to be “almost unbearably slow.”

A huge advantage with the Google Pixel 9, and all recent Pixel devices, is that Google promises seven years of OS and security updates. Samsung gives the identical for the Galaxy S24, and it’s secure to imagine it will prolong to the Galaxy S25 as effectively.

Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. Google Pixel 9: The specs

Let’s have a look at the specs of those two telephones in a side-by-side comparability. Remember that these specs for the Samsung Galaxy S25 are usually not but confirmed.

There’s quite a bit but we don’t know when it comes right down to the nitty-gritty of the Samsung Galaxy S25. However based mostly on the leaks, renders, rumors, and the specs of the present era Samsung S24, that is our greatest guess as to how the comparability may look.

Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. Google Pixel 9: Options, features, and efficiency

Now, let’s get right down to what’s actually essential: processing energy and options. The Samsung Galaxy S25 was initially considered powered by the “Snapdragon 8 Gen 4” chipset. And whereas that is technically true, a few of the newest rumors counsel it would really include a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset (basically a rebranded chip), marking an excellent greater leap in efficiency due to the Oryon cores. That stated, different rumors counsel Samsung may stick with its in-house Exynos chips.

One factor to notice if it does use the Snapdragon is that it may imply the Galaxy S25 requires an even bigger battery to have the ability to accommodate all this energy. Even when an even bigger battery is a part of the equation, the top consequence might be shorter general battery life, slower charging to accommodate the improved energy and processing, or a wash when it comes to battery life between the S24 and S25. However once more, that is all hypothesis. Plus, some rumors point out that there might be a new AI battery feature that works to conserve up to 10% of the battery life through each day.

We do know that the Samsung Galaxy S25 will launch with Android 15, the most recent model of the working system, and this shall be paired with Samsung’s personal One UI 7. It seems that this model of the Samsung UI could also be one of many largest upgrades but with a brand new visible fashion, further customization choices, new icons, and extra. Some report that there shall be new aminations as effectively, akin to OnePlus’ parallel processing in OxygenOS 15.

After all, it goes with out saying that the Samsung Galaxy S25 will include all the identical AI options you get with the Samsung Galaxy S24 by way of Galaxy AI. The idea is that these options shall be additional enhanced on this new cellphone, together with more parental control features. This is something parents of tweens and teens who monitor their phones will appreciate.

Keep in mind that this OS update should be available for Samsung Galaxy S24 owners as well, and a beta is reportedly going to launch before the end of 2024. Once it does, those who gain access will effectively be getting a preview into what the experience will be like with the Samsung Galaxy S25.

With the Google Pixel 9, it comes out of the box with Android 14, however after all it’s updateable to Android 15, and much past. It’s powered by the Google Tensor G4 processor and has 12GB RAM, making it a strong cellphone that may deal with multi-tasking, video streaming, gaming, and extra. Lee says it performs effectively when opening and juggling apps, and he by no means observed the cellphone getting heat when taking part in particularly intense cell video games.

It, too, has loads of AI options by way of Google Gemini that vary from superior Google Assistant to picture modifying, message composition, and extra. It comes with loads of safety features like Google VPN and end-to-end encryption together with security options like satellite tv for pc SOS, emergency SOS, automobile crash detection, and extra.

How these two telephones examine on the subject of operability will actually come down to 2 primary issues: does the Samsung Galaxy S25 have extra highly effective processing, and the way a lot does this affect battery life? In the long run, nonetheless, each gadgets will doubtless depend among the many strongest telephones you should purchase.

Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. Google Pixel 9: How good are the cameras?

The digital camera expertise is essential for many cellphone customers. These are the reminiscences you seize day by day that you simply’ll doubtless hold for a lifetime, to not point out share with the world by way of social media.

There are rumors that there shall be some large modifications to the cameras within the Samsung Galaxy S25. Notably, the assumption is that Samsung will shift totally to utilizing Sony sensors. Samsung hasn’t traditionally made sweeping modifications to its cameras for the reason that Galaxy S22 jumped from a 12MP primary sensor to a whopping 50MP. And we count on that the Samsung Galaxy S25 gained’t be too far off from the Galaxy S24.

The Samsung Galaxy S24, as a refresher, has a 50MP primary digital camera, 12MP ultrawide digital camera, 10MP telephoto digital camera, and 12MP selfie digital camera. We’re guessing the Samsung Galaxy S25 gained’t be too far off from these numbers. Nonetheless, some rumors do point out the potential of a large leap with a 50MP ultrawide digital camera and a brand new telephoto lens that has variable capabilities, both referring to zoom or aperture.

The Galaxy AI options will prolong to the digital camera expertise as effectively with all the identical cool picture and video capturing and modifying options crossing over to this cellphone as effectively. By way of any new options that shall be added to the expertise, we’ll have to attend and find out about these later.

Google doubtless has nothing to fret about, regardless of the case could also be, because the cameras within the Google Pixel 9 are fairly darned good. Lee says the photographs are “detailed and crisp” with a “nice deal of dynamic vary, even in low lighting situations.” The Pixel 9 has a 50MP primary digital camera as effectively with a large sensor that affords as much as 8x Tremendous Res Zoom. Its ultra-wide digital camera is a powerful 48MP with macro focus however the entrance “selfie” digital camera is a measly 10.5MP. Lee does miss the third rear telephoto digital camera, which the Samsung Galaxy S24 has and the Galaxy S25 might proceed with as effectively.

The same set of picture modifying options utilizing AI are discovered on this cellphone as effectively, like Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, Greatest Take (a fan favourite that permits you to select the perfect expressions of every individual from a number of model of the identical group picture to create the “greatest” one), Picture Unblur, and extra. There’s even a cool Audio Magic Eraser function for modifying and enhancing movies.

Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. Google Pixel 9: Which do you have to purchase?

For a “proper now” resolution, take into account the Google Pixel 9 vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 comparison since the Samsung Galaxy S25 isn’t coming until early 2025, likely by the end of January. If you are willing to wait, then it’s time to weigh the decision based on what you know so far.

Looking at the Google Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy 24, those two devices are pretty close in almost every respect. The Pixel 9 has more RAM and a slightly higher resolution screen than the Samsung Galaxy S24, while the Samsung Galaxy S24’s ultra-wide camera is much lower resolution. If Samsung rectifies all three of these downsides in the Galaxy S25, it would be an even closer race.

Considering how close we are to the Samsung Galaxy S25 launch, it’s a good decision to wait if you’re looking to upgrade from a Samsung Galaxy S23 or earlier phone and trying to decide if you should stick with that camp or opt for a Pixel phone instead. Once you’re armed with all the confirmed specs and details, you can make the most educated decision.

With that said, if you’re desperate to upgrade and need something now, maybe even want to take advantage of Black Friday and holiday deals, the Google Pixel 9 is and will continue to be one of the best Android phones you can buy for some time. The Samsung Galaxy S24 makes that list as well, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 will probably eventually take its place. It all comes down to whether you can bite your nails and wait just a little bit longer to get it.