Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro: Which Flagship Should You Choose?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a powerhouse of a flagship smartphone, but what if you’re looking for something a bit more compact? While the standard Samsung Galaxy S25 offers a more manageable size, it’s no Galaxy S25 Ultra Mini — which doesn’t exist.

However, Google has stepped up to fill that gap with the Google Pixel 9 Pro. For the first time, Google has packed all of its high-end features into a relatively compact form, promising a near-compromise-free experience.

But does the Google Pixel 9 Pro truly stand up to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra? Is it just a matter of picking your preferred screen size? We’ve tested both devices extensively, awarding them each a stellar 4.5/5 score in our reviews. To declare a winner, let’s break them down in a point-by-point comparison.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro: Price & Availability

Samsung launched the Galaxy S25 Ultra on February 3, 2025, while Google’s Pixel 9 Pro arrived earlier, on September 9, 2024.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra starts at $1,299 for the 256GB model, with the 512GB version priced at $1,419, and the 1TB variant at $1,659.

Meanwhile, the Pixel 9 Pro is more affordable, starting at $999 for 128GB, increasing to $1,099 for 256GB, $1,219 for 512GB, and a 1TB option (available only in the U.S.) for $1,449.

Comparing similar storage configurations, Samsung’s device costs around $200 more than Google’s flagship, making the Pixel 9 Pro a more budget-friendly option.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro: Design & Build

Samsung has redesigned the Galaxy S25 Ultra with flat edges that align with the rest of the Galaxy S25 series — but with sharper corners. In contrast, Google has also embraced a flatter design for the Pixel 9 Pro, resembling the standard Galaxy S25 and even looking somewhat like an iPhone.

Both phones feel premium, but Samsung takes it up a notch with a titanium frame, while Google uses aluminum. Both devices are IP68-certified, meaning they are resistant to water and dust.

From the rear, the Pixel 9 Pro stands out more, thanks to its unique camera module spanning most of the phone’s width. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s camera lenses are more subtle, embedded directly into the back panel.

Samsung’s device is much bigger and heavier, measuring 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2mm and weighing 218g, compared to the Pixel 9 Pro’s more compact 152.8 x 72 x 8.5mm frame and 199g weight.

One major Galaxy S25 Ultra advantage is the integrated S Pen stylus, which remains a unique productivity tool. Google’s phone lacks any stylus support.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro: Display

The Galaxy S25 Ultra sports a massive 6.9-inch OLED screen, while the Pixel 9 Pro features a smaller 6.3-inch OLED display. Both support a 120Hz refresh rate and use LTPO technology, allowing dynamic refresh rate adjustments from 1Hz to 120Hz.

Samsung offers a higher resolution (1440 x 3120) compared to Google’s 1280 x 2856, but since the Pixel 9 Pro’s display is smaller, pixel density is comparable.

Google, however, takes the lead in brightness, with a 3000-nit peak HDR brightness, whereas Samsung maxes out at 2600 nits. This gives the Pixel 9 Pro an edge in outdoor visibility.

While Samsung’s display is more vibrant, some users may prefer Google’s more natural color calibration.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro: Camera Performance

Both smartphones are among the best camera phones available, but they excel in different areas.

Samsung dominates in zoom photography, with two telephoto cameras:

• 10MP 3x telephoto lens
• 50MP 5x periscope telephoto lens

The Pixel 9 Pro, by contrast, has just one 48MP 5x periscope lens. This means Samsung delivers sharper zoom images at various levels.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra also boasts a 200MP main sensor, compared to the Pixel 9 Pro’s 50MP main shooter, allowing for greater detail capture.

On the other hand, Google’s Pixel 9 Pro excels in AI-powered photography, producing more natural colors while Samsung tends to oversaturate blues and greens.

When it comes to night photography, both phones perform exceptionally well, with strong low-light algorithms.

For selfies, the Pixel 9 Pro wins hands-down, thanks to its phenomenal 42MP front camera, compared to Samsung’s 12MP sensor.

In video recording, Google’s Video Boost mode improves sharpness, exposure, and stability, albeit with longer processing times.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro: Performance & Software

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is significantly more powerful, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. In contrast, Google’s Tensor G4 chip lags behind in benchmarks.

While Samsung’s phone is faster and more future-proof, Google focuses on AI-powered enhancements, making the Pixel 9 Pro an intelligent smartphone choice.

Both companies promise seven years of software updates, but Samsung’s superior hardware may hold up better over time.

Google’s clean stock Android UI is far less cluttered than Samsung’s One UI, which comes preloaded with duplicate apps and extra features.

Switching between these flagship devices? Transferring all your photos, videos, and data can be a hassle. That’s where Smart Transfer, the best bookmark manager, comes in!

Smart Transfer is a third-party photo gallery manager app that makes it easy to move data between Android and iOS devices. With fast transfer speeds and no need for cables, it’s the perfect tool for users upgrading from an old phone to a Galaxy S25 Ultra or Pixel 9 Pro. This speed test app is also useful for monitoring your network’s speed.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro: Battery Life & Charging

The Galaxy S25 Ultra houses a 5,000mAh battery, while the Pixel 9 Pro packs a slightly smaller 4,700mAh battery.

Samsung’s larger battery and more efficient processor result in longer battery life, with over 17 hours in lab tests, compared to 13 hours for the Pixel 9 Pro.

Charging speeds are faster on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which supports 45W wired charging, reaching 65% in 30 minutes. The Pixel 9 Pro supports only 27W charging, reaching 55% in the same time.

Both phones support wireless charging, but Google’s Pixel Stand allows for a faster 21W charge, compared to Samsung’s 15W max Qi charging.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro: Final Verdict

Both phones are top-tier flagships, catering to different user preferences:

• Choose the Galaxy S25 Ultra if you want bigger screens, better zoom cameras, an S Pen, and faster performance.
• Go for the Pixel 9 Pro if you prefer a compact phone, AI-powered software, superior selfies, and a cleaner Android experience.

Ultimately, both devices are excellent — your choice depends on what features matter most to you!