Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: We tested both, and here's the winner

Kerry Wan and Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET

At Unpacked 2025 this week, Samsung unveiled its newest flagship smartphone -- the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The mobile device introduces multiple improvements, such as a lighter design, a custom-made Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, and a revamped camera system, just to name a few. The phone has much going for it, but one question remains: is it the best one for you?

Also: One day later with Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra - I'm slowly becoming an AI phone believer

Not every flagship model will be perfect for you, so it would behoove you to look at other options. Case in point: Google's Pixel 9 Pro XL. Both of these smartphones are at the top of their class and have similar specs. There are notable differences between them, allowing the devices to stand out above the rest. Read on if you're stuck between the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Pixel 9 Pro XL to learn which is best for you.

Specifications

You should buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra if...

Kerry Wan/ZDNET

1. You want the better camera

Both smartphones have top-of-the-line cameras, but the Galaxy S25 Ultra has the better set. Much of the system shares similarities with the Galaxy S24 Ultra's camera array, such as the 200MP main lens. But this time around, the device has a brand new 50MP ultrawide camera. According to Samsung, this lens allows users to take "ultra-detailed shots from different angles." Landscape images taken by the device feature "exceptional... vibrancy."

Also: Everything announced at Samsung Unpacked 2025: Galaxy S25, Gemini AI, more

There is more to the S25 Ultra's cameras than just the lenses, as Samsung has made several software changes, too. For example, 10-bit HDR recording is now the default, delivering rich "color expression". Virtual Aperture, a new inclusion, enables depth-of-field control. Other tweaks include improved low-light photography and noise reduction.

2. You want a better processor

Google's Tensor G4 deserves its accolades, but the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite is the superior processor. Compared to the previous model, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, this chipset delivers a 37% increase in processing power and a 30% increase in GPU performance. The neural processing unit (NPU) is gaining a 40% performance boost.

Each model in the Galaxy S25 series houses this chip, but the hardware in the S25 Ultra possesses unique features. ProScaler utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to boost image quality. The mobile Digital Natural Image engine (or mDNIe) inside the processor enables better "display power efficiency." For gaming, the Vulkan Engine, alongside "improved Ray Tracing", ensures smooth, realistic play.

3. You're a fan of the AI features

I hope you're a fan of artificial intelligence because the Galaxy S25 Ultra is packed with generative AI features. Google's Circle to Search is returning with multiple upgrades. It's faster than before and can recognize phone numbers, email addresses, and URLs that appear on screen. Scanning the aforementioned content lets you make calls, send emails, or visit websites directly.

You should buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL if...

Adam Breeden/ZDNET

1. You're shopping on a budget

It goes without saying, but flagship phones aren't cheap. Prices for the Galaxy S25 Ultra start at $1,299.99, so be prepared to pay a premium. If money is an issue, Google's Pixel 9 Pro XL retails for $949. The model has been on the market since August 2024, so there's a good chance that you'll be able to find it on sale at Amazon. Remember that you are buying one of the best smartphones out there, well-suited for various tasks.

2. You want a lightweight phone

When I say a "lightweight phone", I'm not talking about design. The Galaxy S25 Ultra weighs the same as the Pixel 9 Pro XL at 218 grams. I'm referring to software because the number of features a smartphone houses impacts its usability.

As pointed out in our past comparison, the Pixel 9 Pro XL takes a "cleaner approach to software". Google's smartphone wasn't as bloated as the Galaxy S24 Ultra. That fact remains true with S25 Ultra; if anything, the problem has gotten worse. While the Circle to Search upgrade and improved gaming performance are welcome additions, they may be underutilized by the average user.

Also: Why I've used this foldable phone for more than a year - and it's not a Samsung or Google

If you prefer simpler smartphones, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is up your alley. Its features feel less intrusive, giving users some tools to enhance the UI without being overwhelming. It feels more approachable, and people who aren't tech-savvy might find its interface easier to understand.

3. You want a phone that speeds through tasks

Make no mistake: the Galaxy S25 Ultra is powerful. The Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC (system on a chip) indicates the device has robust rendering capabilities. All the AI tools will surely affect people's productivity. But all this tech is supported with just 12GB of RAM, which I would argue is a huge misstep on Samsung's part. 

Review: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

AI software is quite demanding on smartphone hardware, and the relatively low memory could result in slow performance. Google must have recognized this fact when it was developing the Pixel 9 Pro XL, so it gave the phone 16GB of RAM to support its AI tech. This RAM boost is one of the reasons why the smartphone is highly regarded. Granted, our trepidations towards the S25 Ultra's limited memory may disappear once we get our hands on the device. Until then, the memory remains a concern.

Alternatives to consider