For the last couple of weeks, the spotlight has been on the Samsung Galaxy S25 series as it went through pre-order and launch phases. Now that it's fully launched, let's explore what else is out there. Google has been steadily building up its market share. While it's not yet at Samsung's level, its latest flagships pose a serious challenge to the Galaxy line.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL couldn't quite match the Galaxy S25 Ultra in camera prowess during our head-to-head comparison, though the Galaxy didn't have a huge lead either. The Pixel has unique features such as ultra-wide selfies and a different take on Android, which some may find preferable.
Even if the Pixel can't beat the Galaxy in performance (with the Snapdragon 8 Elite easily topping the Tensor G4), price might give the Pixel an edge. The Pro XL starts at $1,000 for a 256GB phone, whereas the S25 Ultra starts at $1,300 (with a $200 gift card included, but still).
The Google Pixel 9 Pro shares the exact same camera setup as its XL sibling. While it may not beat the Ultra, the Samsung Galaxy S25 features a more basic camera setup, lacking the 200MP main and periscope cameras of the Ultra. However, the Galaxy maintains a performance advantage.
The Pixel is larger and heavier (199g vs. 162g), but their batteries are evenly matched in terms of both endurance and charging speed. Price-wise, the Pixel 9 Pro and Galaxy S25 are similarly priced for 256GB models: $900 and $860, respectively (the latter includes a $100 gift card).
Both companies offer cheaper alternatives to their flagships. From Google, it's the Pixel 9, starting at $650 for a 128GB model. It resembles the Pro model but includes a lower resolution non-LTPO display and lacks a telephoto camera. You can find a more detailed comparison here.
Samsung's budget option is the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. Interestingly, it uses an Exynos 2400e instead of a Snapdragon, which performs well for its price and is notably faster than the Tensor G4. This model includes a telephoto camera, an 8MP 75mm unit, but its ultra-wide is only 12MP compared to 48MP on the Pixel 9.
Google also offers the Pixel 8a, starting at $400. This is more of a mid-ranger with the older Tensor G3 chip and slower charging, although both wired and wireless options are available. A Pixel 9a has been rumored for a while now and is expected to launch in late March.
Samsung and Google both offer tablets, although only the Korean company has a wide variety of offerings. The two we are examining are evenly matched, both costing $300 for a 128GB model, with the 256GB variants being $10 apart.
Both are 10.9” tablets with IPS LCDs—90Hz on the Galaxy compared to 60Hz on the Pixel, though the Pixel Tablet has a higher pixel density. Both displays support styluses. However, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE features DeX for multitasking, includes a microSD slot, and is rated IP68 for dust and water resistance, compared to no IP rating on the Pixel. The Galaxy also has a larger battery with faster charging (8,000mAh, 45W vs. 7,020mAh, 15W).
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