Samsung Galaxy S25 vs Google Pixel 9: Everything you need to know!

A new year heralds the arrival of a new flagship smartphone from Samsung: the Galaxy S25, set to launch on January 22, with three models: a standard model, a larger “Plus” version, and the upgraded Ultra model.

But how does this base model compare to one of the best phones of 2024, the Google Pixel 9? Here's what we expect, to help you decide which one could become your next smartphone.

Features of Samsung Galaxy S25 vs Google Pixel 9

Prix du Samsung Galaxy S25 vs Google Pixel 9

As the Google Pixel 9 is already available, we know its price precisely. It starts at $799, rising to $899 if you want to double the internal storage capacity to 256GB (a smart choice if you need it, as the Pixel 9 doesn't support expandable storage).

We won't know the price of the Samsung Galaxy S25 until it's officially announced, but indications suggest it could top the S24's $799 when it launches. Given that the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip could significantly increase costs, it's reasonable to expect it to at least match the Pixel 9's starting price, but for now, that remains to be confirmed.

Design and display of the Samsung Galaxy S25 vs Google Pixel 9

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is expected to look a lot like its predecessor, although it has a slightly larger screen. While the S24 featured a 6.2-inch display, its successor will increase that to 6.3 inches.

The Google Pixel 9, on the other hand, is one of the most distinctive phones currently available, with its large rear camera cover approaching iconic status.

The Pixel 9 also has a 6.3-inch panel, but its aspect ratio will likely allow you to squeeze in a few more pixels with its 2424 x 1080 resolution. The S25 is said to maintain the same 2340 x 1080 resolution than its predecessor. Both will support a 120Hz refresh rate, so there are few noticeable differences in terms of screen size between the two devices.

Performances du Samsung Galaxy S25 vs Google Pixel 9

The Pixel 9 is equipped with the Google Tensor 4 chip and 12 GB of RAM. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S25 is expected to feature the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip with the same memory capacity.

While we don't yet know how the Samsung Galaxy S25 will perform in our usual benchmarks, it's reasonable to assume that it will outperform the Pixel 9 in terms of raw speed. Even last year's Qualcomm chipset is well ahead of the Tensor G4 in Geekbench tests and graphics performance, while early benchmarks of the new Elite version indicate a chip that promises to be blazingly fast.

Of course, there's more to phone performance than just speed. The Pixel 9 has a significant advantage over the Samsung Galaxy S25: it benefits from Android designed by Google itself, which guarantees it updates to the latest versions of the OS faster than any other device – a plus not negligible.

There is also the question of artificial intelligence, an area where Google and Samsung are investing a lot recently. It's largely a matter of personal preference: do you prefer Google Gemini or Galaxy's artificial intelligence? The former offers a paid tier, while the latter is currently free (although Samsung has hinted at paid options in the future). Unfortunately, only the Pixel 9 Pro gets a year of free access, which is somewhat disappointing.

Samsung Galaxy S25 vs Google Pixel 9 Cameras

Although the Pixel and Galaxy S models have more expensive versions known for their photography prowess, the entry-level models featured here are no slouch.

However, they have reduced equipment compared to more high-end models. For the Pixel 9, this means the absence of a telephoto lens. You get a dual-camera set including a 50 MP (f/1.68) primary lens and a 48 MP (f/1.7) ultrawide sensor.

Overall, it provides a satisfactory level of performance, as is often the case with Pixel phones. Although the digital zoom does a good job, it doesn't compete with a dedicated telephoto lens for long-distance photography.

On paper, the Samsung Galaxy S25 seems to have the advantage. Camera specs are expected to remain the same as the S24, with a 50 MP (f/1.8) primary sensor, accompanied by a 12 MP (f/2.2) ultra-wide-angle sensor and a 50 MP (f/2.2) telephoto lens. 10 MP (f/2.4) with 3x optical zoom.

While this lack of change may seem disappointing, two points are worth mentioning. First, the S24 is still on our list of best phones for photography (albeit as a value proposition below the Pixel 8a). Second, a camera's raw specs are only part of the equation, and it's possible that Samsung could implement a few tricks, both on the software and hardware sides, to improve this camera system.

Perspectives du Samsung Galaxy S25 vs Google Pixel 9

All in all, it appears that the competition between these two models is shaping up to be a close match, based largely on personal preference. Do you prefer to be among the first to receive the latest version of Android or prioritize faster performance? Are you more of a fan of Google Gemini than Galaxy artificial intelligence? Does the quality of Google's photo processing compensate for the lack of a telephoto lens?

These are legitimate questions. However, with the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S25 fast approaching, it would probably be wise to wait a little longer for the first reviews to arrive and prices to be confirmed. This will allow you to make an informed choice as to which model to purchase.

Plus, if Samsung's latest model only offers a modest update over the S24, you could potentially score a good deal when the price of last year's model inevitably drops.

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