I could finally abandon Google Pixel for Samsung Galaxy in 2025, and hardware has nothing to do with it!

As a loyal user of Google Pixel since its beginnings, I pre -ordered the Pixel XL in 2016 and I upgraded my phone every two years, amounting in soaring with the 3 XL pixel, the Pixel 6 Pro and the Pixel 8 Pro. I even acquired a Watch pixel and pixel buds during this course.

Read also: everything that was announced during Samsung Unpacked 2025: Galaxy S25, Gemini AI, and much more

However, for the first time, I am strongly tempted to leave the Google ecosystem. Samsung has today unveiled its latest flagship model, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and although I have never been so impatient to discover one of its smartphones, my interest is mainly from the fact that the Google Pixel range loses Its dominance with regard to new features.

In terms of specifications, the Google Pixel 9 Pro and the Ultra Samsung S25 seem almost identical. The screen sizes only differ from a tenth in thumb, they have a similar weight, have batteries of comparable size and almost equivalent dimensions (the ultra S25 is slightly larger), while offering storage options analogues.

However, when you examine elements beyond simple specifications, things become less equal.

Despite the fact that Gemini is a Google product, the features improved by Gemini appear systematically first on Samsung products. Even IA features of last year, like the “Circle To Search”, appeared on the Galaxy S24 series, and not on the Google Pixel 9 series. Worse still, specific features for pixel, like audio Magic Eraser, have now been transferred to S25, making the advantage of Google obsolete.

In short, if innovation, especially in terms of software, is what you are looking for, Samsung seems to have the advantage on Google at the moment.

Also read: 5 fascinating AI features that make the Samsung Galaxy S25 worthy of a replacement

Regarding processors, there is no possible dispute. Although I do not carry out too intensive operations on my current pixel 8 pro, I sometimes notice a slight slowdown. The Tensor G4 which equips the Pixel 9 Pro is a good processor, but the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite from the Ultra S25 is undeniably superior, with additional features like the AI ​​proscaller to improve the image quality, thus reinforcing the Samsung advance.

In addition, the Ultra S25 takes a clear advantage in terms of photographic capacities.

For me, the main reason for having a pixel has always been the quality of its photos, my Google Photos account being filled with memories of my children and our family trips. I have always been satisfied with the photo performance of my pixel and I liked to adjust the settings to improve my shots.

When I updated to the Pixel 8 Pro at the beginning of last year, the Ultra S24 offered an impressive main 200 MP sensor. This sensor is present in the S25 too, accompanied by an ultrawid target of an additional 50 MP. The difference was justified earlier by saying that most of my photos did not require this extreme zoom, but the addition of a new goal is difficult to ignore. If I really want the best camera, I should opt for Samsung.

Also read: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: We tested them, and here is the winner

Samsung also equaled the 7 years of updates to the operating and security system offered by Google. I am not the type to keep a phone for more than a few years, but with a pre -adolescent at home, discussions around mobile phones are frequent. Knowing that I could transmit a device when I am finished attracts me more.

There are some elements that still hold me at Google. First of all, the Pixel 9 Pro is 350 dollars cheaper than the Ultra S25. In addition, I appreciate the harmony between my pixel watch and my buds pixel which work remarkably well together. I also appreciate that Google phones are devoid of many superfluous software, which avoids having to delete unnecessary applications.

In summary, for the uses I have for a phone, it seems that Samsung wins on Google for the moment. If I remain faithful to Google, it is more by loyalty or by habit.