Galaxy S25 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S25
Starting at
£475.30£799.00 new
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Starting at
£400.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S25 and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
Galaxy S25 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL starts at £400, £75.30 less than the Galaxy S25. The Galaxy S25 is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) on the Galaxy S25, Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) on the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.
- The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has more RAM: 16 GB vs 12 GB.
- The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a bigger battery: 5060 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
Galaxy S25 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL specs
The Galaxy S25 and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL differ in several key areas that suit different users. The Galaxy S25 is more compact and lighter, with a 6.2-inch screen and 12 GB of RAM, making it easier to handle and comfortable for everyday tasks. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a larger 6.8-inch display with higher resolution, 16 GB of RAM, and a bigger battery, ideal for users who want more screen space, detailed visuals, and longer battery life. Storage options also vary, with the Pixel offering up to 1TB. Both run Android and support 5G, so choice depends mostly on size preference, memory needs, and battery capacity.
Galaxy S25 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL price
Colour
- BlackStarting at £476.25
- BlueStarting at £476.25
- Dark BlueStarting at £475.30
- RedStarting at £484.30
- GreenStarting at £476.25
- SilverStarting at £476.25
- Rose GoldStarting at £484.30
- BlackSold out
- BeigeSold out
- GreySold out
- PinkSold out
Storage
- 128GBSold out
- 256GBSold out
- 512GBSold out
- 1TBSold out
Galaxy S25 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and device design, which affect how long and well the phones perform over time.
Battery Capacity
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 5060 mAh battery, which is larger than the Galaxy S25's 4000 mAh. This means the Pixel is better suited for users who prioritise longer usage between charges, especially during heavy or all-day use. The Galaxy S25's battery can still comfortably handle typical daily tasks but may need more frequent charging with intensive use.
Software Updates
This means either phone will keep pace with software improvements for the foreseeable future.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S25 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL performance
Performance focuses on processing power, memory, and storage options, which affect speed, multitasking, and how much data you can keep on your phone.
Processor Technology
The Galaxy S25 uses the Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset built on a 3 nm process, which is designed for efficiency and power. The Pixel 9 Pro XL runs the Google Tensor G4 on a 4 nm process. Depending on your preference for Qualcomm or Google chipsets, each delivers strong performance for apps and gaming.
Memory Capacity
The Pixel 9 Pro XL comes with 16 GB of RAM, which is more than the Galaxy S25's 12 GB. More RAM helps keep a larger number of apps open and running smoothly, which benefits power users and multitaskers. The Galaxy S25 still offers plenty of memory for everyday use and most apps.
Storage Options
Both devices offer 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage sizes. The Pixel 9 Pro XL also offers a 1TB storage option, which suits users who need extensive space for files, photos, videos, and apps. The Galaxy S25 covers typical needs with its available storage sizes.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S25 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL screen
Screen quality covers size, resolution, and type, influencing how much you see and how sharp and smooth visuals appear.
Screen Size
The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a larger 6.8-inch screen, which provides more room for video, gaming, and reading. The Galaxy S25's 6.2-inch display offers a more compact experience, better for one-handed use and easier portability.
Screen Resolution
The Pixel 9 Pro XL's screen resolution is 1344 x 2992, which is higher than the Galaxy S25's 1080 x 2340. This means the Pixel delivers sharper images and finer detail, suitable if you value crisp visuals for photos or media.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy S25 features a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate, which offers smooth scrolling and vibrant colours. The Pixel 9 Pro XL uses an LTPO OLED screen also at 120 Hz, delivering fluid motion and rich colours. Both screens provide smooth, high-quality viewing experiences.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S25 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL camera
Audiovisual specs cover cameras and front camera resolution, important for photography and video calls.
Main Cameras
Both phones have triple main cameras with a 50-megapixel primary sensor. This means each device can capture detailed photos with multiple lenses, suitable for versatile photography.
Front Camera Resolution
The Galaxy S25's front camera has a 50 MP sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and 24mm wide angle, making it well suited for high-resolution selfies and video calls. The Pixel 9 Pro XL's front camera has 42 megapixels, which also supports detailed self-portraits and video chats. Both will deliver clear front-facing images.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S25 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL size and design
Miscellaneous specs include size, weight, SIM card options, and connectors, which affect daily handling and compatibility.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy S25 is smaller and lighter, measuring 146.9 mm tall, 70.5 mm wide, 7.2 mm deep, and weighing 162 g. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is larger and heavier at 162.8 mm tall, 76.6 mm wide, 8.5 mm deep, and 221 g. The Galaxy suits those who prefer a compact, lightweight phone, while the Pixel offers a bigger device for those comfortable with more screen space.
SIM Card Setup
The Galaxy S25 supports dual physical SIM cards, which is useful if you want to use two separate phone numbers with physical SIMs. The Pixel 9 Pro XL supports one physical SIM and one eSIM, which can offer more flexibility for switching carriers or plans without changing a physical card.
Network and Connector
Both phones support 5G networks and use USB-C connectors, ensuring fast mobile data and standard charging and accessories.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S25 or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S25 if
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (50 megapixels vs 42 megapixels)
- you want longer software support (until Feb 2032 vs until Aug 2031)
- you want a lighter build (162 g vs 221 g)
Buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £400, £75.30 less than the Galaxy S25
- you want more RAM (16 GB vs 12 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5060 mAh vs 4000 mAh)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S25 often praise how the phone looks like new and highlight its excellent battery health. Many appreciate the phone's performance and camera quality, noting it feels like a new device at a reduced price. Some users find it perfect for everyday use and value its compact size. However, a few customers experienced issues with network compatibility or phone activation.
Pixel 9 Pro XL customers frequently comment on the phone appearing like new and working perfectly. They mention the fast performance and impressive camera, with battery health generally good for refurbished units. The larger screen and higher RAM suit users who want a spacious device with smooth multitasking. Some users note minor screen scratches that were easily managed with a protector.
Overall, the Galaxy S25 suits buyers wanting a lighter, smaller phone with reliable battery and solid performance. The Pixel 9 Pro XL fits those who prefer a larger display, more memory, and longer battery life, especially if storage or eSIM flexibility is important.
Galaxy S25 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL FAQs
Galaxy S25 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) on the Galaxy S25, Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) on the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has more RAM: 16 GB vs 12 GB.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is cheaper refurbished, from £400 compared with £475.30 for the Galaxy S25.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a bigger battery: 5060 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 50 megapixels.
The Galaxy S25 gets updates until Feb 2032. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL gets updates until Aug 2031.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S25 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
