Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S25

Our verdict: Looking at total contract cost, the Samsung Galaxy S25 is £252.03 less expensive than the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. On the screen front, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL pulls ahead with 6.8" and 460 PPI. Selfie fans take note: the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 42MP front camera. At 162g, the Samsung Galaxy S25 is the lighter of the two.

Screen
6.8" 6.2"
Display
LTPO AMOLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1280 x 2856 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
460 416
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
42 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
OS
Android 14 Android 15
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm 146.9 x 70.4 x 7.2 mm
Weight
199 grams 162 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts
£71.08/mo (£30.00 upfront) £11.95/mo (£375.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£358.00 £489.99
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Samsung Galaxy S25 Samsung Galaxy S25
Screen 6.8" 6.2"
Display LTPO AMOLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1280 x 2856 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 460 416
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 42 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
OS Android 14 Android 15
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm 146.9 x 70.4 x 7.2 mm
Weight 199 grams 162 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts £71.08/mo
£30.00 upfront
£11.95/mo
£375.00 upfront
SIM-free £358.00 £489.99
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S25 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S25 is cheaper on contract at £631.80 over the life of the deal from £11.95 per month with £375.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S25's 6.2", the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the sharper display at 460 pixels per inch versus 416, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL uses a LTPO AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S25 has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £358.00.

What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S25 use?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is powered by the Google Tensor G4 (4nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S25 uses the Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is the more portable of the two — it's 37g lighter at 162 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.9 x 70.4 x 7.2 mm, and is slimmer at 7.2mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S25?

Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.

What operating system do the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S25 run?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL runs Android 14 and the Samsung Galaxy S25 runs Android 15. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.