Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S25
Our Verdict: The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the bigger battery of the two, 5060mAh against 4000mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.8" against 6.2" and sharper at 460 PPI. The Pixel 9 Pro XL goes up to 1TB of storage, where the Samsung Galaxy S25 tops out at 512GB, and the S25 is the lighter phone at 162g against 199g. Get the Pixel 9 Pro XL if those extras are worth it to you; otherwise the S25 covers the basics for less.
The S25 is the cheaper one to own: around £593 over a typical contract, £297 less than the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
13 reviews 4.1
11 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
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Samsung Galaxy S25
|
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.4 13 reviews |
4.1 11 reviews |
| 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) |
| Battery | 5,060 mAh | 4,000 mAh |
| 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 |
£22.00/mo
£20.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £399.99 | £439.99 |
| Prices updated 26 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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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 £593.00 over the life of the deal from £22.00 per month with £20.00 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 £399.99.
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.