Google Pixel 9 vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Our Verdict: The comparison is close enough that the best option depends on use rather than brand alone. Pixel 9 gives you the cheaper SIM-free price from £309 and a lighter 198g body, 21g below its rival; Galaxy S25 Ultra gives you the lower contract price from £33.79/mo and the larger 6.8" screen. Choose Pixel 9 when buying SIM-free is the main reason to upgrade, and Galaxy S25 Ultra when contract value matters more.

The Pixel 9 is the cheaper one to own: around £691 over a typical contract, £149 less than the S25 Ultra.

Expert Rating
4.2
13 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.8"
Display
OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2424 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch
421 505
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera
10.5 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery
4,700 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
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/7
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm
Weight
198 grams 219 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
£54.42/mo (£30.00 upfront) £33.79/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£320.00 £569.99

Prices updated 21 July 2026

Google Pixel 9 Google Pixel 9 Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Expert Rating 4.2
13 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.8"
Display OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2424 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch 421 505
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera 10.5 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery 4,700 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
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/7
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm
Weight 198 grams 219 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 £54.42/mo
£30.00 upfront
£33.79/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £320.00 £569.99
Prices updated 21 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel 9

12 Months

128GB

Porcelain

5GB

Data

£54.42 per month, £30 upfront.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

24 Months

256GB

Titanium Black

Refurbished

10GB

Data

£33.79 per month, £29 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 9 is cheaper on contract at £690.54 over the life of the deal from £54.42 per month with £30.00 upfront.

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

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Google Pixel 9's 6.3", the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has the sharper display at 505 pixels per inch versus 421, and the Google Pixel 9 uses a OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

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

The Google Pixel 9 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has a 200 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 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?

The Google Pixel 9 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £320.00.

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

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

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

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

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

The Google Pixel 9 is the more portable of the two: it's 21g lighter at 198 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is slimmer at 8.2mm thick.

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

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 and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra run?

The Google Pixel 9 runs Android 14 and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 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.