Google Pixel 9a vs Samsung Galaxy S25

Our Verdict: For Samsung Galaxy S25 versus Google Pixel 9a, the recommendation depends mostly on what you want from the hardware. The Samsung is ahead for portability, with its Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel, a lighter 162g body, and 128GB to 512GB storage; the Pixel is the better match for its P-OLED panel and a larger 5,100 mAh battery. A bigger mAh figure is useful context, but real battery life still depends on software and chipset efficiency. The Samsung is the better fit for portability, while the Pixel is the one to consider for display quality.

The Pixel 9a is the cheaper one to own: around £399 over a typical contract, £204 less than the S25.

Expert Rating
4.4
13 reviews
4.1
11 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.2"
Display
P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2424 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
421 416
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
13 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery
5,100 mAh 4,000 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
OS
Android 15 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/6 tri-band 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm 146.9 x 70.4 x 7.2 mm
Weight
186 grams 162 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts
£32.97/mo (£0.00 upfront) £17.00/mo (£20.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£264.99 £399.99
Google Pixel 9a Google Pixel 9a Samsung Galaxy S25 Samsung Galaxy S25
Expert Rating 4.4
13 reviews
4.1
11 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.2"
Display P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2424 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 421 416
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 13 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery 5,100 mAh 4,000 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
OS Android 15 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/6 tri-band 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm 146.9 x 70.4 x 7.2 mm
Weight 186 grams 162 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts £32.97/mo
£0.00 upfront
£17.00/mo
£20.00 upfront
SIM-free £264.99 £399.99
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Google Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 9a

12 Months

128GB

Obsidian

6GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£32.97 a month, with FREE phone.

Samsung Galaxy S25
Samsung Galaxy S25

24 Months

128GB

Silver Shadow

Refurbished

1GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£17 a month, £20 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 9a is cheaper on contract at £399.24 over the life of the deal from £32.97 per month with £0.00 upfront.

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

Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.3", both screens are similarly sharp at around 421 pixels per inch, and the Google Pixel 9a uses a P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits panel while the Samsung Galaxy S25 has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

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

The Google Pixel 9a features a 48 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 9a or Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Google Pixel 9a is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £264.99.

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

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

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

The Google Pixel 9a 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 9a or Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is the more portable of the two: it's 24g 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 9a or Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Google Pixel 9a is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min), while the Samsung Galaxy S25 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.

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

Both phones run Android 15.