Google Pixel 9a vs Samsung Galaxy S25

Our verdict: On contract, the Google Pixel 9a works out £252.00 cheaper overall than the Samsung Galaxy S25. If you'd rather buy outright, the Google Pixel 9a starts at £259.99 SIM-free. The Samsung Galaxy S25 gives you more flexibility with 3 storage options to choose from.

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)
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
£14.99/mo (£29.00 upfront) £11.95/mo (£375.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£259.99 £509.99
Google Pixel 9a Google Pixel 9a Samsung Galaxy S25 Samsung Galaxy S25
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)
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 £14.99/mo
£29.00 upfront
£11.95/mo
£375.00 upfront
SIM-free £259.99 £509.99
Deals Deals

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 £379.80 over the life of the deal from £14.99 per month with £29.00 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 £259.99.

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.