I’ve been a fan of Google Pixel since the beginning. I pre-ordered the original Pixel XL smartphone in 2016 and upgraded every other year since then, eventually owning a Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 6 Pro, and Pixel 8 Pro. Along the way, I also bought a Pixel Watch and Pixel Buds.
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But for the first time, I felt a strong temptation to leave the Google ecosystem. Samsung today announced its latest flagship phone, the Galaxy S25 Ultra. I’ve never had any desire to jump into the company’s smartphones, but my interest has more to do with the fact that the Google Pixel series is becoming less and less dominant. New features and functionality will be introduced.
The specs of the latest Google Pixel 9 Pro and Samsung S25 Ultra are almost the same. The difference in screen size is just a tenth of an inch, they weigh the same, have similar battery sizes, have similar overall dimensions (the S25 Ultra is slightly larger), and have similar storage options. Provide.
When you start looking beyond specs, things become a little less equal.
Even though Gemini is a Google product, Gemini-enhanced features always appear first on Samsung products. Even AI features like last year’s Circle to Search made their debut on the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, not the Google Pixel 9 series. The biggest highlight is how existing Pixel-specific features like Audio Magic Eraser were introduced to the S25, taking away any advantage Google had.
That means Samsung currently has an advantage over Google, especially if you want to experience software innovation.
Also: 5 exciting AI features that make your Samsung Galaxy S25 worth upgrading
The processor is also not competitive. I can’t say I’m doing anything too intensive on my current Pixel 8 Pro, but I do notice a slowdown at times. The Tensor G4 in the Pixel 9 Pro is a great chip, but the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite in the S25 Ultra is clearly the better processor across the board. Add in certain features it brings to Ultra, such as ProScaler AI to improve image quality, and Samsung wins again.
The S25 Ultra now also has a clear advantage in camera.
For me, taking photos has always been the main draw of Pixel, and my photography account is filled with snapshots of my kids and family vacations. I’ve always been happy with the Pixel’s performance and enjoy tinkering with settings to make my shots even better.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra also supports Galaxy Log video recording, a creative-only camera mode.
Kelly Wang/ZDNET
When I upgraded to the Pixel 8 Pro early last year, the S24 Ultra boasted an amazing 200MP main camera. The S25 additionally comes with a 50MP ultra-wide-angle lens. Last time, I was able to justify the difference by saying that most of the photos I take aren’t super zoomed in, so I don’t need a 200MP lens, but now I can’t ignore the addition of another lens. It’s difficult. If you really want the best camera, you should choose Samsung.
Also: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: We tried both and here’s the winner
Samsung also matched Google’s seven years of OS and security updates. I’m not usually one to keep my cell phone around for more than a few years, but now that I have a pre-teen child at home, the cell phone debate is swirling. Knowing you can hand over your device when you’re done with it makes it even more appealing.
A few things keep me on the fence on Google’s side. first, pixel 9 pro It’s $350 cheaper than the S25 Ultra. As I mentioned earlier, I have a Pixel Watch and Pixel Buds, and I appreciate how well they all work together. I also appreciate that Google’s smartphones come with very little extra software, so I don’t have to remove anything I don’t want or need.
So for everything I actually use my phone for, Samsung seems to beat Google at the moment. I stick with Google simply out of loyalty and familiarity.