Compact smartphones have become a rarity, leaving devices like Samsung’s Galaxy S25 and Google’s Pixel 9 to cater to users seeking powerful small phones. Both bring flagship features, but their differences could determine which one earns the title of the best compact Android flagship. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Galaxy S25 | Pixel 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions & Weight | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm, 168 g | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm, 198 g |
| Display | 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X LTPO, 1080×2340, 120Hz, 2,600 nits | 6.3-inch OLED, 1080×2424, 120Hz, 2,700 nits |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Tensor G4 |
| Cameras | 50 MP (wide), 10 MP (3x telephoto), 12 MP (ultrawide), 12 MP (front) | 50 MP (wide), 48 MP (ultrawide), 10.5 MP (front) |
| Battery & Charging | 4,000 mAh, 25W wired, 15W wireless (Qi2), 4.5W reverse wireless | 4,700 mAh, 27W wired, 15W wireless (Pixel Stand), 12W reverse wireless (Qi2) |
| Software | One UI 7 (Android 15), 7 years of updates | Pixel UI (Android 14, upgradeable to 15), 7 years of updates |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, UWB, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, NFC, ultrasonic fingerprint sensor | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, NFC, ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, temperature sensor |
| Storage & RAM | 128 GB/12 GB (UFS 3.1), 256 GB/12 GB, 512 GB/12 GB (UFS 4.0, LPDDR5x) | 128 GB/12 GB, 256 GB/12 GB (UFS 3.1, LPDDR5) |
| Colors | Icy Blue, Mint, Navy, Silver Shadow | Porcelain, Peony, Wintergreen, Obsidian |
| Price (256 GB) | ₹80999.00 | ₹80000.00 |
Design and Build
Both phones feature aluminum frames with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for durability. The Galaxy S25 is more compact and lighter at 168 grams compared to the Pixel 9’s 198 grams, making it easier to hold and pocket. While the Galaxy S25 uses Samsung’s vertical camera module design, the Pixel 9 retains its signature floating camera island, giving it a unique appearance.
Display
The Galaxy S25 boasts a 6.2-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X LTPO panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and 2,600 nits of peak brightness. The Pixel 9, on the other hand, features a slightly larger 6.3-inch FHD+ OLED display with 120Hz and a higher peak brightness of 2,700 nits. However, the lack of LTPO technology on the Pixel 9 gives the S25 an edge in power efficiency and smoother adaptive refresh rates.
Performance
The Galaxy S25 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, a 3nm processor with cutting-edge performance. It easily outperforms the Pixel 9’s Tensor G4, which is built on a less efficient 4nm process and is comparable to 2021’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. The Adreno 830 GPU on the S25 further enhances its gaming and multitasking capabilities, leaving the Pixel 9 behind in raw power.
Cameras
In terms of cameras, the Galaxy S25 has a triple setup with a 50 MP main sensor, a 10 MP telephoto (3x optical zoom), and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. The Pixel 9 counters with a dual-camera setup featuring a 50 MP primary sensor and a high-resolution 48 MP ultrawide lens. The Pixel 9’s larger main sensor (1/1.31”) and wider aperture (f/1.7 vs. f/1.8) make it better for low-light photography. Google’s superior computational photography further enhances the Pixel 9’s imaging capabilities, especially in challenging scenarios.
Software
Both phones come with long-term support, offering 7 years of updates. Samsung’s One UI 7, based on Android 15, offers extensive customizations and features, while Google’s Pixel UI focuses on simplicity and smooth user experience. If you prefer a feature-rich interface, the S25 wins, but if you value a clean, optimized Android experience, the Pixel 9 holds its ground.
Battery Life and Charging
The Pixel 9 houses a larger 4,700 mAh battery compared to the S25’s 4,000 mAh unit. It also supports faster 27W wired charging and 12W Qi2 wireless reverse charging, while the S25 maxes out at 25W and 4.5W, respectively. Despite this, the Galaxy S25’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, built on a 3nm process, is more power-efficient, narrowing the battery life gap.
Storage and Connectivity
The Galaxy S25 offers more flexibility with a 512 GB storage option and faster UFS 4.0 storage (excluding the base 128 GB model). The Pixel 9 sticks to UFS 3.1 across its two storage variants. Connectivity options are comparable, but the Galaxy S25 supports UWB, a feature missing on the Pixel 9.
Price and Value
The Galaxy S25 is priced at $859 for the 256 GB variant, while the Pixel 9 costs $750. Although the Pixel 9 is more affordable, the Galaxy S25 justifies its higher price with superior performance, a smaller form factor, and additional features like UWB and LTPO display.
The Galaxy S25 emerges as the better small flagship on paper due to its compact design, lighter weight, powerful chipset, and more feature-rich display. The Pixel 9 excels in cameras and battery life but falls short in performance and premium features. For $100 more, the Galaxy S25 offers a more complete flagship experience, making it the better choice for most users.
Which one would you choose? Share your thoughts in the comments!
