Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra and Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL, two flagship smartphones of 2025, are vying for attention with high-end features and performance.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of both the phone’s strengths:

Camera

While both smartphones boast exceptional cameras, the Galaxy S25 Ultra leads in this department. The camera system retains much of the Galaxy S24 Ultra's strengths, such as a powerful 200MP main sensor, but introduces a new 50MP ultrawide lens that delivers ultra-detailed shots.

Samsung promises more vibrant and dynamic landscape shots, and a software overhaul makes a huge difference in performance. Key upgrades include default 10-bit HDR recording for richer colour expression and the new Virtual Aperture feature that provides more control over depth of field.

Processor

The Pixel 9 Pro XL features Google’s Tensor G4 processor, a powerful chip with impressive capabilities, but the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra takes the lead with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. Compared to its predecessor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the new chipset offers a 37% performance boost and a 30% increase in GPU efficiency.

On top of that, the S25 Ultra is packed with features such as ProScaler AI for improved image quality and enhanced display power efficiency via the mobile Digital Natural Image Engine (mDNIe). If gaming is a priority, the Vulkan Engine with improved Ray Tracing ensures a fluid, high-performance experience.

AI features

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra is a standout when it comes to AI features. Packed with generative AI capabilities, the phone takes advantage of its advanced chipset to offer innovative functions, including enhanced camera features and display optimization.

On the other hand, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL includes the updated Circle to Search tool, which allows users to scan phone numbers, email addresses, and URLs directly from the screen to instantly make calls or send messages. While both devices feature robust AI tools, the S25 Ultra offers more comprehensive, cutting-edge capabilities.

Both the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL offer incredible specifications and features, but the Galaxy S25 Ultra edges out the competition with its superior camera system, more powerful processor, and expansive AI functionalities.

Camera

Processor

AI features