When it comes to the Android operating system, two major manufacturers currently dominate the market: Google and Samsung. While Google has the advantage of being the developer of Android, Samsung owns the majority market share and has been in hardware manufacturing longer.

To add more fuel to the fire, Google and Samsung have also released a new flagship smartphone, the Pixel 9 and Galaxy S25. Both devices are part of the new frontier of smartphone technology designed with artificial intelligence in mind, seamlessly integrating it into everyday features like photography and communication.

If you’re looking to upgrade your phone but you’re on the fence about the Pixel 9 vs Galaxy S25, this article is for you. We’ll be delving into the specs and features of both phones so you’re better informed and can decide which one is right for you.

The Specs and Features of the Pixel 9

Before delving into the Pixel 9 vs Galaxy S25 debate, it’s important to understand the phone models’ specs and features. The Pixel 9 is the successor to the Pixel 8 and was first announced on August 13, 2024, at the annual Made by Google event. The Pixel 9 features a major redesign and is powered by the fourth-generation Google Tensor system-on-chip, also known as Tensor G4. The chipset is an improvement over the previous Tensor G3, providing better CPU performance, gaming performance, and cooling. 

The phone also features heavy integration with Google’s artificial intelligence, Gemini. While some previous Pixel devices supported (limited) AI functionality, Google went all-in with the Pixel 9. The Pixel 9 saw various upgrades to facilitate on-device AI processing, like an increase in RAM. Google Assistant was also replaced as the default virtual assistant on the Pixel 9 by Gemini, which is heavily integrated into many features/apps. The Pixel 9 features a massive expansion of artificial intelligence-powered features. Along with the new Gemini assistant, the new AI features include AI-generated images, writing tools, the ability to search your screenshots, in-depth weather reports, and more.

Below, we’ve outlined the general specifications of Google’s new flagship. So you can get a better idea of the device’s capabilities. 

• Processor: Tensor G4

• RAM: 12GB

• Storage: 128GB and 256GB options

• Display: 6.3-inch (1080 x 2424) OLED

• Refresh rate: 60-120Hz

• Rear cameras: 50MP main (f/1.68), 48MP ultrawide (f/1.7)

• Front camera: 10.5MP (f/2.0)

• Battery: 4,700 mAh

• Charging: 27W (15W wireless)

The Specs and Features of the Galaxy S25

Samsung first announced the Galaxy S25 at the Galaxy Unpacked event in San Jose, California, on January 22, 2025. The phone was then released a few weeks later on February 7, 2025. The Galaxy S25 features a massive change for Samsung. In previous flagship iterations, the chipset varied by region. For example, the Galaxy S24 features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the United States, but the Exynos 2400 in Australia isn’t as powerful. The S25 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset worldwide. This new chipset also features the most powerful processing units currently available for mobile. So, if intensive tasks and heavy gaming are a priority for you, the S25 is a phone you’ll want to consider.

The S25 features a design similar to the Galaxy S24, with an aluminium body and a glass back. It also utilises Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for the front display and the rear glass panel. This glass solution reduces wear and tear and the risk of glass cracking or shattering. The phone features a Dynamic LPTO AMOLED 2X display, which supports HDR10+ and a 120 Hz refresh rate. The screen itself is the same size as the previous S24, measuring 6.2 inches.

The Galaxy S25 also supports new Galaxy AI features—Samsung’s artificial intelligence. These include cross-app action, which can help streamline tasks across multiple apps, video and audio editing tools, and enhanced search functions. 

The phone is available in Icy Blue, Mint, Navy, and Silver Shadow. There are also online exclusive colours, including Pinkgold, Coralred, and Blueblack. Below, we’ve listed the general specifications so you can get a better idea of the device’s capabilities.

• Processor:  Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy

• RAM: 12GB

• Storage: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options

• Display: 6.2-inch FHD+ AMOLED

• Refresh rate: 120Hz adaptive

• Rear cameras: 50MP main (f/1.8), 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2), 10MP 3x telephoto (f/2.4)

• Front cameras: 12MP (f/2.2)

• Battery: 4,000 mAh.

• Charging: 25W (15W wireless)

The Verdict: Which Android Phone Is Best?

Ultimately, when it comes to the Pixel 9 vs Galaxy S25, it’s hard to announce a clear winner. Both Android phones are fantastic products, and which is ‘best’ will depend on personal preference and what you’re looking for in a phone.

If you prefer the stock Android operating system over Samsung’s One UI experience, then the Pixel 9 is ideal. The Pixel 9 comes with the original Android experience, pure and unmodified. Another huge factor to consider is what you prioritise with your phones. The Pixel 9 excels with its camera, editing tools, and artificial intelligence implementation. When you’re looking at both phones’ specifications, don’t let the megapixels fool you. Although on paper, it seems like Samsung would win the camera match-up when it comes to the Pixel 9 vs Galaxy S25, Google takes the lead. Despite the S25’s higher megapixel count and additional lens, the Pixel 9 features better photo processing, which results in better-quality photos. 

If gaming performance and battery life are important to you, then the Samsung Galaxy S25 is the clear winner. The Snapdragon 8 Elite chip is currently the most powerful mobile chipset available. 

Despite the Galaxy S25 having a smaller battery capacity (4000mAh), the device lasted longer according to battery life tests. However, ultimately, deciding which one is better will come down to preference.  

If you want a device that features the original Android experience untouched, with an amazing camera and AI support, the Pixel 9 is perfect. If you’re searching for a phone that provides a long-lasting battery and excellent performance for high-end gaming, the S25 is ideal. You can’t go wrong with either phone. 

Buy Refurbished Pixel and Samsung Phones at OzMobiles

If you’re looking to buy refurbished phones, make sure you get the best deal available with OzMobiles. Our range of devices includes the latest Android and iOS devices, and if you find a better deal elsewhere, we’ll beat it by $10* (terms and conditions apply).

Whether you’re looking to buy second-hand Google Pixel phones or Samsung mobiles, you can trust the OzMobiles guarantee. All our devices come with a free 12-month warranty and a 30-day risk-free return period. So, if you have any concerns or a change of heart, you can reach out to us for support.

All the devices we sell, including our refurbished Samsung mobiles and Pixel devices, go through an extensive refurbishment process. This includes a 72-point quality check and repair from a qualified technician in our Melbourne headquarters. The device is tested using industry-grade tools and restored to like-new condition to ensure it's running optimally.

If you have any questions about our refurbishment process or choosing between a Pixel 9 vs Galaxy S25, reach out and contact us today. Our team would love to hear from you and help you choose the right device to suit your needs.