In days of yore, the Zenfone 10 stood as a stalwart among compact phones, its screen a modest marvel measuring less than 6 inches. Alas, the era of compact Android devices has passed into oblivion, leaving only a smattering of devices striving to fill that long-vanished niche. Among these, Samsung’s base Galaxy S and Google’s non-Pro Pixel models make a valiant attempt at claiming the mantle of small phones, though lacking the true compact essence. Now, with the arrival of the Galaxy S25, the legacy of compact phones lives on, poised to challenge the Pixel 9 in this storied segment.
Galaxy S25 vs Pixel 9: Specifications
Before delving into a detailed comparison, let us first explore the specifications of the Galaxy S25 and Pixel 9.
| Galaxy S25 | Pixel 9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions and Weight | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm, 198 grams | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm, 198 grams |
| Display | 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X LTPO 1080×2340 pixels resolution, 120Hz refresh rate with 2,600 nits of peak brightness | 6.3-inch OLED 1080 x 2424 pixels resolution, 120 Hz, with 2,700 nits peak brightness |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Tensor G4 |
| Cameras | 50 MP f/1.8 wide, 10 MP f/2.4 telephoto (3x), 12 MP f/2.2 ultrawide, 12 MP f/2.2 selfie snapper | 50 MP f/1.7 wide, 48 MP f/1.7 ultrawide, 10.5 MP f/2.2 selfie shooter |
| Battery and Charging | 4,000 mAh with 25W wired, 15W wireless (Qi2), and 4.5W reverse wireless | 4,700 mAh with 27W wired, 15W wireless via Pixel Stand, and 12W Qi2/reverse wireless |
| Software | Launched with One UI 7 based on Android 15, 7 years of major updates | Launched with Android 14. Android 15 available with 7 years of major updates |
| Connectivity and Misc | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, UWB, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, and NFC, Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, and NFC, Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor, Temperature Sensor |
Amidst this saga of devices, the Galaxy S25 assumes a semblance of familiar design, offering a 6.2-inch display with a marginally refined screen-to-body ratio. Notably, the S25 stands shorter at 146.9 mm compared to the Pixel 9’s 152.8 mm and boasts a sleeker profile at 7.2 mm, contrasting the Pixel’s 8.5 mm girth.
The Pixel 9’s stature, courtesy of its expansive 6.3-inch display, accounts for its taller and slightly wider frame. Yet, the S25 eclipses the Pixel 9 in weight, tipping the scales at 168 grams, a notable 30 grams lighter than the Pixel 9’s heft of 198 grams. Evidently, the Galaxy S25’s svelteness, slender build, and diminutive dimensions promise a more ergonomic and storage-friendly experience.
Both devices feature Aluminum frames sheathed in Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, punctuated by hole-punch notches. The S25’s more modest notch belies Samsung’s iconic vertical camera module design, while the Pixel 9’s camera island bestows upon it a distinctive allure and charm.
Display
The Galaxy S25 touts a 6.2-inch FHD+ 2x LTPO Dynamic AMOLED 120Hz display with a dazzling peak brightness of 2,600 nits and a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels. By contrast, the Pixel 9’s larger 6.3-inch FHD+ OLED display offers a 1080×2424 pixel resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a superior peak brightness of 2,700 nits.
While the technical specs may parallel, the Pixel 9’s non-LTPO display concedes an undeniable victory to the Galaxy S25. Furthermore, the S25’s slimmer bezels imbue it with an air of sophistication and premium aesthetics, enhancing its tactile appeal.
To continue reading this modern tale of two compact titans, complete with tumultuous battles in the realms of cameras, hardware, software, battery life, and pricing, venture forth on this literary journey through the realms of technological gallantry and innovation. Alas, only in the conclusion shall the fates of the Galaxy S25 and Pixel 9 be unveiled, each vying for supremacy in the vast kingdom of modern smartphones.
