Galaxy A25 Vs Google Pixel 9 Pro

Galaxy A25
Galaxy A25
Starting at

Refurbished price:£121.00

Versus £272.58 new

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Google Pixel 9 Pro
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£395.25

Versus £917.17 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A25, released in late 2023, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro, launched in August 2024, represent distinct segments within the smartphone market. While both operate on the Android platform, the Pixel 9 Pro offers a premium flagship experience with advanced features and extended software support, contrasting with the Galaxy A25's focus on delivering essential smartphone capabilities in a more accessible package. Their primary differences lie in processing power, camera systems, and overall build quality.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its build, software support, and the availability of replacement parts. These two devices offer different expectations in terms of practical lifespan and ongoing support.

  • Software Updates: The Google Pixel 9 Pro is designed for extended use, offering an impressive seven years of operating system and security updates from its August 2024 release. This commitment ensures the device remains current and secure for a significantly longer period. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy A25, released in December 2023, typically receives four years of OS updates and five years of security updates, providing a solid but shorter support window.
  • Build Durability: The Pixel 9 Pro features a premium construction with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, complemented by an aluminum frame, and boasts an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. Google claims the Pixel 9 Pro is twice as durable as its predecessor, the Pixel 8 Pro. The Galaxy A25 utilizes a plastic frame and back, with Gorilla Glass 5 protecting the display, offering a more standard level of durability for its category.
  • Repairability Considerations: While specific repairability scores for the Galaxy A25 are not widely published, Pixel devices generally aim for a reasonable level of repairability, though some models like the Pixel 8 Pro have faced challenges with adhesive use. The longer software support of the Pixel 9 Pro inherently contributes to a longer usable life, making it a more sustainable choice for users seeking to keep their device for many years.

Year of Release

2023

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key differentiator, impacting how smoothly applications run, how quickly tasks are completed, and the overall responsiveness of the device. The Pixel 9 Pro is engineered for demanding tasks, while the Galaxy A25 handles everyday usage effectively.

  • Processing Power: The Google Pixel 9 Pro is equipped with Google's Tensor G4 processor, a high-performance chip designed to handle intensive applications, advanced AI features, and complex multitasking with ease. The Samsung Galaxy A25 features the Exynos 1280, a mid-range processor that capably manages daily tasks such as web browsing, social media, and light gaming.
  • Multitasking and Storage: With 16GB of RAM, the Pixel 9 Pro provides substantial headroom for running numerous applications simultaneously and for on-device AI processing, ensuring a fluid user experience. It offers storage options up to 1TB. The Galaxy A25 comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, sufficient for typical multitasking, and includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage up to 1TB, a feature not present on the Pixel 9 Pro.
  • Battery Behavior: The Pixel 9 Pro houses a 4700 mAh battery, optimized by its efficient processor and adaptive display to provide reliable all-day power for most users. The Galaxy A25 features a larger 5000 mAh battery, which, combined with its mid-range processor, often translates to extended usage times, with some users reporting up to two days of battery life under moderate use.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

16 GB

Screen quality

The display is the primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer vibrant viewing experiences, though with notable differences in clarity, brightness, and adaptive capabilities.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both phones feature AMOLED displays, known for their deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Google Pixel 9 Pro boasts a 6.3-inch LTPO OLED display with a higher resolution of 2856 x 1280 pixels, resulting in sharper images and text. The Samsung Galaxy A25 offers a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels, providing a clear and engaging visual experience.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Pixel 9 Pro's display can reach a peak brightness of 3000 nits for HDR content, making it exceptionally bright and highly visible even in direct sunlight. It also features an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 1Hz to 120Hz, optimizing power consumption. The Galaxy A25 also features a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and a peak brightness of 1000 nits, which is bright enough for comfortable outdoor use in most conditions.
  • Viewing Experience: The Pixel 9 Pro's higher pixel density and superior peak brightness contribute to a more refined and immersive viewing experience, particularly for high-resolution content and outdoor visibility. The Galaxy A25 provides a large, fluid display that is well-suited for media consumption and everyday tasks, offering a good balance of size and visual quality.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1280 x 2856

Screen type

Super AMOLED

LTPO OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems are a significant point of divergence, with the Pixel 9 Pro emphasizing advanced computational photography and versatile hardware, while the Galaxy A25 provides capable imaging for its segment.

  • Rear Camera System: The Google Pixel 9 Pro features a sophisticated triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide lens with a wider aperture, and a 48MP telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom. This hardware is complemented by Google's renowned computational photography, enabling features like Night Sight, Astrophotography, and advanced HDR processing. The Samsung Galaxy A25 includes a 50MP main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultrawide camera, and a 2MP macro lens. Its main camera performs well in good lighting conditions.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The Pixel 9 Pro supports 4K video recording at 60 frames per second, with features like Video Boost capable of upscaling to 8K, and offers extensive video stabilization options. Its front-facing camera is a high-resolution 42MP sensor, designed for detailed selfies and improved low-light performance. The Galaxy A25 can record video up to 4K at 30 frames per second and features a 13MP front camera suitable for video calls and everyday selfies.
  • Specialized Features: The Pixel 9 Pro integrates advanced AI-driven camera features such as Pro Controls for manual adjustments, Macro Focus, and tools like 'Add Me' for creative photo editing. The Galaxy A25 provides a straightforward camera experience, focusing on reliable performance for common photography scenarios.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

42 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience, including connectivity, physical design, and additional features.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Google Pixel 9 Pro supports the latest wireless standards, including 5G and likely Wi-Fi 7, along with Bluetooth 5.4 or 5.5, ensuring fast and reliable connections. It features a USB-C port for charging and data transfer but omits a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Samsung Galaxy A25 offers 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.3. It includes both a USB-C port and a 3.5mm headphone jack, providing more traditional audio connectivity.
  • Biometrics and Design: The Pixel 9 Pro incorporates an under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and Face Unlock for secure and convenient authentication. Its design features flat edges and a redesigned, pill-shaped camera bar. The Galaxy A25 uses a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button. Its design is consistent with other Samsung Galaxy A series phones, featuring rounded corners and a plastic build.
  • Weight and Dimensions: The Pixel 9 Pro is designed to be a more compact flagship, with dimensions of 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm and a weight of 197g, making it comfortable for one-handed use. The Galaxy A25 measures 161 x 76.5 x 8.3 mm and weighs 197g, offering a slightly larger form factor while maintaining a similar weight.

Weight

197 g

199 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

6.3

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy A25 and Google Pixel 9 Pro cater to different user needs and priorities. The Galaxy A25 is often praised for its vibrant AMOLED display, long-lasting battery life, and capable main camera, especially considering its accessible positioning. Users appreciate its inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack and expandable storage. However, some users have noted its mid-range processor can lead to occasional sluggishness with demanding tasks, and its ultrawide and macro cameras are less impressive.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro, on the other hand, receives acclaim for its advanced camera system, which excels in computational photography and offers a versatile telephoto lens. Its powerful processor ensures smooth performance across all applications, and its bright, high-resolution display provides a premium visual experience. The Pixel 9 Pro's commitment to seven years of software updates is a significant advantage for long-term usability. Criticisms, though fewer, might include its higher price point and the absence of a headphone jack or expandable storage.

Users prioritizing a cutting-edge camera, top-tier performance, and the longest possible software support will find the Google Pixel 9 Pro well-suited to their needs. Its advanced AI capabilities and premium build make it ideal for those who demand the latest technology and plan to keep their device for many years. Conversely, users seeking a reliable smartphone for everyday tasks, with excellent battery life and a vibrant display, who also value traditional features like a headphone jack and expandable storage, may prefer the Samsung Galaxy A25. It offers a strong balance of features for general use without the premium investment. Both devices, whether new or as quality-assured refurbished options, provide distinct advantages depending on individual user requirements.

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