Google Pixel 10 XL vs Galaxy S25 Plus: Which One is Best?

Thinking of investing in a new phone? iPhones get a load of the headlines, but there are loads of other great phones out there, namely the Google Pixel 10 XL and the Galaxy S25 Plus. This comparison is more interesting than it looks. 

Google’s official name is the Pixel 10 Pro XL, while Samsung sells the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, but these two phones basically just chase the same buyer - someone who wants a premium smartphone without jumping all the way to an Ultra model. 

They sit in the same part of the market and try to justify their specs with cameras and AI. Plus, they both run modern Android.

Now, these models definitely each have their pros and cons, but after digging through the official details, we’ve come to a conclusion.

Quick Verdict

For most people, the Pixel is the better pick. Why? It gives you:

• A larger, bright panel

• More RAM

• A larger battery

• More ambitious cameras

• Google-specific extras like camera coaching and magic cue

That said, the Galaxy still matters. If your priorities are more to do with raw performance, faster charging - even just Samsung’s broader device ecosystem - then the other phone makes a case for itself. That’s really the main difference here: Google leans into imaging and assistant-driven help, while Samsung’s more about performance and familiarity.  

Design and Display

Let’s break down the key differences in these categories:

The Pixel Feels Like the More Premium Big-Screen Phone

The Pixel 10 Pro XL comes with:

• A premium-feeling aluminum body

• Gorilla Glass Victus 2

• IP68 protection

Its 6.8-inch Super Actua display also runs at 1-120Hz and reaches up to 3,300 nits peak brightness. Not a tech pro? That basically means it should stay plenty bright in direct sunlight. 

Google also says this is Pixel’s brightest display yet, which lines up with the rest of the hardware push on the Pro XL. So, on paper, that gives the Pixel a more dramatic viewing experience, especially if you watch a lot of HDR video or spend time outside. 

Samsung Saves Some Perks for the Ultra

Samsung’s 6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen also runs at 120Hz and includes Vision Booster and Adaptive Color Tone, so we’re still a fan of this panel. The phone uses:

• A strong aluminum frame

• Corning protection

• IP68 water resistance

This means you’re not giving up durability by going with Samsung. Up front, front glass on both uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. But it’s worth noticing what Samsung does not include here. The company talks up better outdoor clarity and anti glare coating on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, not on the Plus. That’s a shame because if you want that finish or an S Pen, you need to move up the line. 

So, in this matchup, Google looks a little more aggressive with premium materials and brightness. 

Performance and Battery

How do the two compare in terms of everyday performance and battery life?

Samsung Wins the Benchmark Race

Samsung is far stronger here than in the last comparison. The S25+ uses Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, and Geekbench’s Android charts still place Snapdragon 8 Elite devices above Tensor G5 for CPU scores. 

Key Features

• The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus supports 45W wired charging and 15W wireless charging (but it requires a compatible case for Qi2 charging)

• The Galaxy S25 Plus charges faster, reaching 100% in about 60 minutes, compared to 82 minutes for the Pixel 10 Pro XL.

Pixel Looks Stronger for All-Day Endurance

Battery is closer, but Google has the more convincing sheet here. The Pixel 10 Pro XL carries a 5,200mAh cell, while the Galaxy S25+ has a 4,900mAh battery. Google also rates the Pixel for 24-plus hours, and Samsung says the S25+ can play up to 30 hours of video. 

Look, either one should last a full day for most people - so a lot better than most iPhones - but the bigger cell and Google’s efficiency give the Pixel a slight edge in likely battery life.

Samsung does answer with faster wired charging on the lPlus, though, since they reach up to 65% in about 30 minutes with a 45W adapter. As for Wi Fi, both support Wi-Fi 7, so neither phone feels behind on connectivity.  

Key Features

• The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL features Pixelsnap magnetic Qi2 wireless charging. It's also expected to last longer per charge than the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus due to its larger battery

• Both the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus are IP68 rated for dust and water resistance.

Software and AI

The technical details for both brands.

Google Feels Fresher Over Time

Google’s software pitch is actually pretty straightforward. The Pixel:

• Ships with Android 16

• Gets seven years of OS updates and security patches

• Can also pick up pixel feature drops that add new features over time

Now, that matters because Google’s best ideas often show up after launch, not just on day one. So, if you care about a cleaner software experience and fast access to Google’s latest ideas, the Pixel is definitely one of the easiest Android phones to recommend.  

Samsung Still Has the Broader Feature Stack

Samsung comes with Android 15 and one UI 7 on the S25+. Also, both the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus promise seven years of software updates and security patches. Its AI features include:

• Now Brief

• Google Gemini Live

• Audio Eraser

So, if you’re already invested in Samsung’s ecosystem, the S25+ will feel like a very capable Android device from day one.  

Cameras

Let’s get into the details for the photographers out there:

Pixel Is the Better Camera Phone

Realistically, there has not been much difference between the two up until this point. This is really where Google opens up the biggest lead. 

Pixel

The Pixel 10 Pro XL has a:

• 50MP main camera

• 48MP ultrawide

• 48MP 5x telephoto

• 42MP selfie camera

• Pro res zoom up to 100x

• Google’s usual stack of editing tools

Additionally, the Pixel 10 Pro XL is noted for its computational photography capabilities, which improve image quality significantly.

Samsung Galaxy

Samsung’s Galaxy S25+ uses a:

• 50MP main

• 12MP ultrawide (a significant difference)

• 10MP 3x telephoto

• 12MP front camera

That is a solid setup, but while the Galaxy S25 Plus offers solid camera performance, it lacks the detail captured by the Pixel 10 Pro XL. You can see that in the ultra wide, telephoto and front camera comparison. Still, we like that the Galaxy S25 Plus has a Nightography feature that enhances low-light photography. Additionally, the Galaxy S25 Plus has warmer color science in photos, making them more social-media-ready.

Value and Who Should Buy Each One

If you want the best big-screen Android flagship for camera quality, as well as battery life and software, buy the Pixel. 

The Galaxy S25 Plus is often preferred by power users and gamers for its hardware efficiency and customization. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus is also easier to find at good deals since it has been on the market for nearly a year.

Right now, Google lists the Pixel 10 Pro XL from $949 in the US, while Samsung lists the Galaxy S25+ from $999.99, so the Pixel is not even asking for more money at current store pricing! And the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is available at even lower prices during sales events.

Before you buy, though, it’s worth checking Ghostek’s take on whether Pixel phones are good, as well as our guide to the Google Pixel 10 Pro. We’ve even got some ideas for customizing a Samsung home screen.