Galaxy S25 vs. Pixel 9: When you’re choosing between two of the most talked-about Android phones this year, the decision often comes down to more than just specs.
The Galaxy S25 is lighter and smaller than the Google Pixel 9 — with more AI features thanks to the inclusion of both Galaxy AI and Google AI. But there’s so much more to consider when these two design philosophies go head-to-head.
The Weight Game Changes Everything
Here’s something that might surprise you: the Galaxy S25 weighs only 162 grams, making it the lightest major flagship on the market in the U.S. By comparison, the Pixel 9 weighs 198 grams, and that’s more than the Galaxy S25 Plus. That 36-gram difference is more significant than you might think – it’s roughly equivalent to carrying an extra $1.50 in quarters in your pocket.
I noticed the S25 was light as soon as I picked it up, before I even compared the two phones. A difference of 37 grams is about the same as $1.50 in quarters — not a make-or-break amount of bulk, but absolutely an appreciable difference. When you’re using your phone for hours every day, that lightness translates to less hand fatigue and a more comfortable experience overall.
Design DNA: Evolution vs Revolution
The Galaxy S25 represents Samsung’s refined evolution approach. Gone are the straight corners, and instead Samsung has opted for rounded corners that look similar to those found on iPhones or the Pixel 9.
This might sound like Samsung is playing catch-up, but there’s wisdom in this design choice. The rounded corners make the phone more comfortable to hold, especially during extended use.
The Galaxy S25 uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2 panels and second-generation Armor Aluminum frame. Both the frame and back panel feature a matte finish that’s surprisingly practical – it hides fingerprints better than glossy alternatives and provides a more secure grip.
On the flip side, the Pixel 9 takes a bold, unmistakable approach. The pill-shaped camera housing gives the phone a unique, instantly recognizable look. There’s no doubting the phone for anything other than the Pixel 9. Google clearly prioritized creating a distinctive visual identity, and they succeeded. You’ll never mistake a Pixel 9 for anything else.
Materials That Matter
Both phones use premium materials, but their approaches differ significantly. The Galaxy S25 sticks with tried-and-true combinations: Both the S25 and S25+ use Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for both the front display and rear glass panel.
Samsung has also made sustainability a priority, incorporating recycled materials in its construction, including recycled Armor Aluminum (20% of the aluminum used) and recycled Gold and Recycled Copper in internal components.
The Pixel 9 maintains its glass and metal construction with a focus on durability. Both come with equally premium materials all-around – aluminum side frames, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 sheets on both sides. Even the ingress protection rating is IP68 in both cases. However, Google’s design philosophy prioritizes that unique camera bar, which some love and others find polarizing.
Size Matters: The Compact Phone Renaissance
Ever since the biggest phones started getting bigger and bigger, a vocal minority of Android fans has been asking for smaller flagship phones that don’t skimp on any features. Both phones answer this call, but in different ways.
The Galaxy S25 is genuinely more compact. The Samsung Galaxy S25 is 5.9 millimeters (about 4 percent) shorter, 1.5 millimeters (2 percent) narrower, and 1.3 millimeters (15 percent) thinner than the Google Pixel 9 Pro. This translates to better one-handed usability – reaching the top of the screen feels less like a stretch, and the phone sits more comfortably in your palm.
The Pixel 9, while larger, offers a different kind of comfort. I have large hands and prefer the extra weight; a “heavy” phone just feels better to me. Some users find that additional weight gives the phone a more premium, substantial feel. It’s a matter of personal preference, but it’s worth considering how you typically use your phone.
Screen Real Estate and Bezels
The Pixel 9 has a 0.1-inch larger screen, but since the S25 has thinner bezels, it has a more favorable screen-to-body ratio. This is impressive engineering from Samsung – they’ve managed to pack a nearly identical screen experience into a smaller package. Both displays run at 120Hz with HDR10+ support, so the visual experience is comparable.
The Camera Design Philosophy
Here’s where personal taste really comes into play. One of our favorite design traits across the Galaxy phones is the camera housing, the lack of it to be specific. All three cameras on the S25 are surrounded by metal rings with no shared big black blots or similar monstrosities. Samsung’s approach is minimalist and clean – the cameras blend into the back panel almost seamlessly.
Google went the opposite direction with the Pixel 9’s prominent camera bar. Many in the industry have already nicknamed it a “shelf,” underscoring just how large and sticking out it is. While this creates instant recognition, it also means the phone doesn’t lie flat on surfaces and can feel top-heavy in some cases.
Real-World Usability
Being almost six millimeters shorter than the Pixel 9 Pro, the Galaxy S25 is a bit easier to use with one hand. Reaching the top edge of the screen with my thumb while keeping the bottom of the phone supported with my little finger isn’t as much of a strain.
The thinness of the Galaxy S25 is particularly noticeable. The S25’s thinness is also pretty striking: it’s 15 percent thinner overall than the Pixel 9 Pro. The difference is even more pronounced at the camera bump. This means it slides into pockets more easily and feels less bulky in your hand.
Different Philosophies, Different Users
The Pixel 9 is ultimately the winner for me, but it’s honestly a toss-up between the two, depending on your preference. I like the Pixel 9’s design and added weight, but anyone looking for a proper compact phone will prefer the Galaxy S25.
The choice really comes down to what you value most. If you want the absolute lightest, most compact premium Android experience, the Galaxy S25 delivers that in spades. Its refined design, premium materials, and impressive engineering make it a joy to use daily.
If you prefer a phone with distinctive character, don’t mind a bit more heft, and want that unmistakable Google design language, the Pixel 9 offers something unique in the Android landscape.
On average, we’d say that the two phones will give you roughly the same level of user experience and their hardware features are equally well implemented so the choice between the two will mostly come down to brand or software preference.
Both phones represent design excellence in their own ways – one through refinement and efficiency, the other through bold identity and distinctive character. Your choice will depend on which design philosophy resonates more with how you use your phone every day.
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