I may finally ditch my Google Pixel for a Samsung Galaxy phone in 2025. Here's why

I've been a Google Pixel fan since the beginning. I pre-ordered the original Pixel XL phone in 2016 and have upgraded every other year or so since, eventually owning the Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 6 Pro, and Pixel 8 Pro. I even picked up a Pixel Watch and Pixel Buds along the way. 

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But for the first time, I'm awfully tempted to leave the Google ecosystem. Samsung today unveiled its latest flagship phone, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and while I've never been so eager to spring to its smartphones, my interest has more to do with the fact that the Google Pixel line is becoming less and less dominant when it comes to new features and capabilities.

Head-to-head, the specs on the latest Google Pixel 9 Pro and the Samsung S25 Ultra are somewhat identical. The screen sizes are only a tenth of an inch apart, they weigh the same, have very similar battery sizes and almost equal dimensions overall (the S25 Ultra is a smidge bigger), and offer similar storage options.

When I start looking beyond specs, things get a little less equal. 

Despite the fact that Gemini is a Google product, Gemini-enhanced features consistently show up on Samsung products first. Even last year's AI features like Circle to Search debuted on the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, not the Google Pixel 9 series. The cherry on top is how existing Pixel-specific features like Audio Magic Eraser have now made their way to the S25, taking away what advantage Google had. 

That's to say, if innovation, especially on the software front, is what you'd like to experience, Samsung has the edge over Google at this point in time.

Also: 5 exciting AI features that make the Samsung Galaxy S25 worth the upgrade

The processors are also no contest. While I can't say that I ever do anything too intensive on my current Pixel 8 Pro, there are times that I notice a slowdown. The Tensor G4 that powers the Pixel 9 Pro is a good chip, but the S25 Ultra's Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite is easily a better processor all around. Add in the specific features it brings to the Ultra, like ProScaler AI to boost image quality, and Samsung wins again. 

The S25 Ultra also has a clear edge in cameras now. 

Taking photos was always the main appeal of the Pixel for me, and my Photos account is packed with snapshots of my kids and my family travels. I've always been happy with how my Pixel performed and enjoyed tinkering with the settings to make my shots even better. 

When I upgraded to the Pixel 8 Pro early last year, the S24 Ultra boasted a stunning 200MP main camera. That returns for the S25, along with an extra 50MP ultrawide lens. I was able to justify the difference last time by saying that most of the pictures I take aren't super zoomed in and don't need the 200MP lens, but the addition of another lens is hard to ignore now. If I truly want the best camera, I'll need to go with Samsung.

Also: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: We tried both, and here's the winner

Samsung has also matched Google's 7 years of OS and security updates. I'm not usually one to keep a phone for more than a few years, but now that I have a pre-teen in the house, cell phone discussions are swirling. Knowing I could pass down a device when I'm done adds an extra layer of appeal.

A few things are keeping me on the Google side of the fence. To start, the Pixel 9 Pro is $350 cheaper than the S25 Ultra. And like I mentioned, I have a Pixel Watch and Pixel Buds, and I appreciate how well everything works together. I also appreciate how Google phones come with very little extra software, so I'm not stuck deleting things I don't want or need. 

That's to say, for everything I'd actually use a phone for, Samsung seems to have Google beat at the moment. If I stick with Google, it's simply out of loyalty or familiarity.