The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is everything I expected it to be. It’s a well-rounded smartphone, and Google’s done an excellent job building on the success it had with the Pixel 9 series.
It’s not without flaws, and I’d still love to see the company improve in a few key areas. However, it’s a fantastic experience, and Google’s honed in on who its core customer is for Pixel devices.
Meanwhile, I’ve been critical of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. It’s not a bad smartphone by any means. My complaints come from a place of disappointment, not hate.
I’m a fan of Galaxy phones, and some of my favorite devices ever were made by Samsung. I know the company can do better, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra fell short of expectations.
Still, that doesn’t mean it won’t compare favorably against the Pixel 10 Pro XL, and there are plenty of reasons to buy both phones.
I used the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Here’s why you already know which one you’re buying.
What I like about the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
Smooth performance and AI that works
At first glance, the Pixel 10 Pro XL doesn’t seem like an exciting upgrade. Its design hasn’t changed from the previous generation, and there aren’t too many hardware improvements that capture the imagination.
However, spec sheets don’t tell the whole story, and Google’s made some meaningful enhancements to the user experience. I’d usually begin by discussing the design or display, but Google’s software takes center stage this year.
I’m not yet an AI convert, but I love the shift in Google’s philosophy for Gemini. I no longer have to know which tools or prompts I have to use — the features are just there in the background.
Magic Cue is already more impressive than anything I’ve experienced with Samsung’s Galaxy AI.
If a friend mentions getting together, a prompt will appear to open up my calendar. I got a text earlier reminding me to do something. Magic Cue asked if I wanted to set a reminder or make a note.
It never pulls me away from what I’m doing, but it gives helpful suggestions. I don’t have to proactively seek out the AI I need; it’s just there.
I’m enjoying natural language edits on photos. I don’t have to pull up Magic Eraser or figure out how to correct the white balance. I can just tell Gemini what I want to do, and it figures out the rest.
Material 3 Expressive is also gorgeous, and it’s quickly become my favorite Android skin. Google nailed the design, and I love its layout. It’s functional, intuitive, and attractive — precisely what I want from my Android software.
As for the design, the Pixel 10 Pro XL is what you’d expect from an expensive flagship phone.
Google’s lost a bit of the quirkiness that made its previous designs lovable, but the Pixel 10 Pro XL is still appealing. It features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on its front and back with an aluminum frame.
Google has not followed recent trends of other manufacturers by making its phones thinner or lighter. The Pixel 10 Pro XL is a chonker, and it’s noticeably heavier than the Galaxy S25 Ultra in the hand.
Usually, it’s hard to tell when there’s a few grams difference between devices, but I immediately noticed the heft of the Pixel 10 Pro XL.
Thankfully, Google doesn’t leave us empty-handed, and there’s a trade-off to the additional weight. The Pixel 10 Pro XL features a 5,200mAh battery.
I consistently get two full days of mixed use on a single charge, and I appreciate Google’s decision to add a larger cell to the Pixel 10 Pro XL.
I never really cared about wireless charging, but Qi2 compatibility on the Pixel 10 Pro XL has changed my mind. It’s an excellent experience, and you won’t settle for a Qi2-ready smartphone ever again.
The Pixel 10 Pro XL also features a wonderful 6.8-inch Super Actua display. Google has done an excellent job with its panels, and the Pixel 10 Pro XL is bright and vibrant, making it perfectly viewable even in direct sunlight.
I still give the display nod to the Galaxy S25 Ultra, but it’s much closer than it used to be.
Tensor chipsets have improved significantly over the past five generations. It was a rocky start for Google, but I’m pleased with where we wound up.
The Tensor G5 is more than powerful, especially when paired with 16GB of RAM. The performance is excellent, despite what benchmarks show. Tensor is designed for enhanced on-device AI and a seamless user experience, and the Pixel 10 Pro XL nails both.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has several raw performance benefits I’ll discuss later, but I don’t feel like the Pixel 10 Pro XL is helpless.
As expected, the Pixel 10 Pro XL cameras are excellent. The phone’s triple-lens setup offers crisp photos with outstanding low-light performance. It’s not the runaway competition it used to be, but I still give the Pixel 10 Pro XL the nod.
Over the course of 100 point-and-shoot photos, you’ll consistently get better results from the Pixel, even if I do prefer Samsung’s warmer color science on occasion.
I don’t care what the arguments are in favor. I hate that Google went eSIM-only in the United States for the Pixel 10 series. It’s a mistake, and it puts customers at a disadvantage. If you avoid a Pixel 10 because of that, I don’t blame you.
What I like about the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
All the performance you’ll ever need and a gorgeous display
The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s design may be uninspiring, but its display is anything but.
Samsung fitted the Galaxy S25 Ultra with a gorgeous 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED panel. It’s the best screen I’ve used on a smartphone this year, and Samsung deserves all the credit.
The phone’s anti-reflective layer should also be the standard for smartphones going forward. It significantly reduces glare, making the screen easier to view.
If you’re considering a Galaxy S25 Ultra, the main reason you’ll want to pick one up is the Snapdragon 8 Elite beating at its core. It’s a brilliant chipset, and you’ll chew through even the most intensive apps.
If you’re a hardcore mobile gamer or you like to edit photos and videos on your smartphone, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the device you buy.
You’ll get outstanding frames on high graphics settings in games like Genshin Impact, and it’ll be years before you want more power.
Google and Samsung have different philosophies on what makes an excellent smartphone, making it easier to decide. If you know you’re someone who needs the extra power, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is your next phone.
Yes, I wish Samsung offered a 16GB variant of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and I’m disappointed the company didn’t fit the phone with a bigger battery.
However, that doesn’t detract from what it does well, and it’s a smooth performer with a premium design.
I may prefer Material 3 Expressive, but One UI 7 on the Galaxy S25 Ultra is no slouch. In addition to fresh visuals, Samsung included some new features.
My disappointment with Galaxy AI does not extend to One UI, but I still prefer Google’s software overall — at least until Samsung can refine its vision for AI.
If you’re a DeX user or love the Samsung ecosystem, you’ll have nothing to complain about.
I enjoy the photos I get from the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Its low-light performance isn’t as good as the Pixel 10 Pro XL, but it still produces a high-quality image.
The Pixel 10 Pro XL color reproduction isn’t as stark as in previous years, but there’s something about Samsung’s warmer colors that is pleasing to my eyes.
It’s a matter of preference, but don’t think you’re giving up too much in the photography department if you choose a Galaxy S25 Ultra over the Pixel.
You already know which one you’re going to buy
There was already a slight gap between the Google Pixel smartphones and the Samsung Galaxy devices, but that’s been blown wide open with the Pixel 10 Pro XL and Galaxy S25 Ultra.
The S25 Ultra is the device you pick up if you’re an enthusiast who needs the raw power of the Snapdragon 8 Elite. It’s an excellent performer with solid software and a premium (if bland) design.
The Pixel 10 Pro XL is something different. It remains a premium flagship device, boasting a gorgeous display and snappy performance.
However, Google focused on the user experience, and, unlike Galaxy AI, its Gemini improvements actually work. If you’re in the mood for something different, pick up the Pixel 10 Pro XL — you won’t be disappointed.
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Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
- SoC
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Google Tensor G5
- RAM
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16GB
- Storage
-
128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB with Zoned UFS / 1 TB with Zoned UFS
- Battery
-
5200mAh
- Operating System
-
Android 16
- Front camera
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42 MP Dual PD selfie camera
The Pixel 10 Pro XL packs all the same features you’ll find on its less expensive siblings, along with a few exclusive features like a 6.8-inch display and faster charging.
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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
- SoC
-
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
- RAM
-
12GB
- Storage
-
256GB, 512GB, 1TB
- Battery
-
5,000mAh
- Ports
-
USB-C
- Operating System
-
Android 15 and One UI 7
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra leaves the Note-like design behind for the very first time. With flat edges, curved corners, and a massive 6.9-inch display, this is a modern flagship through and through — and yes, that S Pen is still here too.
