Google Pixel 8 vs Samsung Galaxy S25
Side-by-side specifications, scores and verdict.
Quick Verdict
Both phones deliver flagship experiences at different price points. Google Pixel 8 excels with its Actua OLED display (2000 nits peak brightness) and exceptional computational photography through Tensor G3, offering excellent 4K video at 60fps. Samsung Galaxy S25 counters with a brighter Dynamic AMOLED 2X display (2600 nits), superior raw specs including 12GB RAM, 8K video capability, and the more powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. S25 is noticeably thinner (7.2mm vs 8.9mm) and lighter (162g vs 187g). However, Pixel 8's software integration and AI-driven features provide tangible real-world advantages, while S25's larger storage options (up to 512GB) and telephoto lens add versatility. Battery capacity favors Pixel 8 (4575mAh), though both support modern charging. At $100 less, Pixel 8 represents superior value with competitive performance; S25 justifies premium pricing through hardware refinements and expanded capabilities. Choose Pixel 8 for software excellence and value, or S25 for cutting-edge hardware and multimedia features.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Google Pixel 8 | Samsung Galaxy S25 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 14 | Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 187 g | 162 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm | 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.68, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 10.5 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, f/2.2, 125.8-degree | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Telephoto | — | 10 MP 3x optical |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4575 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Charging | 27W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 18W (Pixel Stand) | 15W Qi2 |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.2 inches | 6.2 inches |
| Type | Actua OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X LTPO |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 2600 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (2x4.47 GHz + 6x3.53 GHz) |
| GPU | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Adreno 830 |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G3 | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.4 |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Google Pixel 8
Pros
- Compact and comfortable design
- Seven years of updates
- Excellent main camera
- Bright Actua OLED display
- On-device AI features
Cons
- No telephoto lens
- Tensor G3 thermals can be inconsistent
- Only 8 GB RAM
- Slow charging vs rivals
Samsung Galaxy S25
Pros
- Compact and pocketable flagship
- Same Snapdragon 8 Elite as the Ultra model
- 12 GB RAM upgraded from prior generation
- Excellent 120Hz AMOLED display
- Long 7-year software support promise
Cons
- Small 4000 mAh battery limits endurance
- Slow 25W charging
- 1080p resolution instead of QHD
- No major camera hardware upgrades
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