Pixel 9 Pro Tested: Can Google Finally Beat Samsung and Apple?

The Pixel 9 Pro from Google came out in 2024, and by the middle of 2025, it had won the “Smartphone of the Year” award at MWC for its AI, camera, and software support. The real question is whether it can beat the Galaxy S25 Ultra or iPhone 16 Pro in everyday use and if it’s worth choosing over them.

Here’s what testing it over three months, alongside conversations with users and deep‑dive reviews, revealed.

What Makes the Pixel 9 Pro Stand Out in 2025

1. Pure AI Power from the Tensor G4 & Gemini

At its core, the Pixel 9 Pro runs Google’s Tensor G4 chip, now fused with the Gemini Nano model. The device includes Gemini Live, a conversational AI overlay, and tools like Pixel Studio (on‑device image generation), Magic Editor, and Add Me for perfect group photos. It also features Call Notes, Call Assist, and a screenshots app that auto‑calls out key info.
These AI-driven features are baked into Android 15 and delivered via Google’s Pixel Drop model, even without a constant cloud connection.

2. Impressive Triple-Camera Setup

You get a 50 MP main, 48 MP ultra‑wide, and 48 MP 5× telephoto sensor, the trifecta that reviewers called “technically perfect.”Photos are consistent, sharp, and great in low light.

That said, some users felt Google’s image processing errs on the side of dull. Android Authority’s revisit noted the Pixel’s colors lack depth compared to rivals like OnePlus, even though the photos are objectively sharp.

3. Seven Years of Software Support

Google now promises seven years of OS and security updates, until 2031. That places it in Apple territory for longevity in the Android world.

Real-World Use Cases: Camera, Display, and Battery

Camera Consistency vs. Personality

Owners on Reddit praised the Pixel 9 Pro’s user experience, especially indoors and on moving subjects. “Camera is way better,” one user noted, particularly for spontaneous shots. But opinions differed on image warmth and color; many found it technically perfect but emotionally flat.
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 family offers stronger saturation and punch, but at the cost of Google’s subtle HDR style.

Screen, Size, and Handling

The Pixel 9 Pro’s 6.3-inch LTPO OLED supports a 120Hz refresh rate and peaks at around 3,000 nits of brightness. It’s flat, compact, and easy to hold. In contrast, the Galaxy S25 Edge is thinner (5.8 mm vs ~8.5 mm) and lighter, making it more pocket-friendly.

Battery that Holds Up

With a 4,700 mAh cell, the Pixel 9 Pro comfortably lasted full days of heavy use, even outlasting earlier Pixel models. But some users reported battery and overheating quirks after mid‑2025 updates.
Still, reviewers called it “top‑notch” thanks to strong optimization and smooth everyday use.

AI & Software: Smarter than Before?

Beyond the camera, it’s Android’s software experience that floats the Pixel 9 Pro. Gemini Live allows conversational voice queries and on-device AI without latency. Pixel Studio’s text‑to‑image features and Reimagine tools are powerful and intuitive.

Apple gets similar AI credit with its up-and-coming Apple Intelligence, but most features are still rolling out, whereas Pixel’s are already baked in. Samsung’s Galaxy AI is broad, but it’s often duplicated on Samsung phones. This means that Pixel is still the only phone that comes with Google AI tools built in.

Side-by-Side: Pixel 9 Pro vs Samsung & Apple

Pixel vs Samsung (Galaxy S25 Ultra/Edge)

• Camera: Pixel takes better, clearer AI photos inside. Samsung makes portraits look deeper and more powerful.

• Software & AI: Pixel uses Gemini tools natively. Samsung combines Galaxy and Google AI, but Pixel is more streamlined.

• Design: S25 Edge wins with a thinner frame and a lighter feel. Pixel offers more stability and a longer-lasting battery.

• Updates & Value: The seven years of support from Pixel is huge. Samsung gives updates every five years. The price of the Pixel 9 Pro also goes down a lot. Right now, with deals, it’s between $799 and $900.

Pixel vs Apple (iPhone 16 Pro)

• Ecosystem: Apple excels with seamless integration. Pixel stays open and flexible, but feels more like Android’s cleanest version.

• AI & Photography: Pixel leads in pure HDR AI and advanced editing tools. iPhone still pulls ahead on video quality and optics.

• Support: Both offer seven-year support. You decide whether you want Android’s openness or Apple’s polish.

What Could Be Better?

• Color personality in photos: Some users want more vivid tones, but Pixel errs on the side of restraint.

• Gaming/performance limits: Snapdragon 8 Elite phones like Galaxy S25 Ultra or OnePlus 13 lead benchmarks. Pixel handles most tasks fine, but it isn’t built for extreme gaming.

• Post-update stability: A few reports mentioned battery or WiFi issues after a software update—though Google has since patched some.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Pixel 9 Pro?

You should consider the Pixel 9 Pro if you:

• Put AI-powered editing, voice interaction, and pure Android speed at the top of your list.

• Want a reliable camera system, especially in varied lighting.

• Value seven years of software and security support.

• Prefer Google’s clean, bloat-free interface.

But lean toward Samsung or Apple if:

• You want top-tier gaming performance.

• You prefer hyper‑rich colors or stylish ultralight design.

• You’re already deep in the Apple or Samsung ecosystem.

Summary Table

Final Thoughts

The Pixel 9 Pro isn’t flawless.

But in 2025, it hits the sweet spot: AI that matters, seven years of updates, and a size that makes it easy to use while still being powerful. It might not have better specs than Samsung or Apple, but it has a unique mix of innovation, dependability, and long-term value that you don’t see in many Android flagships.

Google might finally have your flagship if you want Android that is really smart and built to last.