Google Pixel 10 vs Samsung Galaxy S25

Google Pixel 10

The Pixel 10 gains a 5x telephoto zoom for the first time on the standard model, with computational photography remaining class-leading. However, the main sensor swap from the Pixel 9 has drawn some criticism.

• Google has done a great job tuning the cameras on this less-expensive Pixel, to the point where it takes photos that look remarkably like images captured with the Pixel 10 Pro XL
• The addition of 5x telephoto zoom to the standard Pixel is a significant upgrade that closes the gap with the Pro models for most photography scenarios
• If you had a Pixel 9 and upgraded to a Pixel 10, you are sacrificing some camera quality to get the rest of the upgrades — Google swapped in the 9a sensor for the main camera
• AI-powered features produce final edited images in under 20 seconds, and computational photography keeps low-light results among the best in any smartphone

Samsung Galaxy S25

The 50MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 10MP 3x telephoto setup delivers reliable results. AI photo editing tools add genuine value, though hardware improvements over S24 are minimal.

• Camera experience is just okay — display is excellent, performance is on point, but cameras need more attention
• Galaxy AI photo editing features like Generative Edit genuinely improve the experience
• Hardware is largely unchanged from S24 — feels like Samsung is coasting on software improvements alone

Google Pixel 10

The Tensor G5 on TSMC 3nm delivers improved CPU efficiency and better thermals, but GeekBench scores still trail Samsung and Apple competitors, and GPU performance remains a weak point.

• The Tensor G5 promises a 34% faster CPU and 60% faster TPU for AI tasks, with significantly improved thermals thanks to TSMC's 3nm fabrication replacing Samsung's process
• While GeekBench scores are much improved over last year's Tensor G4, they still trail the results of the Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16 in raw benchmarks
• The Mali GPU has been replaced with a PowerVR one, but GPU performance remains roughly half of what Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers — not a gaming phone
• Despite the lackluster benchmark scores, real-world performance is smooth and responsive for everyday tasks, with AI processing completing quickly

Samsung Galaxy S25

The Snapdragon 8 Elite chip brings significant performance and efficiency gains. Galaxy AI features run smoothly on-device, and daily performance is exceptional.

• After three years making essentially the same phone, Samsung has nailed it — better than its predecessors in almost every way, beating the iPhone 16 in performance
• Galaxy AI features are genuinely useful and well-integrated into the daily experience
• On-device AI processing is noticeably faster than cloud-based alternatives