Latest news with #techcomparison
GSM Arena
17 hours ago
- GSM Arena
Google Pixel 9a vs. Pixel 9
With the Google Pixel 9a having launched a few months ago and the Google Pixel 9 hitting shelves nearly a year back, a common dilemma arises—should you opt for the newer mid-range model or stick with last year's flagship? It's a valid question, especially given their similar pricing and shared DNA. In Europe, the Pixel 9 costs about €100 more than the 9a, while in the US, the gap widens to $150. On paper, the two phones have a lot in common—identical displays, matching chipsets, and comparable camera setups. But look a little closer, and a few key differences emerge. For some, they may not be dealbreakers. For others, however, the added features of the Pixel 9 could justify the extra cost. So let's take a closer look. Table of Contents: Design Display Battery Life Charging Speaker Test Performance Cameras Verdict For starters, you can compare the complete spec sheets or directly continue with our editor's assessment in the following text. Size comparison Google Pixel 9a Google Pixel 9 Despite the two Pixels sharing the same screen diagonal, the 9a has noticeably bigger dimensions, but lower weight. There are several reasons for that. Firstly, the Pixel 9 is more compact as it has thinner bezels around the screen. The 9a has absurdly thick bezels, even for a budget phone in 2025. That makes the 9a taller and wider. It's also slightly thicker, which might be due to the larger battery. As for the weight difference, we attribute that to the choice of materials. The Pixel 9 features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back held by an aluminum frame, while the 9a's build features an unnamed Gorilla Glass sheet on the front and a plastic back, which is lighter. All in all, the Pixel 9 is the better choice given the slimmer bezels, the nicer build materials and the more compact dimensions. Display comparison Google Pixel 9a Google Pixel 9 On paper, the two devices should have the exact same displays with the same performance. Both are 6.3-inch OLEDs with the same advertised maximum brightness. However, according to our tests, the Pixel 9a has slightly lower maximum brightness (around 1,900 nits) than the Pixel 9 (a little over 2,200 nits). Both phones reach levels of max brightness rarely seen in the industry, but the difference between the two could be seen as a hint that the phones use different panels. Other than that, there's no feature disparity between the two - both phones support the same basic HDR10+ video standard and up to 120Hz refresh rate. Battery life The two handsets share the same chipset and the same display, but the Pixel 9a has the advantage of a larger 5,100 mAh battery, as opposed to the 4,700 mAh-powered vanilla Pixel 9. However, it looks like the larger battery does not translate into real battery life benefits. The Pixel 9 scores marginally better on almost all tests, pushing the Active Use Score slightly higher than the 9a's. We can only guess what the reason might be and as we note in our Pixel 9a review, it may very well be a more power hungry display panel. Charging speed Google Pixel 9a 5100 mAh Google Pixel 9 4700 mAh In theory, the Pixel 9 should only be slightly faster to charge than the Pixel 9a, given the small difference in the charging rate - 23W vs. 27W in favor of the regular 9. However, that did not turn out entirely true in our real-life testing. The Pixel 9 indeed charged just slightly faster in the first 15 to 30 minutes of the charging cycle, but it completed a full charge in 85 minutes, while the Pixel 9a took 101 minutes. Notably, the Pixel 9 features faster wireless charging too - 15W (with Pixel stand, otherwise 12W) instead of the 9a's 7.5W charging power. Speaker test Regarding speakers, we can easily say that the Pixel 9a is the clear winner here. Sure, the Pixel 9 speakers are louder, but the 9a's tuning is much nicer. The bass is more prominent, the tracks don't sound tinny like the Pixel 9, and the overall sound is much warmer and fuller. Performance Both handsets rely on the same in-house Google Tensor G4 SoC that debuted with the Pixel 9 series last year. Even though the 9a is more affordable, it still rocks the same "flagship" chipset. Google Pixel 9a Google Pixel 9 Memory configurations are similar, but not identical. Both handsets offer only 128GB or 256GB storage, but the vanilla Pixel 9 gives you 12GB RAM, while the 9a settles for 8GB. Benchmark performance Google Pixel 9a Google Pixel 9 As expected, there's no difference in performance. The small differences you see in the benchmark results are well within the statistical error. Camera comparison The camera hardware is perhaps the main difference between the two handsets. The more affordable Pixel 9a settles for a smaller 48MP main sensor and a 13MP ultrawide camera, while the standard Pixel 9 boasts a physically much larger 50MP main sensor and a larger 48MP ultrawide unit too. The selfie hardware is also different. The 9a gets a 13MP shooter, while the Pixel 9 offers a 10.5MP camera, which has the same sensor size as the 13MP selfie on the 9a. Image quality At first glance, the two ultrawide cameras capture near-identical photos, but if you look closely enough, you will notice that the 48MP ultrawide unit on the Pixel 9 renders close objects much sharper. That's due to the autofocus capability. Objects in the distance are rendered similarly, though. Pixel 9a: 0.6x • 1x • 2x • 0.6x • 1x • 2x Pixel 9: 0.6x • 1x • 2x • 0.6x • 1x • 2x Once again, the Pixel 9's main camera offers more pleasant rendering with slightly punchier colors and a tad sharper objects. You can spot a bigger difference in the 2x zoom mode, where the bigger sensor shows a clear advantage. The gap widens as the light drops. The Pixel 9's ultrawide and main cameras produce cleaner and sharper images with wider dynamic range. The differences for most will likely be negligible, but it's worth noting. Pixel 9a: 0.6x • 1x • 2x • 0.6x • 1x • 2x Pixel 9: 0.6x • 1x • 2x • 0.6x • 1x • 2x We found no meaningful difference between the selfie cameras. Both are excellent. Selfies: Pixel 9a • Pixel 9 Video quality Below we have a few frame grabs from the videos taken by the two phones at each focal length, so it's easier to compare to one another. The daylight videos from the two Pixels seem almost identical. The Pixel 9's main camera video is just ever so slightly sharper and more detailed. The difference is negligible, though. Pixel 9a 4K screengrabs: 0.6x • 1x • 0.6x • 1x Pixel 9 4K screengrabs: 0.6x • 1x • 0.6x • 1x The nighttime videos from the Pixel 9 are sharper, somewhat cleaner and considerably brighter. Verdict Naturally, the Pixel 9 is on top in most aspects. It offers a nicer camera experience, a brighter display, a more premium design, and marginally better battery life and charging. Perhaps the price difference will make sense for most people, especially customers in Europe, where the gap is only €100. Conversely, if you don't mind the thick bezels, the Pixel 9a delivers mostly the same user experience. The display is still one of the brightest in town, performance is on par, and the camera hardware isn't that far behind. The stereo speakers are even better on the 9a. So, if you consider yourself a casual everyday user, then save a few bucks and go for the Pixel 9a. The lower price. The better speakers. The identical user experience. The faster charging speed and better battery life. The slightly brighter display. The better camera performance at night and the added versatility of AF on the ultrawide.
GSM Arena
07-06-2025
- GSM Arena
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. Galaxy S25+
With the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge slotting between the Samsung Galaxy S25+ and the S25 Ultra, it's only natural to wonder which one of the three to get. Especially in markets like India and the US, where the Edge is just $100/INR 10,000 more expensive than the S25+. Even if the two devices are built for different users, it's always advisable to get the best hardware for your hard-earned money. However, European consumers have it easy. The Plus model goes for about €400 less than the Edge. So is it worth the Edge's price premium? Let's find out. Table of Contents: Design Display Battery Life Charging Speaker Test Performance Cameras Verdict For starters, you can compare the complete specs sheets or directly continue with our editor's assessment in the following text. Size comparison Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Samsung Galaxy S25+ Even though the two handsets share roughly the same design, sans the camera island, and the same screen diagonal, the S25 Edge has a clear advantage. It's considerably lighter, slimmer and even negligibly shorter and narrower. So when it comes to portability, the S25 Edge is the clear choice. As far as build quality is concerned, the Edge is again superior. The handset features a tougher Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 protective panel on the front, and a lighter and stronger titanium frame. Display comparison Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Samsung Galaxy S25+ There is absolutely no discrepancy in the display department. The Galaxy S25 Edge and the S25+ share the same display technology, size, features and resolution. Both screens were able to boost a little over 1,400 nits, which is perfectly fine for outdoor use even on a bright sunny day. Battery life With the Galaxy S25 Edge having a significantly lower battery capacity than the S25+, it's no surprise that it offers inferior battery life. The Plus model outperforms the Edge in every battery test, but we are surprised to see the Edge getting pretty close to the S25+ in the video playback test. Charging speed Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 3900 mAh Samsung Galaxy S25+ 4900 mAh The Galaxy S25+'s charging is capped at 45W using a Power Delivery charger that supports Samsung's proprietary PPS, while the S25 Edge settles for a 25W charge. In theory, the S25+ should be considerably faster, but that's not really the case. The two phones have comparable charging times from 0 to 100%. Samsung has been pretty conservative with its charging speeds and its Galaxy S phones usually take about the same time to charge fully. Still, the S25+ gives you more charge in the first 15 to 30 minutes of the charging cycle, which is more practical in our books. Almost no one charges their phone from 0 to 100% when in a hurry, so we consider the S25+'s charging curve better suited for real-world scenarios. Speaker test While the sound tuning is similar, the Galaxy S25+ comes out on top with fuller sound and more prominent bass. The loudspeakers on the Plus are also a tad louder. This is somewhat expected given the S25 Edge's size. Smaller phones, or thinner ones in this case, find it harder to produce strong bass and are generally quieter. Performance The Galaxy S25+ and the S25 Edge share the same chipset - the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy. The "for Galaxy" suffix means the CPU and GPU are overclocked. More specifically, the main two CPU cores run at higher clock speeds compared to the standard SD 8 Elite. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Samsung Galaxy S25+ The available memory configurations are identical. Both devices are offered in 12GB/256GB and 12GB/512GB variants. Whichever memory options you choose, you get UFS 4.0 storage. Benchmark performance As one would expect, there is hardly a performance difference. The S25+ outperforms the S25 Edge by 2-3% at best and even falls behind in the combined AnTuTu 10 test. No surprises here. Camera comparison The Galaxy S25 Edge uses Samsung's flagship 200MP sensor for its primary camera, borrows the Galaxy S25/S25+ ultrawide unit and skips the telephoto camera entirely. The S25+, on the other hand, gets a smaller 50MP main sensor, a full-fledged 3x zoom unit and the same 12MP ultrawide camera as the Edge. The only difference is that the Edge's ultrawide camera has autofocus. The selfie cameras are identical. Image quality We are surprised to see the Galaxy S25+'s main camera producing images with relatively the same quality. Aside from some minor differences in processing, which are trivial at best, the Galaxy S25 Edge and the S25+ seem to capture near-identical photos with their main cameras. The same goes for the ultrawide shots, where the Edge gains a slight advantage due to the autofocus, which helps produce slightly sharper images. Galaxy S25 Edge: 0.6x • 1x • 2x • 3x Galaxy S25+: 0.6x • 1x • 2x • 3x We were expecting slightly better 2x zoom crops from the Edge, given the larger 200MP sensor, but we struggle to find any meaningful difference. Same goes for the 3x zoom comparison, where the 200MP camera's crop matches the dedicated 3x telephoto camera on the S25+. But as the light drops, the Edge's 200MP main camera shows somewhat cleaner and sharper 2x and 3x zoom photos. So, at the end of the day, the lack of a 3x zoom camera doesn't seem to be an issue with the Edge. At least in this context. Galaxy S25 Edge: 0.6x • 1x • 2x • 3x Galaxy S25+: 0.6x • 1x • 2x • 3x We also noticed a slight difference in post-processing of low-light images from the main cameras. The Galaxy S25 Edge's shots offer more contrast and slightly darker, more natural shadows. Video quality Below we have a few framegrabs from the videos taken by the two phones at each focal length, so it's easier to compare to one another. Galaxy S25 Edge 4K screengrabs: 0.6x • 1x • 2x • 3x Galaxy S25+ 4K screengrabs: 0.6x • 1x • 2x • 3x As for the videos, there's virtually no difference between the Edge and the Plus. Still, we would prefer the S25+ given that the 3x zoom video is slightly cleaner than the Edge's 3x zoom crop. The gap widens as the light drops, as the S25+'s telephoto unit produces considerably less noisy and more detailed videos. Verdict At first glance, the Galaxy S25 Edge sacrifices a lot in favor of design. It surely is the better choice when it comes to portability, compared to the S25+. But the latter will give you longer battery life, faster charging and nicer speakers. On paper, the Galaxy S25+'s camera system is also more versatile, but that's not the case in real-world scenarios. The S25 Edge's main sensor can deliver 3x telephoto-like images. So, while the Edge seems like a good choice, given the small price difference between the two handsets in the US, the Galaxy S25+ makes much more sense out of the two in India and Europe, where it undercuts the Edge significantly. You just have to decide whether you prioritize form over function or vice versa. The slim and lightweight design. The roughly the same camera experience. The more premium build. The better battery life and faster charging. The slightly better speakers. The lower price tag.
Geeky Gadgets
21-05-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
The Ultimate Budget Battle: Pixel 9a vs. Nothing (3a) Pro vs. Samsung A56 vs. iPhone 16e
Selecting a mid-range smartphone can be a complex decision, especially when balancing performance, design, and long-term value. The Pixel 9a, Nothing Phone 3a Pro, Samsung Galaxy A56, and iPhone 16e each bring distinct strengths to the table. Whether you're upgrading your current device or purchasing a first smartphone, understanding the differences between these models is essential for making an informed choice. The video below from Pete Matheson gives us more details on the handsets. Watch this video on YouTube. Pricing and Trade-In Options Price is often the first factor to consider when comparing smartphones, as it directly influences affordability and value. Here's how these models compare: Pixel 9a: Priced at $499, it offers some of the best trade-in deals, significantly reducing the upfront cost for those upgrading from an older device. Priced at $499, it offers some of the best trade-in deals, significantly reducing the upfront cost for those upgrading from an older device. Nothing Phone 3a Pro: Slightly more affordable at $449, but it lacks trade-in options. However, it compensates with higher RAM and storage configurations, offering better value for performance-focused users. Slightly more affordable at $449, but it lacks trade-in options. However, it compensates with higher RAM and storage configurations, offering better value for performance-focused users. Samsung Galaxy A56: Matches the Pixel 9a at $499 but provides fewer trade-in incentives, making it less appealing for those looking to offset costs. Matches the Pixel 9a at $499 but provides fewer trade-in incentives, making it less appealing for those looking to offset costs. iPhone 16e: The most expensive of the group at $599, with limited trade-in offers for non-Apple devices, making it a pricier option unless you're already part of the Apple ecosystem. If affordability and trade-in value are priorities, the Pixel 9a emerges as the most cost-effective option, while the Nothing Phone 3a Pro offers a competitive price for users who prioritize storage and RAM. Design and Build Quality Smartphone design is a subjective aspect, catering to individual tastes and preferences. Each model offers a unique approach to aesthetics and build quality: Pixel 9a: Features a frosted back and aluminum rails, combining durability with a premium feel that appeals to users seeking a minimalist yet sturdy design. Features a frosted back and aluminum rails, combining durability with a premium feel that appeals to users seeking a minimalist yet sturdy design. Nothing Phone 3a Pro: Stands out with its transparent back and glyph lighting, offering a bold and futuristic look. However, its bulkier build may not suit users who prefer compact devices. Stands out with its transparent back and glyph lighting, offering a bold and futuristic look. However, its bulkier build may not suit users who prefer compact devices. Samsung Galaxy A56: Offers a polished aluminum design with a conventional aesthetic, catering to those who prefer a classic and understated appearance. Offers a polished aluminum design with a conventional aesthetic, catering to those who prefer a classic and understated appearance. iPhone 16e: Compact and sleek, it features a ceramic shield and embodies Apple's signature design language, appealing to users who value simplicity and elegance. For those seeking a bold and unique design, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro is a standout. However, the Pixel 9a and iPhone 16e prioritize durability and simplicity, making them ideal for users who prefer a more traditional approach. Display Technology The display is a critical feature for gaming, streaming, and everyday use. Here's how the models compare in terms of screen quality: Nothing Phone 3a Pro: Leads the pack with a 6.77-inch AMOLED display, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an impressive 3000 nits HDR brightness, delivering vibrant visuals and smooth performance. Leads the pack with a 6.77-inch AMOLED display, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an impressive 3000 nits HDR brightness, delivering vibrant visuals and smooth performance. Pixel 9a: Offers a 6.3-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 2700 nits brightness, providing a close second in terms of visual quality and responsiveness. Offers a 6.3-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 2700 nits brightness, providing a close second in terms of visual quality and responsiveness. Samsung Galaxy A56: Matches the 120Hz refresh rate on a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen but falls behind with 1200 nits HDR brightness, making it less suitable for outdoor use in bright conditions. Matches the 120Hz refresh rate on a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen but falls behind with 1200 nits HDR brightness, making it less suitable for outdoor use in bright conditions. iPhone 16e: Features a smaller 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with a 60Hz refresh rate, which may feel dated compared to the competition but still delivers excellent color accuracy and sharpness. For display enthusiasts, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro provides the most immersive experience, while the Pixel 9a offers a strong balance of size, brightness, and refresh rate. Performance and Processing Power Performance is a key consideration for multitasking, gaming, and overall responsiveness. Here's how the processors stack up: Pixel 9a: Powered by the flagship Tensor G4 processor, it ensures smooth performance across demanding tasks, making it a reliable choice for power users. Powered by the flagship Tensor G4 processor, it ensures smooth performance across demanding tasks, making it a reliable choice for power users. iPhone 16e: Equipped with the A18 chip, it delivers exceptional speed and efficiency, particularly excelling in gaming and resource-intensive applications. Equipped with the A18 chip, it delivers exceptional speed and efficiency, particularly excelling in gaming and resource-intensive applications. Nothing Phone 3a Pro: Runs on the Snapdragon 7S Gen 3, which handles everyday tasks well but struggles with more demanding workloads, such as high-end gaming. Runs on the Snapdragon 7S Gen 3, which handles everyday tasks well but struggles with more demanding workloads, such as high-end gaming. Samsung Galaxy A56: Features the Exynos 1580, which offers slower performance overall, making it less suitable for users who prioritize speed and multitasking. If speed and efficiency are your priorities, the Pixel 9a and iPhone 16e are the clear winners, with the iPhone 16e slightly edging out in raw performance. Camera Capabilities Camera performance is a critical factor for many users. Here's what each model offers: Pixel 9a: Excels with a 48MP main sensor and a 13MP ultrawide lens, delivering consistent results in various lighting conditions and offering excellent computational photography features. Excels with a 48MP main sensor and a 13MP ultrawide lens, delivering consistent results in various lighting conditions and offering excellent computational photography features. Nothing Phone 3a Pro: Features a unique 50MP periscope zoom lens, ideal for photography enthusiasts, though its ultrawide lens is less impressive compared to competitors. Features a unique 50MP periscope zoom lens, ideal for photography enthusiasts, though its ultrawide lens is less impressive compared to competitors. Samsung Galaxy A56: Offers a versatile triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, 13MP ultrawide, and 5MP macro lens, but lacks strong zoom capabilities. Offers a versatile triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, 13MP ultrawide, and 5MP macro lens, but lacks strong zoom capabilities. iPhone 16e: Focuses on simplicity with a single main camera, excelling in video quality and ease of use but offering less versatility for photography enthusiasts. For versatile photography, the Pixel 9a and Nothing Phone 3a Pro stand out, with the Pixel 9a offering a more balanced overall experience. Battery Life and Charging Battery performance is crucial for daily use, especially for users who rely on their phones throughout the day. Here's how the models compare: Pixel 9a: Leads with a 5100mAh battery, 23W wired charging, and 7.5W wireless charging, making sure reliable all-day performance. Leads with a 5100mAh battery, 23W wired charging, and 7.5W wireless charging, making sure reliable all-day performance. Nothing Phone 3a Pro: Features a 5000mAh battery with 50W wired charging for faster recharges but lacks wireless charging support. Features a 5000mAh battery with 50W wired charging for faster recharges but lacks wireless charging support. Samsung Galaxy A56: Matches the 5000mAh battery but offers slower 45W wired charging and no wireless charging option. Matches the 5000mAh battery but offers slower 45W wired charging and no wireless charging option. iPhone 16e: Falls short with a smaller 4050mAh battery, 15W wired charging, and 7.5W wireless charging, making it less competitive in this category. For all-day use and charging flexibility, the Pixel 9a is the most reliable option, while the Nothing Phone 3a Pro offers the fastest wired charging for users who prioritize quick recharges. Durability and Software Updates Durability and long-term software support are essential for value-conscious buyers. Here's how the models compare: Pixel 9a: Offers IP68 water resistance and seven years of software updates, making sure long-term reliability and security. Offers IP68 water resistance and seven years of software updates, making sure long-term reliability and security. iPhone 16e: Matches the Pixel 9a with IP68 resistance and seven years of updates, making it a strong contender for users seeking longevity. Matches the Pixel 9a with IP68 resistance and seven years of updates, making it a strong contender for users seeking longevity. Samsung Galaxy A56: Provides IP67 water resistance and six years of updates, offering slightly less durability and support than the Pixel 9a and iPhone 16e. Provides IP67 water resistance and six years of updates, offering slightly less durability and support than the Pixel 9a and iPhone 16e. Nothing Phone 3a Pro: Falls behind with IP64 resistance and three years of updates, making it less future-proof than its competitors. For durability and future-proofing, the Pixel 9a and iPhone 16e are the safest bets, offering the best combination of water resistance and software longevity. AI Integration and Unique Features AI capabilities are becoming increasingly important in modern smartphones. Here's how the models compare: Pixel 9a: Integrates Google Gemini AI for enhanced photo editing, voice recognition, and real-time transcription, making it a leader in AI-driven features. Integrates Google Gemini AI for enhanced photo editing, voice recognition, and real-time transcription, making it a leader in AI-driven features. Nothing Phone 3a Pro: Also features Google Gemini AI and introduces Essential Space, a unique tool for organizing screenshots and notes. Also features Google Gemini AI and introduces Essential Space, a unique tool for organizing screenshots and notes. Samsung Galaxy A56: Uses Google Gemini AI but lacks standout features that differentiate it from the competition. Uses Google Gemini AI but lacks standout features that differentiate it from the competition. iPhone 16e: Limited by Siri's capabilities, it falls behind in AI innovation compared to the Pixel 9a and Nothing Phone 3a Pro. For innovative AI features, the Pixel 9a and Nothing Phone 3a Pro excel, with the Pixel 9a offering a more polished and reliable experience. Expand your understanding of Mid-range smartphones with additional resources from our extensive library of articles. Source & Image Credit: Pete Matheson Filed Under: Android News, Apple iPhone, Guides, Mobile Phone News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Digital Trends
13-05-2025
- Digital Trends
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra
Table of Contents Table of Contents Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: specs Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: design and display Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: performance and storage Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: cameras Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: battery and charging Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: software and updates Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: price and availability Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: verdict Five months after Samsung introduced its flagship Galaxy S25 Ultra, it has unveiled the Galaxy S25 Edge. The company's thinnest phone to date, the S25 Edge, is very similar to the S25 Ultra — yet also significantly different in some crucial ways. Let's take a look. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: specs Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Size 158.2 x 75.6 x 5.8 mm (6.23 x 2.98 x 0.23 in) 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2mm (6.4 x 3.1 x 0.32 inches) Weight 163 g (5.75 oz) 218 grams (7.7 ounces) Screen size and resolution 6.7 inches QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X 3120 x 1440 pixels Adaptive 1~120Hz HDR10+ 2600 nits Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 6.9 inches QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X 3120 x 1440 pixels, 498 PPI Adaptive 1~120Hz HDR10+ 2600 nits peak brightness Corning Gorilla Armor 2 Operating system Android 15, One UI 7 Android 15, One UI 7 Storage 256GB, 512GB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB Processor and RAM Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen Elite for Galaxy 12GB Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen Elite for Galaxy 12GB Cameras Dual rear cameras: 200MP primary, OIS 12MP ultrawide Front camera: 12MP, f/2.2, autofocus Quad rear cameras: 200MP primary, OIS 50MP ultrawide 50MP periscope telephoto, 5x optical zoom 10MP telephoto, 3x optical zoom 100x Space Zoom Front camera: 12MP, f/2.2, autofocus Water resistance IP68 IP68 Battery and charging 3,900mAh 25W wired charging 15W wireless charging Reverse wireless charging 5,000mAh 45W wired charging 15W wireless charging Reverse wireless charging Colors Titanium Icyblue, Titanium Jetblack, Titanium Silver Titanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Silverblue, Titanium Whitesilver Online Exclusives: Titanium Jetblack, Titanium Jadegreen, Titanium Pinkgold Price From $1,100 From $1,300 Review To be published Galaxy S25 Ultra Recommended Videos Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: design and display The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and the Galaxy S25 Ultra are distinguished by their striking differences in design and display features. The S25 Edge is designed to emphasize a remarkably slim profile, measuring only 5.8mm in thickness and weighing a mere 163 grams, making it the slimmest smartphone ever produced by Samsung. It showcases a sophisticated titanium frame complemented by elegantly curved sides and is protected by the durable Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 on the front, ensuring beauty and resilience. The S25 Edge boasts a stunning 6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that delivers breathtaking visuals with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, achieving an impressive peak brightness of 2,600 nits for exceptional visibility in various lighting environments. In contrast, the Galaxy S25 Ultra presents a premium design, featuring a sturdy titanium frame; however, it is inclined towards a more robust build at 8.2mm in thickness and weighs 218 grams. This model offers a more expansive 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, supporting an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate. Enhanced by an anti-reflective coating with Gorilla Armor 2, the screen is designed for greater durability against scratches and impacts. A standout feature of the Ultra is its integrated S Pen, a distinguishing characteristic not found in the S25 Edge, underscoring the Ultra's dedication to enhancing productivity and creativity for its users. Winner: Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge for its cutting-edge design Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: performance and storage The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and the Galaxy S25 Ultra deliver flagship-tier performance, primarily driven by the shared Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform for the Galaxy chipset. This customized silicon ensures both devices can handle demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and graphically rich games effortlessly. Coupled with 12GB of LPDDR5x RAM in both models, users can expect a fluid and responsive experience across various tasks. While both offer fast UFS 4.0 storage (256GB and 512GB), the S25 Ultra is the only one currently offering 1TB. To manage heat during heavy usage, both phones incorporate vapor chamber cooling systems; however, the Galaxy S25 Ultra often features a larger chamber, which could translate to slightly better sustained performance under extreme and prolonged workloads. Furthermore, the larger 5000 mAh battery in the Ultra generally provides longer battery life compared to the Edge's smaller 3900 mAh battery, which prioritizes its skinny profile. While both phones offer exceptional performance for everyday use, the Galaxy S25 Ultra might exhibit a slight advantage in enduring demanding tasks and providing extended battery life. In contrast, the S25 Edge focuses on a sleek design without significantly compromising processing power. Winner: Tied, as they have the same chipset. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: cameras Until now, the S25 Edge and S25 Ultra seem nearly identical on many of the key specs. The most significant differences, however, are left to each phone's camera systems. The camera systems on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Galaxy S25 Edge differ significantly, reflecting their distinct design philosophies. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, featuring a quad-camera setup, prioritizes versatility and top-tier imaging capabilities. This includes a 200MP primary wide-angle lens for exceptional detail, a 50MP ultra-wide lens to capture expansive scenes, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom (enabling up to 10x optical quality zoom and 100x Space Zoom). This array provides incredible flexibility for various shooting scenarios, from wide landscapes to distant subjects, with impressive zoom capabilities and enhanced low-light performance thanks to its larger sensors and sophisticated software processing, including advanced AI features and Nightography. In contrast, to achieve its ultra-slim 5.8mm profile, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge features a dual-camera system. This setup includes a high-resolution 200MP primary wide-angle camera and a 12MP ultra-wide camera. While the 200MP primary sensor still captures detailed images, the S25 Edge lacks the dedicated telephoto lenses on the Ultra. Although it retains Samsung's AI-powered ProVisual Engine for image enhancements and likely offers digital zoom capabilities, it won't match the optical zoom range and overall versatility of the S25 Ultra's more comprehensive camera system. Therefore, while the S25 Edge aims to deliver excellent main and ultra-wide photography in a sleek package, the Galaxy S25 Ultra provides a more comprehensive and robust camera experience with its multiple telephoto lenses catering to a broader range of photographic needs. Winner: No contest, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: battery and charging The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra prioritizes battery capacity and charging speed over the ultra-thin design of the S25 Edge. As noted above, the S25 Ultra comes with a 5000 mAh battery, which, as expected, offers significantly longer battery life compared to the S25 Edge's 3900 mAh battery. The Galaxy S25 Ultra supports Super Fast Charging 2.0 at 45W wired, allowing it to reach a 50% charge in around 20-25 minutes and a full charge in approximately 55-60 minutes with a compatible charger. It also supports 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. In contrast, to achieve its skinny 5.8mm profile, the Galaxy S25 Edge's smaller battery can only support 25W wired fast charging. This slower charging speed means a full charge will likely take around 70 minutes, with a 30-minute charge reaching about 55-60%. The S25 Edge also supports 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. Therefore, while both phones offer wireless and reverse wireless charging, the Galaxy S25 Ultra provides a larger battery for extended usage and faster wired charging capabilities, whereas the S25 Edge compromises on these aspects to achieve its exceptionally slim design. Winner: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: software and updates The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Galaxy S25 Edge benefit from Samsung's commitment to long-term software support. Both devices launch with Android 15 and One UI 7.0 out of the box and are guaranteed to receive seven major Android OS updates, taking them up to Android 22, and seven years of security updates. This industry-leading update policy ensures that both phones remain secure and feature-rich for an extended period, likely until 2032. You can expect consistent software experiences between the two models, with access to the same One UI features, including the latest Galaxy AI enhancements like Audio Eraser and Drawing Assist. Updates will likely be rolled out simultaneously to both devices, ensuring that the Ultra and Edge users receive the latest features and security patches simultaneously. This unified software and update approach underscores Samsung's dedication to providing a consistent and long-lasting software experience across its flagship S25 series. Winner: Tied Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: price and availability The all-new Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge begins shipping at the end of May. It's available for pre-order starting at $1,099 for the 256GB model. At launch, it's only available in three color options: Titanium Icy Blue, Titanium Jet Black, and Titanium Silver. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, the older of the two handsets, is currently available on the market with a plentiful supply. It starts at $1,399 for the 256GB model. Samsung's flagship can be everywhere in Titanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Silver Blue, and Titanium White Silver. Three color options are exclusive to the Samsung online store: Titanium Jet Black, Titanium Jade Green, and Titanium Pink Gold. Remember that discounts and trade-ins can significantly reduce the prices of both phones. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: verdict In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and the Galaxy S25 Ultra represent two distinct approaches within the premium smartphone market, sharing a foundation of high-end features and performance. They both boast the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, 12GB of RAM, and the latest One UI 7.0 software based on Android 15, ensuring a smooth and responsive user experience. Both also benefit from Samsung's commitment to long-term support, with seven years of OS and security updates. However, key differences cater to different user priorities. The Galaxy S25 Edge prioritizes a sleek and lightweight design, making it ideal for users who value portability and aesthetics. Its skinny profile and lightweight build make it a stylish and comfortable device for everyday use. While it shares the Ultra's impressive 200MP primary camera, it forgoes the telephoto lens for a streamlined camera setup. In contrast, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the powerhouse of the pair, designed for users who demand the absolute best in camera versatility, battery life, and productivity. Its advanced quad-camera system, including dual telephoto lenses, provides superior zoom capabilities, while its larger battery ensures all-day power. Including the S Pen further enhances its productivity, making it a compelling choice for professionals and creatives. Choosing between the S25 Edge and the S25 Ultra depends on individual needs and preferences. The S25 Edge is for those who prioritize a stunning design and effortless portability without sacrificing core performance and camera quality. The S25 Ultra is for power users who want the most comprehensive feature set, especially in photography and productivity, and are willing to accept a larger, more substantial device. Winner: For most folks, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
