Galaxy S25 vs Pixel 10: Which to Buy Under €650?

Two models particularly stand out at the moment: the Samsung Galaxy S25 and the Google Pixel 10. These two premium smartphones have seen their prices drop, making their quality-price ratio more attractive by falling to less than 650 euros.

The Galaxy S25 shines with its overall mastery with a neat design, a still vibrant AMOLED screen and fluid performance. For its part, the Pixel 10 focuses on versatility with an AI-powered photo experience and exemplary software monitoring. Both rated 8/10 in our tests, these two models offer solid and durable performance: it remains to be determined which one offers the best value for money.

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Beautiful smartphones that are fun to use

Let’s start with their design. The Samsung Galaxy S25 is a cute little device with beautiful finishes, very pleasant in the hand with its rounded corners and flat edges. The Google Pixel 10, for its part, focuses on a minimalist design and retains the large horizontal photo bar which runs across the entire back and gives it a strong visual identity that is recognizable at first glance.

Once turned on, the Pixel 10 screen is very, very bright, more so than the Galaxy S25: its AMOLED displays record brightness (2,850 nits) and flattering contrasts. That of the S25 works very well: Full HD+, OLED and equipped with an LTPO refresh rate at 120 Hz, but you will have to go into the settings to obtain a satisfactory balance between color fidelity, temperature and plurality of shades.

It is also on the software part that the two models are appreciated, in particular for the seven years of guaranteed updates promised by the two manufacturers. The S25 has since run on One UI 8 and Android 16, an intuitive and responsive interface with a host of Galaxy AI functions. Google’s also runs on Android 16 with its Material 3 Expressive. The whole thing is fluid, pure, simple, everything we like. There are several tools powered by artificial intelligence integrated into the keyboard or even modification of dictated text on the fly.

Good photophones

Whether you choose the Pixel 10 or the Galaxy S25, the photos you take with it will be successful.

The Samsung smartphone can count on a 50 Mpx main sensor, a 12 Mpx ultra-wide-angle and a 10 Mpx x3 telephoto lens. With its trio of sensors, the S25 offers good image quality with good dynamic management and a good overall level of detail. In certain modes, however, we note some culpable approximations (focusing, portrait mode which can be improved, etc.). It’s still very good overall.

On Google’s, we are entitled to a 48-megapixel main sensor, a 13-megapixel ultra-wide-angle sensor and a 10.8-megapixel telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. The quality of the main sensor remains excellent during the day, but shows its limits in low light. The new x5 telephoto lens still allows for sharp shots. Conversely, the ultra-wide-angle sensor downgrades in definition, which impacts the quality of night photos.

Two durable and efficient smartphones

For phones of this size, they are rather durable.

Google has also managed to integrate a 4,970 mAh battery, or 300 mAh more than the Pixel 9. As a result, we exceed the day of use even if we use it more intensely. There remains the not-so-fast fast charging (30 watts), but we appreciate the Qi2 compatibility which offers Pixelsnap magnetic charging. For its part, the Galaxy S25 manages to last a day without fear in various scenarios, even with its 4,000 mAh battery. It’s a shame that its standby consumption is not as exemplary and especially that its load is limited to 25 watts.

In terms of performance, the Google Pixel 10 and the Samsung Galaxy S25 do not stand out, but like the benchmarks show, that of Samsung benefits from higher power.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip, it is fluid in all circumstances, even in 3D games. Better yet: the Galaxy S25 keeps its cool in all circumstances thanks to excellent heat dissipation. With the Tensor G5, the Pixel 10 is not the most powerful. It is especially optimized for AI functions and provides the power necessary for everyday tasks. It is even possible to play comfortably on this smartphone.

Google or Samsung: now is the time to choose

These are very good smartphones which received a rating of 8/10. On one side or the other, there is no shortage of qualities, but there are differences to take into account before making your choice.

The Pixel 10 is the ideal choice for anyone looking for the smartest Google experience, with a still excellent main camera now with powerful zoom. It appeals for its pure Android 16 experience, its optimized Tensor G5, its better battery and its promise of 7 years of updates. It is a good, reliable companion in everyday life.

The Galaxy S25 offers the most pleasant daily use, both through its fluid One UI 8 interface and its compact and pleasant design in the hand. By abandoning the Exynos in favor of the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, Samsung is offering superior performance and better thermal management. The photo remains convincing and the autonomy correct, but the fast charging still disappoints.

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If the phone from Google or the Samsung brand hasn’t convinced you, discover our guide including the best smartphones of the moment.