With the launch of the Google Pixel 10 series, the 2025 flagship smartphone race got more competitive. The top-of-the-line phones like the Galaxy S25 Ultra usually steal the spotlight, so many often skip over the standard base model. So now, here’s a quick comparison between the vanilla flagships from Samsung, Apple, and Google. We have the Galaxy S25, iPhone 16, and Pixel 10, so let’s see which one is worth buying.
1. Design & Display
All three models are compact premium phones, with the Pixel 10, Galaxy S25, and iPhone 16 featuring a 6.3-inch display, 6.2-inch, and 6.1-inch, respectively. While Samsung used to dominate in displays, other flagships have caught up and even surpassed the South Korean tech giant. The base Pixel 10 has the brightest 3000 nits screen, while the Galaxy S25 has LTPO support for variable refresh rate.
Apple disappointingly still offers a 60Hz panel on the iPhone 16. So Pixel 10 takes the win here. Design is subjective, but we can compare weight and size. Here, the Samsung Galaxy S25 takes the lead with the slightest 162 grams body and also measures the thinnest (7.2mm). In comparison, the Pixel 10 is the thickest and heaviest (8.6mm, 204 grams).
Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
| Preview | Product | |
|---|---|---|
|
Apple iPhone 16 (128 GB) – Black | Check Price on Amazon |
Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
2. Performance
Under the hood, things get interesting. The Pixel 10 runs on Google’s Tensor G5, built with TSMC’s 3nm process. This brings improvements in CPU performance, but the greatest jump is in the AI performance. However, it is still not the fastest chip in benchmarks. Google has been clear about its priorities as the chip is optimized for AI tasks like voice recognition, image processing, and live translation.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 ships with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, which is the fastest Android processor in the market. So you can expect top tier performance, especially in terms of gaming. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 is powered by Apple’s A18 Bionic. Historically, Apple’s chips lead in efficiency and sustained performance, and this year is no different.
3. Cameras
The Pixel 10 doubles down on computational photography with downgraded image sensors. Despite the smaller main and ultra wide angle camera, the company has finally added a new telephoto shooter in the base Pixel model, while also using its tuning to improve the image quality. You also get AI-powered editing tools like Magic Editor and Best Take. It remains one of the best for still photography and portrait shots.
Since Samsung already offers triple cameras, the iPhone 16 is the only flagship model here with a dual camera setup. The Galaxy S25 is still quite capable, but disappointingly, it didn’t receive any camera update. Apple still offers one of the best videography experiences on the iPhone 16, however, the Pixel 10 is a close contender. Out of these three, Google’s base model still offers one of the best photography kit.
4. Battery & Charging
Google packs the Pixel 10 with the largest battery out of the three, bringing a 4970mAh cell that supports 29W wired fast charging and 15W Qi2 Pixelsnap magnetic wireless charging. This makes it the first true competitor to the iPhone 16’s MagSafe. While the battery details have never been revealed by Apple, it does support 25W wired fast charging. Lastly, the Galaxy S25 has a similar 25W wired fast charging, 15W wireless charging support, and a 4,000mAh battery. So the Pixel 10 takes the win once again.
5. Software & Ecosystem
The Pixel 10 offers the cleanest Android experience, with 7 years of Android and security updates and deep AI integration. This matches Samsung’s seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates. However, Apple continues to thrive on its unmatched Apple ecosystem, from AirPods to Macs, and seamless features like iMessage and AirDrop.
| Preview | Product | |
|---|---|---|
|
Google Pixel 10 – Obsidian – 128 GB with $100 Amazon Gift Card | Check Price on Amazon |
Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Don’t miss a thing! Join our Telegram community for instant updates and grab our free daily newsletter for the best tech stories!
