Galaxy S25 vs iPhone 16 vs Pixel 9 – Best Compact Flagship Compared in 2025

The most popular compact phones in the same price range are the Galaxy S25, iPhone 16, and Pixel 9. All three received several updates, prompting a real-world comparison of software features, camera, battery, and performance to help identify the best choice.

Among these, the Galaxy S25 is the only phone that truly qualifies as compact, especially when used with a case. The Pixel 9 becomes bulky, and while the iPhone 16 is relatively slim, the Galaxy S25 remains the lightest. Weighing only 162 grams compared to the iPhone 16 at 170g and Pixel 9 at 192g, the Galaxy S25 also has a smaller profile. The Pixel 9 is the tallest of the three.

All phones have bright displays suitable for outdoor use. However, the iPhone 16 only features a 60Hz display, resulting in less fluid animations compared to the 120Hz refresh rate of the Galaxy S25 and Pixel 9. The Galaxy S25 uses an LTPO display with variable refresh rate, enhancing battery efficiency. The Pixel 9 includes the latest Samsung M14 panel, widely regarded as one of the best in smartphones.

For biometrics, the iPhone 16 only offers Face ID with its Dynamic Island design. Both Android phones use punch-hole front cameras and feature ultrasonic fingerprint sensors.

Each device incorporates AI capabilities. One of the most practical features is the Magic Eraser, which quickly removes elements from photos. All gallery apps support this function, but results vary. The iPhone struggles to remove complex elements like a tree overlapping a building, likely due to older algorithms. The Galaxy S25 performs the best, accurately reconstructing backgrounds. The Pixel 9 also works well, but introduces noticeable artifacts.

The Galaxy S25 and Pixel 9 support Circle to Search, enabling users to draw around an object and instantly get reverse image search results. On iPhone, similar functionality requires manually opening Google Lens, making the process less seamless.

Text manipulation powered by generative AI is built into the Galaxy and iPhone. Any text in any app can be summarized, translated, or proofread. This feature is especially useful for tasks like summarizing emails. A similar tool does not appear natively on the Pixel 9.

The Galaxy S25 also includes an AI Select tool. This enables selecting any on-screen element, even from apps that don’t allow text selection—such as Reddit or YouTube comments—and performing actions like translation or copy. This feature is not currently matched on other phones.

Overall, Galaxy leads in practical AI integration, while Apple lags behind. Google has strong foundational models but has yet to fully integrate them into Pixel for everyday use.

One UI 7 on the Galaxy resembles iOS in several ways, which enhances usability. The separation between the notification center and quick settings makes space for more notifications. When music is playing, the iPhone uses Dynamic Island. Galaxy now features a top-left bar in One UI 7 to show currently playing music. On the Pixel, there is no always-visible music indicator.

In quick settings or notifications, all three phones display media controls. The lock screen on all three also shows music and notifications, with customization options. On the Galaxy, a Now Bar at the bottom allows interaction with certain apps and music controls without unlocking.

The Galaxy S25’s camera app offers extensive features, including Pro Video mode with tools like false colors and manual control—a rare inclusion, even compared to some professional cameras. A dual camera mode is also available. The iPhone stands out for its user-friendly and effective photo filters. One UI 7 improves Galaxy’s filter selection, but iPhone still leads in filter implementation. Pixel 9 focuses more on smart photography tools such as Action Pan, Long Exposure, and Add Friend mode.

The iPhone 16 includes MagSafe for attaching accessories without a case. Pixel 9 and Galaxy S25 require a MagSafe-compatible case to use magnetic accessories.

The iPhone 16 and Pixel 9 feature two cameras: a wide and an ultrawide. The Galaxy S25 adds a third: a 3x telephoto. All wide-angle cameras have roughly equal sensor sizes and light capture. Color science varies—iPhone tends toward green tones, Galaxy S25 presents vivid but neutral colors, and Pixel 9 often skews magenta, sometimes excessively.

All three support portrait mode with background blur. Differences in color rendering persist here as well. For ultrawide shots, iPhone 16 and Pixel 9 offer slightly wider fields of view and newer sensors. The Galaxy’s ultrawide hardware feels dated and would benefit from an upgrade.

In video, differences emerge in exposure and tone. The iPhone lifts shadows slightly, the Galaxy is more vivid, and the Pixel 9 shows high contrast with darker blacks. The Pixel also occasionally suffers from abrupt exposure and light shifts.

For selfies, the iPhone and Pixel have wider-angle front cameras, allowing more content or people in the frame. Galaxy’s front camera is narrower by comparison. Macro capabilities are better on the iPhone 16 and Pixel 9, which can focus at shorter distances. The Galaxy S25 struggles with close-ups unless the telephoto lens is used.

At 3x zoom, the Galaxy S25’s dedicated telephoto lens outperforms both rivals. The iPhone 16 still produces usable results at 3x with digital zoom. The Pixel 9, however, shows sharpening artifacts and a noticeable loss of detail. Optical zoom remains a strong advantage for the Galaxy. A telephoto lens is only available on the Pro versions of the iPhone and Pixel.

In battery tests, the iPhone 16 consistently lasts longer. The Galaxy S25 and Pixel 9 perform similarly, although the Galaxy sometimes shows more battery drain in standby. On-screen time is generally balanced between the two Android phones. The iPhone’s superior standby time and optimization give it an edge in overall longevity.

Charging speed also differs. The Galaxy S25 charges the fastest, reaching full battery more quickly than the iPhone 16 and Pixel 9. The Pixel charges the slowest, especially with older 18W power adapters. The Galaxy also supports faster wireless charging, especially when using Samsung-approved chargers. The iPhone remains limited in wireless charging speeds unless using MagSafe-certified accessories.

Thermal performance under sustained load favors the Galaxy S25, which remains cooler during extended gaming or heavy tasks. The iPhone 16 occasionally heats up but manages to maintain performance. The Pixel 9, however, is more prone to thermal throttling under pressure, particularly during long gaming sessions or multitasking with demanding apps.

In terms of software support, all three phones offer long-term updates. Apple leads with the longest OS support, often providing updates for 5+ years. Samsung closely follows, now offering 7 years of updates starting with the S24 series. Google also offers 7 years of updates on Pixel 9, aligning all three in terms of long-term reliability.

Conclusion:
For those seeking a truly compact flagship, the Galaxy S25 offers the lightest and most pocketable design, fast charging, advanced AI features, and a versatile triple-camera setup. The iPhone 16 stands out with longer battery life, MagSafe, and excellent photo filters. The Pixel 9 provides a rich display and advanced computational photography, but suffers from thermal issues and lacks some AI integrations. Each phone serves a different user need, making the best choice dependent on personal priorities like size, camera, or battery.